Penal Laws.

(From the Votes of the House of Commons.)

Mercurii, 23° die Maii, 1821. A PETITION of the Protestant Dissenting Ministers of the Three Denominations in and about the cities of London and Westminster, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners have long and deeply lamented in secret the severity of the Penal Laws, in which this country, honourably distinguished in so many other respects above the nations of the earth, seems to be less observant of the principles of mercy than any other Christian state; as Ministers of the Gospel, the Petitioners cannot but deplore the application of capital punishments to so many crimes not accompanied by violence, and bewail with tears of anguish the number of human beings that have been hurried by them into eternity in so awful a state of unpreparedness for their final account; the Petitioners beg leave, with all humility, to state to the House, that the proper ends of civil punishments appear to them to be the reformation of the offender, the making of compensation to such as he may have wronged, or the protection of society from his further evil designs, all of which

guinary punishments, since the infliction of death leaves little opportunity of reformation to the wretched culprit, and disables him wholly from making compensation to the injured; and since the dread of being the cause of so awful an event as the loss of life by violence, deters many persons who are wronged from entering upon prosecutions, and lays witnesses and jurors under a temptation, from motives of pure humanity, to tamper with the sacred obligations of an oath; for these reasons, the Petitioners beseech the House to institute in their wisdom such a revision of the Criminal Code as shall assimilate it more closely to the benevolent spirit of our holy reli gion, and, at the same time, make it more effectual for restraining, chastising and reforming evil-doers, and for protecting, strengthening and encouraging them that do well; and should the House condescend to the prayer of the Petitioners, they will not cease to implore the Father of light and love to guide their deliberations and to crown their benevolent labours with his blessing, that in the event, the Throne may be esta blished in mercy, and the nation be exalted by righteousness.

DOMESTIC.

The General Baptist Assembly was holden, as usual, on Whit-Tuesday, June 12th, at Worship Street, London. The Scriptures were read and the devotional service conducted by Dr. Evans and Mr. Wright; and Mr. Harding, of Bessel's Green, Kent, preached from 1 Thess. i. 8: "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia," &c. The preacher's object appeared to be, first, to claim for Christianity a divine origin as the only rational means of accounting for its early rapid and extensive spread, notwithstanding it had to contend with so many powerful and inveterate enemies;-secondly, to vindicate its great Founder and his apostles from having promulgated those doctrines which are generally reputed orthodox, but sh

are so repugnant to enlightened reason, and so derogatory from the character of the universal Parent ;-and, lastly, to enforce on ministers and hearers the duty and advantage of carrying the good news of salvation into villages in the vicinity of their several residences, and to open places for religious worship where ever a house or a room can be found suited to the purpose.

Most of the letters from the churches in connexion with the Assembly reported an increase of members since the last anniversary; but from some churches the information was not cheering. Deaths and removals had thinned their numbers, and their prospests were but gloomy. The letter from the church at Dover, contained the gratifying intelligence, that free communion had been adopted by the almost unanimous consent of the mem hers.

A strong desire was expressed in more than one letter, that there should

be a missionary whose labours should be extended through the county of Kent and a part of Sussex. The Committee, in their report, took up and enforced the subject, and a resolution was passed authorizing them to correspond with the churches in that district on the mode of raising the necessary funds, and of providing a suitable person to undertake the office of their itinerant.

A very pleasing report was made in relation to the students under the care of Mr. Gilchrist, at Newington-Green. They were stated to have so conducted themselves as to gain the full approbation of their Tutor, during whose late serious illness they had been under the kind and able instruction of Mr. Fox. A letter from that Gentleman to the Secretary was read, and it concluded in terms which may be interesting to all those friends of Unitarianism who feel the necessity of there being an institution in the south of England for the education of pious young men for the Christian ministry: :--“I have every reason to be fully satisfied with their progress and application, as well as with their general deportment and fitness for the important station to which they are destined. A succession of such young men cannot but reflect high honour on the Institution, its Tutor and supporters; and be of great utility to the cause of pure and undefiled religion."-It may be proper to add, that in the Unitarian Baptist Academy there are no creeds or articles for the students to subscribe. As might be supposed, no one is admitted on the foundation who is not a member of a Baptist Church; but the Academy is open to those who are not Baptists in principle; and one student of this description has been there for a considerable time, receiving instruction for the ministry. The services of all the students are cheerfully rendered to further the objects of the Unitarian Fund, from the Committee of which the report gratefully announced a grant of £10, in aid of the funds of the Academy, expressly on the ground of services performed by the Baptist students. *

At the close of the business of the Assembly, the Ministers and Representatives, with their friends, retired to the White Hart, Bishopgate Street, where

Unitarian Fund Anniversary.

THE Fifteenth Anniversary of the UNITARIAN FUND was held on Wednes

day, June 13, at Parliament Court Chapel. The Rev. H. Acton, of Walthamstow, introduced the service by a short prayer and reading the 7th chapter of Matthew. The general prayer was offered by Rev. Thomas Madge of Norwich. The preacher for the day was the Rev. W. Hincks, of Exeter, who delivered a masterly exposition and defence of the principles on which this Institution is founded, from 1 Tim. ii. 4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. The sermon was distinguished both by clear and forcible reasoning, and An earnest rich and varied illustration. request was made for its publication, which will, we hope, speedily take place. Its intrinsic merit can scarcely fail to produce that extensive circulation which the friends of the Fund and of the Unitarian cause must wish for it, on account of its peculiar fitness for the occasion, and its tendency to promote the objects for which they associate.

The Rev. Dr. Morell, of Brighton, is appointed to preach at the next Anni

versary.

The funds of the Institution were stated to be low-and it may be acceptable information to those who regret the suspension of the Durham-House Academy, that subscriptions in aid of the Unitarian Baptist Academy will be thankfully received by the Treasurer, John Treacher, Esq., Paternoster-Row; or the Secretary, Mr. G. Smallfield, Homerton,

VOL. XVI.

of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, &c. Both these districts have been long well known to Mr. Wright, and the comparisons which he took occasion to make between their present state, as to religious opinion, and that in which they were when he first became acquainted with them, afforded some striking illustrations of the general and sure, though gradual progress of Unitarian Christianity. 2. An interesting account of the exertions of Mr. B. Philips, in Wales, during the last three years. The Meeting learned with regret, that the growing infirmities of age compel this valuable agent of the Society to relinquish the missionary character. 3. An account of the circumstances under which assistance had been granted to several congregations in different parts of the United Kingdom. In the past, as in former years, this assistance has, in some cases, prevented the abandonment of public worship, and the dissolution of congregations, and strengthened them to persevere through a season of depression till reviving prosperity rendered its continuance unnecessary. 4. The printing of a Tract, in Latin, containing a brief view of the opinions, history and institutions of the Unitarians of this country, and intended to serve as an introduction to some communication with learned Unitarians on the Continent. Its translation into modern languages is contemplated for distribution. 5. Observations on a recent controversy between Rammohun Roy and the Baptist Trinitarian Missionaries at Serampore; on the native Unitarian Christian Church at Pursewaukum; and on the religious condition of the inhabitants of some of the principal islands of the Indian Archipelago, containing much interesting information, and derived partly from publications recently received from India, and partly from communications to the Secretary, by a gentleman who has usefully employed the opportunities which commercial pursuits afforded him, to check the superstitions of the people amongst whom he sojourned. On the conclusion of the Report, Mr. Rutt moved the following resolution: "That the Committee for the past year, by the able manner in which they have conducted the affairs of this Institution, and especially by their efforts to carry into effect the resolutions for extending its objects, have entitled themselves to the warmest approbation and gratitude of this meeting;" which was seconded by the Rev. R. Aspland, and carried; as were also expressions of thanks to the different officers and missionaries of the Society, The motion for sending Mr. Wright on a mission to America was revive Frend, but, after some dis

drawn, and the project left for the Committee to dispose of at their discretion. As the numerous engagements of the Treasurer have made it inconvenient for him to give the same minute attention as formerly to the affairs of the Unitarian Fund, it was resolved to relieve him by the appointment of a Deputy Treasurer, to whom our friends in the country are requested to address their communications on pecuniary matters. The Committee for the ensuing year consists of the following gentlemen:

JOHN CHRISTIE, Esq., Treasurer, 52, Mark Lane.

MR. THOS. HORNBY, Deputy Treasurer, 31, Swithin's Lane, Lombard Street.

Rev. W. J. FOX, Secretary, Dalston.

Committee.

Rev. R. ASPLAND,
Mr. D. EATON,

Mr. JOSEPH FERNIE,
Mr. S. HART,
Dr. THOS. REES,
Mr. J. T. RUTT,

Dr. SOUTHWOOD SMITH,
Mr. EDGAR TAYLOR,
Mr. R. TAYLOR.

Auditors.

Mr. R. WAINEWRIGHT,
Mr. JAMES ESDAILE.

The subscribers and their friends afterwards dined together at the London Tavern, Wm. Smith, Esq., M. P., in the Chair. A greater number assembled on this than on any former occasion, there being, we believe, upwards of three hundred and thirty gentlemen. Non nobis was sung by some amateurs present in a very chaste and pleasing style. The Chairman addressed the company in the tone of congratulation on the progress of liberal sentiments and feelings in the country, and asserted again and again those generous principles of liberty to which his public life has been so long, consistently and usefully devoted. More than one long list of benefactions and subscriptions were read by the Treasurer and received with applause. Mr. Hincks, Mr. Rutt, Mr. Wright and several other gentlemen spoke on topics which are happily familiar to our public meetings. An address in the Spanish language was made by Captain Cazar de Molinos, an officer in the army of Spain, and translated by Mr. John Bowring. And the Secretary, Mr. Fox, delivered a speech of considerable length, which produced an effect scarcely ever witnessed; we regret that no record is preserved of this exhibition of splendid eloquence: some ages were heard with breathless at

tention and followed by involuntary acclamations. In the course of the evening, the York College and other institutions were properly remembered, and the Chairman pronounced a high eulogium upon his friend Mr. Belsham, which was received with the respect due to so distinguished an advocate of the Unitariau cause. Great praise is due to the Stew ards for their activity and prudent arrangements. On the whole, no anniversary of the Unitarian Fund has more essentially served the interests of the Society than this, which not only combined a greater number of individuals than were ever before associated in its support, but also, we believe, produced in the minds of all the persons engaged in carrying on the Institution, a determination to make such increased efforts in the promotion of its objects, as are likely, under the blessing of Providence, to render the next yearly celebration still more interesting and successful.

Unitarian Association.

THE Annual General Meeting of this Association took place at the London Tavern, on Thursday the 14th June: Mr. Rutt in the chair.

The Report of the Treasurer and Committee were read, and they will be found annexed to our present Number.

It was then Resolved unanimously, "That this Meeting approves the line of conduct pursued by the Committee with regard to the Marriage Bill, and concurs with them in the propriety of making active preparations for reviving the subject early and with effect in the next Session of Parliament."

"That the different congregations in connexion with this Association be recommended to prepare Petitions during the Recess, and to transmit them for presentment immediately on the meeting of Parliament. And that these Resolutions be transmitted to the Ministers of such congregations."

The expediency of making direct application to Parliament for the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts in the ensuing Session, and the propriety of this Society taking necessary steps to originate such a proceeding, were discussed at considerable length.

The speakers dwelt upon the immediate urgency for union among all classes of Dissenters in this object. It was observed to be now more especially become unsafe to leave unjust laws on the statutebook, in the confidence that the mild administration of the laws would render them a dead letter, and provide full pracfical protection against abuses, when we saw associations formed for the express

purpose of stimulating the Executive into action, and enforcing the utmost rigour of the law against such persons as the persons combining chose to consider obnoxious. If such societies obtained a permanent foundation, there appeared to be nothing to prevent the formation of similar combinations to enforce the strict letter of the law in matters of religion, and a band of Churchmen might unite to compel, as far as they could, uniformity of faith.

It was at length resolved, "That this Association feels very deeply the absolute necessity of immediate measures being adopted towards the Repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts, and that it be recommended to the Committee to take every practicable means for reviving that question amongst all denominations of Dissenters."

It was further resolved, "That this Meeting approves of the course pursued by the Committee with relation to the Education Bill; and recommends their vigilant attention in watching and opposing any similar measure, so far as it may in their judgment be hostile to the principles of religious liberty."

The Treasurer and Secretary were reappointed; and Mr. Aspland, Dr. Thos. Rees, Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Rotheram, were elected new members of the Committee, in the place of Mr. Richmond, Mr. Amory, Mr. Moon, and Mr. Parkes.

Thanks were voted to the Treasurer, Secretary and Committee; and parti cularly to Mr. Richmond for his very valuable and important services while a member of the Committee.

Protestant Society for the Protection of Religious Liberty.

(From the Philanthropic Gazette.) THE Tenth Annual Meeting of this Society was held on Saturday, May 12, 1821, in the capacious room of the Old London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street. Although the room is larger than any of the places at which the Society before assembled, it could not contain half of the crowd who sought admission; many per

sons came four hours before the time appointed for the meeting, and hundreds were compelled to retire, suffering the pain of disappointment.

LORD JOHN RUSSELL, the amiable, well-informed, and public-spirited son of the Duke of BEDFORD, had promised to preside: but the Chair was taken by Mr. WHITBREAD, M. P. for Middlesex.

JOHN WILKS, Esq. then explained the cause of the unavoidable absence of the expected Chairman, and read a communication from the noble Lord. It stated,

that "it was with great regret he was compelled to decline filling the honourable situation of Chairman, at the Meeting of the Protestant Society for the Protection of Religious Liberty. Having been yesterday named one of the Portsmouth Election Committee, he found himself wholly precluded from performing that honourable duty. He begged them to be assured that it was with the greatest reluctance he saw himself denied the satisfaction of contributing in the smallest manner to assist the cause of religious liberty; a cause which was connected with all that was most valuable in the institutions of our country, and with all the highest and noblest feelings of human nature. All that could be done for religious freedom was not yet accomplished; it yet remained to win over those who had been the most constant enemies of their principles, and by persevering in love and charity, to obtain the proudest triumphs and the purest victories which man can have over man. And that he trusted the Society would continue to flourish till its necessity should cease, and all should acquiesce in granting religious liberty to all."

After some preliminary communications of the proceedings of the Committee during the past year, by THOMAS PELLATT, Esq., one of the honorary Secretaries to the Society, Mr. WILKS presented himself to the assembly, to make that annual exposition, which has given great interest to the meetings of the Society.

Much time elapsed before the plaudits would allow him to proceed; and he delivered a speech which continued about two hours and a half, and which, alternately instructing by information, interesting by pathetic narrative, and arousing by the most inspiring energy, perpetuated an attention and excited an applause not to be described.

He began by adverting to many motives which made him yearly present himself to their attention with increasing reluctance. Ill-health, excessive expectation, the personal calumnies and misrepresentations with which he was assailed, and even the too approving eulogies of friends, enfeebled and appalled him. Loving retirement, though absorbed in professional engagements seeking to pass onward to the grave, not indolent but unnoticed-mindful of his duties to mankind, but solicitous to perform them without encomium and without reproach; -he was pained, and even agonized to be constantly dragged forward to attention, and placed conspicuous on an eminence. Thus was he placed, but to be pointed at and calumniated by the haters of liberty in "The Christian Remembrancer" and other publications devote

to Tory and Sacheverellian principles, or to be misrepresented by the pretended friends to freedom in another Review, as resisting their measures for the edu cation of the poor from interested motives, and as perverting his influence for an aggrandizement which he sought not

but disclaimed. Yet he confessed, that when he listened to the tales of wrongs which persecutors ventured to attemptas he observed an intoleraut spirit, if not stalking in broad day-light through the country, yet widely and secretly exercising petty but cruel tyrannies-as he thought upon the laws by which Dissenters were yet degraded and oppressed, his spirit stirred within him, an holy indignation at oppression made him forget debility; heedlessly he shook off calumnies and reproach like dew-drops from a lion's mane; and cheered by such a Meeting, and energized by such support, he felt that the persecuted for conscience' sake, must champion whilst to him Providence continued faculties and life.

never want a

He then proceeded to state the successful result of the prosecution of the Parish Officers at Stretton, in Warwickshire, who disturbed ROBERT NEWMAN in his cottage: and the purchase of a dwelling where, at Ewelme, in Oxfordshire, AMOS NORROWAY, whose conference with the Bishop of Landaff had given him just celebrity, might, fearless of ejection, receive the Christian Missionary, and allow his neighbours to unite in humble adoration and fervent praise.

The new cases that had occupied the attention of the Committee during the past year were then detailed. As to pecuniary claims for Poor's-Rates, at Leatherhead and Chatham-for Church Rates, at Paddington-and for Assessed Taxes in Wales-as to Mortuary Fees at Pontefract and Blockley-Easter Dues at Wellingborough and Frome-and Turupike Tolls in various places-as well as to the non-liability of Dissenting Ministers to serve in the Militia-he communicated information and supplied much admirable advice.

The Riots that had occurred in the Edgware Road-at Swanton in Norfolkat Worksop, in the county of Nottingham -at Botley, Southwick and Totton, in Hampshire and a decision of the magistrates for that county, that they could not enforce the penalties imposed by the Toleration Acts on offenders convicted of offences, and sentenced by themselves to the payment of the penalties, evinced that protection continued to be needful even in opulent and enlightened districts, and that unless the small establishments of village worshipers were secured by that Society, they would be swept away