cessary, and will be appropriated to the THOS. MORGAN, Secretary. DOMESTIC. RELIGIOUS. Address of the Catholic Bishops to his MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS, We presume to avail ourselves of this first opportunity of expressing our gratitude, for the relaxation which has taken place during his present Majesty's reign, of many of those penal laws which oppressed the Roman Catholics of Ireland; and we humbly hope that the total abrogation of our remaining grievances is reserved for the auspicious Adminstration of your Royal Highness. To your Royal Highness it belongs to consummate the work of goodness, which was commenced by your august Father; and, great as the other achievements undoubtly are, which have distinguished and will signalize your Government, we presume to affirm, that the total emancipation of his Majesty's Roman Catholic Subjects will be recorded as a deed of grandeur, not inferior to any other of your memorable Administration. While thus we venture to disclose our sentiments most respectably to your Royal Highness, may we be permitted to represent that which most nearly concerns us as Ministers of Religion? We beg leave most humbly to submit to your Royal Highness, that no portion of his Majesty's subjects is, or has, at any time, been more eminently distinguished for pure, conscientious, and disinterested loyalty, than the Roman Catholic Prelates of Ireland. With this impression of our minds, we cannot but be surprised and alarmed, that under the pretence of securing the loyalty of our body, an intention has been manifested of compelling us, in direct opposition to the dic tates of our consciences, to submit, in the event of Catholic Emancipation, to the interference of persons of a different igious persuasion, in the appointment of the principal Ministers of our church. Such a measure, may it please your Royal Highness, would only substitute, for one mode of servitude, another still more galling and oppressive. The political freedom of Irish Roman Catholics might be enlarged; but their religious freedom, which they hold incomparably more dear, would be materithe most extensive concession of temporal ally diminished. Under such a restriction, heartburnings and discontent. advantages would be followed by continual equity of your Royal Highness, we most Relying, therefore, on the wisdom and humbly implore your gracious interposition, that our long hoped-for emancipation may characters as loyal subjects, and so alarming be free from a condition so degrading to our to our feelings as Ministers of Religion. So will your Royal Highness live in the hearts of a grateful and affectionate people; and signal favour of your Royal Highness, by we will endeavour to acknowledge this most our daily prayers for your prosperity and happiness, and by every demonstration of duty, gratitude and zeal. The receipt of this Address is acknowledged in the following letter: SIR, Dublin Castle, Sept. 20, 1815. the Address from the Roman Catholic PreThe Lord Lieutenant having transmitted lates of Ireland to his Royal Highness the his Excellency has received a letter from Prince Regent, I am to acquaint you that Viscount Sidmouth, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, signifying that his Royal Highness was graciously pleased to receive the same. I am, Sir, The Report of Manchester College, York, the satisfaction of presenting to its numer- urge upon the Friends of the Institution this Intelligence. Report of Manchester College, York. Students; and also because the custom of preaching annual, or at least occasional, Sermons for its support, may be made subservient to the interest of religious liberty, by supplying Ministers with a fair opportunity of addressing their hearers on those great principles which are the foundation of a Protestant Dissent, and on the expediency of providing for them a regular supply of enlightened and able advocates. But while this is an object which the Trustees would particularly keep in view, they feel it, at the same time, very desirable, that the Friends of the College should be aware of the importance of keeping up the list of individual Subscribers to at least its present standard. This is probably the way in which the more opulent Dissenters will always choose to give their principal assistance; but to this purpose it is necessary that the subject should be frequently called up to their attention: for a consider able annual reduction may naturally be expected in any list of Annual Subscribers, in consequence of deaths and other contingencies, which it is therefore desirable to have supplied by new names. The institution of Deputy-Treasurers in forwarding the interests of the College in this respect, has already been of such great importance, that the Trustees cannot but feel desirons of seeing their number increase, till at least one active and enlightened person be found in every neighbourhood where there are any considerable number of friends to free inquiry, who, by circulating among them the Annual Reports, promoting Sermons and Congregational Collections, and collecting and transmitting the Subscriptions of individuals, may render the most essential service to the College, and to the cause which it was instituted to promote. An additional Benefaction of 1001. has been received from the Rev. John Yates, and has been appropriated, according to his kind intention, to the further reduction of the Debt upon the York Buildings; which it is hoped the continued liberality of the public will enable the Trustees shortly to discharge. An anonymous Benefaction of 1007. has likewise been received through the hands of the Rev. Thomas Belsham; which has been laid out in books, and Philosophical Apparatus, in consequence of an intimation that this would be most agreeable to the generous intentions of the Donor. An opportunity having occurred of redeeming the annual chief rent of 581. 12s. charged on the Manchester Buildings, it has been purchased for 11721.; to reduce the burden arising from which to the Funds, a chief rent of 14. 11s. 10d. per annum, due from the Trustees of Cross-street Chapel, has been sold for 2911. 16s. 8d. There still remains, however, a balance of 3361. Os. 9d, due to the Treasurer, which 119 the Committee hope the exertion of their Friends will furnish them with the means of discharging, before the publication of their next Report. The Deeds relative to the York Buildings are now completed, and are enrolled in the Court of Chancery. The Trustees beg leave to announce, that Benjamin Gaskell, Esq. M. P. of Thornes House, has accepted the office of President of the College, on the resignation of their present most worthy President, Samuel Shore, Esq. Mr. Thomas Rankin succeeds Mr. Morgan (who resigns from ill health) as DeputyTreasurer at Bristol; and the Rev. John Kentish succeeds his lamented colleague, Dr. Toulmin, in the same office at Birming ham; Mr. Robert Kay, of Bolton, and Mr. J. D. Strutt, of Derby, are also added to the List of Deputy-Treasurers, these being the first appointments for the above towns. At the last Annual Examination on the 27th and 28th of June, the first Prize for Diligence, Regularity, and Proficiency, was adjudged to Mr. John James Tayler, of Nottingham; the second to Mr. Patrick Cannon, of Sheffield; the third to Mr. James Taylor, of Manchester: The Prize for Elocution, to Mr. William Bakewell.Next year there will be only two Prizes of the former class; but the best Oration or Essay, delivered at the Annual Examination, is to be considered as a Prize Compó. sition: and the Rev. William Shepherd, of Gateacre, has announced his intention of giving a Prize of Books, value Five Guineas, to the best Classical Scholar in the College. Also, to encourage a perseverance in Theological Study, after the expiration of their Academical Course, a Prize of Five Guineas in Books will be annually given to the best Essay which shall be writ ten by any of the Gentlemen who have been Divinity-Students in the College within the last three years, and have completed their course. The subject will be prescribed by the Tutors; and the Essays must be deli vered in, on or before the first of May each year. Of the Divinity-Students who left the College at the close of the last Session, Mr. Wallace is settled at Chesterfield, in the room of Mr. G. Kenrick, removed to Hull, and Mr. Bakewell, at Chester. The number of Students for the Ministry during the ensning Session will be nine; Mr. Marden and Mr. Morris in the last year of their course; Mr. Cannon in the fourth; Messrs. Haslam and Wood (of Liverpool, from the University of Glasgow) in the third; Messrs. John Tayler and James Taylor, in the second; and Messrs. John Wellbeloved and Charles Thompson, of Norwich, in the first. There will also be ten Lay-Students. The Trustees beg leave once more to call the attention of the public to the advantages which the Institution offers for the completion of a course of liberal Education. Between the ordinary close of a school education, and the commencement of studies strictly professional, or of the occupations of civil and active life, an interval occurs during which it is of the utmost importance to the future character that the mind be cultivated with more enlarged and varied knowledge than is attainable at school, and be guarded by a superintending discipline, from the danger of having its moral principles corrupted. With this view the Trustees, in pursuing their primary object, the education of Dissenting Ministers, have endeavoured to render their Institution at the same time subservient to the liberal education of youth in general,without distinction of partyor religious denomination, and exempt from every political test, and doctrinal subscription. The course of instruction for the Christian Ministry comprehends Five Years; but it is so arranged, that, with the single exception of the study of Hebrew, the whole course during the first Three Years is equally applicable to Lay-Students. In the first year the Students are instructed in the Greek and Latin Classics, in Ancient History, and in Latin and English Composition; in the Elements of Plane Geometry, Algebra and Trigonometry. In the second year they proceed in the Greek and Latin Classics, and in the practice of Composition, and read a course of Modern History, in pursuing which their attention is particularly directed to the History and Principles of the English Constitution. They are instructed in the Geometry of Solids; in the Conic Sectious; the Doctrine of the Sphere, and the higher parts of Algebra. Lectures are also given on the Philosophy of the Mind, and on Logic. In the third year they are further instructed in the Greek and Latin Classics, and in the Belles Lettres; in some of the higher departments of Mathematical Science, particularly the method of Fluxions, and the Newtonian System of Physical Astronomy. They are also introduced to an extensive course of reading in Ethics, Jurisprudence, and Political Economy; and Lectures are delivered on the Evidences of Natural and Revealed Religion. An extensive course of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Chemistry forms a part of the business both of the second and third Sessions. The Students are lodged and boarded in a set of buildings near the dwelling-house of the Rev. Charles Wellbeloved, the Theological Tutor, and Director of the Institution. The other two Tutors, the Rev. W. Turner, jun. M. A., and the Rev. John Kenrick, M. A., reside in the buildings with the Students. The terms for Lay-Students are 100 Gui neas per annum, which sum defrays the board and lodging, and every other expense connected with a residence in the College. Divinity-Students on the foundation have every expense of board and education defrayed. In order to secure, as far as is possible, the respectability of the Students who shall be educated for the Ministry in this Seminary, with regard both to character and literary attainments, the Trustees have resolved, "That, in future, no Candidate shall be admitted on its Foundation, but on the recommendation of three Protestant Dissenting Ministers, residing in the neighbourhood where he lives, who shall certify, that at the commencement of his Course, he will have attained the full age of sixteen; that on their personal examination, his moral character, natural endowments, and classical proficiency, are such as to qualify him for becoming a Student for the Ministry; and that the profession is the object of his own voluntary choice. His ability to read Homer and Hotace, will be considered as essential to his admission."All applications must be addressed to "The Rev. Charles Wellbeloved, York," who will lay them before the Annual Meeting of Trustees, at York, on the last Wednesday in June; at which Meeting they will be taken into consideration, and those Candidates preferred, who appear, from the testimonials produced, to be most eligible. Letters on the subject of this Institution, may also be addressed to George William Wood, Esq. Treasurer, Manchester, or the Rev. William Turner, Visitor, Newcastleupon-Tyne, by whom, or by any of the Deputy-Treasurers, Subscriptions and Donations are received. SAMUEL SHORE, President. Manchester, August 2, 1815. Cuse of the Unitarian Society at Thorne, Yorkshire. to shew the rapid progress of Unitarianism, Among other circumstances which serve may be reckoned the formation of many new societies and the increased demand for places adapted to the purposes of public worship. To the cases of this kind which have of late occupied the public attention, that of an Unitarian congregation at Thorne, in Yorkshire, may be considered as an interesting addition. There have been several Unitarian Christians in this neighbourhood for about ten years. Their practice from the beginning has been to assemble together at the house of one of their friends on the Lord's day, and other convenient opportunities, to perform religious worship, as well as more fully to investigate the truth and importance of their religious sentiments. By these meetings, by the occasional services of Mr. Wright on his Missionary journeys, and the assistance Intelligence.-Opening of the New Unitarian Chapel at Oldham. of books which they have obtained, the society consisting of persons within a few miles of Thorne, may now be fairly considered in a flourishing condition. It is not the object of the present sketch, to take an elaborate survey of those circumstances which have had a remote or more immediate influence on their progress towards correct views of religion, but simply to make known to the world their present state and circumstances, as well as their prospect of future increase and prosperity. In justice to themselves, therefore, they state that their number is so materially increased, and the present place of meeting so inconvenient as to render it exceedingly desirable to erect a chapel. The expense, however, of such an undertaking, would far exceed their ability of supporting and they are not without a hope, that by giving their case publicity through the medium of the Monthly Repository, their wants may excite the generous sympathy and benevolent feelings of their more opulent brethren. They have conceived it necessary, previous to their making this public appeal, to form an estimate of the expense which would be incurred by such an undertaking, and the result of their inquiries justifies them in stating, that a sum of not less than three hundred and fifty pounds will be required, in order to meet the expense of purchasing ▲ suitable situation, and erecting a chapel sufficiently large for their purpose. : A situation has already been procured, and about one hundred and twenty pounds have been subscribed by persons in the immediate neighbourhood, and it is thought that more cannot at present be raised there. This would leave a deficiency of two hundred and thirty pounds to be supplied from some other source. 181 and solemnly dedicated to the public worship of Almighty God. At an early hour of the day, it was filled by a serious and attentive audience, many of whom, regard less of the inclemencies of the season, had come fifteen or twenty miles, and some still further. Every individual seemed to participate in the joy of the Oldham Society, at the accomplishment of their arduous undertaking; and at the commencement of the religious services, when a hymn, suitable to the occasion, was read from the pulpit, the whole assembly joined to sing it, with such earnestness and spirit, as evidently to shew that the heart was engaged. The Rev. W. Johns conducted the devotional exercises, and the Rev. J. Grundy preached, from Joshua xxiv. 15,Choose you this day whom ye will serve, &c. The deep and fixed attention with which this discourse was heard, was an involuntary tribute to the force of its arguments, and to the manly eloquence which characterised almost every part of it, as well as to the ability with which it was delivered. After the conclusion of the service, the ministers present and their friends adjourned to a neighbouring inn, and a large party, composed of sixty-three gentlemen and twelve ladies, partook of a cheap and economical dinner. The union of ladies with gentlemen at our religious associations, we have twice witnessed with great pleasure in the midland counties, but this was the first instance of it in the north. Here the cold formalities of fashion have forbidden it, and it has hitherto been thought inconsistent with decorum. Those, however, who have been in the habit of attending these associations, will need few arguments to convince them, not merely of the strict propriety, but also of the great utility of such an union. On these occasions, a rich mental feast is generally furnished by the speeches of the ministers and gentlemen present; why should females be deprived of it? These addresses are exceedingly useful in stirring up the company to zealous exertions in support of religious truth; will the zeal of females do nothing in the good cause? Let their influence upon society in general, and especially upon the infant and youthful mind, be considered, and every thing will be hailed as an auxiliary to human im2. 8. d. provement and happiness which tends to engage them in the cause of religion. After having made this statement of their own case, they cannot conclude without earnestly appealing to the feelings of all who are interested in so good a cause, and soliciting the cordial co-operation of those who may be friendly to the plan proposed. Subscriptions will be received by the following gentlemen : ¡-- Rev. Robert Aspland, Durham House, Hackney-road; Rev. Richard Wright, Wisbeach, Cambridgeshire; Reverend P. Wright, Division-street, Sheffield; Mr. W. Darley, Thorne. Subscriptions already received. Congregation at Elland 14 3 0 5 0 0 J. P. Heywood, Esq. Wakefield . 0 Account of the Opening of the New Uni. VOL. XI. Mr. Grundy was called upon to take the chair, and by his able manner of discharging its duties, he effectually kept up the interest of the meeting. He proposed a succession of appropriate sentiments and toasts, which gave rise to several spirited addresses. Amongst these we recollect the following:-"Our Unitarian friends at Oldham; may their future conduct be consistent with their present professions.” .3 543 "Our friend Dr. Thomson, who, though Parker. From the words, Why even of he has laid aside the robe of a minister, yourselves judge ye not what is right! still retains the spirit of the profession." the preacher delivered a spirited defence "Our persecuted brethren in the South of the use of reason in matters of religion. of France.' "York College; together Thus closed the services of the day, which with its worthy Treasurer, G. W. Wood, will be long remembered by the society at and the students present, who have been Oldham, and which were peculiarly graeducated within its walls." "Mr. Asp-tifying to all present. In connexion with land and the other tutor of the Unitarian Academy; may their labours in the education of ministers be crowned with success." In the course of the afternoon the following gentlemen addressed the company -Messrs. Allard, Browe, Donoughue, Freme, Goodier, E. Grundy, Harrison, Johns, Parker, J. Smethurst, Thomson, Wood and Wright (of Stannington). Se veral of the speakers insisted upon the establishment of an Unitarian congregation at Oldham, and the liberality which has been shewn in enabling them to build their chapel, as affording a demonstration of the fitness of Unitarianism for the poor, and of the increasing zeal of the Unitarian body. the speeches delivered after dinner, these services kindled a zeal," an enthusiasm in some breasts which will not soon be extinguished. G Before we close this account, we are requested by our friends at Oldham, to express their grateful acknowledgments to those ministers, who so kindly undertook, and so ably performed, the religi publicly to thank the ministers who have ous services of this day. They wish also interested themselves in their welfare since the formation of their society, and who, for upwards of two years, have gratuitous ly supplied them, almost regularly, with preaching! Dr. Thomson, in adverting to a plan for uniting the Unitarian congregations of the Northern counties, which is now preparing by the Rev. C. Wellbeloved, the Rev. W. Turner, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and himself, observed, that he could not expect much good to result from the intended measure, unless the members of individual congregations were more close ly connected. Each congregation must move around its own axis, before it can revolve around a common centre. went on to remark, that the necessity of He such an union is every day becoming more and more apparent, and is clearly shewn by the increasing calls that are now made on the liberality of the Unitarian public, from Oldham, Rossendale, Greenock, Thorne and Neath. Without something like a general co-operation, it is impossible that these calls should be properly answered. Individuals may, and do, sub scribe liberally, but insulated and unsupported exertions can never furnish an ade quate supply to the repeated demands now made. He therefore proposed that in every congregation there should be formed what he would call a fellowship-society, for the purpose of raising a fund, to which the poorer members should be weekly or monthly contributors, and which should be intended to assist infant societies (now happily becoming numerous), in erecting chapels and carrying on public worship. It remains to be seen, whether the company will content themselves with merely receiving this proposal with marks of ap probation. Their acknowledgments are also due to have afforded them the most effectual asthose congregations who, by subscriptions, sistance, in a time of need. The Christian affection and Christian zeal with which their wants have been supplied, have made a lasting impression upon their minds. ' pressing their gratitude to Almighty God, They are desirous, also, of solemnly exthe author of all good, who has granted his blessing to their labours, and has put it into the hearts of their Christian brethren to assist them in the accomplishment their ardent wishes and fervent prayers. of an object, which has long called forth They rejoice in the thought, that in a town, containing, with the neighbourhood, sixhave been enabled to erect a temple, sateen or seventeen thousand souls,' they cred to the worship of the One God and Father of all. They exult in the prospect thus opened of dispensing the Word of Life, uncorrupted by human additions ; and of exposing the weakness of those doc trines which take away almost all gladness from the tidings of the gospel, and, to the ings of misery and death. They trust that greater part of mankind, render them tid by this means many sinners will be con verted from the evil of their ways, and directed heavenward; and that hundreds will be delivered from a system, which votion and love towards God, by robbing prevents many of the finest feelings of dehim of his most glorions attributes; which destroys many of the kindly charities and benevolent sympathies of the heart, by libelling the human character: and which cramps the faculties of the mind, by set-” ting reason and revelation at variance, as quiter after truth, the most glaring conwell as by presenting to the humble in tradictions, clothed in the awful garb of divinity. May these hopes never be disap At half-past six o'clock, 'the chapel was gain filled with a respectable audiencey and an evening service was conducted by the Rev. W. Harrison and the Rev. R. |