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cation now used for the poor in this kingdom. Some schools had been established at Paris, but the clergy soon found, that they would be detrimental to their views, and they have succeeded at last in bringing them to suit their purpose. In fact, they have done no more than what the clergy of England have attempted but with out success in this country. With us the Lancasterian schools had scarcely been established, and the public at large was in general convinced of the benefit of instructing the younger minds in the grand principles of Christianity rather than in the partial views of a petty sect, when the clergy of that established by law, a very small and insignificant sect when compared with the great body of Christians diffused throughout the world, excited a clamour against them, and in opposition set up their new establishment, which they had the presumption to stamp with the name of National schools, and in which instruction was to be given agrecable to their peculiar dogHowever, in this country their sectarian principles did not avail so far as to destroy the schools on a more enlarged plan. The children of England, who are not of the sect established by law, have an opportunity of going to schools, where they will not be taught like parrots to repeat by rote a set of assertions, formed by men just emerged out of popery, and which will not bear the test of scriptural examina

mas.

tion.

It is not so in France. The question is there settled otherwise by an ordonnance of the king, who has decreed that in all the schools, the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman religion shall be taught, and no other. Consequently the children in that country must repeat like parrots a certain set of notions, very different from those in which the children of our schools are instructed. They will be taught that the pope is the head of the church, that they must fall down before a consecrated wafer, and worship a triune god that there is only one true religion, and that theirs is that true one. How far the scheme will succeed time will shew. The education they receive in the schools will meet with some opposition at home; for in consequence of the Revolution the attachment to the pope and to the clergy has very much diminished, and many of the notions of the schools will be dis

cussed with freedom out of them. At any rate the children will learn to read, and the effect may be very different from what the cabinet expects. It seems scarcely possible, that popery should regain its ancient influence: but irreligion has had for so long a time its sway in France, that it may be replaced by superstition.

This circumstance of Government establishing opinions, in which children should be educated, and the contradiction there is between the opinions maintained on the different sides of the British Channel, ought to be a warning to us, who profess our attachment to scriptural religion only, how we inculcate upon our children, any thing, for which we have not the decisive warrant of scripture. Besides it is incumbent on us to be careful not to teach our children, as is the custom with the sectaries of Rome and England, to repeat things like parrots by rote. If we ask a child a question, the answer should not be put into its mouth, but it should be derived from its own reflection; and a very few trials will prove to every parent or teacher, how much easier and better this is than the common mode by catechisms, in which each sect teaches its particular notions; and consequently as these notions contradict each other, some of the children must imbibe falsehood instead of truth. Let the parable of our Saviour, the poor man that fell among thieves, be read by a child, and appro priate questions be asked from it. Its reason will be exercised by the answers, and its mind opened: and so it will be by all the plain passages of scripture, which indeed are the only ones, in which children should be instructed. The more difficult passages, on which in fact the sectaries ground their va rious opinions, ought to be reserved for a more distant period: and a child, brought up in the rational manner we have suggested, will be capable at manhood of discerning the futility of the greater part of the doctrines, on which the sectaries lay so much stress, as well as the falsehood of some doctrines, in which the majority of professing Christians are united.

The farther views of the French cabinetare seen in the suppression of the National Institute and the Polytechnic School. The latter was admirably adapted for the instruction of the people in all the arts of civil life; but

State of Public Affairs.

It seems that the pupils were not so attached to the reigning family as was desired. Whether the Government will adopt any thing in its stead, time will shew: but it is not likely that there will be the same encouragement held out to proficiency in the arts as under the former system.

A change is also likely to take place in the ecclesiastical system. The Concordat is to undergo a revision, and it is confidently asserted that the order of Jesuits is to be re-established. This order had at one time the education of youth chiefly in its hands, and in this line it displayed great talents; but they were counterbalanced with such gross defects, that their re-establishment may be considered not only as an evil to the kingdom of France but to Europe in general. It would be a great advantage to this kingdom, if education in our universities and public schools were less confined than it is at present to the clergy. The monastic institution in the Universities particularly requires revision; but it is not likely that any change will be effected for some time in this respect.

But the eyes of the public are turned to the trial of our countrymen, which will have probably taken place before this is published. The preparatory steps are already made known, and afford a good specimen of the ideas entertained by the French on justice. Their great object is to make the accused criminate himself, and if they do not gain this point, they extort from him a variety of circumstances, which may be converted to his injury. Their whole plan seems to be to destroy innocence; and wretched is the state of the poor man guiltless of crime, who is brought before their tribunal. Our countrymen have answered their interrogatories with the spirit of Englishmen, and the publication of the trial may do much good to France; teaching that wretched country in what a miserable state is their criminal jurisprudence. The accusation is the favouring of the escape of a state criminal, and with this they wish to blend a plot against government. Nothing can appear more absurd to an Englishman than some of the interrogatories, in which they do not hesitate to take for granted the guilt of the accused; but we shall reserve our further remarks till the fate of our insulted countrymen is determined.

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As Europe is, or is said to be, delivered, a new object has arisen for the employment of the deliverers, which may lead to some new schemes of warfare. The Barbary powers have been harassing the coasts of Italy, and, it is said, have succeeded in carrying off a Neapolitan Princess, betrothed to the Duke of Berri, in her way from Palermo to Naples. Our chivalrous knight, Sir Sydney Smith, has been endeavouring to excite the Christian powers to unite in a crusade against the Mahometans in Africa. The mode of warfare of the latter is certainly less defensible than that of the Christians, for they make slaves of the male prisoners, and enclose the females in their harems. But as to the grounds of their wars they are perhaps superior. They do not insult the Almighty with infamous appeals to justice, humanity and religion, in which, in the tergi versation of the Christian treaties, it is evident that all cannot be right, and that there must among some of the powers reign a contempt of religion and virtue entirely derogatory to the character they assume. It is a melancholy thing to reflect, that at one time the African shores of the Mediterranean acknowledged the authority of the gospel. At present the name of Christian is there held in abhorrence and it is not by war that it will be restored to its former honours. Those shores were infected with the sectarian principles of Augustine long before the Mahometan invasion, and at the time of the Saracen successes had mixed with the religion of Christ the worship of images and a triune God. The faith is now changed; their places of worship are freed from images, and worship is addressed only to the Supreme Being: but they have set up Mahomet in opposition to our Saviour, and the Coran instead of the Gospel. But during the last twenty, five years they have not shed so much blood as the Christians.

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Our own country has since our last had one ground for consolation. The property tax was vainly attempted to be continued, in spite of the assurances, that it was a war tax, and to cease with the war. The opposition made throughout the country by petitions from all parts was very great, yet the conflict was expected to terminate in a different manner. The ministry to the last were pertinacious in their en

deavours to continue the tax; but, to the surprise of every one, when the question came to a decision, they were left in a minority, the majority exceeding it by thirty-seven. Thus was an end put to this odious tax, which offended all the principles of just and equitable taxation, and could be maintained only on the same principles, that in a town besieged every man must part with his property of any kind according to the state of the place. One great objection to the tax was the advantage given to the landholder above the person who gained his livelihood by the sweat of his brow. Both were made to pay out of the same annual income the same sum to government, though their situations were materially different, and this advantage was given exactly contrary to true principles: for the landholder ought not to obtain an advantage over his countrymen, inasmuch as his security is so much the greater. But the world, and this country in particular, has much to learn on the subject of taxation, which when duly considered will introduce among the

higher classes better principles of morality than they at present possess.

A strange infatuation now pervades the country. Formerly peace and plenty were considered as blessings, for which we could not be sufliciently thankful to Divine Providence. Different principles are now promulgated. and long faces are seen because corn is cheap. A smile covers them on the rise of the markets. These inconsiderate persons do not reflect, that plenty carries with it blessings on all classes. Could they raise the markets to the importation standard, the country would not be a gainer, and the only points would be to enable the landholder to keep up his war-rents and to increase the poor-rates. But the subject is of great extent. We shall continue to be thankful to God for plentiful harvests; and, notwithstanding all that we hear to the contrary, hope that the backward spring will be followed by a kindly suminer, being persuaded that cheap corn is equally advantageous to the consumer and to the farmer.

NEW PUBLICATIONS IN THEOLOGY AND GENERAL LITERATURE.

Resignation to the will of God Illustrated and Enforced by the Example of Jesus Christ. A Sermon, preached at the Unitarian Chapel, Reading, Berks, on Sunday Evening, March 24, 1816, on occasion of the Death of Mr. James Drover. With an Appendix, containing some Thoughts on the Support and Consolations which the Unitarian System furnishes in seasons of affliction and trouble, and especially in the hour of death. By Robert Aspland, Pastor of the Unitarian Church, Hackney. 8vo. 1s. 6d.

Observations on the State and Changes in the Presbyterian Societies of England during the last Half Century: Also, on the Manufactures of Great Britain; which have been for the most part established and supported by the Protestant Dissenters; tending to illustrate the Importance of Religious Liberty and Free Inquiry to the Welfare and Prosperity of a People. Preceded by a Sermon on the Death of the Rev. Dr. Joshua Toulmin, in which his character as a

Member of Civil Society is attempted to be improved. By Israel Worsley. 12mo. Ss. boards.

Remarks on the Rev. J. Harries's Treatise on the "Proper Deity of Christ," and the Doctrine of "Three distinct Persons in God." In a Letter to the Anthor. By a Layman. (John Rees, Swansea.) 8vo. 9d.

An Address to the Committee of the Isle of Sheppey Auxiliary Bible Society, containing Animadversions on their Conduct; with a Copy of the Correspondence which took place on the Occasion, for havingrejected a Donation. By M. Harding. 8o. 8d.

Illustrations of the Divine Government : tending to shew that every Thing is under the Direction of Infinite Wisdom and Goodness, and will terminate in the Production of Universal Purity and Happiness. By T. Southwood Smith. 12mo, extra boards. 6s.

Protestant Society

For the Protection of Religious Liberty.

THE Public Assemblies of the we cannot but insert a series of Resecond week in May,

"Sweet month,

"If not the first, the fairest of the year!"

were again terminated on Saturday, May 11, 1816, by the Fifth Aunual Meeting of this modern, but important Society. Although fatigued by incessant toils during the week-or conpelled to return to their country residences or retiring to prepare for the duties of the ensuing Sabbath, many Ministers are most reluctantly compelled to be absent from these Anniversaries; yet the Meeting was

never more numerous, Bor more re

spectable than upon this occasion. It included Ministers and Laymen of every denomination, and from many parts of England and Wales, and completely filled the extensive room in which it was convened.

SAMUEL MILLS, Esq. who, although a Member of the Established Church, presided with intrepidity and Christian liberality at the Public Meeting assembled to oppose the Bill of Lord Sidmouth, with which this Society originated, and who has also presided on every subsequent public occasion, was unanimously invited to the chair, Mr. THOMAS PELLATT, one of the Secretaries, then adopted the plan which had been invariably pursued, and, for the general information, read the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee, at their regular and Extraordinary Meetings during the preceding year.

It would be difficult even to enumerate the subjects which bad successively occupied their attention, and required their advice or aid. Their number, variety, and importance confirmed the just and general opinion of the great utility of an Association, by which so much had been effected, and from which so much continued to be constantly required.

The Proceedings, as to the Chapel Exemption Bill,-the Appeals against the Assessment of Chapels to the Poor's Rates, and the liberal exertions on behalf of the persecuted Protestants of France-were included among the subjects which most at tracted attention, and excited an interest, universal and sincere;-but

solutions, adopted in February last, by the Committee, respecting the suffering Waldenses or Vaudois, as they appear calculated to awaken particular smpathy, and may require co-operation and suppórt.

1. That the Protestant popnlation of the 13 parishes, which constitute the vallies of Luzerne, La Peronse and St. Martin, placed between France and the vales of Piedmont, and now restored by the general peace to the goverment of the King of Sardinia, appear to amount to about 18,000 persons, and to be distinguished by their long, fervent, disinterested piety-by their incomparable sacrifices for the Protestant faith, and by their recent suferings, present poverty, and mamerited distress. 2. That ages, antecedent to the general reformation, as well as every subsequent epocha, have witnessed their simplicity of manners-their devotion to Protestant principles-their industry, benevolence, from all national immunities, and their enpatriotism, and loyalty but also their exclusion durance of persecutions, frequent, cruel, and oppressive. 3. That the knowledge of their worth and distress, has therefore obtained for them in many successive periods, the political protection and the pecuniary aid of the Protestant cantons of Switzerland, and the Protest aut government of Holland; and has especially interested the royal compassion of King William 11. and Queen Mary; and of subsequent British princes, as well as the liberal contributions of the British people. 4. That The Royal Subsidy, established by King William and Queen presented to each of the pastors of each of the Mary, consisting of 400 livres of Piedmont, 13 parishes; and The National Subsidy, produced by a collection in England about 40 years ago, distributed principally to the widows of ministers, having been withdrawn since the year 1797, when Piedmont was incorporated with augmented, and especially, as since the restor France, their necessities appear to be greatly ation to the government of Sardinia, their ancient persecutions have been revived; and that their renewed and aggravated calamities demand not only sympathy, but immediate interposition, and as well active as pecuniary support. 5. That their long, affectionate, and grateful attachment to the English nation, entitles them to their peculiar commiseration and respect; and that this Committee will therefore endeavour to co-operate with other benevolent Christians and Protestants, to obtain some funds for their permanent assistance, as well as real security for their enjoyment of those rights of conscience and freedom of worship, which they highly and justly esteem. 6. That confidence in the liberality of the present administration, and in their cordial and important protection, will induce this Committee to represent the circumstances of these venerable, pious, and afflicted Waldenses to their compassion, before they decide on the amount of pecuniary relief which they will afford, and before they excite their friends and correspondents to those exertions which the national honour will stimulate-which necessity implores--which Christianity will dic tate, and which beneficence cannot bat hasten to supply.

instructed to transmit a copy of one of the letters submitted to this Meeting, a statement of the population of the vallies; a memoir printed during the past year on this subject, as well as these resolutions, to the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, for the information of bimself and of

7. That the Secretaries be therefore

his colleagues, and to request their speedy in terposition-their important advice and their permanent, renewed, and much-needed relief.

Mr. JOHN WILKS, the other Secretary, gratified the Meeting by presenting them with an analysis of those proceedings, to which the attention of the Committee had been .devoted.

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cult to extenuate and impossible to deny. Respect for the applicant bad induced compliance with his request; but it was expected that those trials must finally occur, as the Committee intended to insist on the repayment of the enormous costs which they had been compelled to incur, and on such The results of the measures which other terms as justice to the general were depending at the LAST Anniver- interests of religion, as the promosary he detailed. Those measures tion of future and general security,— consisted of the BILL for the Exemp- and as consequent attention to real tion of Places of Religious Worship humanity appeared to the Committee from Parochial Assessment; and of to require. THREE PROSECUTIONS for the disturbance of the numerous and respectable congregation of the Rev. John Carter, at BRAINTREE, in Essex; and of the BAPTIST Congregation at PRINCES RISBOROUGH, in the county of Bucks; and for the atrocions riots and assaults on the Rev. W. Seaton, and the friends of piety at ABBOTT'S ANN, near ANDOVER, in the county of Hants. As to the BILL, it was explained that, after the Committee had procured the support of the Earl of Liverpool and Mr. Vansittart, as well as of the principal Members of Opposition in Parliament, their efforts were frustrated by the mismanaged interference of another Committee,-by the exertions of the violent Tory and High Church party and by disunion among the Members of Administration, which the utmost labours of the Committee could neither counteraet nor prevent. Two of the PROSECUTIONS had terminated in the conviction and punishment of the offenders, notwithstanding the utmost endeavours to prevent those results, by persons whose magisterial and official situations demand at least impartiality, if not favour, towards Dissenters and Protestants, if they would honourably execute, according to the intention of the legislature, those acts for toleration, which it is their duty to administer and to enforce. The THIRD PROSECUTION, for the Riots at Abbott's Ann, remained undetermined. A gentleman, the brother of the clergyman of that parish, being the Chairman of the Quarter Sessions for the county of Hants, and who has recently been appointed a Judge of one of the superior courts, had applied, previous to the last as sizes, and had requested the postponement of the trials, that some proposals might be made on behalf of the persons whose guilt it would be diffi

The NEW objects, which had attracted the labors of the Committee during the past year, he then attempted to explain. Those objects again comprehended, the demand of tolls at Turnpike-Gates on Sundays, from persons entitled to exemption under their particular turnpike acts; — the refusal of Clergymen to read the burial-service over the bodies of those who had not received episcopal baptism;-the applieations of elergymen for fees on the interment of the dead in burial places belonging to Protestant Dissenters ;— the excessive assessment of the apartments of the Rev. Dr. Simpson in Hoxton Academy;-absurd and illegal objections by country magistrates to administer the oaths, when required, by any Dissenter or Protestant, pursuant to the New Toleration Act, obtained by the Society-and to register places of worship notified to well as the numerous them; - as turnpike and local acts annually submitted to Parliament, and which often contain clauses prejudicial to Dissenters;-and to all which objects the Committee had devoted their attention, not only with benefit to local sufferers, but for general and permanent advantage. Persevering attempts to assess places of public worship to the Poor's Rates had also been continued, and had required to be resisted with equal perseverance. Another immemediate application to Parliament the Committee could not recommend. Previous and conclusive decisions of some Courts of Law they apprehended must be pronounced before such application could be prudently renewed. Efforts for extending such assess. ments they intended firmly to oppose, whenever their opposition would be justified by any probability of advantage. The amount of the assessments they did not consider the most ob

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