Star.
London, England, 1819-10-15 00:00:00

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it infinitelAmote,prensive, than gorse in the informa-
tion. To prove this, the Learned Attorney read pas-
sages from pages 38 and 65 of the Age of Reason,
He then proceeded to shew the fallacy of the argu-
ments of the defendant, to prove the inadequacy of
the doctrine of revelation to prove the divinity of
the Bible, by contrasting the sublime idea of a
future state conveyed by Christianity, with the glim-
meting and confused ideas of Cicero, Socrates, and
Plato, upon that divine conception of the Gospel.—
After discussing, with considerable animation, the
blessings whiCii Christianity dispensed to man, as
compared with any other system of religio,i ; he
proceeded to say, that if the Jury were prepared to
decide upon that_ oath which they had taken upon
the Gospel of Gov, that the Bible was a book of lies,
and a blasphemy upon the Aciamitry, they certainly
were bound to give the defendant a verdict ; but if
they could not come to such a conclusion, they had
but one duty, and that was an easy one, to dis-
charge.—The Learned Attorney having gone over
most of the topics which were embraced in his open-
ing speech, concluded by admonishing the Jury to
walk firmly and steadily in the path befote'them,
and not to suffer themselves to, be influenced by what
men, like the defendant, might think of their con-
duct. By doing their duty like Christians, they
would satisfy the anxious expectations of their coun-
try ; and, by giving their verdict according to their
consciences, they would never have to regret a de-
cision which would save their country from the pol-
lution of those doctrines contained in the Age of
Reason.
The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE immediately afterwardi
addressed the Jury, and having stated, with preci-
sion, the substance of each count in the information,
as the offence charged was differently described, re-
ferred to the several points on which the defence had
been rested. Much had been urged, in the course of
that defence, of which all who heard it must disapi
prove ; but the Jury were not, on that account, to
suffer any prejudice to withdraw their consideration
from the simple question on which they had to de-
cide. It bad been insisted in the progress of this in-
quiry, that all that had been written of the Scripturei
and published by the defendant was just and true,
fit, and proper tobe so published. The defendant
had wished to read other writers, who maintained
similar opinions, though not expressed in so strong,
or perhaps, so coarse a manner. Ile had also desired
to call witnesses to speak with regard to the diffe-
rences prevailing among different religious sects.
Lordship had felt it his duty, on mature considera-
tion, and, it would hardly he supposed, that he came
to a trial like this, without previou'sly turning his
thoughts to the subject, to inform his mind as to what
course he ought tO pursue in the different circum-
stances which might be expected to arise. Ile had,
then, determined, and he did not regret that deter-
inination, that it was not competent in a Christian
Court, in a- Court of Law, to rise up and say, that
the Christian Religion was not a Religion of truth.—
It would be strange, indeed, if such a questiod were
to be put in issue in order to be tried befoie this Tri-
bunal. He had resisted/therefore, every attempt to
introduce such a discussion, and should have felt that
he was disgracing his situation if he had acted other•
wise. Another topic of defence, strenuously, and in
some degree properly urged, was the danger of re-
straining free discussion and free inquiry. GOD for-
bid that any such restraint should take place! But
they had to distinguish, whether the present publi-
cation was atk instance Of, that free inquiry and dis-
cussion on a Work of mere calumny and ridicule?
There was nb individual and no subject, to whose
Character or whore Merits, revilings and calumnies
could be lasifullY applied. The exercise of reason
was allowed in the fullest manner by the law of Eng-
land, because it was a law of public liberty and free-
dom. That law had adopted into itself, and was
founded in a great degree on, the Christian Religion ;
and from this source it was, that'lts principles of li-
berality, and humanity, the spirit that influenced and
guided the administration bl-juitice in this country,
were drawn and derived. Bitt though as a law of
liberty it allowed perfect 'froedom of opinion, and
interfered with no man's private belief, it did not
allow to every man to do what seemed good in
his own eyes, if it were injutious to society.—
They had then to consider the character and tendency
of this work, for With regard to intention, they had
no means of judging, and could not decide upon the
motive of any act, except from 'the nature of the act
itself, supposing it to be deliherately performed. The
purpose contemplated must be inferred from the na-
tural, obvious, and direct tendency of the act, unless
by some extraneous proof it could be shewn that the
agent had a different intention. The Christian reli-
gion forming part of the law of the land, it was tint
fa that he ar any other person should openly deny
its truth. 'Tat must be taken for granted in a Court
of Justice. But in the consideration of motives, it
was not unreasonable to look at the object assailed,
and compare ft With that which it was proposed to
substitute. The Christian religion had advantages
which never existed under any other religious system.
By the institution of the Sabbath, a stated day of
rest was afforded; and he could not allude to this
subject, without expressing that this alone had always
appeared to him to be strong evidence of its divine
origin. Man had never been so kind to man, as the
AUTHOR of our Religion had been in establishing this
regulation. Christianity likewise gave the best support
to the afflicted, taught them to bear their sufferings with'
patience and resignation, in holding out to them a hope
of the highest kind—an eternity of joy hereafter.—
Now, before any man assailed an Establishment thus
offering blessings to all classes, without distinction of
rich or poor, powerful or weak, learned or unlearned,'
se might be expected to pause and consider what he
would substitute for that which he was anxious to
:destroy. The Jury, and not he, *Pre to decide this
Areespon ; but he thought no man wishing well to his
fellow-creatures would approach the subject without
awe and reverence of feeling, without decortnn both
of thought and expression. Let diem consider for a
moment what was this Creed of Deism which had
j:gen so eulogized ? Christianity was addressed to all;
it was intended for all, and especially for the poor
,and humble. What did Deism present to them as
expounded by the author of this wcnk ? Cold, prOnd,
and presumptuous, he reserved the blessings and ho-
nours of a future state for a few, and condemned the
great body of mankind to merciless annihilation,
saying that they were neither worthy of being dunned

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nor safed. Such a system enabled all those
detoteeignewatho hikood
the vanity to conceive that they had a
*
in their generation, to aspire after et bless.
hin.egds,
while it set aside the treat mass of man
themselves, ho _
those who
,by their situawtmeneetin
fllifethfculoulyldthueoty dis-
tinguish
dis-
chargednoticeefththeeir
cdeuetiAesi,neeaseftotho
elaWsi'goturlda.callltt for the
re-
wmhairelchabtluet,nteooccutitant
the
ee
.db:nttgeret parte teorsrithieelnlenfeeece
professed Be-
eorworits a those
di
Icou
wss
ei or
en ,
eitherwas aclhl
ttiiitkiaeen
Dfriostletlic
!jivers in Christianity ; and web, according to. this
pUblicgtion, were
the ruture condition of the defendant himself, which
he to,Gob. With regard to
he had brought under their considiration in repre-
senting himself as about to be banded over to a mer-
ciless tribunal, it was a matter which he did not wish
to withdraw from their consideration. It was for the
Jury to say, whether, in former cases of conviction
for misdemeanours, the Judges had deserved a re-
proaCh of this nature? It bad been argued, that
Christianity did not require the aid of the Civil
Government. He, for one, firmly relied on its Di-
vine character, and believed it would go on till
it comprehended, in Gon's good time, the whole of
the human race ; but although k could not be ex-
tirpated, it might for a time be superseded. They
had seen an example of this in A neighbouring
country, where it had formally been set eskle....-
All the bonds of society were immediately lettsen
ed; and a dreadful anarchy took place. The ittilo*
question turned on the character of the .soil. and
that must now be collected front it as a whole.—
Was it a fob and candid inquiry? Look at those
epithets applied to the SCriptures—" a book full of
lies," " a dangerous heresy," " an impious false-
hood." These were a few specimens, and he had
found none other to soften their effect, or that indi-
cated any other object than to defame the Bible, and
bring it into universal disbelief and contempt. Sb
thinking, it was his duty, sitting where he did, to ex-
press his opinion to the Jury ; and that opinion was,
that this publication was a work of calumny and
scoffing, and, therefore, an unlawful publication.—
He desired them, however, to think and judge for
themselves. Other Juries had thought with hint,
but they were to form their own verdict, without
any reference to former decisions. Some witnesses
had been called, the relevancy of whose evidence
might well be doubted, because moral character had
no general connexion with profane publications. He
doubted not that their verdict would be such as their
judgments dictated, and their consciences approved.
The Jury then withdrew, but shortly after ex-
)t-essed a desire to see a copy of the Statute of the
53d of the King, upon which the Chief-Justice de-
tired their attendance in Court, and after noticing
his own omission, explained to them the whole tom&
6f the Act of William, as altered and modified by two
Acts of the present reign. The Jury again retired.
During theft. absence, Mr. llcut inquired, whether it was his
Lordship's intention to take as the next case, "`'the King against
&oddart ?"
The Loan Cuirr-Jurrica said, he understood it td be Mr.
Tunes wish *at it should by fixed for a distant diy.
Mr. Huxr replied, that his Lordship had recosntnended to
ronitnunicate with the Solicitors of the other party. He had
not seen those Solicitors, and was himself quite prepared for trial.
The Loan Ciiixr-Jusrtea.—Well, certainly we shall net pro-
' ceed to it to-day.
The Jury, after being closeted aboui half an tour,
returned to Court, and pronounced i verdict—Guilty.
It was then announced by Mr. GURNEY to the
CHIEF Jusricr., that the next case which it was in-
tended to try against Mt. CARLILE, was the indict-
inent preferred by the Society for the Suppression of
Vice against him for re-publishing a blasphemous
libel, written by an American, named PAiStER.
The CHIEF Jusrice then desired that the defen,
dant, who had not returned into Court, should have
notice of the intended course of proceedings.
The verdict was received with profound silence in
the Court and Hall ; but it produced a momentary
expressioa of disappointment from some of the defen-,
dant's friends without. The trial was over by A
quarter-past rive o'clock, and the defendant left the
Court about three-quarters of an hour before the aver.
diet was given.
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• • A
hi eviallett alt is the Incitiost of the "17 that the
iinqatausnotf
*slit disli7easudjseredournedvetoy arnrct
sprdas
to.
affecSeog
their health, by fatigue and attendoo: It is my der'
sire, therefore, in this mid casel so extraordinary in
its circumstances, to adjourn the Inqiiest from this
day to the Ist of December. I Dime sufficient reasons
for myself in so doing; Sind if there is any thing
wrong, this wall idlow time tot an application to the
Court of King's Bench, not only by those imtne-
dlately concerned, but by others who appear here.--;
Therefore (addressing the Jury), I dismiss you to-
day; and 1 will take your reeognisances to appear
here oo the Ist day of Deanbber."
Mr. HA mesa begged leave to be heard for i Mo-
ment. "If this extraordinary deteimination should
be carried into execution"--
The CORONER, interrupting him, said, " I do not
know you; I object to „hept•you at all ; you have
been heard too much already."
Mr. Hatassza wi.o4 tb observe, with all due de-
ference, that no Corontr was justified in unnecessa-
rily adjmirning the Inquest.
Coaowza-1 have nothing to say to you ; I have
heard too much already; if lam doing wrong, you
know where to obtain redress.
Mr. HARMER earnestly requested to be heard for
a moment. It was of the first importance to skew
that it would be a high misdemeanour to adjourn
the Inquest:
Conoxaa—l repeat. that I have allowed you to
say too much already. Turning to the Jury, he
sidd, " The Court is adjourned."
Mr. HAHURR—I have here settled law upon the
subject, and I should be glad to know whether it is
the wish of the Jury that the Inquest should be ad-
journed ? •
CORONER—The Jury ! Yon have nothing to do
with the Jury. You have interfered &great deal toil
much with the Jury already.
Mr. HARMER defied the Coroner to prove it. He
denied that any thing of the kind had taken place,
and he appealed to the Jury to say whether any thing
had come from him at any period?
Mr. ASHWORTH (addressing Mr. Harmer)--The
Coroner has done with you now. I was certainly
ready to have brought forward decided 'cases,. by
which it would appear that some measures had taken
place which might be the ground of a criminal in-
formation.--(Here Mr. Barrow whispered some-
thing to the Learned Gentleman).—the Coroner has
stated to you that you have an opportunity of ap-
plying to the Court of King's Belch to impugn his
judgment.
Mr. Hallman—Mr. Barrow has suggested to you,
that there are sufficient grounds for a criminal infor-
mation: beg leave to ask against whom it is to be
filbdi awl the reasons and ground of it ?
Mr. Asuwoniu-1 cannot say that now: I have
tio doubt but that in due time you will become ac-
quainted with them. As you have been connected
with the investigation of this case, no,doubs•you will
also be connected with tbe criminal information. I
have no doubt but that Courts ofJustice ate open
to every body who may think the Coronet has acted
wrongly.
Mr. HARTARR said, that it did not appear that these
proceedingibad been adopted by the wish of the Jury.
Coaorsna—l beg to hear no more from you.
Mr. H.SRISHR represented to the Coroner, that he
had not stated to whit place the Inquest was to be
adjourned'.
CORONRR—I have already stated at the Star Inn,
Deansgate.
Mr, Haamea said that he certainly had not heard
it. He also wished to know at what hour the Court
was to meet on the Ist of December ?
Coaowsa—At ten o'clock.
Mr. HARM za—That adjournment will be rip-
corded. The Inquest might as well have been ad-
journed to this lee six months: Some of the Jury-
men may chi; and some of the witnesses not yet ex-
wined 'may die in the mean time.
Mr. Asuwoorn—The Court of King's Bench is
bpen to you. The Chief Cbroner of the country is
the Clisef Justice bf that Court,-and he will super-
intend the jurisdiction of the Coroner here.
Mr. HARMER concluded by suggesting that during
this long adjournment all those already implicated
in this affair, as well as tither& who still might be im-
plicated, might. escape.
The CORONIR then left thE Chair, and the Inquest
was adjourned until the lst dof DeCember next.
COURT OF REQUESTS.
This morning a trial came on before -- HALL,
Esq. the Chairman, and ten Commissioners, wherein
Mr. Maas, Clerk to the Magistrates, was plaintiff,
and Mr.Witos, Proprietorof Te Mincßester Observer
Newspaper, defendant, for £l.4s. the amount of fees
due to the said Mix Milne' as Clerk to the Magis-
trates, upon the libtikit!cin of Mt. Wroe on bail upon
various Infortnitidns, &c. -
Mr.MiLwi produced Messrs. Barrow and Daniels,
two Attorneys, whose practice is principally in cases
that come before the Magistrates at the New Bailey,
and they gave it as their decided opinion, that the
fees were legal; and authorised by Act of Parlia-
ment, from which they quoted ; wherein it appeared
that the Magistrates of the Division had authority,
by giving one quarter of a years notice, to alter the
fees of the Coast, subject to the approbation of one
of the Judges. The opinion of Mr. Baron Thomp-
son was also given as authority.
The CHAIRMAN—There is no question in my
mind, but that the fees are legal and authorised by
law ; and Mr. Milne, as Clerk to the Magistrates, is
equally entitled to them as the labourer is to his hire.
A COMHISSISMIR wished to put a question to Mr.
Milne—Whether there had not appeared on the fact
of his evidence a contradiction, inasmuch that in one
instance he had stated that the warrants issued
against Mr. Wroe were signed by the Judges, and in
another that they were signed by the Magistrates ?
Mr. MiLwx-1 shall not reply. You are no -
I:ovveCoommthlitasismisoiroN.nerzma,a(aneinoddbie
gnecoanninetlmy)--ofittetMdherfo.praChrt7coan'itrMemanpt,
ofl
Court, 'Me accuses me with being one of the party.
Sir, I detsand 'you to commit him.
The CH/ORMAN, after some hesitation, said, I do
not see that he 'has committed himself so as to wat-
rant such a proceeding.
COMMISSJONRR--you must have heard his'
muttons. and I therefore demand the committal of
that fellow, who dares to insult me sitting here as a
C°Ml3liSliOnere—(After some vause)--Sir, I again.

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