the Established Church; we separated in 1797, from the "Methodists of the Old Connexion," now distinguished by the appellation of the "Wesleian Methodists." This separation, we deem it proper to state, was totally unconnected with political considerations; although a contrary report has been industriously propagated. The Farious publications to which this event gave rise, and to which we refer the reader, will furnish the most satisfactory information on this particular. Neither did this separation originate in points of doetrine, for here we know no difference; the same peculiar doctrines, together with the same general mode of discipline, being held and enforced in both bodies. The fact is, our separation from the Old ConBexion arose purely from matters of church government:-matters, in our opinion, affecting the rights of conscience, of reason, and of religious liberty, as revealed in the Scriptures; and involving in them, not only our own christian privileges, but the most valuable rights and liberties of our posterity. As Englishmen, our excellent constitution, and the general practice of Dissenters, taught us to claim for our people a participation in our church government, a voice in the enactment of its laws, (those laws by which we were individually to be ruled,) and a share in the management of its temporal concerns. Through these important functions being exclusively assumed by one set of men, whether the clergy.or the laity, both history and experience bear record that the church has frequently and severely suffered. To these sufferings the Methodist body was peculiarly exposed about the close of the last century; in consequence of which, many of its members were anxious to adopt a more liberal system, with a view to their happy termination. Influenced by the spirit, a number of the leading and intelligent Methodists represented to the Conference then assembled at Leeds, that it was not reasonable for the preachers to meet and legislate alone, as they had been accustomed to do, without the interference and co-operation of the people; they therefore requested that the annual Conference might be composed of an equal number of ministers and of lay men, the latter to be chosen by the people, so that each circuit in future should be represented by one minister and one layman: thus giving to both orders that natural influence and interest in the system, which sound policy, and the best precedents, have proved to be indispensable See the Methodist Monitor,-Minutes of the First Conference,-Life of the Rev. Alexander Kilham,-Review of ditto, &c. Sold by Messrs. Button and Son, London. to lasting union, purity and stability. The Conference thought proper to reject this reasonable proposition, and in a tone which gave no encouragement to repeat the application. It is neither consistent with our purpose, nor congenial with our feelings, to scrutinize the motives which led the Conference to this determination: we have only to say, that whether or no their consciences approve them in this matter, we fear not to be justified before God and man, for preferring to retire from a body which its ministers governed, and still govern with little less than arbitrary power, rather than surrender ourselves and our children to a domination insupportable by freemen in a free country. Many circumstances, of which the prejudices and passions of mankind will afford a ready illustration, contributed to the formation of the Methodist New Connexion on a very limited scale of extent; # but the system, founded as it is on scripture, experience, and the fitness of things, has justified in its practice the best expectations of its friends; and, in proportion as it becomes known, will recommend itself to the approbation even of its enemies. Here ministers and people are seen uniting in the government of the church, blending their kind offices, without distinction of interest, or fear of improper ascendancy; and all, by the admirable adaption of its parts, realizing a happy picture of our unrivalled constitution. Since its institution, our community has increased from five to ten thousand, and our stated ministers from four to forty-four, besides more than two hundred local or occasional preachers. We have erected one hundred chapels, and formed two hundred societies: and, as appendages to the Connexion, we have a book-room amongst us, for printing a monthly magazine, and for supplying our people with hymn-books, and other religious publications. ↑ We have also succeeded in providing a fund for the support of our superannuated preachers, their widows, and families and are now employed in establishing a Home Mission, for spreading the gospel in different parts of the United Kingdom. As a Christian body, we are entitled to say, it has been our grand object to increase by means of converting souls to God, and not by making proselytes from other denominations: and though we feel it our duty to improve the openings of Providence, whenever our help is solicited from motives * See Apology for the Methodists of the New Connexion. Sold by Messrs. Button and Son, London. +See the New Methodist Magazine.Rules,-Minutes of Conference, &c. Sold as above. of real principle, still our endeavours have been, and will be directed, to carry the word of life into the obscure and neglected corners of our land; satisfied, that in so doing, we best serve our beloved country, and promote the glory of Almighty God. As a religious community, we neither have interfered, nor do we profess to interfere, with political concerns: like the kingdom of our Lord and Master, the Methodist New Connexion has no relation to the political affairs of this world. As Christians and subjects, we exhort our people to fear God and honour the king: and this we do, not so much because our people need to be reminded of their obligations, but because we are commanded of God, and to his commandments we yield a constant and cheerful obedience. While thus discharging our duty in the fear of God, we leave every man to the free enjoyment of his civil rights, according to his own judgment, and the laws of the land; convinced that the diffusion of religion, morality and social happiness, is the best means of promoting the glory of a nation, and the surest pledge of attachment to its authorities. Under this proper view, we are grieved to remark a recent publication, entitled "Why are you a Methodist?" in which we are accused of disaffection to the government of the land-an accusation this, which charity itself forbids us to consider as a simple misrepresentation. We therefore repel the charge with honest indignation, and in the face of the world pronounce it illiberal and false. Proofs there are none adduced, and therefore we are simply at issue with the author. We defy him, or any other man, or set of men, to make good the assertion; and we rather court, than recede from, an examination, which would more clearly evince the purity of our principles, and the rectitude of our conduct. Of odium we have suffered, and we are prepared to suffer, a large propor tion: but, while we suffer for righteousness' sake, we commit our canse into His hand who will never forsake his people. Confident of his protection, we shall fearlessly stand forward to defend the truth; not fearing, while candour and liberal inquiry characterize the British nation, to identify with the precepts of holy writ, and the best interests of men, the cause of the New Connexion. By order of the Conference, (signed) Sep. 18, 1817. It would, however, be ingratitude not to remark, that in our privileges as Dissenters we rejoice with thankfulness: and though we are not forward in professions, which too often speak the language of adulation, still we should be unjust to our feelings, did we fail to express our veneration for those laws, and that constitution in its different branches, by which these privileges, V. Ward's Answer to the Question, together wtih many other blessings are are you a Methodist ?" secured. For the works alluded to, See Rev. INTELLIGENCE. James Collins, Esq. Treasurer. Messrs. J. Addington, J. Benwell, J. Black, W. Burls, W. D. Clark, S. Favell, W. Freme, J. Gurney, W. Hale, G. Hammond, E. Maitland, J. T. Rutt, B. Shaw, M. P., W. Shrubsole, T. Stiff, J. Stonard, W. Titford, J. Towle, H. Waymouth, T.. Wilson, B. P. Witts. John Webster, Esq., Queen-street, Cheap side, Secretary. Manchester District Quarterly Meeting. Why Ministers, denominated Presbyterians, was held at the Cross-Street Chapel in Manchester, on the 7th inst. The Rev. J. Hawkes introduced the service, and the Rev. S. Parker preached the sermon. Fifteen ministers, including visitors, were present. One new member was added to the association. The next meeting will be at Stand Chapel, on Good Friday. Owing of the former meeting, which was held at to an accidental circumstance, the notice Hyde, September 25, 1817, was not sent for insertion. Manchester, Jan. 15, 1818. W. J. Second Quarterly Meeting of Unitarian ON Tuesday, December 23d, 1817, the ministers of the Midland and Northern devotional service in the morning was Association was held at Rotherham. The performed by the Rev. P. Wright, of Sheffield, and a very interesting discourse was preached by the Rev. R. W. Wallace, of Chesterfield, from Gal. i. 15-20, in which he endeavoured to prove that St. Paul after his conversion spent three years in Arabia for the purpose probably of studying more thoroughly the nature of the christian system and fortifying his mind with those arguments for its truth which were derived from the fulfilment of the prophecies of the Old Testament. In the course of the afternoon this idea mentioned by Dr. Lardner, became the subject of interesting and improving conversation. In the evening they again assembled for worship, when the devotional service was performed by the Rev. J. Platts, of Doncaster, (late of Boston,) and the Rev. John Gaskell, M. A. of Thorne, was prevailed upon to deliver a sermon on the importance of an open and fearless avowal of the whole truth, founded on Acts xx. 26, 27. The next meeting was appointed to be held at Stannington, near Sheffield, on Good Friday. The Rev. J. Brettell, of Rotherham, is the preacher, and the Rev. H. H. Piper, of Norton, his supporter. W. Sheffield, Jan. 18, 1818. The South Wales Quarterly Meeting of Unitarian ministers was held on the 15th and 16th of October last, at Gellionnen, Glamorganshire. There were sixteen ministers present. The service was introduced on the evening of the 15th, by Mr. Thomas Evans, of Aberdare, and Mr. John Thomas, of Llanelly, preached from Heb. i. 6, and Mr. John Thomas, of Capel-yGroes and Pant-y-defaid (Cardiganshire) from Eph. iv. 5. On the morning of the 16th, the services were introduced by Mr. E. Lloyd, of Wick and Newton Nottage, and Mr. B. Philips, of St. Clears, preached from Matt. xvi. 6, and Mr. Evans, of Aberdare, from Acts x. 33. The next quarterly meeting was appointed to be held at Aberdare, on the 31st of December 1817, and the 1st of January 1818. It was also unanimously resolved, that it was desirable the Quarterly Meetings should be continued, and that a circuit should be appointed for holding the meetings in succession. The following places were then named in the order in which the services are to be held at them, viz. Aberdare, Blaen-y-gwrach, Capel-yGroes, Pant-y-defaid, Gellionnen, Llandy-faen, Merthyr, Neath, Pant-teg, near Newcastle Emlyn, Rhyd-y-Park, Wick and Nottage. It was agreed that any other places might be hereafter added to these if found desirable. The friends of Unitarianism having taken refreshment at the chapel, went away highly gratified by the services and the business of the day. These quarterly meetings are not ap propriated exclusively to preaching; it is customary after service to discuss some religious subject proposed for the purpose. An inquiry into the meaning of the first fourteen verses of the first chapter of John was proposed by Mr. Edward Williams, the bard, for the discussion of the next meeting. Fellowship Fund, established by the Society of Unitarian Christians, assembling at the Upper Chapel, Norfolk Street, Sheffield. The object of this institution is, 1. To give such occasional assistance as the fund will allow, to Unitarian Chapels about to be erected or enlarged. 2. To aid any institution now existing, or which may be hereafter formed, appearing to be calculated to promote the diffusion of christian truth and virtue. 3. To afford temporary relief to Unitarians under the pressure of infirmity or want; and to embrace any other benevolent object which the members may approve. It was resolved,— 4. That the fund be supplied by voluntary donations and subscriptions; also, by weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual payments, in advance. 5. That a subscriber of one penny. per week, or upwards, (not in arrears), be entitled to vote at the public meetings of the society. 6. That a president, secretary, treasurer, and one collector for every ten subscribers, be appointed; the election to these offices to be annual, with the exception of president, which shall be offered permanently to the minister for the time being. 7. That when a case is to be submitted for consideration and assistance, the secretary, on receiving a requisition signed by five members, shall call a meeting, to be held in the Upper School-room, for those purposes. 8. That in all cases, a majority of members present (entitled to vote) shall decide; the president or chairman having a casting vote. 9. That all monies received shall be deposited in the bank of Messrs. Parker, Shores, and Blakelock, in the joint names of the president, secretary, and treasurer, and that all orders for payment to them, shall be signed by not less than two of those officers. 10. That the secretary shall keep a book for minutes of the meetings, and the treasurer an account book, which shall be open for the inspection of donors and subscribers (not in arrears) at every meeting; and that a statement of the accounts be submitted to the general annual meeting, to be held the last Sunday in July, and that notice shall be given of the same on the previous Lord's Day, as well as on the day of meeting: the officers to be then elected, the accounts passed, and other business transacted. 11. That Mr. F. W. Everet having accepted the office of treasurer, and Mr. James Wild that of secretary, those gentlemen and their successors in office, together with the minister, shall constitute an acting committee for the time being. 12. That these rules be printed. December, 1817. Leicester Fellowship Fund. AT a meeting of persons friendly to the establishment of a Fellowship Fund, on the plan adopted at Birmingham, &c., held in the vestry of the Great Meeting, Leicester, February 1, 1818 The Rev. C. BERRY in the Chair; Resolved,-1. That its objects be to afford occasional contributions to small and indigent congregations, to furnish annual subscriptions to the Unitarian academies, and to promote generally the diffusion of those great principles of religious truth which, as it appears to us, were taught by Christ and his apostles. 2. That the fund be supplied by subscriptions of one shilling per quarter. 3. That an annual general meeting be held in the month of October, at which time a president, treasurer and committee shall be chosen. 4. That the committee shall consist of the president, treasurer and six other persons, to be chosen at the annual meeting, of whom five shall be competent to act. 5. That the meetings of the committee shall be held quarterly. 6. That in cases that may require it, a special meeting may be called. 7. That the Rev. C. Berry be requested to accept the office of president. 8. That Mr. Cooper be appointed trea surer. 9. That the following persons be chosen members of the committee for the present year, Messrs. Colston, &c. &c. SIR, LITERARY. Clapton, Feb. 22, 1818. I AM sorry to have occasion, by favour of your Intelligence, to inform the subscribers to Dr. Priestley's Works, that the delivery of the Fourth Volume, now in the press, is unavoidably deferred by a disappointment in procuring some part of its contents. On Saturday March 28, it will be ready for delivery at Mr. Eaton's, where I beg leave to request those subscribers who have not received the two previons Volumes to apply for them. I am much indebted to several friends to this undertaking, for the communication of Letters and valuable information. Should any others be designing thus to assist me, I shall be essentially served and obliged by the most prompt execution of their purpose. I now wait only till I exhausted, before I prepare the first may fairly consider such assistance as Volume, containing the Life and Correspondence of Dr. Priestley, for the press. J. T. RUTT. THE Rev. John Evans, of Islington, has in the press new editions of the Juvenile Tourist and Juvenile Pieces, with augmentations and improvements; both volumes being devoted to the instruction and entertainment of the rising generation. Mr. Francis Webb, published many years opinions probably underwent some change Third and cheap edition in 12mo. of the We have great pleasure in announcing a late Rev. Newcome Cappe's Discourses on the Providence and Government of God, relict Mrs. Cappe of York. These Dispublished by his amiable and affectionate courses are a happy evidence of the power of rational Christianity operating upon a and pious assurance. good heart to produce a fervent devotion American. the West," has been published at Trenton, A WORK, under the title of "A Star in in New Jersey, by Dr. Elias Boudinot, to prove that the Indian nations of America are the descendants of the long-lost Ten Tribes of Israel. The work is recomis praised in the American Journals. mended by men of some consideration, and MONTHLY RETROSPECT of PUBLIC AFFAIRS; OR, The Christian's Survey of the Political World. SLIGHT occurrences frequently lead us to a knowledge of the temper of the times. The disenssion on Easter-day, which is now pretty general in the higher and middle classes, is carried on with a degree of indifference, that would have astonished the christian world fifteen hundred years ago. If the same thing had then happened, bishops would have been seen posting from one end of the empire to the other, and the true fixing of Easter-day would not have been accomplished without fierce contention and violent blows. A scene would have been exhibited, displaying in strong colours, how little of the christian principles had been imbibed by the combatants. The present generation thinks very differently. Little or no anxiety has shewn itself, whether the services of the sect established by law, are properly performed or not; whether, in short, they follow their own rules or neglect them. It is considered of no consequence, whether they eat their cross buns on the 20th of March, or on the 29th, or whether the commemoration of the Resurrection is made before or after the full moon. But if the ecclesiastical question is treated in this slighting manner, it is not so with the legal part of it. For considerable apprehensions are entertained, lest the keeping of Easter-day, as it is now erroneously fixed by the Almanack makers, probably one and the same person that utters his astrological nonsense every year in Moore's Almanack, may not be attended hereafter with very serious inconvenience. Two of the law terms, Easter Term and Trinity Term, depend on Easter-day: the opening of the first is now fixed for the 8th of April, of the second for the 13th of May. But as Easter-day, from which they determined the openings of these Terms, is erroneously fixed, the days on which they ought to open are, for the first, the 15th of April, for the second, the 20th of May. Consequently it is a question, whether proceedings in these courts from the 8th to the 15th of April, and from the 13th to the 20th of May are legal: for, though the judges may choose to act upon these days, it does not follow that their decisions may not hereafter be invalidated by an appeal to that Act of Parliament, which has determined in precise terms, that, if the full moon happens on a Sunday, Easter-day is the Sunday after. Now they have fixed Easter-day this year on the Sunday, on which the moon happens to be full. Consequently it may be urged, that that was not the true Easter-day, fixed by Act of Parliament, and, of course, the courts were opened at a time contrary to the directions of the Acts. However this may be, it will be adviseable for all persons, who are unhappily engaged in suits of law in these courts, to take care that their causes shall not be brought on in the first week of either Term; lest they should be hereafter involved in the repetition of law: and, though they should ultimately gain their suits, the expense and vexation attending a second conflict, would by a prudent man be, if possible, avoided. It is urged, however, by lawyers, who are seldom very acute reasoners out of their own profession, that the Easter-day is legally fixed, since it is fixed by certain tables, also laid down by Parliament. But it does not seem to be by any means clear, that tables known to be erroneous, are to be acted upon, when they contradict the positive words of the Act, in reference to which the tables were framed. Thus, if an act of parliament should determine a sum, not exceeding twenty thousand pounds, to be awarded to a certain person for certain services performed by him, and directions also were given for the due estimation of these services, it would not be sufficient to say, that a calculation had been made according to these directions, and by them the sum to be paid to the person, amounted to twenty-five thousand pounds, and therefore they had given that sum. The precise words of the act would be quoted against this determination, and it would be said, that they were authorized to pay only twenty thousand pounds, and if any thing farther were necessary it was incumbent on them to come to parliament for a new grant. The case of Easter-day seems to be the same. The tables are to be followed, provided they do not violate the positive words of the act; and, if any doubt had been entertained on the subject, it should have been brought before parlia ment. But it is probable that the Almanack maker never gave himself any trouble about these positive words. He fixed the day without thought, and it was not till all the Almanacks had been published, that, the error was discovered. Happily the whole may be rectified |