The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-12-12 00:00:00

Dee. 12, 1843. THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD ANNUAL MEETING both our common law and our statute law, utterly r ject , not to accuse them of any dereliction of duty. On the the arrogant claim of the Papal Clergy to be exempt from contrary, holding the principles which they hold, it would the jurisdiction of the civil courts. (Hear, hear.) But, be a great dereliction of duty on their part not to attempt my friends, the instruction you wished me to give you on this consummation, which, in prostrating England, would this occasion would be very incomplete if it were confined prostrate the whole world at the feet of St. Peter's chair. to a statement of your Christian duty as subjects under (Loud cheers.) All our colonies east and west would, as ti r ° o ! 3 _ Tuesday evening last the annual meeting of the i the law. Another question of deep interest arises with a matter of course, fall in the wake of the mother coun i4 estant Operative Association of this town, was held regard to Christian duty in making or altering the lawssmall Protestant communities on tne continent ~,,h4._T Commercial Hall, Gloucester - street, and the room, and also in the selection of such representatives as shall of Europe would scarcely supply a mouthful for the then p r ;_ &C , n Is very large, and, though plain, exceedingly appro- be from time to time invested with the power of making rampant Leviathan ; and no steady or combined resistance Pa ' r d t ce for such a purpose, was densely crowded in every or altering the laws. On this point the Christian duty of could be expected from the insulated and unorganised hile some hundreds, probably, were excluded for onLans demands our attention, and in considering this congregations of Protestants in the United States of want fiv es °f rosin—such was the anxiety of the honest opera- we are not f orsa ki ng our p ro p er p r actical discussion, or America. There would not rem a in on the f a ce o f th e the attached to the church and state to en resent on entering upon theories in which we have no personal globe a single citadel unstormed ; not a voice of even re sage°seca'irm• We should think that, includg the pas- practical concern; for many among you are indirectly in- monstrance against the imprisonment or martyrdom of , , there, were present not fewer than two thousand deed, but still in a very important sense, rulers in this the last of the heretics. (Loud cheers.) They are bound e hundred individuals, including a number of females; ae ci be - realm. I will make this Plain presently, when I have first to make the attempt : they are bound to persevere in the % sis , ' ,, lee the workmen, who formed the majority, a reminded you that it is the scriptural duty of all rulers of attempt : and we have no right to calculate on any real Classled sprinkling of respectable tradesmen, who every description to rule in the fear of God. For so . it cessation from . the attempt ; however circumstances may . s l as aieu hi harmony and good feeling with the humbler is written, "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling from time to time lead them to restrain or modify . their w e L e s of their townsmen. The utmost unaoimity, and, in the fear of God." Here it is plainly laid . down that successive demands.. ...(Hear, hear . .) . Whether it be the seve tu . ay add, enthusiasm prevailed throughout ; and the all rulers among men should not only be religious . men, elective franchise in 1/93, or . admission to parliament . in ti e ' a l speakers were listened to with the greatest atten- living as individuals in the fear of God, but as religious 1829, or to the corporations in 1834 ; whether it be repeal heartyallowed breathing time by frequent loud and ru l ers , exerc i s i ng th e ir official authority religiously, ruling of the Irish Union in 1843, or the payment of the I r i s h plaudits. as well as living, in the fear of God. (Hear.) This as a priests in 1844 ;—all have been and would be but instal tooA,bnut half- past six o'clock the Rev. HUGH WNEILE general princpre, is of the first importance, condemning ments—instalments, at no one stage supplying a level on taa :_s the chair amidst the strongest demonstrations of, we as it does, on the express authority of Scripture, those which contentment and peace might be expected, but in 1 1 i4 say, affectionate regard ; and amongst those around who maintain that although all men of every station every instance acting as the steps of a ladder for gradual th,, ~,T the platform we observed the Rev. W. Falloon, should be religious, considered in their individual ca a- , ascent, increasing the possibility, and therefore "v. Dr. Tattershall, the Rev. F. Parry, the Rev. D. city as heirs of immortality ; yet that rulers, as rulers ling the prospect, and stimulating tbition to reach anima- James,j, the Bev. John Finlay, and other rev. gentlemen, over the affairs of this world, have no concern with reli- the top. (Loud and continuedinlbring.) . I have 3 y clin g Hampton, W. Hughes, E. assemblage Irvin, gion. But my object now is not controversy with others, thought and read, and thought again upon this point, ef ..iorgan, &c., and also a highly respectable but instruction to you, ; and I have to point how with great anyiety. I have earnestly desired to dia. Ti n t 2le laity, including Messrs. Glazebrook, Howard, and in what degree you, or any of you, are entrusted cern some hope of permanent security to our consti iees,7, Boutflower, Harbord, and many others whose with rule in this realm, and to give you some hints tution without penal statutes. I entertain as unfeigned V.We did not note. in the way of help towards a Christian discharge a repugnance to penal statutes as any liberal politi rese the top of the room were two large flags, one of them of that trust. The simplest form of government cian in the kingdom. But I must confess that lam tre,senting King William 111. on horseback, with the among men, that which most exactly represents compelled to the conclusion, that the British constitution te "! device; the other the flag of the Loyal Orange Be- the government of God, is an a bsolute mona rchy. When must be destroyed, unless some political disabilities be piZelent Society. On one side of the platform was die- the monarch is perfect, this is perfect. There is no risk again imposed upon Roman Catholics. (Hear, hear.) le lie!iia flag representing the landing of the same.monarch of abuse of power, and no occasion for any limitation of Ido not venture to say that it is abstractedly right to do of our o nd ; and there were also two full length likenesses power; there is no risk of any lack of wsdm, and no this.. Many pr!nciples may possibly be involved in the Re s , present gracious sovereign, with suitable mottoes. occasion to multiply counsellors. But under monarchs, ques . tion, to w . hich I have not been able, however willing, be t "obi add that the speakers were well heard through- themselves fallen mortals, this perfection is not to he had. to give sufficient attention. Perhaps it may be better. 4.t ev,en at the further extremity of the room. There is risk of abuse, and, therefore, need s for limitation. upon the whole, to sacrifice the British constitution than op en . t e cte request of the CHAIRMAN, the Rev. F. Parry There is risk of mistake, and, therefore, need for assist - to impose any political disabilities even upon persons who th ere ` s u the proceedings with a prayer invoking a blessing ante in counsel. The modes of arranging all this are hay -• a divided, or rather an alienated, allegiance. Nei theiruf.U.; and breathing the most Christian feeling toward various ; that is, there are various modes of distributing ther do I venture to say that it is now possible. The state reli s i o e s i s ote-beings . who were unhappily opposed to them in power among different . individuals . in a nation, and for of public feeling in England may now be such, that a Th e Rev, political views. different periods of time. But in whatever measure, or majority of her representatives, a majority of her elect°. e lea " . _e Rev. CHAIRMAN then rose, and addressed the im- for whatever period power is distributed, the persons ex- rat constituences, would rather give, up her constitution if labo:terisselnblage nearly as follows :—Friends and fellow- ercising it are in their degree and ti me rulers, and, as necessary, than enact penal statutes. But I do venture .46._ v ears, in the midst of much agitation, and surrounded Christians, are bound to rule in `the fear of God. (Hear, to say, and I think it requires no gift of prophecy, but 1144..gear!ety of movements, having for their object such and cheers.) In this realm the chief ruler, and for life, simply, a knowledge of the facts of the case with an or. es se u _ e s in our church as would divest it of its scriptural peerage, dinary measure of sagacity and candour, to enter into the is the SOVEREIGN, supported by the hereditary o ss " . a . ter, such changes in our state as would destroy the who also are rulers for life ; and that our most gracious saying, that (whether for eventual good or evil) the Bri. t0,7,,,,US trembling balance of power in our limited mo- Sovereign, whom God preserve !—(prolonged applause)— tish Constitution cannot be maintained without defences; !S,`„"J, and such changes in the connexion between our may rule in the fear of God, we pray for divine grace defences similar in character to those which still surround I N 'm and state, as would make the ecclesiastical power upon her sacred head and heart • that, " knowing whose the throne and the woolsack, but greatly enlarged in ts s lendent of, and, as I think, ultimately subversive of minister she is, she may above all things seek God's glory their extent, and accompanied by a vigorous propagation of liZcivil ruler, it is your privilege to be associated on the and honour." And further, that the nation may have a the Gospel. (Mucha pplause.) This is the grand point. latef our existing institutions, an humble, but honest, public guarantee for this, on which they may confide in an encouraged and protected Christian mission : without le, ?usent to resist, and, at least, to retard such sweep- all the Christian enthusiasm of allegiance, the following this, with its appropriate results, there can be no real ite d eUanges ; and it is my privilege to behold your order questions are put and answers given on the day of each permanent peace between the countries. But this must to i st eadfastness, and peaceful perseverance, knowing you coronation. I quote from Blackstone : be comparatively slow in operation, and its results, even eiseeure zealously affected in this good cause. (Hear, and " The Archbishop or Bishop shall say,—Will you solemnly if successful, must, in the absence of miracles, be very at ono s • I have much pleasure, therefore, in occupying, promise and swear to govern the people of . this kingd . om i f gradual. In the . meantime, there ought, lam persuaded, Ilartiee, r of your annual meetings, the post which your England, and the dominions thereto belonging, according to to be some political checks in the way of defence. Ido ae oe ILY has conferred upon me ; and I will gladly en- the statutes in parliament agreed on, and the laws and customs not pretend to say to what extent they should be carried : ,Mahout to comply, as briefly as possible, with a request of the . same ? certainly I think to the least possible compatible with 1 s ! has Seen made of me by some of yourselves—that " The Fang or Queen shall say,—l solemnly promise so to do. our safety and our liberties. This has been often said "Archbishop or Bishop.—Will you to your power cause law cold on this occasion give you, in a condensed form, and justice, in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments ? and reasons of too painful cogency have been assigned for Wo rd ." that inst ruc ti on i n S cr ipt ura l politics, or, in other ~ King or Queen .—I will. saying it. In these last days, facts have supplied such a corn stSie:,,ln practical Christianity including political duties, "Archbishop or Bishop.—Will you to theutmost of your powe meant on these reasons, as it requires either wilful scepticism s ou f u it has been one of my objects to inculcate among maintain the laws of God, the . true profession of the Gospel , and or judicial infatuation to disregard. Yet still, what is to be o f l er the last nine years. (Hear.) The scriptural basis th:3 , Protestant reformeAdurtt.guimreosmtaisbelisthoeg do. law . done ? What ought to be done ? What can be done ? These Pilit Such instruction addressed to you as subjects, is ‘. A K ; t n e g r this, i sil Que e n. —A ll the n King or l ane p en laying his or her hand upon questions present difficulties such as enthusiasts may make ' stese_?rnprehensive and familiar saying of our Lord,light of, but such as practical statesmen, however zealous the Holy Gospels , ' shall say,—The things which I have here 110 r e s u er unto Caesar the things that are Caesars. " The before promised, I will perform and keep—so help me God; and honest in the cause, cannot overcome. Do not, my tne ani „ ar e. so familiar that they seem to be plain ; yet their and then shall kiss th., book." Christian friends, think lightly of the difficulties by ryi o ".g Is profound, and their application, under the va- On this the editor of Blackstone has a note thus : which your leading statesmen are now beset. It is easy Il ea circumstances of the Christian church, is full of de- " And it is required both by the bill of rights IW. and hi st. 2. for persons without responsibility to find fault. It is ij e s' and difficulty. When goi fie , !h eir ~ simply and literally, the Roman emperor. In King and Queen shall repeat and subscribe the declaration cessary for a comprehensive view of a subject, to fancy i t} , abiding and transferable application, Caesar signifies against Popery according to the 30th Car. 2. themselves masters of it, and to feel impatient, and even ha p " p e e l2 o ,wers that be," of whatever kind those powers may This is the first and highest step in the Christian rule indignant, because their views are not carried out ; but it unto a" e to be, the civil ruler, whether absolute or limited, of this realm. But, secondly, our Sovereign rules by the is not easy, it is awful, to act with ;sewer in a doubtful tiato things which a Christian is commanded to render instrumentality of responsible advisers; and that they case, when the welfare of millions, in this world and in kis s i sar may be thus generally defined,—willing sub- may advise, that is, execute their part of the rule, in the the next, may depend upon that act. Let the difficulties tl efia : 3 . tl and cordial co-operation in all things lawful. This fear of God, we p ra y for " the lords of the council arid of the vernment then be made subjects of prayer in tio4 ,'"on will apply to every case, requiring only a varia- all the nobility, that they may have grace, wisdom, and deed, not g merel •in a stated form, but with conscientious e,_ l l. u.svhat is referred to by the word lawful. When understanding." (Hear.) But, thirdly, these lords of earnestness and } frequency imploring Almighty God for o ; ,;a is an individual invested, in the providence of God, the council rule—that is, hold their places of authority as ble gl a bsolute power, for the use of which he is responsi- advisers of the Sovereign—according to the decisions of his dear Son's . sake to pour forth abundantl upon ou beloved Sovere . i_gn and her responsible advisers . y th spirit th r N, to God, then the limit of rightful authority and parliament. These decisions are come to by majorities of practical . wisdom and political sagacity, duly combi- Th e ' 8 l fan obedience has reference only to the law of God. after free debate ; and that these majorities may decide fling patience and firmn . ess,. moderation and decision,. for to oi re sno other check. It is only when such a Caesar religiously, we pray to God to " direct and prosper all the performance of their . high and solemn duties. (Ap lias ulands what God has forbidden, or forbids what God their consultations to the advancement of his glory." One step more, fourthly,—parliamentary 'neje -I:er,,Commanded, that Christian subjects can , without sin , (Hear.) plause.) And now, a word on what in most o , f , my ad is ts s e, to yield obedience. In every thing short' of this, it rides depend upon the selections of representatives made dresses to you occupies nearly all my words,— Render unto God the things . that are God's. ' !' his again is o s e a rr duty to obey, remembering that Caesar ' s power is by the voters among the people. (Hear.) This is the vei sth n ed of God. This is the simplest case of all. This appeal in the last resort for the rule of the kingdom , and comprehensive, requiring all that we are, and . all that we ssee,"" e Position of the eo le of God under Nebuchad- you and others like you should be careful to answer it ' have, ourselves, our souls and bodies, our time, our tte tvl,;ar and Darius • they ') were obedient up to the point the fear of . God. Every voter, at every election, is, dum- lents, our properties, to be a holy and lively sacrifice t . re the law of dod interposed, and that point is illus- ring his appointed time, and according to his appointed 'atee b unto Him : that we should in all . things, whether in acts of which is are avowedly w o e r d i l n y r r e e l l i a g t i l o v u e s, in o=t n, he .,, vnr businesses te.,„ . Y the history of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed- measure, a ruler ; and every Christian voter, who has V a In the furnace, and of Daniel in the den of lions. learned from the Scriptures that whatsoever he fines ie la ero was the position of the primitive Christians under itio s ,when. Paul wrote, by the spirit, his well kno wn in aprons to be obedient to the civil po w er. Ch r i s ti ans li c h e r such a Ca sar were often required to do what, con doned in itself, it would have been much bett er not to :.tut, being in Divine Providence so politically si. SiZa, they had no choice. They naturally, however, de die 4 change in their political position ; they d es i re d a e o ,efent kind of Caesar , under who m suc h thi ngs could b,' be lawfully required. They longed for some check Ann the will of their absolute ruler in matters not speci pOllly provided for in the reve a l e d l aw o f God. Such de i es were not wrong, neither was it o!ceably way at their sti-' _ ..,.,...use the Bible no lie`ate prescribes that eve r y Christian government should llik,,lnluta. (Hear.) As . a matter of f ac t, such desires Ns; It! some . nations, in our own favoured nation, been Ileettained. I will not attempt at present to show, in e , o se } la te e , . most rapid outline, how this was done, but s i s l bs e ul point out your position and duties now that it ~ 91, 1 ) 11 done. When Caesar is not an absolute indivi ,o„ 4. , . f„'le bt ' a complicated arrangement made by mutual lig ai m ; and consolidated into law, then the limit of right 1 4 4 h a gosity and Christian obedience has reference to eh eip l llan code, as well as to the divine law. Under 0 1 It j• • "Instances occasions may arise when it might be elllog fi r a Christian to refuse obedience, although the i;ali e , ; _ e rnanded of him may have no direct or obvious , 1 the required act of obedience be opposed in any thing e eor ose man compact. This is our case. Our Caesar is wiverricated antiarrangemen consolidated into law. The e l V f . , i; ' , l g e n , considered as ndividu . al, in himself or her s'sletnt our Caesar. The hereditary branch of the le- elf, Considered in itself is not our Caesar. The re el!, •"'ative branch of our Ilislature, considered in it- Der* 15 • not 4 ,,10ei e , our Caesar . The electoral constituencies, who Oth es ""Y select those representatives, are not our Caesar. ei atie e taken together, and considered in their mutual ll "%Els e . stablished by the laws . , constitute our Ceesar, i s e Ye's Involved in certain duties to all the rest. The ~ le surf , . to whom is entrusted the execution of the laws, '45 b,..Y bound to execute those ws and no other I 'lls ''" ial d •in a boun d 1 • b i b „„,_ ,n a epartments, is utyto wi ling N o t h'un and cordial co-ol N o °old the Sovereign attemp, li o or s ltled , 0 execute any different laws, ave L ° submit; n o ~ although the matter in question ma, th_otrect bearing upon the law of God. Our posi sfilaie ` r efore. is essentially different from that of the i i Tit- 've Christians unde- '"-- --- nerors, and • • OP TES LIVERPOOL PROTESTANT OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION to aim in a aeration with the execut he people are not .per the Koolau _ th, t*li`aselft P a highly instructive. Nero was absolute. In pleasir will without human restriction, he was the „His was law ; his word was life or death. It God to allow it to be so, and therefore Christians l ate rr not Properly refuse to obey Nero, unless he directly Ito 1 4 ere d with the law of God. However vexatious or his commands might have been in secular mat to 4_,hristians were bound to obey ; because it is better : (1 11 1h , Ure vexation and oppression than to die; but if he re — r 4 "cled them to disobey God, then they were bound ‘Apbpse, because it is better to die than to disobey God. r,a "I r ,"F.) ASovereign of England is not absolute. C::,."° , 3' one of the constituent parts of our English ; and if he attempt to act as if he were absolute, reference to the other parts . , it is no Christian r:1 41 ) o bey him. On the contrary, it becomes a Chris nttr''ll' to disobey him, and to maintain the balanced Je tti -ete r L our Caesar, even at the extreme cost of re• ti cki ng 'dm altogether. (Hear.) This is the hinge of our is %a re „.: volution. (Hear, hear.) James H. attempted P e'l- o lst n• He was the . branch of our Caesar to whom ntl . ' r usted the execution of the laws : but instead of I I! his trust, he acted in violation of it against the i 4 y was no Christian duty to submit. On the con -1.q...• w as Christian duty to refuse to submit, as the q h 14L _ a t "Ps did. And not only so, but it was a Christian maintain the balanced character of our Caesar 1;4 th '! the cost o f re j ec ti ng an d d epos i ng th e sovere i gn , phi 1) ,se "'a was the good service to their country performed m . en, who invited, and aided, and accom- Cilt t he accession of the Prince of Orange. (Vehe itk4a. d prolonged applause.) The . will of our compound 4 1 .' 3 expressed in law, and with us law is absolute. ,refore tnY friends, you would obey our Saviour, r ' , e nder to Caesar the things that are Caesar's ; .`aist'iltst be obedient, willingly so, to the laws, you rieo' n e , co-operative, cordially so, in maintaining the l c' and supremacy of the laws. (Hear, hear.) c h t kralat not only refrain from any breach of the law th'jt - 1 . 4 1 , 8 , but you must never connive at any such breach m att e 4l°- ” e • It is not enough to be passively harmless in erLsaisayou must be active to prevent harm. When VC, 44 ° ' or an offence, you must never shrink from Riv 'ais -s ne edful information to the proper authorities. e f a branch of your Christian duty, for the perform ,ou require true courage ; because through 2 1 1n r -a L PDY perversion of liberty, the character of an in ty%a"" become as generally odious as the character of n der. and amongst certain classes of the commu dZen w ho more odious. But you must reme m ber that at ed will nor co-operate to support the laws when rte l: a gainst others, do not deserve the protection of t t iti l yrl" when violated ag a i ns t th emse l ves . (Ch eers .) I,..`taf „*" remembe r , also, that, in the Scripture, n ot the Ca .e ; t cY is condernned, but the man also who " saw him 0441 18 ented with him." And, therefore, you will not t ,T i s,Qc to inform against the violaters of the laws, when e acquaint e d, i n a providential way, with their 4, fr o I need scarcely say that this is essentially diffe.r -41., 41 the Co licated treachery of becoming pies replicated . t o iar ess sake, but for th e t , t , 4 : 1 ; 1 cheers) Consider' Yle sovereign foi word or deed,. whether •he eats or drinks, he should do in the name of the Lord Jesus, will not allow his conduct at the polling booth to be an exception to his Christian life, but will endeavour, to the best of his wisdom and knowledge, to give his vote in the fear of God. (Cheers.) To do so with intelligence, he must have regard both to the revealed will of God, which is unchangeable, and to the balanced order of things in the realm, which has been found to work well upon the whole, and which ought not to be fundamentally changed without very urgent neces sity. (Hear.) Referring to the former, in the details of religious doctrine and ecclesiastical discipline, there may exist differences which it is difficult for the most COlicel. entious to adjust, which, I may perhaps say with truth, it is utterly impracticable to reduce to uniformity : and if the candidates for our parliamentary suffrages were all men of avowed godliness, agreeing in every fundamental truth substantially scriptural and Christian, and differ: '-' where c , C ...anscientious ,hristians may differ; if they were all men who, in the language of St. Paul, " hold the head," repudiating every species of idolatry, and blasphemy, and infidelity, and maintaining openly and -Qtly that 'lers -- Iv 1' honest. ruin. 4nould not on., five as individuals, but rule as rulers, in the fear of God ; then the duty of voters would be simplified,—then private, personal pre ferences might be lawfully indulged, because, whoever was elected, the main points are secure. But if the candidates for our suffrages differ on the most vital mat ters ; and some of them do not " hold the Head," do not acknowledge Jesus Christ to be God over all, neither bow down nor worship him ; and if some of them bow down to an image of him, and to divers other images in direct defiance of God's most holy law ;—(loud applause) —if some others of them, rejecting these extremes of anti-christianity and professing themselves members of a Christian Church. avowing also that as private individ- theless as rulers, in their official capacity, sink their Christianity and make common cause and common com panionship with Socinians and Rotnanists ; how then can we delegate power to such ? how can we exercise our part of the rule of the country in the fear of Gad, if we do an act tending to constitute such men our representatives? (Cheers.) With reference to the balanced order of things in the realm also, although the standard is not so precise, which should be held sacred a substantial prerogative for example on the part of the Crown, to guard against all encroachments of democracy : and well defined privileges on the part of the people of all ranks, to guard against 111 ha all encroachments of tyranny or oppression. ()n many matters of detail affecting the anticipated improvement, or apprehended injury to the working of this balance, there may be differences of opinion among honest and conscientious supporters of the British Constitution as it is ; and if the candidates for our suffrages differed only on such details all being, real friends of the fundamental principles of our glorious constitution, then there would be comparatively little ground of preference for one above another : for whoever was elected the British Constitution in its foundations would be safe. But if some candidates present themselves of whom we know that they desire and aim at a new Charter,—(hear, hear.)—which would give a general election every year, and a vote to every man, and a dark ballot mask to every voter—(hear, hear, and much cheering)—thus destroying our balance and our peace ; and if other candidates present themselves, of whom we know that they cannot be true to their own Church and its head, without being untrue to the pledged protestantism of our Sovereign ; and that conseque n tly such persons if sincere in their religion, as it pledges them against heretics, especially heretical sovereigns, must be insincere in their allegiance to the Crown of England as now limited. And on the contrary, if they be indeed sincere in their allegiance ; notwithstanding the contracted, pledged, and indefeasible Protestantism of our Sovereign ;—(cheers)—then they must be insincere in their Romanism or Papalism ;—(renewed cheers)—when such candidates present themselves, bow can we delegate power to them ? How can we as Christian people, thank ful to God for his mercies of peace and good government to our land, vote for such persons in the fear of God ? (Loud applause.) Thus, then, without requiring specific promises in detail from candidates, and indeed objecting on principle to the system of pledged delegates instead of free representatives, we are nevertheless called in our measure to the defence and support of our Constitution, on the general reputation of men and measures. The more minute particulars must be matters of local and per sonal inquiry as occasions arise. (Hear.) The Christian duty thus described has been greviously neglected. Nay more, the principles on which it rests have been grossly and extensively violated ; so extensively, that every estate in the realm, except the crown, has lost its Christian character. Hence our troubles. Hence our divisions. Hence our dangers. (Hear, hear.) From the systematic, patient, and skilfully conducted advances of Roman ism our danger is imminent, and the more so, be cause many of those who alone can efficiently guard against it, seem determined not to see it. Our Roma nist opponents are not merely that portion of our own population who are members of the Church of Rome, — if this were so, the danger would be comparatively small, —but the whole organised system of that church, through out the whole world, is against us. Universal supremacy is the claim of that system,—a claim not admitting of abandonment, or even of modification. It is declared to be divine in its origin and absolute in itself. To say that the subjects of the Papal court aim at the establishment of such a supremacy, is only to say that they are sincere and consistent. To say that they make use of all practicable w — •-- , +F Aiect ns for the attainment or tr active and diligent •Rtate"',lle's lank.. 1144, to be ready to a s ' l l thiS point, that th thurchtruly bindirm aa only to sa they vary the r I will o :hat they a ro say that ans made u enjoyments and responsibilities, - or in political duties, cultivate the intention, and aim, and desire to do all in the way which we really believe to be agreeable to the will of God our Father. God our Redeemer, God our sanctifier. (Hear.) There are two or three special to pics on which I had hoped to be able to say something to you to-night ; but I have already occupied a large portion of your time, and must for the present forbear. (Cries of " No, no and "Go on! ") Your Secretary will now read your last year's report. The reverend Chairman resumed his seat amidst tu multuous applause, mingled with the Kentish fire. Mr. TAYLOR, of Camden -street, then read the report ' the treasurer's accountF F .s _ rom the latter it appeared that the receipts for the past year had been £47 6s. 10d., and the expenditure £33 12s. 9d. ; leaving a balance of £l3 14s. ld. : setting which against the debt of £25 17s. 21d., there remained still to be liquidated £l2 3s. lid. The Rev. F. PARRY moved that the report be received, printed, and circulated, under the directions of the com mittee. He hoped that God, in his infinite mercy, would so direct their minds that they should never be ashamed of the name of Protestants, or of the principles of which Protestantism was the badge. Long might that name speak with energy to their bearts, and rekindle in those who were drooping the fire of truth, as it was in Jesus. A few years ago it would have been deemed the wildest flight of imagination, even to hint that any one would be ashamed of that name. But unhappily such a thing could no longer be considered wild or absurd, for there were those who openly avowed that they were ashamed of the Protestant name. Even amongst themselves—amongst their own Protestant clergy—there had recently not been wanting those who were not ashamed to avow that they were ashamed of that name. One holding orders in their church had presumed to call one of the greatest lights and ornaments of our reformed religion, Bishop Jewel, " an irreverent dissenter I" The man who said so was he who dissented from the Articles and Homilies—from the stan dard of that religion to which he had pledged his vow, and affixed his signature. (Hear.) The assailant of Bi shop Jewel, dissented from the Bible, to which that dis tinguished divine firmly adhered. (Cheers.) He hoped, therefore, they would all glory in the name of Protestant, and not only so, but remember what it imported. It im plied a protest, and that of a comprehensive character. In the first place, it implied that we, as our forefathers had done before us, protested against the Bishop of Rome, who claimed to be supreme over all bishops and ministers, both ecclesiastically and civilly ; and if they were consis tent, they must let this protest be known ; not only known, but heard; not only heard, but felt. (Cheers.) They protested, therefore, against the dishonour done by the Church of Rome to the Word of God, as if it were insuf ficient for the purpose for which He had vouchsafed to give it ; and they protested against its being supplanted by the vain traditions of men. (Hear.) And they further against the Romish doctrine of human merit, and took their firm ground upon that doctrine—on which alone the true church must stand or fall—the doctrine of justifica tion by faith alone in the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hear.) Aiod surely they would be jealous of Le Saviour being so deprived of his attributes, and not endure that the crown should be taken from His head, and the sceptre from His hand, and conferred upon another—a mere err ing creature ! (Hear.) They further protested against the idolatries of the Church of Rome. She worshipped the creature in prayer and in praise; and praying was surely an act of worship, if anything were so. In praying to the Virgin Mary, they exalted her to the merits and powers beyond what was sanctioned by Scripture—investing her with divinity. He held in his hand a book of Romish Devotions, which he had procured from a relative on the Continent. It was in the French language, but he would faithfully translate the few passages to which he should refer. There was a Litany to the Holy Virgin, from which he should select one or two invocations. In these she was addressed as " Holy Mother, pray for us !" She was designated as " Source of our joy," which he consi dered idolatrous and blasphemous ; for were they no, told that they should "Rejoice (alone) in the Lord Jesus." She was also called " The Gate of Heaven ;" though Jesus said, " I am the way, and no man cometh to the Father but by me." Again she was invoked as "The Refuge for Sinners ;" and in various other ways, all proving that the Church of Rome gave the glory to another, which belonged solely to our blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. (Hear.) . In these days, therefore, of spurious sentimentalism and li berality, and pretended charity, it behoved them to know what their principles were, and to act upon them. They might he told that popery had lost much of its rancour ; that it was not, in fact, what it had been. But he could assure them that it was still active and rampant. And what had Protestants done to arrest its malignant pro gress ? They had thrown down one bulwark after an other ; opened one gate after another ; and yielded con cession after concession, and conciliation after concilia tion, to (he might say) a ruinous extent ; while every such concession had but given renewed vigour and energy to Popery. (" Hear," and cheers.) They had supported the College of Maynooth ; they had granted Catholic emancipation (falsely so called ;) and all without effect, saving in aiding the evil to extend itself in every quarter. Even Daniel O'COnnell himself had some years ago ad mitted the fact in his expositions of the progress of Popery, delivered in a speech of which he (the speaker) then held in his hand a passage as taken from a report in an Irish newspaper. He stated that, when he was a student in the Temple, there were but 38 Romish places of worship in this country, and then there were 500; that Ireland contained 6,500,000 Roman Catholics ; that in Liverpool, where there had formerly been but of, as the circurr iich they are called , to act, is only to say agacious and skilful. And to say that they they thought the end justified the means, hat they treat some of their own princi r. To allege, therefore, that they aim at upon ti mu, were were tnen iou,ouv ; that in iU aLI L eaev.,.. there were before but 100, there were then 90,000; and so of other places. Then they had in this town an order of Jesuits amongst them—the Sisters of Charity. Another fact was, that in the last session of Parliament, two Roman Catholic peers had stood up and endeavoured shamelessly to vindicate the violation of the oath they had taken, that they should pursue no course adverse to the interests or doctrines of the Church of England. This avowal had brouctht nnon his leas Lord Broueharn. who. in one of his he destruction of the British constitution in chinch and tate, and the recovery of England to the papal' crown, is a upon the withering flights of eloquence, said, that if such was the general sentiments of the Roman Catholic body, he had been wrong in all his anticipations. and that Lord Win chilsea had been right in all his gloomy forebodings. Mr. RADCLIFFE said that, though an operative, he had been requested to second the resolution, and he heartily did so, considering it his duty to lift up his voice in de fence of our glorious constitution in church and state. They were charged with being uncharitable ; but this he denied. They entertained no unkind feeling to anv man, be he Jew, Turk, heretic, or infidel. But suppose a ves sel were on the point of sailing from the port of Liverpool, with her valuable cargo and her crew on board, and they happened to discover that she was not seaworthy, would it not be their duty to do all in their power to dissuade the confiding but mistaken men from proceeding with her? (Hear.) Now, they had examined the old Romish ship (loud cheers)—they bad found that her bottom was rotten (continued cheers and laughter)—and were they uncharitable to the crew if they told them, as they valued their souls, to abandon such a vessel, and coma into the only life-boat for the salvation of perishing sinners, so that they might finally arrive at the haven of eternal happiness? (Loud cheers.) They were accused of being agitators. but was not our Saviour himself an agitator, showing, however, charity and kindness in all his works ? Was not Martin Luther an agitator, and did he not shake the foundation of the Pope'slingdOm to its foundations? (Cheers.) If bad men agitated, and not for good but for evil, should not they agitate too? Would they allow the Pope and the Devil to have it all their own way? (Hear.) No ; they must " agitate, agitate, agitate," until every Popish mass-house was converted into a church of Christ, and every Papist into a Protestant. (Cheers.) But this was being too sanguine, for such a consummation could alone be effected by the Great Reformer of mankind, when he again visited the world. They owed the utmost loyalty arid affection to their beloved Queen ; and so long as she would adhere to and defend those principles for which her ancestors were called to the throne, so, long would they stand by her, and, if called upon, be ready to spill the last drop of their blood in her behalf. (Cheers.) And they owed a higher fealty to the Church, whose sublime ordinances, whose redeeming doctrines, whose touching Liturgy, it was impossible to contemplate with out awe and reverence. It was pleasing to behold, in the smiling landscape, the humble cottages of the poor and the palacial mansions of the rich ; but there was no edi fice that called forth more exalting associations than the little venerable village-church —no sound more delightful than that of its bell; and well might they exclaim, on seeing these sacred monuments of the piety of their fa- thers— " Those temples of His heavenly grace, How glorious they stand ! The honours of our native place; The bulwarks of our land !" (Cheers.) Their enemies might say that these associa tions had effected no good. But had they not " reformed" a " reformed" corporation ? (Cheers.) Had they not reformed the reform schools, and brought into them the scriptural education of the young? (Loud cheers.) True they were in want of funds; but the time had come when every one should do all he could to rally round the stan dard of their faith, and bestow with liberal hand. They had, too, the Sisters of Charity to contend with ; but if they disseminated their principles widely, they would be more than a match for the Romish priests, or the nuns either. (Hear, and laughter.) These " sisters" were going about with their little baskets with tea and sugar, wiling themselves into the hearts of poor silly females, many of whom they had induced, he learned, to attend their seminary to be taught to read and write; but when they got them there, these pious ladies began their en deavours to make them Roman Catholics. (Hear.) But. as Protestants, they must make a bold and lasting stand against the man of sin; they must rally round the glori ous banner of William the Third, and their watchword must be—" The Protestant religion, and the glorious li berties of England !" (Loud cheers.) The resolution having been passed, on the suggestion of the rev. Chairman, a collection was then made, to de fray the expenses of the room, and liquidate the outstand ing debt of the association. The sum of about £B. was obtained. The Rev. Dr. TATTERSHALL then rose to propose the second resolution, appointing the officers for the ensuing year. After pointing out the duty of applying religion to all the purposes of life, politics included, he dwelt upon the utility of bringing forward particular doctrines of the Romish church at these meetings, so that the audiences might have something to carry away with them, and me ditate upon. He then referred to what was called the doctrine of " intention," and quoted the canon of the Council of Trent, to the effect that " if any one shall say, that in the administration of the sacraments, the intention of the priest is not required for doing what the church does, let him be accursed." From this he proved, that however sincere or devout the parties might, be who re ceived any of the sacraments, unless the priest who admi nistered the sacrament had the right " intention," no sacrament was administered, and no benefit derived. Having touched upon baptism and the Lord's supper, he referred to marriage, which, he remarked, was also a sa crament in the Romish church. Now, however sincere a couple might be in devoting themselves to each other, according to God's holy ordinance, yet if the inward in tention of the officiating priest were wanting, the parties would not be'married ; and though they might have lived together ten, twenty, or thirty years, they would still be an unmarried couple, and their children illegitimate. (Hear, hear.) How could any one see into the heart of a priest, and tell that he was sincere in administering these sacraments ? (Cheers.) He was not putting a consequence that bad not been contemplated. The very case he had supposed had been debated at the Council of Trent. They had actually provided for it ; and how ? By saying, as they did with reference to the case of pe nance, that he " would be most negligznt of his own sal vation who should know that a priest was absolving him in joke, and did not look out for some one else who would act seriously." (The reading of this passage from a Latin Romish book, and the literal translation afterwards given, provoked a burst of mingled laughter and indigna tion.) This was the stuff for which the Romanists wished them to give up their Protestantism. (Cheers, mingled with the Kentish fire.) How much were the poor Catho lics to be pitied, who were thus fettered down by such odious doctrines! Yes : is He is a freeman whom the Truth makes free, And all are slaves besides." The names of the gentlemen proposed as officers were here read. Mr. HOWARD seconded the motion. He said he was always glad to meet the middle classes and working men of the town on such occasions, and to find them devoting a portion of their time to listening to such instructive truths as had that evening been so eloquently and forcibly expressed. It had been mentioned to him that gentle men had cause to be afraid to attend such meetings as these, they were-so boisterous. Their excellent chairman in his admirable address, had given an ample refutation of the calumnies that bad been uttered respecting the principles and objects of such meetings,—and the meet ing had, in its enthusiasm, done no more than give proper expression to their feelings. The Saviour himself bad loudly expressed his feelings by singing hallelujahs as he approached the temple, and rejoicing in a proper and moderate sense was not against the divine will ; for we were told that " the joy of the Lord was our strength," and that `• from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." He cordially thanked them for the respect ful attention they had paid to the excellent remarks and instruction given from the chair, every word of which had its effect, for every word was pure gold. (Cheers.) He besought them to carry that instruction home with them, and to impart it to their children. For himself, he re joiced there to meet a body of excellent men, who not only believed the truth as it was in Jesus, but showed it forth in their lives and actions. He conclude d by cordi ally seconding the resolution, which was u nanimously passed, The CHAIRMAN here read a note from the Rev. Joseph Baylee : the writer greatly regretted that an unavoid able engagement prevented him from attending the meet ing._ (Cheers.) I'he s liev. Mr. FALLOON then came forward and was received with tremendous cheers. He said,—Mr. Chair. man, I had intended contenting myself with simply moving this resolution, for I have been suffering so much all day from an affection of the head, that I could think of nothing, but the reformation tone of the speeches just delivered has acted like medicine upon me ; there must really be something salubrious about the atmosphere of a protestant meeting ; and I find myself so invigorated by breathing the air of true civil and religious liberty, that with your permission, and that of the meeting, I would say a few words. Would, Sir, that I could report on suffi cient authority, and bear out my statement by sufficiently satisfactory evidence, that such a real and decided change had taken place in the principles and practices of popery, that I could to-night, in duty to my God and with safety to my fellows, propose that our association be at once disbanded, as there is no longer any necessity for its ex istence; but how different is the tone of the resolution put into my hand, which pledges us to increased exertions, and to an enlargement of our protestant movement in this land. It would be far more satisfactory to the patriot who loves his country, and to the Christian who loves his God, that it were otherwise, for the patriot knows full well that his dear, his native land, is not, and never can be safe, so long as there dwell within its bosom, and sit amidst its councils, men who, so far from acknowledging with cor dial loyalty the rightful supremacy of our most gracious Sovereign within these realms, own allegiance to a foreign power, and that power alien and hostile to the Protestant ascendancy on the throne of England,—and this state of things is no joy to the patriot,—they are fond to charge us with taking a malignant pleasure in this controversy ; they say, we hold our meetings through Protestant spite ; far otherwise is the case. We would heartily rejoice to see the fetter burst into a thousand shreds that binds the poor Romanist in such disloyal thraldom. We would hail with gladness the hour that would give to Romish millions emancipation from priestcraft and disaffection, and make them truth-born freemen—a credit to their country and faithful servants to their God. Controversy, Sir, is in evitable, but not desirable, to the patriot or the Christian ; the latter knows how extremely difficult it is to be angry with evil and yet not to sin; he knows there is danger, lest in the excitement of the outer man the sweet repose of the inner man be disturbed, lest the calm flow of the spiritual man be ruffled by the turbulent waves of exter nal agitation, but still, being born again, be is " born a man of contention"—a witness for God, rind therefore he cannot be traitorous to his master by being tolerant of l association, o r saon rsnsdooi banner rieni o ; arkfntoni under ntni s r mdlt c aehsw a nree n edl dwfinehlwlagoi he, rci tt f ohyth o p. r apbht opposed, hsu h oeifi e gs gdehgh s :t a : wt k al asi as we ontde f ye s p ds, hw r ooao e , hnfn s to e doE : ntwarmanoel theauaa de, honourableds, . tcpr glorious o aeA n rni s ys e pea n lr net sions of 'God's truth in doctrine, and also to man's unjust .•. ..a•mamiSCP US, defenders of doctrine we protest equally against all forms of error, whether in the Church of Rome or elsewhere; whether it be Tractarianism, with all its polished craft and meot can any sinner find acceptance with the Father, in opposition to Unitarianism. I would not, Sir, individualize _ should sound as loud and as lustily against that arrant blas phemy against Heaven's Majesty, the God-denying heresy of Unitarianism. "If I durst choose between poison cups," says a talented and living divine, " I would take Deism rather than Sneinianism! it Rth.mQ as forgery, than, having received as truth, to drain of meaning; —to use without reserve the sponge and the thumb-screw, the one when passages are tco plain for controversy, the other when against us till unmercifully tortured." And I say this with no unkind feeling against them. God is my witness that I would delight to see them sheltered beneath that wing where there is a shadow, enjoying the downy softness of God the Father's love reposing on the bosom of his dear Son, rather than rust , 'ng on the ►' Almigl- _ -aick bosses of the buckler, and ad venturing themselves into the presence of that God 'vho out of Christ, is nothing less than a " consuming fire.' But, sir, Popery differs from all other forms of fake re. ligion in that it aims at political supremacy, and uses re• ligion as an engine wherewith to exercise a tyrannous over men s consciences, In order to use them for its purposes of political aggrandisement ; therefore we cannot consent to treat it simply as one of the many forms of doctrinal error so fearfully prevalent—it is more ; and we are obliged to take civil defences against it, and to in struct you to endeavour to maintain your rights as ci zens, ear- - 'tend for your faith DOCK COMMITTEE, -THURSDAY speciously gaining ground under the respectable garb of rereren , e for the church, or Unitarianism, with fair but false Philosophy, a sapless and a shrivelled creed—if creed The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Moore) announced, before the it be—deceiving its professors in this life, and rendering business was gone into, that the Dock Solicitor was in them hopeless for the life to come; building them up in attendance. and wished to make some explanations. something very transparent and beautiful, but marvel- Mr. G.W i ORTHINGTON W is then i n t ro d uced, and sta lously cold—a palace of ice, w hi c h w ill presently me l t te d , that n consequence of what t ransp i red at the last around its inmate, and b e a r hi m away am id st i ts d e l uge a meeting, he wished to make some explanation, and, the struggling creature, but a lost one. In whatever way God .better to do so, he had written down what he intended to is dishonoured, under whatever title the Son of God is re- say. He then proceeded to read a long document, whi c h jetted, our Protestant association, with the Bible in its stated that he mus t di st i nct l y avow that he had been hand, shows an und aun t e d f ron t to a ll , an d i n t h e face of guided entirely by the instructions of all boldly waives the unfurled banner of the cross, and tee in the whole of his prop.- cries with that ancient Protestant St. Paul, " God forbid solely on his own jud.-- that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus tions of the he Dock Commit that he had acted gment in carrying out the instruc- tat he .... _. Arist." Therefore it is that, as an associati on , we c l a - bl e f or the_ course . which ana had h been alone was responsi pursued. He then mom. for Scriptural educati on , th a t th e c hild ren o f our proceeded to state, that on the 26th of October the come population be instructed in an unmutilated unadulterated mittee resolved that it was highly desirable that an act of Bible, so that whilst they are taught that there is hut one t parliament should he obtained during the next session to mediator between God and man, and one great High authorise the dock trustees to complete the purchases Priest in the heavens, who alone can give pardon and abso- agreed to be made, and he was instructed to prepare the lution from sin, in opposition to Popery, they may also be parliamentary notices. That resolution was now before taught that our mediator is perfect God as well as perfect the Council, and until the Council had confirmed o r re man, and that only th roug h hi s prec i ous bl oo d o f atone. i ected that teani..t;,.., :...___ L. .. --- ..,.. ..tlitat,fon, it was binding on th mittee, and could not be altered or modified 'le Dock Corn_ d. The Dock when it had ,oe t, until the Council b a d been pronounced ouncii, thereontt therefore, required him, as Dock Sol le decision of . His duty, to pursue the 26th of Instructions contained in the resolution of the. October, so long as it might be before the Cnt , uuatacrEttiou. in order to carry out the resolution of the 26th of October, it was necessary to observe the rules prescribed by the standine orders of linth -r _ _ par _ liament, and one o f suc h ru l es was the depositing of plans with the Clerk of the Peace, on or before the 30th of No vember. The solicitor then, in reference to the decision of the committee to refer the new dock glans to a special committee, said that motion, and the subsequent appoint ment of the sub-committee did not profess to negative or in ar _ of the Dock Committee. On Loe the 28th of ornal November resolution he called upon the Town-clerk, and asked whether be agreed with him in opinion that the deposit of the parliamentary plans would not prevent any future alter a ti on b e i ng made in •L the const ructior or) wished to declare th Sat hour Up to the present time, he had had no further interview or corntnu nication with the Town-clerk on the subject—that he had received no instructions from the Town-clerk, and that (as such) , gnised any i, str s own -clerk. As to , you nesny cams _a as his (the solicitor's) general non-attendance at committee Christians. This we do by sending in our petitions. We meetings, it had always been understood that the corn remonstrate against compromise on the part of our rulers, mittee did not think it necessary for the Dock Solicitor firmly, yet respectfully—and we strive to return men to to be present at their meetings, unless specially sum power who will legislate on Bible principles; this we h ave mooed. lle had, however, ever since his appointment, done, and this we must continue to do, even though we been careful to remain in his own office during the time fail in our effort. Physical force we utterly repudiate—it of eachweeexkpllyaitnnetehtaintgt,heinreoldaeLthtooaitnteg innd , the ai standing t d d in e- g is opposed entirely t o our pr i nc i p l es —" t h e weapons of l ay, w h en requested to do so. The Solicito r th en pro oar warfare are no t carna l and that you ahould d o this, eef - del ro intelligently and soundly, we desire to cultivate amongst order to prevent any alteration being made in the mode You supreme reverence for the Bible, and a love for our of construction of the proposed docks, if made within the venerable church; and it only needs this to bring about limits of the lines described on the plans. In conclusion, a revival of sound Protestant feeling—and where is such the Solicitor referred to the following passage reported to a tone to be gathered but in the liturgy, articles, and have been used by Mr. Aikin, at the last meeting:— homilies of the Church of England ? Her voice is essen- " That the best plan of the proposed resolution would be tially Protestant; let it be beard. In her articles, whilst —whereas the Doek Solicitor his done what is believed we are protected against error in doct r i ne on th e one to be illegal, let him attend here and tell us whether he side, we have fences against Romish usurpation on the has done so or not." He said the imputation was eaten other ; whilst we have man's condition by the fall, and lated to injure his professional character generally, and the ground of his justification before God clearly set also his professional reputation as Dock Solicitor in par forth, we are also guarded against the fond inventions and ticular. blasphemous fables of Rome, and are taught that " the Mr. AIKIN explained, that what he meant to say on Bishop of Rome bath no jurisdiction within the realm of the occasion was, that it would be strange to ask the So- England." It was this tone that made Engl an d grea t i n licitor's opinion on his own act. He did not believe the days gone by, when the king had rather forfeit his throne Solicitor bad acted illegally, and had so expressed himself than that a cottage in England should want a Bible ; and in leaving the room. it is the revival of this tone now that will keep E ng l an d The Solicitor was then asked a number of questions, great : and we would say to you, brethren, act out practi- explanatory of the course be had adopted, by several cally in your lives the instructions you receive—m an if es t members of the Board; and, at length, on the motion of the power of God's truth in your characters; clamour and Mr. Ishcot, seconded by Mr. TROIMAN, the following applause are easy, but they are not all ; and it is fearful resolution was unanimously adopted :—" That the expla to know that a man may loudly shout for Protestantism nation given by the Dock Solicitor is satisfactory to this here, and yet on his dying bed be found without a saving committee, so far as regards the supposed interference of interest in Jesus Christ. Christian Principle, it has been the Council in depositing the parliamentary plans ; and well said, is to be found only at the foot of the cross; seek that the case for counsel, moved for at the last meeting it there—trust entirely in Christ—and then you can trust of this committee, is, in consequence, not now necessary." one another, and then your country can trust you. On the motion of Mr. EVANS, a resolution was then The resolution was seconded and unanimously car- passed, to the effect that the S o li c it or b e di recte d to give ried. his opinion as to the power of the Town Council to annul. The Rev. Mr. JAMES came forward amidst loud cheers, the proceedings of the committee by a simple majo to move the fourth resolution—to the effect that, whilst rity. it was the duty of a Christian government to provide re- The Dock Surveyor obtained permission to let the Can ligious instruction for the people, they should also dis- ning Dock dry. countenance the teachers of falsehood, and that the meet- A letter was read from the chairman of the Steam Tug ing therefore hoped that the Roman Catholic priesthood Company, stating the readiness of the company to enter should not, in order to their being conciliated, be endowed. into any arrangement with the Committee for the use of a With reference to the first clause of the resolution, he steam vessel, to be at the command of the committee, for urged with great force and eloquence the duty incumbent the purpose of towing out the life-boats in eases of ship on the government to provide religious instruction, and in wreck. After sonic little conversation, it was referred to addition to laws regulating fiscal and commercial matters, to give grants for the building of additional churches and schools, and thus to provide bread for the soul as well as bread for the body. It was equally incumbent upon our rulers to discountenance the teachers of error. Truth was a correct representation of facts, and the truth of God was to be found alone in the bible. In that sacred book, things were stated as they were ; those things pointed out which were required to be done by us, and what would take place if they did not abide by them, when they were called to their final account. It taught us that bread and wine should be partaken of at the sacrament of the Lord's supper. The Romish people though they gave the bread, withheld the cup, and therefore did they teach falsehood. Our Saviour said to the Jews, " Search the scriptures for in them there is salvation "; but the Romans withheld the scriptures, deeming them as a noxious pasture,—nay, they had even been known to burn them. (Hear.) [An instance of this, and of the prosecution of some parties who taught the scriptures in Spain in 1814, was here re lated.] The popish priests called upon their deluded flocks to say prayers in a language which they did not understand. They therefore taught falsehoods, and ought to be discountenanced. He could not but suppose that our government wished that the children in our schools and our people should be taught to worship the true God, and not the idol that ought to be "cast to the moles and the bats." Mr. Radcliffe had alluded in happy terms to the Romish ship, and her un-seaworthiness. And this reminded him that it would be well if a fleet of steam vessels were procured, and fitted with such men as he saw around him, to proceedto Italy and make an aggressive attack upon popery at its seat, calling for the countenance and protection of the British government, so that the time might soon come when the chair of St. Peter should be vacant. (Much cheering and laughter.) And then, on the first vacancy in that chair, he should wish to put their chairman into it. (Cheers and laughter.) England would then have nothing to fear from Rome: for he (the chair man) would elevate this country to the exalted station which she ought to occupy. We had as yet only gone half way up the hill of Zion. We must go to the top, and there rear our national English temple, and fortress of Protestantism so firmly and formidably that there should be no papist outside or inside of the walls to assail them. (Cheers.) Mr. H ARBORD seconded the motion, and it was carried. the Marine Surveyor's Committer.. A letter from John Farrar was referred to the Sub- Committee of Works. Mr. NicoL proposed that Messrs. Shand, Middleton, and Nicol should form a sub-committee, to carry out a resolution of the committee authorising negociations for the purchase of the land required for the new docks. Mr. AIXIN proposed, as an amendment, that all mat ters connected with the proposed new work be referred to the special sub -committee. The committee went to the vote, and nine voted in favour of the amendment ; only six voted for the motion. The committee then adjourned, after being in delibera tion for two hours and a quarter. Mr. Thomas Lockwood, of London-road, was, on Fri day, unanimously elected honorary surgeon to the Eastern Dispensary, vice Mr. Cheeseborou gh, resigned RODNEY-STREET WARD.—On Monday evening last, a great number of the conservatives of this ward dined to gether at the Adelphi Hotel, to celebrate the return of Mr. Birkett. Amongst those present were Mr. Paynp, (chairman,) Mr. R. Dawson, (vice-chairman,) Mr. H. Lawrence, Mr. John N. Wood, Mr. Edward G. Deane, Mr. Ellison, Mr. Samuel Holme, Mr. Hesketh, Mr. Syers, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Groom, Mr. Cul shaw, Mr. Bentley, Mr. Ford, and other influential gen tlemen. Mr. Alderman Crooke and Mr. James Aspinall, were absent through indisposition, and letters ware read from both those gentlemen regretting their inability to be present. Some admirable speeches were made during the evening, and strong allusions were also made to the atrocious attacks which have characterised the opposition to Mr. Birkett, and which, emanating as they did from the radical committee, had quite a contrary effect to that intended ; as it rendered neuter several parties who had purposed voting for Mr. Lassell, and brought to Mr. Bir kett's aid several who had previously intended to take no part in the election. One of the speakers alluded to se veral of the abominable and disgraceful attacks which had even invaded the sanctuary of domestic life; and the most determined resolution was exhibited to prevent radicalism from ever again obtaining a footing in the ward. Mr. Birkett, Mr. Henry Lawrence, Mr. Wood, Mr. Holme, and other speakers, were loudly applauded throughout; and such is the efficiency of the committee, and such the local influence of the conservatives of Rodney -street Ward, that the radicals may save themselves the trouble of con testing the ward against the present members; and Mr. Evans (whose good feeling towards Mr. Birkett is gene rally admitted) will have the gratification of seeing Mr. Birkett the representative of the ward as long, at least, as he remains an alderman. The CHAIRMAN combatted in a facetious manner Mr. James's suggestion for an aggressive movement upon Italy, which would be contrary to the laws of that coun try, and subject those who engaged in it to a voluntary martyrdom. He rather advocated meetings such as the present, and arguments in place of force. He then ad verted to the meeting of the Anti-corn-law League, (to take place the next day,) and showed in a clear manner that the plausible pretext of free trade, and cheap bread, was merely put forth by these parties for their own aggrandise ment, and with a view to multiply their mills, and reduce the wages of their servants. Though wages might in some instances advance, though the price of food was declining, this was a temporary operation of circumstances; and they might depend upon it, that, as a general rule, the contrary would bold ; and that wages would fall with a fall in the price of food. He gave several illustrations of this position, and concluded by advising those present not to swell the number of the meeting at the Amphitheatre by attending. The doxology was then sung, and the meeting, which was most enthusiastic throughout, separated in a quiet and orderly manner. CHARGE AGAINST A CAPTAIN.--OnFriday John Cal row, the captain of the brig Mediterranean, was brought up on a charge of having, on the 6th of December last, compelled one of his hands, John Hill, to go on shore at a place called Chilongo, on the southern coast of Africa, under such circumstances as caused his death, in a few days after, on board her Majesty's ship Rapid. It ap peared, from the evidence of the chief mate and one of the sailors, that the prisoner was a man of ungovernable tem per when under the influence of ardent spirits, and that, during the voyage, he ordered the mate and most of the crew to be flogged, and caused several entries to be made in the log-book to the effect that there was a mutiny on board. Hill was flogged on two occasions in the course of a fortnight. The second time he received sixty lashes from a birch rod on his bare back, which caused blood to flow profusely, and immediately after two Kroo boys were ordered by the prisoner to take him on shore in a canoe. They put off, but the surf was running so high upon the beach that they found it impossible to effect a landing, and, in consequence, they returned to thesbip and informed the prisoner of what they bad been obliged to do. The prisoner commanded the Kroo boys to put off again,, and, if they found themselves unable to land Hill, to heave him overboard ; and he alsosaid, that he would give them a watchword in order that they might know when to heave the unfortunate man out. The canoe having accordingly put off a second time, the captain sat upon the gangway and sung out five or six times, " bapry hammer," the watchword which he had just before told the Kroo boys he should give. The native Africans, however, instead of at tending to the watchword and heaving the man over, kept on their course and succeeded in putting him on shore. Hill then made his way along the sea shore to Loango, about twenty-five miles distant, where he received some kind treatment from the persons in charge of an English, and also of an American factory, but where he fell ill of fever, caused, it is supposed, by the burning heat of the climate and the fatigue and exhaustion he had undergone, and, being carried on board the Rapid, he died in a few days after. It was endeavoured to be Shown by the agent for the defence, that there were several entries in the log book tending to establish the fact that the crew were most riotous and disorderly, that Hill had been treated, kindly on shore by one of the servants of the prisoner, who was at the English factory carrying on a traffic with the na tives, and that after having been landed he was in good health ; but the mate and others who subscribed the en tries distinctly stated, that those entries had been dictated to them by the prisoner, and that they, had subscribed them under terror of their lives, the prisoner having, all along the voyage r manifested a most despotic disposition. Mr. Rushton ordered him to be remanded until the next day, and said that he should then commit him for trial a the approaching assizes, under the sth and 6th of William, cap. 19, sec. 40, for having forced on shore and wrong fully left behind at sea, at a place out of her Majesty's do minions, one of his own crew. The offence was a misde meanour by the statute, and the prisoner might be libe rated on finding bail, himself in £2OO and two sureties in £lOO each. About half-past two o'clock on Saturday the prisoner was again put to the bar, when Mr. Ellis, the clerk, read over the informations of the several witnesses, and bound over the latter in their own recognizances of £lOO each to appear and give evidence at the assizes. The prisoner declined to say anything in his defence. 1 following persons offered themselve The inhabitants of Tranmere have given notice of an application to parliament for an act to appoint com missioners, and for taking the trusts and arrangement of the highways and turnpike roads into the hands of sur veyors, and for removing the present toll-bars, or to more convenient places in the township. CORONER'S INQuEsTs.—No fewer than six inquests were held before the borough Coroner, on Saturday, The first was on the body of Ann Eaton, which was fou n d floating in the water near the Sandhias-bridge. The de ceased, who was about eighty years of age, and occupied a cellar in St. Martin's-street, proceeded, about a fort. night since, at a late hour in the evening, to the canal, for the purpose of gathering a few pieces of coal, and it is supposed that she accidentally slipped into the water. The second was on the body of Mary Murray, a child thirteen days old. It appeared, from the evidence of the mother of the deceased, Elizabeth Murray, of Frederick street, that, as she was on her way home, last Wednesday night fortnight, she was seized with the pains of labour in the street. She made for the house of a Mr. Baker, but, before she had time to reach there, she was delivered of the deceased, who fell upon her head on the pavement, and then tumbled down two steps of a cellar. The witness was then taken into a cellar, where she was delivered of a second child. The deceased was severely hurt on her head and back by the fall, and died on Tuesday last. The third inquest was held on Ann Dunbar, a female 70 years of age, and the wife of Henry Dunbar, a shoemaker, re siding in Sparling-street. It appeared that the deceased was, on Friday night, left by herself sitting at the kitchen fire, and that when her husband returned in the course of an hour afterwards he found the place full of smoke, the deceased lying on the floor with h er h ea d un d er the bed, and the bed-clothes on fire. She died almost immediately after. The fourth was held on John James, who died in the hospital of the Borough Gaol, from lockjaw. The fifth was on Thomas Tootle, of Leeds, who was found lying in a beastly state of intoxication on the parapet in Cheapside, and booked drunk and for safety, at t'ridewell, where he was placed before a fire and covered with rugs. He continued, however, to get seriously ill, and died about eleven o'clock, on Saturday, from excessive drinking. The sixth and last inquest was on the body of Ellen Dempsey, a female sixty-two years of age, who occupied the house 42, Pellew-street. It appeared that she took her supper on Thursday night, apparently in excellent health ; and that shortly after she complained of her head and the failure of her sight, then she became insensible, stt.ted the cause of death to have been effusion of blood on the right hemisphere of the brain, the result of natural causes. Verdicts in accordance with the evidence were returned in the several cases. each, for his appearance at the ass, , _ namely, Mrs. Jane Maddrell, widow and public-house keeper, of James's-street, and Mr. Richard Crossley, boot and shoe maker, o f S out h C--"- es, in £lOO ;re accepted, T 1 t • Cit 11 'T ' .., %AC A , ...... , ~, ~,..• r.., .. ...\ I' ' • r • 1 fj --~- - • r .