-repeats as facts opinions which, though once received, are now universally exploded, and adopts or makes one or two mistakes in the names of authors and the titles of their works, which, considering the easiness of access to the sources of information, strike us as somewhat surprising. We hold, as firmly as any, the conclusion which Mr. Farley labours to establish; but, with the exception of the fact that the learned Trinitarians who have studied the point generally agree in the same result, we could not, without considerable explanation, adopt his premises. This laxity of inquiry and of statement is the more to be deprecated, as advantage will probably be taken of the resulting inaccuracies, by wily adversaries, to shake the confidence which would otherwise be felt in the conclusion at which the writer arrives. 66 We are happy to unite our testimony to that of Mr. Farley, in favour of the fairness and accuracy of Mr. Wilson's book, the Concessions of Trinitarians." We have had occasion, with reference to several passages, to go over the ground which Mr. W. had trodden before us; and in every case we have found, as Mr. Farley has done, in reference to John v. 7, his citations, "without exception, accurate." We cordially agree with Mr. F. that the author of that excellent book has indeed laid our denomination under great obliga tions." 66 INTELLIGENCE. SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CIATION. ON Thursday evening, May 7th, the seventh annual meeting of the Northern Sunday-School Association, was held in the school-room of the first Congregation, Fountain-street, Bel fast. The Chair was taken by ROBERT PATTERSON, Esq. A suitable prayer having been offered up by the Rev. J. S. Porter, The CHAIRMAN said, in former years he had felt great pleasure in taking a part in their proceedings; but this year the Committee had honoured him by asking him to preside on the occasion. He had complied with their request, and he trusted to the kindness of the meeting to excuse those deficiencies in his conduct, which their judgment would not fail to detect. There was one peculiarity connected with Sunday Schools, namely, in the books which it employed in the instruction of the young. The character of every educational institution might be known by the same means. In the Sunday School it was the Bible; other books were valuable there, only so far as they throw light on the Scripture narrative, or illustrate and enforce the Scripture precepts. The Bible was pre-eminently the Sunday-school volume. There was another volume in which he wished the children of their Sunday Schools, and all other children, were taught to read-the volume which God had laid open for their perusal in the external world.The loveliness of creation speaks of its author not less intelligibly than his written word; and he (the Chairman) thought, that the young should be taught to read there the manifestations of that Author's wisdom. When thus taught, the humble hedge-row flower would declare to them his skill; the cattle grazing in the pasture which he has provided, would evidence his goodness, not less than the glad songs of the feathered tribe-and even the weak insects, which flit in the sunshine, "And in the gloom of twilight, hum their joy." would display to them his glorious attributes. He hoped that the time would yet come when every Sunday School would have two weekly meetings-one on the Sunday, for the study of God's written word and one on some week-day evening, for the study of that other revelation—his glorious works. He would suggest to those gentlemen, who had resolutions to propose or second, to confine themselves to the matters contained in those resolutions; as time was frequently unnecessarily expended, at public meetings, in digressions from the subject in hand, and the conse quence was, that at the close, important matters had often been left behind. He trusted they would excuse him for throwing out that suggestion; and he would now call on the Rev. Mr. Magennis, the Secretary, to read the report. The report stated, that in the course of the year, the Association had granted to Schools in connexion with it, 242 Bibles, 373 Testaments, 158 lesson books, 205 primers, and other requisites, to the number of about six hundred ;—making, in all, a sum total of more than sixteen hundred books and requisites of different kinds. It had also disposed of upwards of one hundred copies of Livermore's Commentary on the Gospels, leaving only a very small portion on hands of an impression of two thousand. Among the applications for books, during the year, several were from schools not previously in connexion with the Association, and all, with one exception, were from England-a fresh proof of the great facilities for establishing schools which the Association afforded. After some expressions of regret, regarding Sunday Schools, in connexion with the Society, which were once flourishing, and were now nearly defunct, and condemnatory of the apathy manifested in several districts, where schools might be established, the report stated, that it was the opinion of the Committee that every Congregation should have a Sunday School connected with it; and that, when Congregations were widely scattered, there ought, also, to be district schools in populous localities. After alluding, in complimentary terms, to the Hibernian Bible Society, for their liberality and generosity, in furnishing the Association with Bibles and Testaments, at a trifling sum, when illiberality and sectarian exclusiveness prompted the Sunday-school Society to refuse its aid, the Committee recommended the formation of branch Associations, which, in their opinion, would more effectually promote the interests of their own. The report then put forth the suggestions of several superintendents, as to the best means of communicating moral and religious instruction in Sunday Schools, and concluded by suggesting the propriety of establishing a Magazine, to be devoted entirely to the interest of Sunday Schools. Mr. HARTLEY, the Treasurer, hav ing read the statement of the accounts of the Association, Dr. MARSHALL moved, that the report be adopted, printed, &c. and said, that it appeared to him to be very copious, and to the meeting must be very satisfactory, except that part which referred to the falling off of the schools. Mr. MACADAM seconded the motion; and expressed a hope, that when the report was printed and circulated, every member of their body would see the necessity of coming forward and supporting so very valuable an Association. The Rev. Mr. M'ALESTER moved the next resolution, which was to the effect, that the Sunday-school institution merited the sympathy, support, and co-operation of all who desired the religious instruction of the rising generation, in consequence of the powerful influence which it possessed, in forming the principles, and moulding the character of the young. The Rev. Gentleman said, that he remembered the time when there were few Sunday Schools in Belfast; but, he believed, that there was no religious body in town, now, which had not its Sunday School. This institution was first established by the ever-to-be venerated Raikes; and it was then intended, that the children should receive a secular, as well as a religious education-in fact, it was looked upon then as a kind of poor school; but it had since aimed at higher objects—it had become a nursery for the young of every rank, where the young of the rich, as well as of the poor, might learn the great truths which it was necessary they should know. There were so many day-schools, for the purpose of giving secular instruction through the country, that the education in Sunday-schools had, latterly, and very properly, been confined to the nourishing of the young with the bread of life-to supplying them with that information which it was most important that they should attain. Mr. SEED seconded the resolution, and impressed on the heads of families the necessity of visiting the Sunday Schools, being convinced that it would be productive of great benefit. The Rev. J. S. PORTER moved the next resolution, which was congratulatory to the founders and friends of the Association, on its present position, and expressive of a hope, that it might continue to extend its influence, as a means for the dissemination of truth. He said, that the report was not altogether of a melancholy nature; that, although some schools had died away, others had started up in their places, and that the number of their schools was not now less than at any former period. He remembered the time when he attended the first meeting of their Association; at that time they were all full of triumph and congratulation, because they had 20 schools in connexion with them; but now they had 40, and with a far more than a proportionate increase of pupils. The Rev. Gentleman then went on to explain, that it was not alone the duty of the Sunday-school teacher to meet the children on Sunday, and read a chapter in the Bible-to explain the Scriptures to them, and make them acquainted with the character of our blessed Lord, but they should use their best exertions to secure their attend ciation. Mr. O'GORMAN briefly seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. SAMUEL M'ADAM moved a vote of thanks to the Hibernian Bible Society, for its continued liberality, in supplying the Association with Bibles and Testaments at reduced prices. Mr. J. M'ADAM seconded the motion, which passed. It was then resolved, on the motion of Mr. JAMES MARSHALL, Seconded by Mr. JOHN CAMPBELL, that the Committee to be appointed should be instructed to take into their consideration the propriety of a Magazine, such as that alluded to in the report, and of offering a prize for the best essay on the most efficient means of communicating moral and religious instruction, in the Sunday School. A vote of thanks, on the motion of the Rev. HUGH MOORE, seconded by Rev. D. MAGENNIS, was then presented to the Rev. C. J. M'Alester, for his unwearying efforts to promote the interests of the Association, and for the zeal, fidelity, and success with which, for so many years, he gratuitously discharged the duties of Secretary to the Society. A vote of thanks was also given to Mr. Hartley, the Treasurer of the Association; after which, the officers for the ensuing year having been appointed, Mr. PATTERSON left the Chair, and the Rev. J. S. PORTER having taken the same, thanks were given to the former gentleman, for the very efficient manner in which he had discharged his duties, and the meeting separated. UNITARIAN BEQUESTS. Vice-Chancellor's Court, Jan. 20. BEFORE SIR J. WIGRAM. Shrewsbury v. Hornby. This case came on upon further directions. The suit was instituted for the purpose of administering the estate of Richard Cooke, of Bromptonsquare, Middlesex, who, by his will, bequeathed to his widow, whom he standing in his name in the Long appointed his executor, £300 per ann. Annuities, upon trust to hold, the same should she wish to do so, £20 a-year, during her life, with liberty to sell of the said stock, personally to her own use. He provided, that after the death of his widow, the defendant Hornby, as his trustee, should hold the fund upon trust to pay to "the Unitarian Chapel at Devonport £100 a-year, the remainder to be applied in sums of £20 each to the assistance of respectable Unitarian congregations which stood in need of it. He had mentioned Mr. Hornby, describing him as "treasurer of the Unitarian Association," and had provided that whenever the name of "Hornby" was used by him, it should have the same meaning as though he had used the words "treasurer of the Unitarian Association." pro Mr. Schomberg (on behalf of Maria Chambers, one of the residuary legatees) took five objections to the posed decree. The widow and executrix had sold £20 a-year of the stock in question, which realised £200 or £300. He submitted that this was not the intention of the testator, who merely contemplated the sale of so much stock as would produce £20 sterling. He submitted that the gift to the Unitarian charities was void under the Mortmain Act. The gift savours of the realty. It was not given to the minister, or for the pur- ("De Thermines v. De Boneval," 5 Russell, 288), where a bequest had been made for the purpose of publishing a work in a foreign language “inculcating the doctrine of the absolute and inalienable supremacy of the Pope." It was, however, declared to be invalid. Mr. Wood and Mr. Evans (for the defendant Mr. Hornby) contended that the gift was perfectly valid as a charitable trust, or in the nature of such a trust, and that the Court would direct the payment to be made to him, one part of the will expressly directing it to be made to him as "treasurer, and his committee." Mr. Spence, Mr. Romilly, and Mr. Wray, appeared for other parties. Mr. Maule appeared on the part of the Crown. His Honour held that the gift to the charity was valid in point of law, and that it was so express in its terms as to warrant the Court in paying it to the treasurer, Mr. Hornby. Upon the other point, as to the sale of the stock, the executrix was justified in selling the amount of stock which she had done. TO CORRESPONDENTS. We WE are obliged, reluctantly, to put aside some valuable communications until next month. hope our esteemed correspondents will have patience with us, and we shall endeavour, so far as in our power, to meet their several wants and wishes with the least possible delay. We expect to be able to furnish our readers with a mass of interesting and gratifying intelligence, next month. We have received the communication of our respected friend, "Tyro." We are inclined to think that there is little difficulty in arriving at the Scriptural meaning of the passage to which ie refers. He says, "I cannot see how the beautiful spirits have washed their robes, and made them white, in the blood of the Lamb. Was the act theirs, or that of another? If theirs or another's, how did they, or he, perform that act? Does blood cleanse and whiten, and how is it to be applied?" We answer, first, that "White raiment," is emblematical of that purity of heart and character which is always represented in the Scriptures, as constituting a necessary qualification for the kingdom of heaven. The holiness and purity of God himself are described by the same figurative mode of expression. He is represented by the Psalmist as "putting on glorious apparel," -as being "clothed with majesty and honour," as “decking himself with light, as with a garment." That the white robes mentioned in the 7th Chapter of Revelations, represent moral purity of character, is evident, from the Saviour's words recorded at the 16th Chapter 15th Verse"Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments;" and again, at the 3d Chap. and 4th Verse, they "that have not defiled their garments, shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy." Nay, we are expressly told, in the 19th Chapter and 8th Verse, that these garments are the "righteousness of the Saints." We answer next, that the act of washing their robes, and making them white in the blood of the Lamb, was partly their own, and partly that of Christ. He shed his blood, or laid down his life in the work which the Father had given him to do that was his portion of the act; and they (the redeemed) did not receive the grace of God in vain-they made their calling and election sure they gave all possible diligence to add to their faith, virtue, temperance, knowledge, brotherly kindness, charity: and so an entrance was abundantly ministered unto them into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is requested that all communications intended for insertion in the Irish Unitarian Magarine will be forwarded not later than the 10th of the preceding month (if by post, prepaid), to 28, Rosemary-street, Belfast. THE Solemn League and Covenant having been taken by almost the entire population of Scotland, and by the whole Parliamentary Party in England, the English Parliament requested that of Scotland "to enforce its obligations upon all the officers, soldiers, and other protestants of their nation in Ireland," whilst Owen O'Conolly, (already mentioned as the preserver of Dublin, in 1641,) was appointed to urge its acceptance by the British forces in Ulster. The Marquis of Ormond, who adhered to the Royal cause, and was then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, strenuously opposed the reception of the Covenant; and many of the English officers and soldiers, being episcopalians and royalists, declined the obligation. The Scottish Parliament, on their part, committed the matter to the Commission of the General Assembly, who sent four Ministers to Ulster, to press the Covenant upon their countrymen. The head of the Deputation was the Rev. James Hamilton, already mentioned as the nephew of Lord Claneboy, and, at that period, the influential Minister of Dumfries. The following is a brief summary of their proceedings, as recorded by Patrick Adair, the son of one of the Commissioners. "By appointment of the Assembly, Masters James Hamilton, William Adair, John Weir, and Hugh Henderson, came over to Ireland, and were all present at a meeting of the Presbytery, held on the 1st of April, 1644, when they produced their commission, enjoining the ministers of the Scotch Regiments to administer the Solemn League and Covenant to the whole army. This was accordingly done; and the whole country round about came willingly and joined themselves to the covenant, except some old conformist ministers, and some ungodly persons-so that there were more swearers in the country than in the army. The covenant was taken with great affection in all places, in the hopes of laying the foundations of the work of God in the land, by the overthrow of popery and prelacy. Even the malignants, (episcopalians,) durst not appear on the contrary; for the people generally held the Scotch Ministers as the servants of God, coming with a blessed message. But, in Belfast, there was no liberty С с |