us, it is recommended that from the peculiar convenience which it affords for the congregations generally coming together, that Friday the 9th of April be so observed in our respective churches." Our brethren of the Baptist denomination, we rejoice to know, have the same proposal before them, and we feel that we cannot better illustrate the former part of the above resolution, or justify the appointment in the latter, than by two extracts from a pamphlet just published by an excellent minister of that denomination, the Rev. Edward Steane, of Camberwell, entitled "A Letter to the Pastors of Baptist Churches in London and its Vicinity, pleading for the repeated observation of seasons of extraor dinary prayer, and more especially with reference to Friday, April 9." The following passage describes some of the advantages which he considers have resulted from those days of peculiar intercession which were held last year. "Those days thus consecrated to a purpose so hallowed in itself, and so consonant with the best feelings of every devout mind, exerted at the same time a sanctifying influence upon all who entered spiritually into their engagements, and in many ways have left a blessing behind them. They were followed in particular by that burst of holy and unprecedented generosity, which, by a single effort, replenished the exhausted coffers of our Missionary Societies, and pledged the individuals so munificently contributing, to a deeper interest in their operations than ever they had taken before. They have given rise to new methods of promoting the cause of our divine Redeemer, and greatly stimulated many ministers and private Christians in the exertions they were previously making. In some instances, the spirit of prayer enkindled by them has never since ceased to glow in the churches, and meetings of a similar kind continue to be periodically held. In others, the spirit of zeal was awakened to the putting forth of augmented energies, and the gospel has been consequently preached, as in the days of its first propagation, in the streets and lanes of our towns and cities. Increased attention has been given in some districts to the religious visitation of the poor; and in others, the mansions of the opulent have been opened as houses of prayer. Many pastors of eminent standing and influential abilities, have not only called their own people to the consideration of the necessity of devoting themselves with a more entire dedication to the glory of Christ, but have published their discourses and pastoral letters, that Christians beyond the sphere of their personal super intendence, might learn their sentiments, and be impressed with the importance of the object at which they aim. The profanation of the Sabbath, and the prevalence of inebriety, have excited the concern of such as weep over national sins, and would deprecate national calamities. The Holy Scriptures have become, in a novel and most interesting manner, the text-book of catechetical instruction to the young The spirit and genius of primitive Christianity, have drawn into the concord of a sweeter fellowship, many individual Christians, and many neighbouring churches; and in various other ways, we are, at this moment, joyfully reaping what in those seasons of solemn convocations we sowed in prayers and tears." To the objections which consistent nonconformists may feel to the employment of Good Friday for such a purpose, and which are doubtless increased by the use which some members of the Established Church made of the fact last year, Mr. Steane remarks, "I am not ignorant that a difference of opinion exists on the propriety of applying the day known by the appellation of Good Friday, to these purposes; nor do I think the objection alleged against it altogether without force. It is unquestionably right that we should be careful how we seem to lend countenance to what we deem an unscriptural usage in the National Church. I am not therefore to be understood as pleading in particular for the observation of our solemnities on that day. At the same time it does not appear to me impossible if that day were again to be fixed upon effectually to guard against the misconstruction of our conduct. Our means of communication with the public are quite sufficient to allow of the most ample disclosure of our sentiments on that point. And it should be remembered, that the universal cessation of business which then takes place, liberates all persons from their employments, and consequently gives to many of our friends-such especially as are engaged in Public Offices and Institutions, and indeed to all who have not the command of their own time ABOLITION OF SUTTEES IN INDIA. We fear that we too eagerly gave currency, in cur last number, to a report which reached this country, by private letters, and which we fondly hoped was true, that Lord Wm. Bentinck, as Governor General of India, had issued a Proclamation for the entire abolition of the burning of Hindoo widows. From an answer given in the House of Commons, by Mr. Banks, Secretary to the India Board, it appears that government have not heard of such a measure; but it is known that a change is rapidly going on In the minds of the natives, favourable to the abolition of that sanguinary rite. We trust, therefore, Christian bodies will persevere in their application to the Parliament for its entire suppression. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF Appointed to protect the Civil Rights of the Three Denominations of Protestant Dissenters to the General Meeting, December 18, 1829. In their two Reports of May and December, 1828, your Committee had especial reason to congratulate you on the state of our affairs, the detail of which was so satisfactory, as to call for the liveliest emotions of gratitude towards that benignant Providence to whom we owe the attainment of those objects, for which we had so long unsuccessfully laboured. It was also adverted to, as an additional source of pleasure, that the accomplish. ment of our wishes had not produced any appearance of dissatisfaction among our fellow-subjects of any description, and we are happy to be able to refer to all the statements we have made, with additional proofs of their accuracy. It can scarcely be expected, but that either from incorrect notions of the law, from prejudices not yet subdued, or from a desire to increase their emoluments, some clergymen will be found attempting to encroach on the nights to which Dissenters, in common with their fellowsubjects, are legally entitled. In the present year, however, we have had only one case of this nature to report; namely, a refusal, by a clergyman in Warwickshire, to perform the rights of burial over a person who had been baptized by a Dissenting minister, on the ground of his not having had reasonable proof of the deceased having been baptized; when, after a reference to the Bishop, the clergyman acquiesced in the propriety of our application, and made an unequivocal acknowledgment of its being his duty to perform the funeral service over every person baptized by a Dissenting minister. Your Committee, therefore, in the spirit of forbearance and moderation, pressed the matter no further. Your Committee have also the satisfaction to report, that in the cause before the Court of King's Bench, (referred to in the last Report,) relative to a churchrate, levied, though nominally for repairs, yet really for other purposes, the rate has been declared invalid; but as that decision took place in consequence of an informality in the mode of making the rate, and not on the main point at issue, it has lately been brought before the Court of King's Bench in a new form, and is at present under conside ration there. No attempt was made, during the last session of Parliament, to introduce any Bill upon this subject Your Committee have appointed a Sub-Committee, to act in union with a Sub-Committee of the Protestant So ciety, with respect to a general plan of Registration of Births, Marriages, and Deaths; and Members of those SubCommittees have, for some time past, been in communication with the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the laws of real property, through whose re commendation there can be no doubt that some important alterations will ere long be proposed relative to this subject. A difficulty having arisen respecting the registration of our places of worship, a case was submitted for the opinions of Sir N. C. Tindal, and three other eminent counsel; which, being materially at variance, no satisfactory result has yet been obtained. In our last year's Report it was mentioned, that an Address was intended to the Dissenters at large, on the state of the funds of this Society. Such address has been generally circulated; but your Committee are concerned at not being able to state the returns as satisfactory. It will be in the recollection of the General Meeting, that a proposition was some time since made and adopted, for vesting a portion of the funds of this Society in the establishment of the London University, on which, at the time, much difference of opinion existed. Your Committee cannot but feel highly gratified that the actual progress of that Institution has been snch, and the prospects it affords of general advantage are so favourable, as to give the highest satisfaction to those gentlemen who took upon themselves the responsibility of suggesting and supporting a measure, which they now think themselves warranted in pronouncing highly beneficial. Yaur Committee have now referred to the chief points which have occupied their attention during the past year; but they cannot allow themselves to conclude this Report without adverting to another event of aramount importance which has recently taken place, -The granting to the Roman Catholics that measure of religious liberty which had been previously restored to Protestant Dissenters. It is well known, that great pains were taken to excite public alarm on this most interesting question, and endeavours were used to represent the Dissenters as joining in a clamour so inconsiderate, as that, without attributing unworthy motives, it is scarcely too much to say, that it was pushed to an extreme which seemed but too likely to endanger the tranquillity and even the safety of the Realm. Your Committee have observed with much pleasure, that since the measure was sanctioned by the Lehislature, the agitation of the country has subsided, and the dreadful denunciations of injury to the Constitution, and ruin to the Church, have ceased to terrify; and they profess to think themselves highly favoured in having been permitted to witness an event so honourable to the pre sent age, so auspicious of future peace and improvement, and in such perfect unison with those liberal and Christian principles to which they have ever ap pealed as the basis and justification of their dissent; and which increases tenfold their confidence in the complete and final separation of Religion and Politics, leaving to each its own province, and consigning each to its own judge. A List of the Committee of Deputies, for the Year 1830. Chairman-William Smith, Esq. M P. Upper Seymour Street, Portman Square. Deputy-Chairman -Henry Waymouth. Esq. Bryanston Square. Treasurer-William Hale, Esq. Ho merton. Bentley, J. Esq. Highbury Grange. Bickham, T. Esq. Highbury Place. Bousfield, R. Esq. Manor House, Walworth. Brown, J. B. Esq. LL. D. Hare Court, Challis, T. Esq. Finsbury Place. Houston, S. Esq. Great St. Helen's. Jackson, S. Esq. Clapham. Wilson, T. Esq Highbury Place Yockney, W. Esq Bedford Street, Co. vent Garden. TRIBUTE ΤΟ THE MEMORY OF THE LATE REV. WM. HARRIS, LL D. THE following just though mournful tribute of respect and veneration for the memory of this amiable and excellent man, has been paid by the members of the Church at Cambridge, of which, for twelve years, he was the beloved pastor, and where his eminently holy character, his active zeal, his watchfulness over his charge, and his highly acceptable and useful pulpit labours, gained and secured to him the affections of his flock, and of a large circle of Christian friends, which neither his removal nor any other circumstance has weakened or impaired and where his labours and his works of mercy are remembered with all the freshness of yesterday, and will be fondly cherished while one of his spiritual children remain. "At a Special Meeting of the Church assembling at Downing Street Meeting House, held on Monday, Jan 25, 1830, on occasion of the lamented death of their late beloved pastor, the Rev. Dr. Harris: "It was unanimously resolved : "That while this Meeting would desire to bow with submission and resignation to the dispensation of an all wise Providence, they would, at the same time, express their unfeigned sorrow at the death of their late beloved pastor, and their high respect and veneration for his memory, sensible that in losing him, the Christian church and the world have lost a bright ornament, and this religious community a most sincere and judicious friend. "They would recur, with mournful satisfaction, to the recollection of the spiritual prosperity and uninterrupted harmony which prevailed throughout the twelve years he was the beloved pastor of this church, during which period, his devotional spirit, his uniform piety and disinterestedness, his ardent seal, his soundness of judgment, the consummate prudence of his measures, the suavity of his disposition, and the simplicity and kindness of his manners, pre-eminently adorned his Christian ministry and his profession; while his unceasing zeal and anxiety for the prosperity and welfare of this church and congregation, his deep interest in the families of his people, and his constant and paternal solicitude for the spiritual welfare of the young persons of his charge, greatly endeared him to the hearts of his people, and was the means, under Almighty God, of raising this religious community from a very low ebb, to a state of great prosperity and happiness. "Nor was his Christian zeal and kindness of disposition contined exclusively to his own congregation :—he was regarded as the father and counsellor of the neighbouring churches, the projector and promoter of several important in stitutions, and formed many valuable friendships in the University, town and county, which continued uninterruptedly to the moment of his dissolution. "Resolved, also:-That the above resolution be entered in the Church-book; and that a copy be transmitted to his bereaved widow and family, accompanied by a letter of condolence, and the assurance that they will ever share a deep interest in our earnest prayers and kindest sympathies." I. G. We are requested by the family of the late Rev. Dr. Harris to correct an erroneous impression which the concluding sentence in the article inserted in our last Number, concerning his death, has made on the minds of several of his friends. The fact is, as we are informed on the best authority, that the Doctor has left property, although it is insufficient for the support and maintenance of his large family, most of whom are at present, and several of whom will, in all probability, continue for many years, entirely dependent on their mother. BIOGRAPHICAL AND OBITUARY NOTICE OF THE LATE REV. JOHN M. MASON, D.D. OF NEW YORK. U. S. IT is with sincere regret we announce to our readers the death of the able and eloquent Dr. Mason, of New York, who departed this life on Lord's Day, Dec. 27, 1829, in the 60th year of his age. The name of this gentleman is sufficiently known and venerated in the British Churches to justify our insertion of the following biographical sketch of his history and character. Dr. Mason was born in the City of New York, on the 19th of March 1770. He was the son of a Scotch Seceding Minister, the Rev. John Mason, who was sent by the proper Church Court in Scotland, to be the Pastor of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, which now worship in Cedar Street, New York, and over which he presided for 30 years with such ability and goodness, that his memory is still cherished with veneration and delight. This gentleman was united in marriage to the daughter of a respectable Dutch merchant, and one of the Aldermen of the City, by whom he had several children besides the gifted subject of the present article. Great pains was taken with his early education to discipline his heart, as well as his mind, which parental solicitude was speedily rewarded, for when only 10 years of age he was the subject of deep religious impressions. He often used incidentally to remark, that at that period he took Ralph Erskine's "Faith's Plea upon God's Word" to the garret of his residence, and read, and wept, and prayed. In his 17th year he was received, on the confession of his faith, into the communion of the church over which he afterwards presided. Two years after he was graduated in Columbia College, where he received the honours of his class, the presages of his future eminence. Having resolved to devote himself to the Christian ministry, he spent a year in his revered parent, and then left Ametheological studies under the direction of rica for the land of his fathers, to complete his education in the University of Edinburgh In Edinburgh, his frank and noble spirit, his talents of high and commanding Promise, his diligent application to his studies, and his extraordinary proficiency therein, soon acquired for him the notice and approbation of his tutors, while they secured the friendship and affection of his fellow students. Here he became a member of the Philo-Theological Society, composed of students; the meetings of which were devoted to the discussion of subjects connected with natural and revealed religion; and he,with Mr. Ewing, of Glasgow, and Innes, of Edinburgh, were amongst the leading speakers of that interesting Society. After a residence of eighteen months in Edinburgh, he received the unwelcome intelligence of the decease of his revered father, accompanied with an invitation to return to New York, and succeed him. He complied - was licensed in November, 1792, occupied the pulpit during the following winter, and in April, 1793, was ordained the pastor of the bereaved church. His early ministry was eminently successful in the conversion of souls, and at one period the church consisted of nearly 700 members. The talents and influence of Mr. Mason, brought him continually before the public, both as an orator and an author. He advocated the claims of the New York Missionary Society, in 1797, in an able sermon, entitled Hope for the Heathen. On the death of Washington, December, 1799, he was appointed to pronounce a funeral oration in New York. The following year, a presidential election occurred, when Mr. Jefferson, the friend of infidelity, was candidate for the vacant chair. Mr. Mason therefore published "The voice of Warning to Christians, on the Election of a President." This indignant and eloquent expostulation, though unsuccessful in its attempt to exclude a patron of deism from the Chair, which had been occupied by a Washington and an Adams, yet produced an impression most favourable to the interests of Christianity throughout the States. Called to preside over a Theological Seminary, he, in 1802, visited England, to solicit donations of books, &c. to the library, in which he succeeded to a gratifying extent, while his discourses, in our metropolis, were listened to with delight by admiring thousands. In 1810, he resigned his connexion with the church in Cedar Street, and became pastor of the Murray Street Church; and the following year, he was appointed Provost of Columbia College. For the six following years, we behold him discharging, at the same time, the duties of Pastor of the Murray Street Church, together with those of Professor of Theology; attending to three recitations of the senior class in the College; preaching three times to his people, and lecturing five times in the seminary during each week. But the amount of labour connected with these several stations, was too great even for him. Under its pressure his health gave way, and he was reduced to the necessity of resigning them all in rapid succession. In the fall of 1822, he removed to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to preside over a literary institution established there; but his health still declining, he continued in that station but two years, when he returned to New York, and retired to the bosom of his family, where he dwelt till his departure to the family above. The seizures with which he was successively attacked, and by which he was gradually enfeebled, were of the paralytic kind, and his beloved connexions were thereby gently prepared for the approaching separation. Though thus incapacitated for the occupations and enjoyments of life, and a conscientiousness of almost every thing external was gone, yet a sense of the Saviour's love and grace remained, and cheered his spirit even to his death. The following summary of his character is abridged from the funeral discourse, preached in the Scotch Church, Cedar Street, New York, by the Rev. Joseph M'Elroy, D. D., to which we are indebted also for many of the preceding facts. Dr. Mason was formed to be great-power was his attribute, power of intellect, power of feeling. He was capable of the sublimest thoughts, and of the deepest pathos His hearers, when he was in the pulpit, witnessed and felt the force of his impassioned eloquence. There was majesty in his appearance; his figure was erect, his countenance beamed with intelligence, and "wisdom," almost literally "made his face to shine;" and it is probable that no man ever possessed in a greater degree the power of doing just what he pleased with his audience. His erudition was solid, various, extensive, accurate, and all his endowments and attainments were sanctified by the spirit of Christ. As a biblical critic and expounder of the sacred volume, he was not surpassed by any man of his times, and his success as a tutor was deservedly great. Although fully occupied with the duties of the college and the church, yet he found time for compositions, by which his memory will live with posterity. He was engaged in a controversy with a bishop of the Anglo Episcopal Church, in the United States, on church government, in which he furnished a striking display of his polemical powers. For four years he conducted "The Christian Magazine," which is so marked by the impress of his mind, that it will survive the fate of ordinary periodicals. While yet young, he published his "Letters on Frequent Communion," by which the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was stripped of those appendages which had encumbered it for generations in the Presbyterian body; and in 1816, he published "A Plea for Catholic Communion, in the church of God," which effected a similar revolution, although opposed by men of no ordinary talents. In private life Dr. Mason was a most tender father and sympathetic friend, generous, unsuspecting, frank, intrepid, and catholic, and it may be said, that not only the churches of America, but the Universal church, is impoverished by the loss of such a man. May a double portion of the spirit of this master in Israel descend on many of his brethren. |