without arousing the indignation of some of the Anglo-Saxon brothers, and brick-bats were levelled against them. The recital of Mr. Douglas was received with cries of "Shame."-The Rev. Mr. Kirk said he thought that some of his observations tended to the prejudice of the white friends of temperance in America, but, in this opinion, the meeting did not appear to coincide.-Mr. J. S. Buckingham then delivered a short address, which concluded the proceedings.

The Convention continued its sittings on Saturday, being the fifth day, Mr. Cash presiding. A discussion took place, in consequence of the observations thrown out by Mr. Douglas, which were supposed to reflect on the American teetotallers, by imputing to them sentiments favourable to slavery. Several gentlemen demanded explanation, and a conversation ensued, tending more to confusion than the settlement of the question. The subject, at the suggestion of the Chairman, was at length dropped.-Mr. Dunlop proposed a resolution, expressing the opinion of the Convention, that, "in order best to advance the cause of temperance, those engagements should be preferred, which, agreeing to personal abstinence from alcoholic drinks, also restrains the parties from giving or offering those liquors as a beverage." This gave rise to another discussion, involving the question which has always proved a bar to the unanimity of temperance societies, namely, that of the "long" and the "short" pledge; nor, on the present occasion, were the speakers by any means backward in advancing the respective merits and demerits of the two.-Mr. J. S. Buckingham and other gentlemen took the moderate side of the question, showing the utter futility of demanding from a man that influence over others, which, in reality, he only possessed over himself; and maintaining that the temperance cause would be far better served by a less exacting kind of policy. -Mr. James Tear was of opinion that the long pledge was the only one by which the principles of teetotalism could be carried out; he thought that a teetotaller keeping intoxicating liquors in his house, effected more damage to the temperance cause than if he drank such liquors himself. By the advice of the chairman, who did not deem a settlement of the question essential, the motion and an amendment on it, were withdrawn. An address to the Wesleyan Conference at Bristol, in which the progress of the Temperance Convention was detailed, was read and adopted. A letter was also read, addressed by the Convention to the brewers and distillers in the kingdom, praying them to discontinue the exercise of their calling, the injurious effects of which were pointed out at considerable length. A resolution was adopted, expressive of the conviction of the meeting that the manufacture, sale, and use of intoxicating drinks were immoral. Some other business having been transacted, the meeting broke up, and the sittings of the Convention terminated.

BRIDPORT SUNDAY-SCHOOL FESTIVAL.

On Monday, July 20th (the nearest available day to that on which the Dissenters' Chapels Bill received the Royal Assent,) the children of the Unitarian Sunday-schools, in number about 110

together with their forty teachers, were entertained with tea at Eype's Mouth.

After a short prayer, by the Rev. R. E. B. Maclellan, (suggested, by the scenery around,) of thanksgiving to that God who formed the purple sky above them, and the immense ocean before them, and the majestic cliffs on either side, and the velvet downs on which they stood, and made them all sources of happiness to his creatures -the girls, with the ladies who presided over the entertainment, were accommodated in a handsome and spacious marquee, while the boys reclined on the grass in front. It were superfluous to add, that ample justice was done by the children to all the viands placed beforethem. Truly, your sea air is an admirable appetizer! During the remainder of the evening, the scene was very animated and picturesque. In addition to the children and teachers, there were nearly three hundred visitors, most of them members of the congregation; and, as they were scattered about the adjacent knolls or hollows, in groups varying from six to ten, preparing their several repasts at their own gipsy fires, the effect was striking and amusing. Indeed, the Fishermen's-green, with its crowds, its marquee, its flags flying the different conveyances which had brought the very old or very young of the assemblage, gigs, flies, covered vans, common waggons, scattered here and there among up-hauled boats, intermingled with the smoke of the different fires-made that part of the scene resemble a rustic fair. And it had other features to increase the similitude;-there, a speculative confectioner had erected a stall for the sale of his tempting wares; here an amateur brass-band "discussed most excellent music;" near the marquee, the girls dancing; on one side of the little river, a party playing at cricket; on the other, many youths engaged at foot-ball; and, on the beach, scores of boys, half-amphibious as they are, nearly up to their waists in the water, notwithstanding the spray and surf which a south-west gale dashed over them. The youngsters seemed perfectly to abandon themselves to the exhilaration of out-door enjoyment; while for the more sedate, calmer, and perhaps more enduring, pleasures were not wanting. Apart from the happiness of seeing others happy, there were many attractions on every side. The evening was bright, though the wind was a little too strong for the taste of some; but it made ample amends, by curling with foam almost every wave. Eight or ten vessels, pursuing their different course in the distance, were also attractions. The Isle of Portland was so distinctly seen with the unassisted eye, that the position of one of its villages could be detected. The mackerel sky presented not only a beautiful, but a novel character in the sunset: and the perpendicular cliffs and towering summit of Thorncombe Beacon shone in all their glory. At length the season solemnised, to a certain extent, even the gayest; and the band gave, with admirable effect, "Shades of evening, close not o'er us."

The children, teachers and friends, accompanied by the instruments, then executed the Evening Hymn; and, after, a benediction from Mr. Maclellan, took their way homeward through the wheat and barley-fields, happier, and therefore kindlier, for the social relaxation.

IPSWICH UNITARIAN BROTHERLY SOCIETY.

A very gratifying testimony of respect was presented on Monday evening, August 3rd, in the vestry of the Unitarian Chapel, St. Nicholas-street, Ipswich, to the Rev. T. F. Thomas, by the members. of the Brotherly Society, which was established about six years ago -a silver salver, manufactured in town, on which is very neatly engraved, by Mr. Dallenger of Ipswich, the following inscription "Presented by the members of the Unitarian Brotherly Society, Ipswich, 1846, as a small token of gratitude to the Rev. T. F. Thomas, their President."

T. Mills, Esq., surgeon to the society, was deputed to present the testimonial, and in a very feeling and appropriate address, gave a short history of the society; and, after pointing out its importance, concluded by saying, "To you, Sir, this society owes its existence, and the good it has already accomplished-to your disinterested exertions; and from my professional connection with other and similar societies in this town, I am able to speak of its sound and flourishing state; and permit me to say, that although the society is composed of members holding various religious opinions, you have never allowed this to prevent any one becoming a member or yourself from visiting any, if requested, in sickness and sorrow, and I am confident that you well know how to appreciate a gift presented to you from those who have to labour hard for their daily support. May you, my dear, Sir, be long spared by a merciful Providence to enjoy its possession; and when you are called upon to resign all earthly things to partake of more ennobling and enduring treasures, may it pass from you to your children, as a token of the esteem in which you, their beloved parent, was held."

Mr. Thomas, in his reply, briefly glanced at the formation of the society, and paid a tribute of respect to his friend, J. W. Dowson, Esq., of Norwich, who had assisted him in the establishing the society, and had presented it with new account books. He reminded the members of the objects to promote which the society was founded, and of the name which it bore, and strongly and feelingly urged upon them the necessity of never losing sight of either its objects or name; and expressed his hope, that while he was permitted to hold his office as president, harmony and brotherly feeling would prevail. He said, "I accept with gratitude, and, I trust, not with unbecoming pride, the handsome and generous gift. In my family. to which, Sir, you have alluded in terms gratifying to my feelings. this salver, I hope, will be preserved, when my earthly course is finished, as a memorial that their father found kind, liberal, and grateful hearts amongst the humbler and industrious classes. In conclusion, permit me to say, my friends, that I estimate this, your gift, not for the weight of precious metal which it contains, not for its ornamental decorations, the work of man's hand, but for the amount of kind and generous feelings which you cherish in your hearts, and have embodied in this present to myself.