they were seized and sold to the Planters to slave in the sugar-islands, would it be a crime in me, as a Christian, to attempt to effect, without money, their deliverance? Or, in them, to run away the moment the eye of their tyrant was off them? Here I could enlarge, but, Mr. Editor, I am fearful of being thought prolix. In a word, therefore, I will be bold to assert, that while Christianity contemplates mankind in the light of rational beings, Slavery regards them simply in that of mere animals.

I should feel a pleasure in completing my series of papers in compliance with the friendly request of your correspondent Euelpis, were I not pledged to lay before the public a more detailed account of my late mission to Jamaica, in a pamphlet devoted to the purpose, than has yet appeared. This being the case, I conclude that no one will wish me to occupy any more of your pages with communications on the subject in hand.

THOMAS COOPER.

Appeal in behalf of the Christian Tract Society.

TH

THE merits of the Christian Tract Society are so well known, and so universally acknowledged among Unitarian Dissenters, that it might have been hoped nothing more would have been necessary to stimulate us to a cheerful, active and zealous support of an institution, fraught with such incalculable benefit to society, and more particularly to the young and the poor. Whoever has attentively witnessed the effects of their publications on these descriptions of persons, must have observed that they are calculated to convey religious knowledge in the most easy, interesting and engaging form; and to produce religious impression, and excite to religious practice, by the most powerful of all persuasives, the influence of attractive and interesting examples. The narrative and dialogue form in which most of these publications are written, it is well known, are by far the most effectual methods of conveying instruction to young and uncultivated minds; and the eagerness with which these tracts are sought after, and read by thousands of persons, who, if they

had not these, would scarcely read any thing, or nothing but the vilest trash, is a striking proof of the utility of the institution.

To those of the poor, who are prevented by illness or lameness from following their usual occupations, and who are able to read with tolerable correctness, these tracts are an invaluable treasure. Few indeed, deplorably few, are the resources which persons in this situation generally possess. Their minds uncultivated; their knowledge scanty, with scarcely any means either of amusement or improvement; and scarcely any society which can render them any consolation; their days and nights drag heavily on, and they have nothing to do but to count and wish away the tedious hours. We think, and justly think it to be our duty, in all such cases, to render some comfort and assistance to the afflicted body; why not then equally to the distressed and vacant mind? A few shillings expended in the purchase of these tracts, to be either given or lent on such occasions, would relieve and cheer many a dreary hour of wretchedness, by furnishing the mind with agreeable and profitable employment. And the pious, rational and consoling views of the Deity, and of his dealings with his creatures, which are uniformly inculcated in these publications, and the fine spirit of habitual devotion which pervades and runs through the whole of them, can scarcely fail of making many valuable impressions, as well as of imparting the purest and the most durable consolation to the wounded and afflicted spirit.

Equally beneficial are these publications to apprentices and servants in the various departments of life. It is a melancholy fact, that the employers of these persons seldom pay much attention to the manner in which they spend their small portion of leisure time: and, consequently, it is too often spent, not only without improvement, but in a way to unfit them for becoming useful and virtuous members of society in the present life, and to disqualify them for the happiness of a future state. But if some kind and judicious Christian friend, who has the real welfare of the rising generation at heart, would take the trouble to furnish them with a few of these

tracts, I know from repeated experience that they would of their own free choice be induced to spend many hours in the perusal of them, which would otherwise be spent in idle or in vicious pursuits. And the good impressions thus derived would not terminate with themselves, but would be conveyed to their posterity: and thus, by a very trifling expense and trouble, we might be conferring the most important benefits on future generations, and continue to be doing good long after our bones shall have mouldered to ashes.

But, alas! truth compels us to acknowledge that the present state of the funds of this institution bears witness against us of our apathy and want of zeal in its support. A request was some time ago made by the committee, through the medium of the Monthly Repository, that Unitarian congregations would endeavour to aid them, by making collections in their behalf; but to this just, reasonable and proper request, I fear but little attention has been paid. I know it to be a fact, that there are many persons in the Society, to which I have the happiness to belong, who are warmly attached to this institution, and who would exceedingly regret to see it sink for want of support. If these persons would agree to make a congregational collection in its behalf, I would pledge myself to contribute two sovereigns to the collection; and if I fail in this engagement, I will freely consent for the Editor of the Monthly Repository to expose my name, with all the odium which such an act of perfidy would merit. But if I fulfil my engagements, I depend upon his honour to keep it a profound secret. And if this proposal should be the means of inducing only a few Unitarian societies to make such collections, I shall think this money better employed than any I have ever yet expended. But this, perhaps, is indulging vanity too far: yet if our Almighty Father has it in view to bless and prosper this institution, he can do it by means of the humblest and most obscure instruments, as well as by the most brilliant and splendid. At present, it seems very evident that unless some such means are adopted, we must incur the indelible disgrace

of suffering one of the most useful institutions among us to sink to the ground.

I am aware that Unitarian congregations have many and pressing calls upon their liberality. But this is a way in which so much good may be done at such a trifling expense, that I cannot help strongly hoping it may be thought entitled to some share of their attention. If every Unitarian society throughout the kingdom would average a collection of one pound, it would probably set this excellent institution free from all its difficulties, and place it upon a comfortable and a respectable foundation. Our contributions ought not to be wholly engrossed in endeavouring to make proselytes to our opinions. Let us never forget the paramount obligation of endeavouring to induce Unitarians to act up to their principles, and become ornaments of their profession.

Neither is it necessary that these congregational collections should be gratuitous. On the contrary, I think it highly desirable that every society, sending a collection, should claim tracts, and distribute them in their Sunday-Schools, and among any of their members to whom they may be likely to be most useful. This excellent institution needs not the aid of charity for its support; all that it requires is a sufficient number of active, zealous subscribers, who will industriously distribute their tracts.

SIR,

A FRIEND TO RELIGIOUS. INSTRUCTION. *

Clapton, April 19, 1823. tify my just respect to the memory HAVE too long neglected to graof the late Mr. Lewin, by offering you an addition to the Obituary, p. 57. Those who knew my excellent friend must, I think, have perceived and regretted an extreme diffidence which

too often withheld from his associates much of that various knowledge which he had derived from long observation,

* The name of our correspondent is given to us, and we think it proper to state that the writer is wholly unconnected with the management of the Society in question. ED.

and a highly rational occupation of leisure in his most valuable library. I have also good reason to believe that Mr. Lewin was equally reserved, as to numerous instances of his benevolent consideration for want and misfortune. But it is his ready attention to the call of friendship, on an occasion which could not fail to interest me, and which cannot easily pass from my recollection, which I would now record in your pages. This I knew my friend's disposition too well, to have attempted, till he was beyond the reach of human approbation.

My intimacy with Mr. Lewin was much advanced by our mutual attachment to Gilbert Wakefield, especially when he became the subject of a Court prosecution. Our friend's trial came on at Westminster, Feb. 21, 1799. The Attorney-General of that day has long ago reached the splendid goal which urges a court-lawyer's progress either through primrose-paths or miry ways, just as the service of his masters may require. He now connected his name with that of one of the first scholars of his age, prevailing with a willing jury, to consign to the tender mercies of the King's Bench, (as, according to legal calumny, " a false, scandalous and malicious libeller,") an unguarded, because a fearless censor of "wickedness in high places," whose life had been devoted to the investigation of truth and the promotion of virtue. The Court-Prosecutor, however, was in no haste to worry the prey of which he was sufficiently secure. He readily consented to suffer Mr. Wakefield to be at large till called up for judgment.

In this emergency, for which no provision had been made, I was anxious immediately to find a colleague who would publicly appear with me in the Court, as Mr. Wakefield's bail. There was probably in that Court no individual more disposed than Mr. Lewin to shrink from such publicity, and the usual consequent exhibition in the newspapers. He, however, came forward most promptly, and, by such a seasonable assistance, not a little relieved our friend and his family. To Mr. Lewin I ought, also, to acknowledge my peculiar obligations for the highly gratifying success of the project which I was led to form,

on the result of our friend's trial. This projected subscription (of which there is an account in the Memoirs, II. 155) was first mentioned by me in a conversation with Mr. Lewin. His immediate approbation encouraged me to proceed, while his own very liberal contribution to the design afforded an early example, without which I have always doubted whether that tribute of regard to a victim of ministerial vengeance would have become, at length, so worthy of the occasion.

I beg leave to add, that I have acted with Mr. Lewin in various societies, and he was one of those whose silence I peculiarly regretted. Yet this indisposition to publicity I have observed him to overcome on a few very parti cular occasions, when, by a declaration of his opinion, beyond a silent vote, he would either recommend some liberal proposal, or else bear his testimony against some servile compliance or courtly adulation.

I cannot help regretting that you are yet unfurnished with a few dates, such as are expected from an Obitu ary, and some notices of Mr. Lewin's family, such as only his immediate connexions can easily supply.

SIR,

J.T. RUTT.

Wolverhampton, April 19, 1823. letters of William Roberts, toge ROM a perusal of the interesting ther with the advertisement of Dr. Thomas Rees, both prefixed to the Monthly Repository of December last, I was led to expect that an active and liberal subscription would have immediately commenced in aid of the cause of Unitarian Christianity in India. It is, however, to be presumed that contributions have been received for this purpose by the different gentlemen named in Dr. Rees's advertisement. But, excepting the solitary instance of your correspondent C. B., [p. 11,] the Unitarian public has yet to learn whether any subscriptions have been received or not. Since this time a most important communication has been made by the Rev. W. Adam, from Calcutta, to the Secretary of the Unitarian Fund, and I fully agree with him, that "all these considerations combined seem imperiously_to_call on English Unitarians to exert them

selves, according to their ability, in spreading the gospel in this country." I rejoice to find that the Committee of that Fund "have pledged themselves to bring Mr. Adam's application for assistance before their brethren in this country." I flatter myself the Unitarian body will not suffer themselves to be appealed to in vain, and from their number, consequence, wealth and liberality, an ample fund will be promptly created for carrying on this great work with success. But, independently of the zeal and exertions of the Committee, I think a direct public appeal may be made to advantage, through the medium of the Monthly Repository and other channels, and congregations and individuals invited, without any further delay, to furnish contributions. Being fully convinced that the most happy and important results will follow our united endeavours, I very cheerfully inclose you Ten Pounds to be applied exclusively to the promotion of the Unitarian cause in India, and shall be glad to become an annual contributor whenever a plan is properly organized for carrying on this great work.

J. P.

GLEANINGS; OR, SELECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS MADE IN A COURSE OF GENERAL READING.

No. CCCCIII.

Anecdote of Dr. Ironsides. Dr. IRONSIDES was one of the High Churchmen in the time of Charles I., who wrote against the morality of the Sabbath: a zealous Independent, of about the same period, has preserved the following tale relating to him.

"It is storied of Dr. Ironsides, that, riding on the Lord's-Day with a gen

Seven Questions of the Sabbath. Oxon. 1637, 4to. On the Restoration, he was raised to the See of Bristol. He died there, Sept. 19, 1671. Wood. Athen. Oxon. 4to. III. 940.

tleman, he saw some people on the highway before him, with their Bibles under their arms. Said the Doctor to his companion, Here are wise Precisians; I do not believe they can tell me how many commandments there are, as zealous as they seem to be.' Up gets he to them: You are going, I suppose,' said the Doctor, to hear some sermon this afternoon.' Yes, we are,' said they. You cannot stay at home with your neighbours, to divert yourselves!' 'No, we can not and will not.' Pray,' said he, 'how many Commandments are there?' One that knew him stepped up and said Eight.' 'I told you,' said the Doctor to the gentleman, how wise these zealous Precisians are.' 'Nay,' said the plain, honest man, I know there were Ten Commandments; but the Papists blotted out the Second, Thou shalt not make to thyself_ang graven image, &c.; and one Dr. Ironsides blotted out the Fourth, Remem ber the Sabbath Day to keep it holy: and between the Papists and him, they left but Eight.' You may easily ima gine how the Doctor looked; and how merry the gentleman was, that he was so caught in trying ignorant, zealous Precisians.'-Vindicia Anti-Baxterianæ. 12mo. 1696, pp. 21, 22.

No. CCCCIV.

Virtuous Earl of Pembroke.

When Queen Anne ascended the throne, the Earl of Pembroke resigned his post of Lord High Admiral of England, to make way for her consort, Prince George of Denmark. From this circumstance, he was offered a large pension, to which he replied, "That however convenient it might be for his private interest, yet with his principles, and, therefore, the accepting of it was inconsistent

since he could not have the honour of serving his country in person, he would endeavour to do it by his example."

(Continued from p. 167.) OT the least interesting portion

66 of these Memoirs" is that which relates to Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey, with whose private life Mrs. Cappe was intimately acquainted. A great part of what she here communicates was given by herself to our readers (Mon. Repos. III. 637, and VII. 109); but some further particulars are added. On this subject the writer has felt warmly, and expressed her feelings with considerable energy; but much as she admired Mr. Lindsey, she could not overrate his moral worth. It has been coldly remarked, by a living orthodox divine, that he did no more than his duty in quitting a church whose doctrines he had ceased to believe. True, but though every virtue is a duty, some virtues are of high praise, and the highest praise of all belongs to that integrity which, for the sake of a pure conscience and for the glory of God, welcomes the prospect of poverty and degradation in society. Mr. Lindsey, indeed, was not suffered to remain in obscurity or to endure want; but when he made his magnanimous sacrifice of his ecclesiastical rank and emoluments, he went out into the world "not knowing

whither he went."

"Mr. Lindsey had no private fortune; his father, who had been proprietor of

some salt-works in Cheshire, had been deeply injured in his circumstances by the extravagance of his eldest son, the child of a former marriage; and the remaining property, which would have devolved on him, he had generously given up, on his coming of age, to his only sister, who was married, and had a family in Leicestershire. Mrs. Lindsey's fortune was also at this time very incon. siderable, and they had not saved any part of their income; it being their constant habit to give away in books and medicines, and sometimes in money, whatever they could spare to the sick and needy in the parish. Neither did they at this time make any alteration in

intention now carried into effect of inoculating, at their own expense, for the small-pox, then very fatal, all the poor

children of Catterick and its viciuity, is a

decided proof. This undertaking was her excellent husband on the business of begun by Mrs. L. during the absence of the petition, to whom, in zeal for unwearied usefulness, in ability to accomplish it, and in utter disregard of money, whether for its own sake or as the means of procuring any selfish indulgence, she was not inferior."-Pp. 150, 151.

It is well known that the fate of the Clerical Petition, in 1773, decided Mr. Lindsey's mind. He was in London attending its presentation, and the memorable debate to which it gave rise.

"One characteristic anecdote of Mr.

Lindsey I must here mention, merely for the purpose of shewing that he excelled as much in the smaller as in the greater and more exalted virtues. After the fate of the petition was decided, anxious as he `was to return, oppressed by disappointment and harassed by fatigue, he yet took the trouble, on the morning of his leaving town, of going to the Tower to purchase a quantity of new half-pence, to be given to the poor children as rewards for taking their medicines."-Pp. 151, 152.

Amongst Mr. Lindsey's friends was Mr. Mason, the poet; and this gentleman used all his influence to prevent the conscientious divine from

plunging himself into worldly difficulties by a step which probably appeared to him the fanaticism of virtue.

"One of the first persons, I believe, to whom Mr. Lindsey fully communicated his intention of resigning his living, was his former college friend, the late Rev. Wm. Mason, who was at that time precentor in the Cathedral of York, and so justly celebrated for his fine poetical talents. It happened in the following manner: Sir Marmaduke Wyvill, a friend of Mr. L.'s, being High Sheriff, he was requested to preach the assize sermon in the Minster, in July, 1773; and, being invited to lodge in the house of Mr. M., their former intimacy induced Mr. L. to impart to him the resolution he had made.