are few of his many public acts and efforts to which he looked back with more pure and disinterested satisfaction than the establishment of the Free Library. "When his mayoralty, protracted to the unusual term of three years, was drawing to its close, the Queen honoured Manchester with a visit; and on the 10th October, 1851, in presence of thousands of his fellow-citizens, conferred on their popular and excellent Mayor the honour of knighthood. We know of no other instance of father and son, each as the chief magistrate of a great city, receiving this honour in succession from the same sovereign. But even at this time, when his fellow-citizens generally rejoiced in the gracious act as if it were a personal compliment to each of themselves, the seeds of that disorder which has just had its fatal termination had begun to manifest themselves; and Sir John passed a winter in Egypt and the East, with the special object of the restoration of his health. Since his return, he has applied himself to his various public duties with his usual energy and activity,- -as the head of the well-known mercantile firm of Potter and Norris, as a Magistrate and DeputyLieutenant (since 1851) of the County Palatine, as a City Magistrate and Visiting Justice of the Gaol, and as an Alderman and active member of the Manchester Corporation. "Another honour yet awaited him, the highest that his fellow-citizens could bestow. In March, 1857, they elected him one of their representatives, placing him at the head of the poll by vast majorities over both his formidable opponents. It is perhaps right to state here that it required the most urgent and strenuous persuasion, on the part of his friends and relatives, to induce Sir John to consent,as he did at length with the greatest reluctance,to comply with the requisition presented to him that he would permit himself to be put in nomination. "Since that election, Sir John's health has been gradually deteriorating; and within the last few months he has sustained several paralytic seizures of more or less severity. With a vital elasticity really remarkable, he has rallied again and again, resumed his various occupations, and seemed to be recovering his strength; but, as we have stated, a stroke of the same kind proved so severe as to deprive him of all the use and sensation of his left side. Even from this he slightly rallied on Thursday, but had a bad night, and gradually sank until his death. "In politics, Sir John was an advanced Liberal, advocating the enlargement of the electoral body to the extent of household suffrage. On his benevolence and kindliness of heart, his readiness to do good with all the energy of his impetuous nature, and on the many excellent traits of his private character, especially in the domestic relations of life, we must not dwell. These are 'treasured memories' by those who knew him best; but his death, in what seems but the mid-day of life, will be mourned by the great body of this community." Sir John Potter was interred on Saturday, October 30, at the Ardwick Cemetery. His remains were attended to the grave by a long and mournful cortége, comprising not only his relatives and immediate friends, but also the members of the Corporations of Manchester and Salford, and most of the leading gentlemen of the city, including the Bishop of the diocese, who had all spontaneously united in thus testifying their feelings of respect for their lamented fellow-citizen. On reaching the cemetery, the coffin was taken into the chapel, preceded by the Rev. W. Gaskell, who read the service, and afterwards pronounced a funeral address to the assembled mourners. On the following day, Sunday, October 31, the same minister preached a funeral sermon in Cross-Street chapel, of which Sir John was a member and constant attendant, from the text, Gal. vi. 10. After explaining and enforcing the duties which as individuals we owe to the society in which we live, the preacher thus proceeded : "I will not affirm that the duties which I have now sketched were, in all points, perfectly fulfilled by the friend whose removal from the midst of us has given this direction to my thoughts; but I have no hesitation in saying that they were so in a very remarkable degree. Nature had given him a warm and feeling heart, as all who knew him in his earlier years can testify; but in his after course I see a striking illustration of the truth, far too much neglected, how important home training may be in fitting a man for public usefulness, and how wide-spread and blessed may, in this way, be the influence which it exerts. In the society of friends there was a genial heart-cheerfulness about him which made him always welcome. He was happy in making happy; and with truth, I believe, was it said, he has not left an enemy behind him.' In furthering objects of benevolence, he appeared to find a sincere pleasure. He was not, like some, ready with excuses when asked for aid; but ready to distribute, willing to communicate.' I recollect once, when I had been obliged to apply to him rather often, and had made some little apology for it, his saying, 'Come to me without hesitation when you have a good object, and I shall be glad to lend a helping hand.' And I never found this a mere form of words. In the attack of his complaint which preceded the last, when scarcely able to articulate, he was mindful that he had promised me ten pounds for our Mission to the Poor, and desired a trusted friend to see that it was not forgotten." After alluding to his exemplary discharge of duty as a citizen, magistrate and representative, Mr. Gaskell goes on to say: "But the fact may not be known to many of you, as it was to those who shared his intimacy, which renders his careful and unceasing attention to public duties the more praiseworthy, and shews that it sprung from principle,-namely, that he had little personal ambition to urge him on, and that, if he had consulted merely his own tastes, he would much have preferred a quiet and more retired life. Once engaged, however, in any service, he was anxious to do his best. This was proved in a convincing manner, not three weeks before his death, by his joining a deputation to London on a matter affecting, as he believed, in no small degree, the interests of his constituents. When those who loved him best united in trying to dissuade him from his purpose by urging that he was not in a fit state to go, his answer was: 'I know it, but still I think I ought to go;' and he went. Of the special directions which his benevolence took, I have not time to speak at length; but one application of it I cannot pass over without notice. Much as he was interested in other ways of doing good-such as healing the sick and helping the blind-I always found, from my first acquaintance with him, that to extend education among the poor, and afford them facilities for the cultivation of refining tastes and improving pursuits, was an object which seemed to lie nearest his heart. You all know that noble institution designed for the objects I have mentioned, which owes its foundation mainly to his efforts, and with which his name is imperishably connected. I remember well the earnestness with which he engaged in this work; I know something of the difficulties which he had to encounter in its progress, and the pains which he took to overcome them; and I am persuaded, if both mind and heart had not been set upon it, it would never have been accomplished. When one thinks of the sources of interest, and pleasure, and instruction, and improvement, which he has thus laid open to thousands who might else have been debarred them; when one considers how many, as generation follows generation, may find in that Free Library light that may serve for their guidance, lessons that may make them wiser, better and happier-one is almost tempted to envy him the glory of such a work. Fitting does it seem that the last public act of his life should have been one to shew that the interest in this work, which had never slumbered in health, was strong enough to bear him up even amidst the weakness that was heralding death. "Judging from outward manifestations, there must have been in him no small measure of that love which is the essence of religion, and far outweighs all mere devotion to creeds and loud professions of faith. It was this, I believe, and not indifference, which gave him his catholicity of spirit; for, while feeling, and acting on the feeling, how much more the common ground of Christians is than the peculiar ground of sects, he was ready on all fitting occasions to bear his testimony and lend his aid to the form of doctrine which he held to be true. For some time before death came, he saw clearly that it was drawing nigh. And as he lay waiting in the dim chamber of sickness, he was disturbed by no distressing fears; he confided in the goodness of God, as revealed through his Son; he committed himself to Him as unto a faithful Creator, satisfied that He, the Judge of all the earth, would do only what was right." The Rev. JOSEPH EEDES FLETCHER, whose death is recorded in a recent obituary, resided but a few years at Crewkerne; his services in the ministry were principally rendered elsewhere. In the early part of the year 1848, he was settled with the congregation at Selby, whence he removed to Coseley at the commencement of 1852. With this congregation he remained nearly three years, removing to Crewkerne in October, 1854. Here he entered on his ministerial duties with much zeal, and there was a prospect of his being very useful in this new post of duty. The congregation were pleased with his services; his earnest manner rendered them impressive; and the temperate defence of his own religious views, when he found it desirable to bring them prominently forward, evinced the candour of his mind and the charity of his spirit. In the ordinary intercourse of society, his conduct was so gentle and amiable, that it had the effect of disarming prejudice and conciliating the good-will of many who were not favourably disposed towards his religious views. The increase of the congregation under his pastorship, and the good opinion of his neighbours and fellow-christians, were promising circumstances in the aspect of the future; but that Providence which ordereth all things judged it wise to bring a close, prematurely according to human judgments, to his useful labours. He fell into an infirm state of health, and after obtaining assistance for a short time in his pulpit duties, was obliged soon afterwards to relinquish them entirely. Mr. Fletcher's illness was a long and painful one both to himself and his family. Increasing weakness and debility diminished his own enjoyment of life and rendered him more dependent upon their cares and attentions. But painful as it was to witness the decay of his powers, affection was prompt to render every service which might soothe his passage downwards, and the light of hope hung over the grave which became more nearly visible as time passed on. At length the last summons reached him, and he passed away from earth to that kingdom whose beauty and glory he had often contemplated, and the consistent preparation for which he had faithfully enjoined upon the members of his flock. He was removed from earthly duty at a period not far beyond the meridian of life. Happy are those servants whom their Master findeth watchful whenever he maketh his appearance among them! Oct. 16, at Liverpool, GEORGE STUART HAWTHORNE, Esq., M.D., aged 65 years. PRICE, formerly of Portsmouth, aged 69. Oct. 20, at Richmond, Mr. David Brent Oct. 30, at Clapton, aged 64, Mr. JOHN MORGAN PETERS, an unpretending, kindhearted man, whose blameless life did honour to his simple, earnest faith. It was not in his nature to have an unkind feeling for any human being, and it is hard to conceive that any human being could ever entertain an unkind feeling towards him. Nov. 25, at Hough Green, Chester, in her 87th year, SARA, widow of the late Rev. Robert ASPLAND, of Hackney. MARRIAGES. July 23, at the Unitarian chapel, King Edward Street, Macclesfield, by Rev. J. C. Meeke, ROBERT CHAMBERS, Esq., solicitor, Larne, Ireland, to JEANIE, daughter of the late Joseph BANKHEAD, Esq., M.D., of Demerara. Oct. 14, at the Church of the Divine Unity, Newcastle-on-Tyne, by Rev. George Harris, SAMUEL CHARLESWORTH, Esq., to MARY ALLEN, only daughter of Mr. John Jefferson HARRISON, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. Oct. 18, at the Unitarian chapel, Oldbury, near Birmingham, by Rev. John R. Beard, D.D., Manchester, the Rev. HENRY M'KEAN, Jun., minister of the chapel, to MARY, eldest daughter of Mr. W. PROBERT, of Dingle Cottage, Rawley. Oct. 31, at Park Lane, by Rev. James Bayley, Mr. THOMAS WRIGHT to Miss MARY WOOD. Nov. 2, at the Unitarian church, Crumlin, by Rev. John Jennings, ADAM BROWN, Esq., of Belfast, to CATHERINE, younger daughter of James BROWN, Esq., Ballydonaghy. Nov. 4, at the Remonstrant Presbyterian meeting-house, York Street, Belfast, by Rev. D. Maginnis, Mr. JOHN SHANNON, of Belfast, to Miss JANE LAIRD, of Ballyclare. Nov. 6, at the new Unitarian church, Hackney, by Rev. C. L. Corkran, RICHARD WILLIAMS to HANNAH BURKS, both of Hackney. Nov. 10, at the Mill-hill chapel, Leeds, by Rev. Thomas Hincks, B.A., JOHN LUPTON, Esq., to MARY, daughter of James BUCKTON, Esq., of the Elms, Chapel Allerton, near Leeds. Nov. 10, at St. Mary's-in-the-Castle, Hastings, by Rev. Harry Tudor, M. A., HENRY WILLIAM STANSFELD, Esq., of the Manor House, Flockton, to ANNE WALKER, youngest daughter of the late George M'Kay SUTHERLAND, Esq., 93rd Highlanders of Aberardar, and granddaughter of the late John Walker, Esq., of Crow Nest, Halifax, Yorkshire. Nov. 11, JOSEPH BALFOUR, Esq., of Upper Clapton, to LOUISA ANNE, only daughter of W. H. COTTON, Esq., of the same place. Nov. 11, at the Unitarian church, Swansea, by Rev. Edward Higginson, Captain JOSEPH ROSSER, of Swansea, to MARIAN, eldest daughter of Mr. John BASE, of Swansea. GENERAL INDEX. Abolitionism, 457. Acts iv. 24, 92-vii. 48, 669-xiv. 13, Albert's, Prince, reply to the address of Aspland's, Rev. R. B., speech at Hack- ney, 251. Sermon, 254. Speeches at Atlantic cable, a sermon on the, 585. B. on Ellis's Unitarian Controversy, 290. Christ, 307, 481. Bakwains, a tribe in South Africa, 147. Baptism, rite of, 197, 296, 361, 760. Beard's, Rev. Charles, speech at Hack- Belfast Young Men's Christian Associa- Belsham, Rev. Thomas, 622. 181. Farewell at Manchester, 362, Black's, Rev. H., speech at Tenterden, Blackmore, Rev. E. Chewning, 529. William Wilkes, 535. Boers of South Africa, 151. And Bolton District Unitarian Association, BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS REVIEWED: Bache's, Rev. Samuel, Lectures on Congregational Year Book for 1858, 238. Dalton on Adulteration of Food, 112. Doctrine of the Trinity, 548. Ellis on the Unitarian Controversy, Gaskell's, Rev. W., Sermon on Mil- Gill's, T. H., Anniversaries, 700. Gow's, Rev. J., Sermon on the Indian Green's, Rev. H., Gradations in Euclid, Griffith's, Rev. D., Sermon at Ware- Kell's, Rev. E., Sermon on the Indian Life of Mrs. Schimmelpenninck, 565, Livingstone's, Dr., Travels and Re- Lord's, Rev. A. E., Sermon on the 308. Memoir of Rev. Joseph Badger, 53. Owen's, Rev. J., Sermons on Oliver Powell's, Baden, Appendix, 299. Ruskin's Political Economy of Art, Sabbath Leisure, 50. Solly's Six Months among our Sunday- Sunday-School Penny Magazine, 240. Unitarian Almanack for 1858, 240. Bowman, Mr. W., on Newton, 642. Bristol and Rev. G. Armstrong, 288, 338. British and Foreign School Society, 468. C. on damnation of infants, 542. Campbell's, J. M., Nature of the Atone- Cappe, Rev. Newcome, of York, 626. Channing, Dr., references to the writings Channing, Rev. W. H., speech at Dukin- Cheltenham, meeting at, 430. Chester, school meeting at, 126. Clennell's, Mr., speech at Hackney, 250. Coleridge and the personality of the Comte's, M., Philosophie Positive, 30. |