labouring for some months, indefatigably, in the island of Guernsey, and, we are told, with great encouragement. He is also employed in translating Boston's Fourfold State into the French language. THE POPE. THE Pope is said to have been removed, by order of Buonaparte, from Savona in the Genoese territory, to Tortona, a strong place in Piedmont. Such an event, at the period of the meeting of the ecclesiastical council at Paris, may give room for various reflections. Very little has hitherto transpired of the proceedings of this council; but it is suspected that the Emperor finds them rather refractory. THE JEWS. THE Consistory of the Israel ites was installed Aug. 1, at Rome. The novelty of a spectacle so extraordinary in the city of Rome, the seat of the Head of the Chris tian world,' attracted an immense erowd of spectators. M. Leoni de Leoni was proclaimed Grand Rabbi, by a decree of Buonaparte. Death of Mr. Thomas Paine. We are generally anxious to know in what manner celebrated men leave the world, especially when they have distinguished themselves in favour of Christianity, or in opposition to it. We present, therefore, to our readers the only account we have yet received of the last hours of Thomas Paine, who appears to have died a sullen and miserable infidel. THE life of Thomas Paine, from the pen of a literary gentleman, of the name of Chatham, has lately been published at New York. A few copies only have found their way to this country; and from one of these the following account of bis last moments is extracted. It is given in a letter to the author of the work from Dr. Manley, an emiment physician at New York, who attended Paine during his last ill ness. During the latter part of his life, though his conversation was equi me! vocal, his conduct was singular. He would not be left alone, night nor day; he not only required to have some person with him, but he must see that he or she was there; and would not allow his curtains to be closed at any time; and if, as it would sometimes unavoidably happen, he was left alone, he would scream and hallo until some person came to him. When relief from affliction would admit, he seemed thoughtful and contemplative, his eyes generally closed, and his hands folded on his breast, although he never slept without the assistance of an anodyne. There was something remarkable in his conduct about this period (which comprises about two weeks immediately preceding his death) particularly when we reflect that Thomas Paine was the Author of the Age of Reason. He would call out during his paroxisms of distress, without intermis sion, O Lord help me! God help Lord help me!' &c. repeating the Jesus Christ help me! O same expressions without the least variation, in a tone of voice that would alarm the house. It was this conduct (says Dr. Manley) that induced me to think he had aban doned his former opinions; and I was more inclined to that belief, when I understood from his narse (who is a very serious, and I be lieve, a pious woman) that he would occasionally enquire, when he saw her engaged with a book, what she was reading; and being answered, and at the time asked whether she should read aloud,-he assented, and would appear to give particular attention. I took occasion during the night of the 5th and 6th of June to test the strength of his opinions respecting Revelation. I purposely made him a very late visit; it was a time which seemed to suit my errand-it was midnight. He was in great distress, constantly exclaiming in the words above mentioned; when I addressed him in the following manner, the nurse being present:- Mr. Paine, yoar opinions, by a large portion of the community, have been treated with deference. You must be seasible that we are acquainted with your religious opinions, as they are given to the world: What then must we think of your present conduct? Why do you call upon Jesus Christ to help you? Do you believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ? Come now, answer me honestly-I want an answer as from the lips of a dying man, for I verily believe that you will not live 24 hours.' I waited some time at the end of every question. He did not answer, but ceased to exclaim in the above manner. Again I addressed him, Mr. Paine, you have not answered my questions; will you answer them? Allow me to ask, Do you belive? Or let me qualify the question,Do you wish to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? After a pause of some moments, he answered, I have no wish to believe on the subject.' I then left him, and know not whether he afterwards spoke to any person on any subject, though he lived till the morning of the 8th. Such conduct, under usual circumstances, I conceive absolutely unaccountable; though, with diffidence, I would remark not so much so in the present instance; for. though the first necessary and general result of conviction be a sincere wish to atone for evil committed, yet it may be a question worthy of consideration, Whether excessive pride of opinion, consummate vanity, and inordinate self-love, might not prevent or retard that otherwise natural consequence ?' Provincial Intelligence. On July 17, 1810, the new Independent Meeting at Hales Owen, Salop, was opened for divine worship. The Rev. J. Brewer, of Birmingham, preached in the morning, from Isaiah Ixvi. 1, 2; and likewise the Rev. Mr. Grove, of Walsall, preached from Isaiah lyi. 7; the Rev. Mr. Weaver, of Salup, preached in the evening from I Thess. i. 5; Messrs, Hammond, of Handsworth, Theodosius, of Gornal, Scales, of Wolverhampton, Redford, of Warwick, and Simpson, jun. of Hoxton, engaged in the other parts of the service. The place, was well filled; and the present prospect of success is encouraging, tho' the town was once remarkable for opposition to the gospel. June 5, 1811, the Rev. James Angear, of East Looe, Cornwall, was so lemnly set apart over the church, and congregation attending the above place. A suitable address was delivered by the Rev. J. Brewer, of Birmingham, to the minister and church, from 3 John In the evening, the church and congreviii. Fellow-belpers to the truth?' gation were addressed by the Rev. J. Hudson, of Westbromwich, from 1 Cor. xvi. 18, Watch ye, stand fast,' &c. Messrs. Hammond, of Handsworth, Dawson, of Dudley, and Griffiths, of Wednesbury, engaged in the other parts of the services. January 9, 1811. A new place of worship was opened at Lostwithiel, Cornwall, when three sermons were preached; that in the morning by the Rev. J. Guard, of Liskeard, from Numb, xxi. 17, 18; that in the afternoon by the Rev. Mr. Skeat, of Bodin the evening by the Rev. R. Cope, min, from Psalm cxviii. 25; and that of Launceston, from Isaiah Ixii. 1; the Rev. Messrs. Smith, of Fowey, Moore, of Mevagissey, and Meek, of St. Columbe, &c. offered up suitable prayers. - Lostwithiel is remarkable for the great spirit of hearing that prevails. The present place of worship has been erected on the most economi cal, plan, and is well filled. Feb. 1. A new chapel was opened at Great Torrington, Devon. The Rev. H. Besley, of Guernsey, opened the prayed; and Mr. Gunn, of Ilfracombe, service; Mr. Rooker, of Bideford, preached from Ps. Ixxii. 18. In the afternoon, Mr. Evans, of Appledore, prayed; Mr. Cope, of South Molton, preached from Ps. cxix 130, and concinded. In the evening, Mr. Blair, of Ilfracombe, prayed; Mr. Gardiner, of Barnstaple, preached from t Kings viii. 27. This town was formerly honoured with the labours of the great Mr. Howe. The Independent Chapel at Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, having been enlarged, was re-opened on August 6. A double lecture was preached by Mr. Hartley, of Lutterworth, from Isaiah Ix. 22; and by Mr. Davies, of Wigstone, from John iv. 24; Messrs. Pa terson, of Donnington, and Millar of Earl-Shelton, engaged in prayer. On August 29, a new place of wors ship was opened at Horsmonceux, Sussex. Mr. Fisher, of Lewes, preached in the morning from Psalm xciii. 5; Mr. Cliff, of Marlborough, in the after. noon, from 1 Cor. i. 12; and Mr. Styles, of Brighton, in the evening, from 3 M 1 Cor. iii. 16; the devotional exercises of the day were conducted by Messrs. Styles, Cliff, and Press. This interest, under God, owes its existence to the pious benevolence of a few individuals, who, having been destitute of the means of grace, and feeling compassion for the poor ignorant villagers around them, determined at length to erect a commodious meeting-house. Sept. 5, the Chapel at Chinnor, Oxon. was re-opened after its enlarge ment. Messrs. Wilkins, of Abingdon, Hinton, of Oxford, and Seymour, of Tring, preached on the occasion; and Mess. Raban, of Wallingford, Dawson, of Risborough, Hesler, of Long Wiek, and Paul, minister of the place, engaged in the devotional services of the day. The gospel was introduced into this place by Mr. Whitfield; but the chapel has been erected six years only. Sept. 11, the Rev. J. W. Percy, late Student at Hoxton Academy, was ordained Pastor of the Independent Church at Warwick. Mr. Rowton, of Foleshill, commenced the service by prayer, &c.; Mr. Jerard, of Coventry, delivered the introductory discourse, &e. Mr. Burkitt, of Kenilworth, of fered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Percy, sen. of Woolwich, gave the charge to his son from Luke xii. 42, 43; Mr. James, of Birmingham, preached to the people, from Phil. ii. 29; Mr. Franklin, of Coventry, concluded with prayer. Mr. Gronow, of Weedon, preached in the evening of the ordina. tion, from Romans xiv. 19; and Mr. Hartley, of Lutterworth, the preceding evening, from Isaiah 1x. 22; Mess. Johnson, of Leek, Brackstone, of Coventry, Harris, of Stafford, and Mr. Burton, engaged in the devotional parts of the day. Sept. 24, the Second Anniversary was held at the Baptist Meeting, Hadden ham, when Mr. Tomlin, of Chesham, preached from 1 Tim. vi, 6; Mr. Cleiment, of Tring, from Psalm cii. 16; Mr. Seymour, of Tring, from Psalm Ixxii. 6; Messrs. Paul, Howlet, Bedford, and Collet, engaged in the other services of the day, the whole of which were highly interesting. The Sussex Mission Society held their Annual Meeting at Brighton, Sept. 25. Mr. M. Fisher preached on the preced~ing evening, from Psalm 1xxii. 17; Mr. Hunt on the Wednesday morning, from Heb. ii. 9; Mr. Palmer in the evening, from Rev. v. 6; and the devotional exercises were conducted by Messrs. PalTher, Hyatt, Gore, Clis, Press, Lake, and Hunt. The next meeting is to be held at East Grinstead the second week in April; Messrs. Kerby and Forster to preach. Oct. 2, the Associated Independent Ministers of Dorset held their Halfyearly meeting at Stalbridge. In the forenoon Mr. Keynes and Mr. Higgs prayed; Mr. Rogers preached on 'private devotion, from Matt. vi. 6. In the evening Mr. Morris prayed; Dr. Cracknell preached on 'religious intercourse,' from Psalm cxix. 63; Mr. Weston concluded. Real religion was stated to be upon the increase in this county, and that the gospel has been introduced into several new places. The Second General Meeting of the Lincolnshire Association was held at Great Grimsby, Wedn. Oct. 2. On the preceding evening Mr. W. Burn, of Wiuteringham, preached from Psalm XXXVI. 7. In the morning the ministers met by 9 o'clock for prayer, &c. Mr. Fisher, of Tartney, opened the public worship by reading the ScripNewman, of Gainsborough, preached tures and prayer; Messrs. Rich and from Jer. xxxi. 12; after which the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered. In the afternoon service Mr. Hunter prayed, and Mr. Fisher evening Mr. Newman prayed; Mr. J. preached from 1 John ii. 14. In the Clark, of Brigg, preached from Luke xxi. 38; and Mr. B. Jeans, of Market Deeping, from John i. 12; when a collection was made for the Case at Deeping; after which Mr. W Smelle concluded the service of the day. In conference it was resolved, That as many congregations have expressed a desire of having the Associate Meetings, the Half - yearly meetings shall continue on the present plan.—The next meeting is appointed to be at Gainsborough, the last Wednesday in May, 1812. Oct. 3, the Hampshire Association held their meeting at Newport, Isle of Wight, The services commenced on the preceding evening, at the Rev. Mr. Bruce's Meeting; when Mr. Adams, of Cowes, prayed, and Mr. Durant, of Poole, preached from Isaiah liii. 1 ; Who hath believed our report,' &c. Mr. Styles, of Brighton, concluded. On Thursday morning at 7 o'clock, at Mr. Tyreman's Meeting, Mr. Webb (a student) prayed, and Mr. Sleigh, of Salisbury, preached on the subject of moruing devotion, from Psalın v. 4; Mr. Flower, of Pitchfield, and Mr. Bennet prayed; Mr. Jefferson, of Basingstoke, preached, from Phil. ii. 4, 5. After 1 3: is which the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered ; and Messrs. Bogue, Hopkins, Davis, Hunt, Loader, and Bruce assisted in the devotional service. After which Mr. Wray, from Demerara, gave an affecting account of the state of religion in the West Indies. At 5, the members of the Sunday School Union met to transact business, when much interesting information was presented. In the evening, Mr. Atkins, of Southampton, prayed; Mr. Styles preached from Eph. iii. r; and Mr. Payne, of Petersfield, concluded. On Wednesday Oct. 0, 1811, Mr. Cornelius Berry (late of Homerton Academy) was ordained over the church of Christ at Hatfield Heath, Essex. Mr. Corbisley, of Figfield, began with prayer; Mr. Craig, of Bocking, deli. vered the introductory discourse, and received the confession of faith; Dr. Smith, of Homerton, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Berry, of Camberwell, gave the charge to his son, from 1 Tim. iv. 16; Mr. Jennings, of Thaxted, engaged in the intercessory prayer; Mr. Chaplin, of Bishop Stortford, preached to the people, from Acts ii. 42; and Mr. Frost, of Dunmow concluded with prayer. tion 31. per annum are allowed, was informed that these should be taken from her. Several of the poor hearers were convicted in the penalty of 55. and an additional shilling for the summons. Welsh was also fined 1s. for not being at his parish church on the 25th, although he attended public worship three times the preceding Sabbath. TOLERATION Acr. We are assured that certain magistrates in the county of Suffolk have positively and formally refused to licence a respectable preacher (who wished to itinerate) because he is not the minister of a congregation. LONDON. Oct. 3, 1811, the Rev. J. A. Cox, A. M. late of Cambridge, was settled over the Particular Baptist Church, Shore Place, Hackney. The Rev. W. Newman, of the Baptist Academy, Stepney, read and prayed; Dr. Rippon stated the object of the meeting, and asked the usual questions; the Rev. J. Hughes, of Battersea, preached from Thess. iii. 11; and the Rev. G. Collison, of Hackney, concluded. Congregational School, and PERSECUTION.J. Whitaker, of Drayton, Shropshire, was last month convicted before Lord Kenyon, in the penalty of 201. for preaching in an unlicenced house, in the parish To those Christian Friends who of Hanmer, and county of Flint. Ed- have taken an interest in the formward Welsh, the occupier of the ation and establishment of the Conhouse, was convicted in the same gregational School, the Outline of penalty. But (having to provide the Plan given in the last Number for six children, a wife, and a help but one of this Magazine, must less mother) he is in low circum- have given great satisfaction, as the stances, and could not pay 201. A commencement of the measure is warrant of distress was therefore certain, although the means are as issued; and his very tools were yet extremely small. It must also marked for sale! But the poor man have excited considerable surprize was like-minded with the Hebrews, in many, to find that one entire obwho took joyfully the spoiling of ject named in the first Circular Lettheir goods, knowing that they ter, had for the present been abanhad in heaven a better, and an en- doned: the truth is, that the geneduring substance, The man's goods ral feeling of the Gentlemen who not being sufficient to make up the assembled at the first General Meetamonnt, the fine was remitted. But ing (although they highly approved the crime was not suffered to go of a provision for Superannuated unpunished. His poor aged mother Ministers) were nevertheless adwas deprived of her allowance of verse to its union with the School, Is per week, which she had receiv- under an impression, that it would ed from a charitable legacy, left to be attempting too much at once. poor widows of that parish; and The Gentlemen who were appointed his wife, who had the care of ten as a permanent Committee for the poor children, for whose instruc- first year to manage the Congre gational School being of the same sentiment, the union was of course dissolved. Although the writer esteemed it his duty to submit to the decision of those Ministers, and other Christian Friends, who had so promptly volunteered their assistance to raise the School to maturity, yet it was with much reluctance and keen re gret. He has, however, been abundantly consoled upon this subject, by a circumstance which to him appears as providential as it was altogether unexpected. The Circular Leiter which referred to some permanent relief for Worn-out Ministers, as well as to the School, attracted the attention of Miss Elizabeth Pryor, of Bristol, a lady unknown to the writer; and she be queathed him £ 500 sterling, to be applied wholly, at his own discretion, to that particular object. The most appropriate and beneficial use to which he thought he could apply this sum, was to place it in the Bank, as the commencement of a Fund for that exclusive object; the interest to be at the disposal of the Committee of the Congregational School, at their Meetings in October and April. Without any design to reflect on, or hurt the feelings of any aged Minister, the writer begs leave to observe, that it is desirable both for the Minister's own comfort, and the prosperity of the church over which he has presided, that he should not continue his labour beyond the period when he can suitably, and with some energy perform the duties of his station. Some have done this from dire necessity, because they could not part with any of their income; and the Church being too poor to support both the Pastor and an Assistant. Far be it from the writer to dictate, or to intrude unnecessarily ; but is it not a desirable thing to raise a Fund, either by Gifts or Legacies, to take these worthy men from labours they are ill capacitated to perform, and which they must necessarily perform with very little advantage to their churches? If then a few more liberal and wealthy Christians would imitate those worthies who have gone be fore them for such benevolent services, how soon would our aged and indigent Ministers be amply provided for! and how little would even a large Fund be missed out of the great mass of property from which it would be detached, by every Rich Dissenter doing something, either by Gift or Legacy! At present the writer forbears to say more, than that he hopes soon to be able to announce the enlargement of this Fund. J. ToWSSEND Bermondsey, Sept. 9, 1811. POORS' RATES. - A vestry meeting of the inhabitants of Christ Church parish, Surry, was lately held, to determine whether Surry Chapel (Mr. Hill's) should be as sessed for the Poors' Rate. We are informed, that on that occasion, a Roman Catholic spoke so init was decided by a large majority, pressively against this measure, that that the chapel should not be taxed. The meeting was then adjourned, and the disappointed party assem bled together next day without any suspicion on the part of Mr. Hill's friends, and determined to assess the chapel at the rate of £ 300 per ann. while Englishmen are taxing their It is a curious circumstance that, places of worship, Buonaparte is taxing places of amusement. By a late decree, all theatres of the second rank, small theatres, masked spectacles, are to pay a tax. For balls, concerts, and all manner of balls, &c. one fifth of the gross receipts, the poors' tax being first deducted. The London Provident Society for Widows, have enlarged their plan, and mean to extend their number. See page 12 of the Cover. RECENT DEATHS. Lately died, after a long course of suffering, the Rev, George Bullock, of Wilbarston, Leicestershire. He was interred Sept. 30, 1811. At Witham, the Rev. Mr. Farster, Independent minister of Malden, in Essex. He expired, after a very few hours illness, at the house of his friend, the Rev. Mr. Newton. |