New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1849-02-08
w. j. Fox, NJ. r.

To ne EditOys o. the ITibHHt
A few weeks since noticed in the columns Of
The Tribune short biographical sketch Of Joshua
Proctor westhesd, NJ. P. d new Member of the House
OF Commons, and who 10 distinguished and opulent
merchant and manufacturer Of Manchester, and who
will prove himself well entitled seat in the British
Legislature. While In London and soon after the
present Parliament assembled last Winter, my stten-
ton was specially called by distipg uishsd American
friend there to the member whose stands at
the head of this letter. and who is believe, Of the
Representatives for the Borough Of Finsbury.
He had entitled himself to the consideration of Amer
leans for the active part which he took in the English
discussion Of the Oregon question, and in which while
no spoke and in favor Of cancellation and peace,
he bore good testimony to the character and feelings OF
the American people He was formerly think Uni.
tartan clergyman, and IL still preacher, but whether
of the Gospel may well be questioned. was ignorant
Of his religious views but being aware OF his sersl
principles OF Government and his reputation elo
quent speaker was induced 10 attend at his chapel In
finsbury There audience assembled respects
bic both In numbers and appearance, and fortunately
meeting at the entrance OF the chapel one Of the city
aldermen. with whom had a slight acquaintance, and
who was member of the congreg alton, was favored
by him with an eligible seat for hearing the dstin
rushed orstor In few minutes after seated
Mr.. Fox entered his pulpit He appeared about hfty
years Of ege short in stature; of stout build with
head massive, covered with thick hair, 10 which the
gray predomnated with an intelligent countenance,
and features which would be toersby well represent
cd BY most OF the prints OF his namesake and whom
be 10 said to resemble the celebrated Charles James
Fox.
He commenced his exercises by saying Let us read
verse or two of the Bible read and then followed
extracts from Milton aud Locke, from Seneca and Plato
Before lay the book OF poetry OF the congregation
ID was evident at glance, that 1t not Watts
sion Of the Psalms and that II did not contain the beau
tul hymns Of the Christians of England with which
We are all familiar The singing by the Choir fol
uwa1 hv Inv hut Qf
or whose aid invoked II was certainly very diff.
cult for me to determine. Like the ancient srsetes he
did not address the object Of worship by name Some
pervadng spirit or influence seemed to be acknowl.
edged bat was unable to learn whether he believed
In one independent ruling power, over and above all.
and controlling all things, or whether he held the be
lief that oil the works Of creation animate and nsnimse
form part Of
whose body Nature y, and God the soul
Of that influence power which
"wsrm. III the suu. reiIe.hes II he efeei.
CLOVIS "a he and blossoms he trees
Another of the hymns sung and the speaker
menced his discourse. lie announced his text taken
from the book OF Job " u a de shall AZ lire
asaiayn Here subject which afforded full re
for his speculative mind vivid Imagination, and brilliant
oratory. But the powers OF the speaker were used
rather TO darken than to illuminate the understanding
of his hearers He said that In all ages Of the world
this question az TO mans Immortality had been asked
but remained unanswered In that far OF period long
before the dAys Of job when only here and there
distant intervals Individual OF rises 10
view and then through the dim vista 10 only in
shadowy outlines the question was asked II man
die shall he live again and down to the present time
and during al the successive generations Of men the
question has been asked and has received sasisc
tory answer.
Reasoning rather upon the physical imprscticsbiiy
OF the ultn ate restoration of All the parts OF the hu
man system when Decay efisciDs finger shall have
resolved them into their kindred dust he seemed g.
have forgotten the great lessons taught In Holy Writ
and especially the emphatic declaration OF the noble
Apostle TO the Gentiles tbs; shall not all sleep
that the dead shall be rssed and that this mortal shall
put on Immortality.
After the discourse the following extract from the
great English bard sung and the exercises closed
"rhe oloud capped towers the Gorgeous palaces.
The solemn temples. the great sooe tsef-
Yea all whNh u icteft. shall dissolve.
Ana. lac pGsubstsrtal VISION iaasc
Leave rack behind
As turned away from Finsbury Chapel asked my
friend whether any good could possibly arise from such
exercises an eloquent speaker exerts the powers OF
q vigorous and gifted mind 10 throw doubt upon the
question Of Mans Immortality.
While Was disposed TO look fsyorsbly upon the new
member on account of his liberal political principles
could not bot express the wish that he would give
up preaching and direct his attention solely 10 his egs
latve Misunderstanding TO others the duty of instruct
ing the people Of Engsn in the great doctrines OF
Christianity. am respectfully yours.
WILLIAM w. CAMPBELL.
New-York. Dec. Is. lsss.