mend God's works by the devices of their addle brains, and then complain of divisions when they have made them! The rule that all must agree in must be made by one that is above all, and whose authority is acknowledged by all. Never will the church have full unity till the scripture sufficiency be more generally acknowledged. You complain of many opinions and ways, and many you will still have, till the one rule, the scripture, be the standard of our religion. Two things have set the church on fire, and been the plagues of it above one thousand years. 1. Enlarging our creed, and making more fundamentals than ever God made. 2. Composing, and so imposing, our creeds and confessions in our own words and phrases. In pursuing the subject the fearless advocate of the authority and sufficiency of scripture, imputes the introduction and multiplication of human creeds among christians to the artifices of their great spiritual enemy; who, as he proceeds to observe in the style of his day, "will needs be a spirit of zeal in the church; and he will so overdo against heretics, that he persuades them they must enlarge their creed, and add this clause against one, and that against another, and all was but for the perfecting and preserving of the christian faith. And so he brings it to be a matter of so much wit to be a christian, as Erasmus complains, that ordinary heads were not able to reach it. He had got them with a religious zealous cruelty to their own and others' souls, to lay all their salvation, and the peace of the church, upon some unsearchable mysteries about the trinity, which God either never revealed, or never clearly revealed, or never laid so great a stress upon; yet he persuades them that there was scripture proof enough of these; only the scripture spoke it but in the premises, or in darker terms, and they must but gather into their creed the consequences, and put it into plainer expressions, which heretics might not so easily corrupt, pervert, or evade. But what got he at this one game? He got a standing verdict against the perfection and sufficiency of scripture, and consequently against Christ, his spirit, his apostles, and the christian faith: that it will not afford so much as a creed or system of fundamentals, or points absolutely necessary to salvation and brotherly communion, in fit or tolerable phrases, but we must mend the language at least. He opened a gap for human additions, at which he might afterwards bring in more at his pleasure. He framed an engine for an infallible division, and to tear in pieces the church, casting out all as heretics that could not subscribe to his additions, and necessitating separation by all dissenters, to the world's end, till the devil's engine be overthrown. And hereby he lays a ground upon the divisions of the christians, to bring men into doubt of all religion, as not knowing which is the right. And he lays the ground of certain heart-burnings, and mutual hatred, contentions, revilings and enmity."-RICHARD Baxter. INTELLIGENCE. IRISH UNITARIAN CHRISTIAN SOCIETY. On Sunday, the 9th inst., the Anniversary Sermons on behalf of this Society were preached in Dublin by the Rev. Hugh Hutton of Birmingham. His very able discourses were, on each occasion, listened to with the deepest interest by a numerous audience. The attendance at the morning service especially, was more numerous than on any previous occasion, and the sum collected exceeded by upwards of £6 the collections of last year. On Monday evening, the 10th inst., the Annual Meeting of the Society was held in Strand-street Meeting House. The President, Robert Andrews, Esq., being unavoidably absent, the Chair was kindly taken by Sir Francis Le Hunte, who delivered a lengthened and very in teresting address on the peculiar duty of Unitarians to let their light shine and their lives plead for the cause of Gospel Truth. The Secretary, the Rev. George A. Armstrong, read the Report of the Com. mittee for the past year. In the course of the proceedings the following Resolution moved by James Haughton, Esq. was adopted: "That we deeply regret the want of courtesy evinced by our Unitarian brethren in America, in not replying to either of our two addresses, forwarded to them through the Rev. Dr. Gannett, of Boston, within the past three years. That such discourtesy is peculiarly painful to our feelings, because we feel ourselves constrained to believe that it has been caused by the plain and honest expressions of our abhorence of slavery, which were embodied in those communications. That, if there were more in these expressions of our sentiments, than our American brethren were willing or able to bear, their weakness in this respect affords a further proof of the necessity and the value of our remonstrances. That it is a cause of unfeigned sorrow to us, to be compelled to believe that any who profess the pure principles of Unitarian Christianity, should contaminate themselves by any connexion, direct or indirect, with a system which dishonours God, which degrades man, which disgraces humanity, and which, so long as it is persisted in, must retard the spread of Christianity upon earth. That we earnestly and affectionately implore our brethren seriously to reflect on their responsibility to God in this important matter, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded by our secretary to the Rev. Dr. Gannett, of Boston, with a request that he will communicate the same to the Unitarian Associations of the United States of America." Mr. H. supported this Resolution in a manly and eloquent speech, which, we regret, we have not space to publish. BRITISH AND FOREIGN UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. The 22nd anniversary of this Society was held on Wednesday, May 26th, at the new Gravel-pit Chapel, Hackney. A most respectable audience attended the religious services, which were introduced by the Rev. W. James, of Bristol; after which the Rev. J. R. Beard, D.D., of Manchester, delivered an appropriate discourse, marked by deep thought, simplicity, and a philosophy which recommended itself to the hearts and understandings of his hearers. At the conclusion of the service, the meeting for business was held, John Christie, Esq., occupying the chair. Mr. Hornby the Treasurer, read his Report, from which it appeared that the receipts during the year amounted to £828 14s. 10d.-the expenditure, to £588 14s. 5d., leaving in his hands a balance of £240 Os. 5d. The Hon. Secretary, the Rev. E. Tagart, then read the Committee's Report-a document of considerable length, and embracing a variety of subjects, to which our space would allow us only briefly to refer. It stated that the atten tion of the Committee had been anxiously directed during the year to its machinery for operations, with a view to its increased usefulness. The resolution passed at the last annual meeting, approving of the appointment of an educated travelling agent, had not been lost sight of; but as yet no suitable person had presented himself. The state of his health had induced Mr. Horwood to resign his office of Resident Secretary-a step the Committee much regret; of the value of that gentleman's past services they express their strong and grateful sense. As a temporary arrangement, Dr. Rees has been induced to occupy the office vacated by Mr. Horwood, on the same plan and terms as heretofore. With regard to the Perth legacy case, an arrangement has been made which secures the return of the money advanced for the prosecution of the suit; and the Committee express their satisfaction at having through it obtained a judgment in the Scottish Courts, affirming distinctly the legality of bequests for Unitarian purposes. The proceeds of Mr. Cooke's bequest (the arrears on which amount to £1000, and which will yield £300 a year up to 1850) are about to be paid out of Court into the hands of the Treasurer. Aid has been afforded to the Christian Brethren in the Potteries and at Mottram, societies in whose welfare the Committee express great interest. The question referred to them at the last anniversary, in relation to the British and Foreign School Society, had engaged their attention, it is not free from difficulties; but, as a preliminary step, it has been resolved to submit to counsel a case involving the points in dispute. The Report then detailed the active measures adopted by the Committee for the diffusion of Unitarian Christianity at home, amongst which were the delivery of a course of lectures at Southampton by Ministers of London; a supply of books for the Library there, and of tracts for distribution; pecuniary assistance for a course of lectures in the West of England; £20 for the support of the cause at Torquay, and a similar sum has been guaranteed to the congregation at Cheltenham, to enable them to secure the services of the Rev. H. Solly as their Minister; a grant of tracts to Rev. G. Harris for distribution; £10 to Mr. Ashworth, Padiham; £10 to the Topsham congregation; £15 to the congregation at Canterbury; £10 to the Aberdeen congregation; £25 to the Battle congregation; £10 to Mr. Taplin for missionary labour in the Channel Islands; £10 to the Manchester Village Missionary Society; £20 to Chiniah, and £10 to William Roberts of Madras, &c., &c.; and numerous grants of tracts to various parties for distribution.-In the Book and Tract department, additions have been made to the stock of the Association by the reprint or purchase of several works. In the Foreign department, an unusual number of interesting subjects have engaged the attention of the Committee, and correspondence with distant friends has been more active than for some years. The Committee "advert with pleasure to the letter of invitation sent by certain ministers of the United States to their brethren in this country, which, though not specially addressed to them, nor written in the name or on behalf of the Association or any particular society, demands an acknowledgment in the same spirit of cordial brotherly kindness which it breathes, and which we cordially reciprocate." Mr. Estlin, before moving that the Committee's Report be received, inquired if the invitation from America came from the Unitarian Association there, or simply from the individuals who signed it? Mr. Tagart.- From the individuals, certainly. It came from no Association, nor was it addressed to any Association. Mr. Estlin would then move that the Report be adopted. Rev. W. James seconded the motion. Upon this, a long and somewhat irregular discussion ensued. Rev. G. Armstrong and Mr. H. C. Robinson spoke strongly against any recognition by the meeting of an invitation from parties, some of whom were notoriously proSlavery men; and an amendment was proposed, that that part of the Report referring to, and containing the invitation from America, should be expunged. This course was opposed by Rev. Jerom Murch, Dr. Bowring, Dr. Beard, Rev. E. Tagart, Mr. Hornby, Rev. E. Higginson, and others. A gentleman from America, who was present, gave an emphatic denial to the statement of Mr. Armstrong, that eight of the gentlemen signing the invitation were friendly to Slavery. He knew all the parties, and could state that there was not one who did not hold Slavery in abhorrence. But at the same time they disapproved of much that was done by the abolitionists, believing it calculated rather to tighten the fetters of the slave than to unloose them. On a show of hands, 15 were held up for the amendment, and against it a number so much larger, that they were not counted. Before the original motion was put, Rev. J. Gordon inquired if a report which he had seen in the Inquirer was correct, viz., that a deputation from the Committee of the Association had concurred with one or two other bodies in certain resolutions in reference to the Government scheme of Education? Rev. T. Madge replied, that the report was incorrect. On an invitation sent to them, a deputation from the Committee had attended a meeting of Presbyterian Ministers and Prsebyterian Deputies, but had taken no part in the proceedings. The resolutions were, in truth, those of the deputies alone. The Report was then unanimously adopted, and the several remaining resolutions passed without discussion. The friends of the Association, to the number of upwards of 260, afterwards met in the large Assembly-room, Hackney, where a handsome déjeûner had been provided. The large attendance of elegantly-dressed ladies gave the party a most pleasing and animated appearance. J. Bowring, Esq., LL. D., M P., occupied the chair, and by his ability and eloquence contributed much to the afterenjoyment of the evening; in the course of which the company were favoured with speeches from Messrs. Hornby, Tagart, Kell, Armstrong, Davison, Higginson, and Dr. Beard. We regret that the late period of the month and our previously-occupied pages put it out of our power to attempt even a brief outline of them.-Abridged from Christian Reformer. SUDDEN DEATH OF DR. CHALMERS. The deepest consternation was spread over the city of Edinburgh this morning by the unexpected announcement that the Rev. Dr. Chalmers, the venerable father and leader of the Free Church of Scotland, had been discovered dead in his bed. On prosecuting our enquiries we ascertained that the melancholy intelligence was but too true; that the Rev. Dr. who attended Church yesterday, and had retired to bed last night in his house at Morningside, near Edinburgh, apparently in perfectly good health, was discovered by his servant at an early hour this morning, sitting up in bed-dead. The legs of the body were crossed over each other, by one of them being drawn upwards to the knee of the other and betwixt them a bason was firmly retained, which it is supposed the aged divine must have taken into bed on experiencing the first access of the fatal attack, from feeling a disposition to vomit, such as might be created by any sudden apoplectic stroke, or even by spasms. The body was quite cold when discovered by the servant-Dr. Chalmers had been dead for some time.North British Mail. OBITUARY. DIED, at Huntley, near Banbridge, on the 17th of last month, Hugh Dunbar, Esq. In the death of this gentleman, society has lost one of its greatest ornaments the Remonstrant Congregation of Banbridge, one of its most valuable members, and the poor one of their best friends. Mr. Dunbar was in the 59th year of his age, and few men, in the middle rank of life, have left more decisive or creditable memorials than he of superior talents -judicious enterprize-unbending integrity of principle — enlarged philanthropy, and general usefulness. From his boyhood he was distinguished for an inviolable regard for truth, and for a high, honourable, and manly spirit of generous straightforward conduct. In matters of business, he had few equals for clear discrimination and prudent management; and his success was commensurate with his extraordinary abilities. He realized a large fortune, and made wonderful improvements about the place of his residence, and the locality where his principal business was conducted. He was the means of getting formed, at vast expense, two reservoirs in connexion with the River Bann, which render it the best tiver in the North of Ireland, for machinery -furnishing a never-failing supply of water in the driest seasons. Liberal both in his political and religious sentiments, he took a deep interest in whatever had for its object the peace and well-being of man — particularly, at the present time, he felt the most lively sympathy for the sufferings of the poor, and set almost no bounds to his exertions to raise funds and make provision for their wants. Besides giving employment, and thus the means of subsistence, to thous ands and thousands, in the several branches of business he carried on; and, in addition to his princely subscriptions to the public relief funds, he had a list of fully four hundered paupers whom he weekly served at his own house with pecuniary aid; and it was whilst in the act of dispensing his alms, to these objects of charity, that it pleased God, in his inestimable providence, to call him from this world. With a piece of money in his hand which he was about to serve out to one of these poor, he sunk down dead, without almost uttering a groan, or sigh, or an articulate sound. This piece of money was afterwards found still in his hand when his lifeless body was laid upon his bed. In religion, he was an Unitarian in sentiment; and was one of the Session, and a very efficient member of the Remonstrant Congregation of Banbridge. In 1844 he laid the foundation stone of their present beautiful House of Public Worship: and he was the first over whose mortal remains an address was delivered within its walls. His death excited in all that knew him the strongest feelings of surprise and sorrow, and his funeral was attended by many thousands of people. The town of Banbridge poured out almost the whole of its inhabitants on the occasion, who mourned his loss as that of a near and valued friend. As Mr. Dunbar was never married, he has left no lineal representative; but his name and character will be treasured up in the memories, and will hold a high place in the affectionate regards of a wide and numerous circle of sincere and faithful friends." Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; yea, saith the Spirit, they rest from their labours, and their works follow them."—A Correspondent. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. We greatly admire the little Poem entitled "The Boy's Death," but we fear it would not suit the pages of our Magazine. THE IRISH UNITARIAN MAGAZINE. No. VIII. AUGUST, 1847. VOL. II. CHRIST THE SON OF GOD-NOT GOD THE SON. I Now proceed, as promised in my last communication, to consider the differences of opinion among Christians respecting the Lord Jesus Christ, in reference to his personal dignity, the purposes for which he came into the world, and the objects to be accomplished by his sufferings and death. Now, in treating of this, and similar subjects of divine revelation, it is always safest, and best to use the language of revelation only. By following out this rule many valuable objects would be obtained; as first, we are absolutely certain of having stated the truth, even though we should subsequently err in its interpretation; we would maintain a higher reverence and respect for the word of God, by thus giving it a decided preference over the unhallowed phraseology of man's inven. tion; we would avoid perpetuating that endless diversity of opinion, and fostering those strifes and persecutions, which have disgraced Christianity, and rent asunder the Christian church, by retaining a language borrowed from the jargon of a pagan and antiquated philosophy, permitting it to obtain a place in a Christian creed, and thus identifying it with the pride, and zeal of party, or the honours and emoluments of a sectarian faith. It is evident that, had Christians adhered to the Bible as the only standard of faith, and to its language, as the only language in which they expressed that faith, though they would, and must have differed in the explanation of scripture, yet each using precisely the same words, even when differing in their meaning, these differences would have died with the men who held them, whilst now, each sect having introduced a jargon of its own, its pride and consistency are identified with its maintenance. There would have been also, the additional advantage, that the interminable disputes which now distract, and divide |