In defence of the pure doctrines of christianity. Upon the resignation of this gentleman, who has since devoted his superior talents to the assiduous study, and to the practice of the law, the whole pastoral care of the congre, gation, by their request. devolved upon Mr. Edwards. This circumstance alone was a sufficient testimony of the high estimation in which he was held, for till that period, two ministers had always been thought necessary to fill that station. During his connection with this society, the attendance upon his ministry was often very numerous, and always respectable In discharging the duties of his office, his zeal for truth, his uncor. rupted integrity, his firmness and consistency, but above all his generosity of spirit, and his earnest concern for the practical and religious improvement of his hearers, were very conspicuous, and on some occasions were displayed in a manner that does not often cccur. His exertions to be useful were by no means confined to the pulpit. Considering the smallness of his income, his liberality was almost unexampled. Little more than one-third of what be received as the reward of his labours, was sufficient to supply bis own necessities; the rest was entirely devoted to the relief of those who stood most in need of assistance; and to pecuniary aid, were commonly added by him, the still more valuable benefits of Christian advice and consolation. Nor can there be the least doubt, had his income from the ministry been double, or treble what it was, he would have employed the whole the same way. In 1802, his eonnections with Birmingham was dissolved, but not without the deepest regret amongst his numerous and affectionate friends. Every exertion was made by the young people of the society especially, to induce him to remain with them. Their address to him on his departure, and the substantial proofs they afterwards afforded him of their attachment, are testimonies to his worth, which cannot be effaced. The eștimation in which his memory is still held by them; the fidelity and strength of their at tachment; the affection with which they cherish the recollection of the known goodness of his heart; and his faithful exertions for their benefit, are as honourable to themselves, as to him. Upon this separation, Mr. Edwards removed to the neighbourhood of London. He had been there but a few months, when he was afflicted with a severe illness, which so much affected his nervous system, as to render him incapable of great exertion, during his residence in this vicinity. After no long confinement, however, he was enabled to renew his ministerial services, which were carried on partly at Edmonton, and partly in the metropolis, where he conducted during the winter season, evening lectures. Of the spirit and ability with which there services were conducted, the very excellent sermon on the death of Dr. Priestley, is an admirable specimen; but the state of his health however, at this period, rendered relaxation and the air of the country netessary. On this account he deciined some very promising offers that were made to him, and retired for some time to the neighbourhood of the sea; officiating during one summer, to a small but respectable congregation in the Isle of Wight. Soon after he was invited to become the minister of a congregation of protestant dissenters at Crediton, in Devonshire. He complied with their request, and divided his services during the first year, between that society, and another of the same description at Moreton Hampstead. At these places, he usually preached three times on the Lord's day, besides which he had a weekly lecture. At Crediton, he also established Sunday schools, which in that neighbourhood are not common, chiefly upon the plan of the very large and well conducted institution of this kind at Birmingham. Severe afflictions, however, that had befallen some of his nearest relatives, as well as others of a personal nature, had induced him to form the resolution of leaving Devonshire, and suspend for a season his miniterial labours. From the first it does not appear to have been his design to continue long in that situation, for he had engaged to officiate as minister at Crediton, only from year to year. It was the will of Providence, however, that his valuable life should now be suddenly cut short, when many years of activity and increasing usefulness might have been expected; and to that will, mysterious as it often is, it becomes creatures whose faculties are limited as ours are, to bear in every instance with perfect acquiescence. That his death was accidental and wholly undesigned, there is every evidence which the nature of the case will admit. His clothes were all found laid in the usual manner by the water side; letters were in his pocket, in which he expressed his invention of returning for a short time to his late abode. A few days before, on his way through Exeter, he had purchased some books, and a few days previous to that he had writren a letter to a young person of his former congregation at Birmingham, abounding with proofs of good sense, and the best advice, which the cir. cumstances of that young person required. These surely are evidences that can leave no dubt in the mind of any impartial person. His publications consist of Letters to the Rev. Mr. Madeley, and a Vindication of them. Letters to the British Nation, (on the Riots at Birmingham,) and Five single Sermons. For an able and just estimate of his character, and talents (which the sermons he delivered, as well as those he published, prove to be far above mediocrity), the reader is requested to refer to an excellent discourse, occasioned by his death, delivered and published by his successor at Birmingham, the Rev. John Kentish, sold by Belcher, Birming ham; and Johnson, St. Paul's Church Yard. PROVINCIAL PROVINCIAL OCCURRENCES, Arranged geographically, or in the Order of the Counties, from North to South. Communications for this Department of the Monthly Magazine, properly au thenticated, and sent free of Postage, are always thankfully received. Those are more particularly acceptable which describe the Progress of Local Improvements of any Kind, or which contain Biographical Anecdotes or Facts relative to eminent or remarkable Characters recently deceased. NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. THE number of baptisms in Newcastle, and Gateshead, for the year 1808, was 1235, of which 656 were males, and 539 females. Burials, including those at the Ballist Hills) 1144, viz. 569 males, and 575 females. Mar. riages 454. The baptisms of the Dissenters, which are considerable, are not included in the above number. Married.] At Wittingham, George Laing, esq. of Long Haughton, to Miss Law, daughter of the Rev. Mr. L. vicar of the former place. At Ryton, P. B. Minster esq. to Miss Ann Elizabeth Stowe, of Ryton Grove, daughter of the late John S. esq. of Newton, Lincoln shire. At Newcastle, Capt. John Ismay, of the Royal Navy to Miss Punshon. At Monkwearmouth, Mr. William Moody, of Durham to Miss Jane Jefferson, seventh daughter of Mr. William J. of Pancake Hall, near Durham. At Houghton-le-Spring, Mr. Stephen Owens, of Chester-le-street, to Miss Bowden, daughter of Mr. B. of Dean House. Died] At Durham, Mr. James Smurth. Robert Rawes, proprietor of several slatequarries at Shap, near Appleby, Westmoreland, 68.-Mrs. Creighton, wife of Mr. David C. 22.-Mrs. Mather, 40-Mrs. Barry, 78-Mr. William Mewburn, 69.Mr. John Cram. At Bishop Auckland, Mr. John Burnell. At Billingham Grange, Mrs Burrell, 38. At Sunderland, Mr. William Shepherd, 78. CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAND. At Kendal Dispensary, 1087, patients were admitted during the last year. The expences amounted to 1571. 5s.-One hundred and two poor women received relief, during the last year, from the Lying in charity, in the same town, at the expence of 651, 14s. 3d.-At the Schools of Industry, Kendal, at Midsummer last, there were 138 boys and girls employed, viz 30 boys in card-setting, and 108 girls in knitting, sewing, platting straw, &c. The yearly expences (including for repairs 361. 13s. 34. and for rewards to 49 children 121. 23 6d) amounted to 2981. and sixpence. 88. At Coatham Hall, Garth, near Darlington, Mr. Thomas Porthouse, inventor of the useful machines for hecking and spinning flax and hemp, 47. At Wingate Grange, near Castle Edin, Mr. Thomas Watson, 106.-He retained his faculties till his death. At Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, Mr. Thomas Spark, 80. At Walsingham, Mrs. Bates, wife of Mr. B. surgeon, daughter of the Rev. Mr. Hardinge, rector of Stanhope, and sister of the late Captain H, of the St. Fiorenzo frigate, At Hexam, the Rev. Mr. Fleming, curate of Hexam, and master of the Free Grammar School at Haydon Bridge. At Newcastle, Miss Ann Mounsey, daughter of the late Rev. Robert M. of Ravenstonedale, Westmoreland.-Miss Marv Allen, 15. Mr. Hunter Benney, 32.- Mr. T. Hubbuck, 78.-Mrs. Ranney, S.-Mr. 4 Married.] At Appleby, the Rev. John Waller, rector of Southamstead, and master of Appleby School, to Miss Wade. At Sowerly Row, Mr. Denton, surgeon and apothecary in Penrith, to Miss Ann Wells, At Whitehaven, Thomas Parker, esq. of Hull, to Miss Spedding, youngest daughter of the late James S. esq. Died.] At Penrith, Mrs. Hindson, 80. Mr. John Stagg, 22.-Mrs. Salkeld, wife of Joseph S. esq Mrs. Margaret Sandwich, 91--Mrs. Jane Ralph, 81.-Mas. Margaret Noble, 75. At Wyersdale, Mrs. Jackson, 98. At Broughton in Ferness, Mrs. Elizabeth Gaston, 79; and a few days afterwards af Failen . Fallen Cross, in Cleator, her brother, Mr. Bromby, mother of the Rev. Mr. B. vicar of At Whitehaven, Mrs. Jackson, wife of Mr. John J.-Mrs. Montgomory.-Mr. Wil liam Barnes. At Rickerbey, Mr. Irvine, 75. At Scotby, Mr. Thomas Colthard, 85. At Corby, Miss Jane Gaddes, eldest daughter of Mr. Richard G. 22. At Workington, Mr. William Adair, 24. Mrs. Hudson, 79.-Mr. Jonn Bradle, assistant to the master of the Grammar School, At Breckabank, Mr. Jolin Fleming, 83. 13 At Kirkland, Kendal, Miss Burrow. At Whitebank, Mrs. Ann Mandle, 89. At Dissington, Mrs. Jane Walker, 89. At Close, in Embleton, Mr. Wilfred Robinson, 82. At Wath, Mr. Jacob Tyson, 71. At Lowther, Mrs. Lumb, 39. At Ambleside, Lieut. Steward, of the 88th Foot, son of the late Lieut. General S. At Carlisle, Jane, wife of Mr. John Bowman, 62-Mrs. Hannah Wright, 70Mr. Thomas Wilkin, 56.-Mrs. Ann Hall, 65.-Jane, wife of Mr. Walter Armstrong, 27. Mr. Joseph Robinson, of the Grey Goat Inn, 42-Mary, wife of Mr. George Wood, 58.-Mr. John Blacklock, 21 -Elizabeth, wife of Mr. R. Jerrard, 80. At Kendal, Mr. James Creighton, 25.Mrs. Nelson, relict of the Rev. Mr. N. of Garsdale, near Sedburgh.-Moses, son of the Jate Mr. M. Wilkinson, 16.-Mr. Thomas Huyton, son of Mr. H. of the White Lion Inn, 21. Mr. John Atkinson, 79.-Mrs. Dodgson. Mrs. A. Patterson, 76. At Maryport, Mrs. Sarah Saul, 67.-Capt. William Thompson. senior.-Mrs. Thomp son, of the King's Arms Inn. YORRSHIRE. Married.] At Hull, Lieut. Thomas Robinson, of the East York Militia, to Miss Sherwood. At Halifax, William Voase, esq. of Hull, to Miss Rawden, daughter of Christopher R. esq. of Underbank. At Baildon, Edward Ferrand, esq. of St. Ives, to Fanny, youngest daughter of William Holden, esq. At Kirk, Hammerton, Mr. Edward Spink, jun. of Wilstrop, to Miss Howell, eldest daughter of the Rev. William H. of Knaresborough. At Malham, Samuel Broomhead Ward, esq. of Mount Pleasant, near Sheffield, to Miss Martindale, of the former place. At Bradford, Laurence Halstead, esq. of Burnley, Lancashire, to Anna, daughter of the late John Preston, esq. of Bradford. Died.] At Doncaster, Mr. Charles Spencer, formerly of the Sheffield theatre, ob Mr. Pugh. At Dowthorpe, Charles E. Broadley, esq. of Hull. At Hull, at the vicarage house, Mrs. Mr. Samuel Thornton, 31.-Mr. John Walker, 32.--Mr. S. Mann, 60.-Mr. John Railey, 78. At Ackworth, Miss Heaton, sister of Jobn H. esq At Selby, John Audus, esq. who, during the last twenty years, has, by his energies, abilities, and public spirit, made great improvements in the new roads, buildings, &c. at that town. At Rawcliffe, Patrick Berthwick, esq. At Havingham, near Malton, Robert Prowde, esq. 59. At Morley, Mr. Thomas Cash, many years an approved minister among the Quakers, 69. At North Cow on, near Richmond, Mr. Robert Raisbeck. He died on the day which completed his 78th year; and was celebrated in that neighbourhood for his skill in the management of cattle. At Knaresborough, Mr. William Deerlove. Mr. J. Green, 78. At the West Fields, Bramley, Mr. Joha Beecroft, one of the partners of the iron. works, Kirkstall Forge, near Leeds, 59. At York, aged 70, Richard Metcalfe, esq. one of the Alderman of that Co-poration.He served the office of Sheriff in the year 1787, and that of Lord Mayor in 1795.Mrs. Dinsdale, wife of George D. csq. of Middleham, 23.-Mr. George Champlay, 76.-Heary Raper, esq. one of the Aldermen of the Corporation, and father of the city, 82. He served the office of Lord Mayor in the years 1765 and 1782, and discharged the important duties of a magistrate with honour to himself, with credit and utility to the city. Joseph Collins, esq. of Welton, near Hull, 66. At Langtoft, the Rev. Thomas Atkinson, vicar of Reighton, and minister of the perpetual curacies of Sledniere and Filey, in this county. At Askham, Edward Willey, esq. late Lieutenant Colonel of the fourth Dragoon Guards. At Leeds, Richard Ramsden Bramley, esq. one of the alderman of that borough.—Mr. John Cockson, one of the common council.Mrs. Furbank, senr. and Mrs. F. jun.—Mr. John Stocks Mr. John Bradford, 38 years clock of Trinity Church, 67.-Mr. Philip Coultiuan, formerly an attorney.-Mrs. Drake. Aged 69.-Ralph Ferry, esq. of Thorpe. On his return from Sunderland, through the darkness of the night he lost his road, got among a quantity of drifted snow, where he perished, and was not found until the next morning. 62. At Las:elles Hall, Samuel Walker, esq. At Stackhouse, near Settle, William Clapham, esq. At At Elland, near Halifax, Mr. Robert Lumb, master of the workhouse there, 65. At Wakefield, Miss Hannah Demain, 27. Mr. Austwick, of the Ram Inn. At Sheffield, Mrs. Pointon, 28.-Mrs. Burgin, wife of Mr. Jonathan B. 62.-Mr. Richard Ogden, well known and respected as a commercial traveller, 61-Mr. Samuel Wheatcroft. Mr. James Warburton-Mrs. Cooper. Mr. J. Staniland, 67.-Mrs. E. Gray, wife of Mr. Thomas G.-Mr. Luke Fitzherbert. LANCASHIRE. The New Exchange Room at Manchester was opened on the 24 of January. In point of architectural elegance and convenience, it is an ornament to the town, and reflects the highest credit upon Mr. Harrison, of Chester, the architect under whose direction and superintendence, the building has been erected. This building comprises an exchange room, dining-room, and drawing-room, ware-rooms, shops, and counting-houses, a suit of rooms for the post-office, with cellaring under the whole, well adapted for the depositing of merchandize. It presents a semicircular front to the market place, and a straight one to Exchange-street, built of Runcorn free stone, ornamented with half columns of the Grecian Duric order, supporting an appropriate entablature, upon which is placed an attic, divided by a pedestal over each column, and the Intermediate spaces are adorned with ornamented pannels. The Exchange-room is contained in the semicircular part of the edifice, and comprises an area of four thousand superficial feet; it is lighted by eight windows, and a semicircular sky light in the centre of the dome covering the room, which is forty feet in height: the dome is supported by eight lonic reeded columns, standing twelve feet from the wall of the room, forming a colonade; four of which inclose cylindrical tubes of iron, heated by a proper apparatus, affording a regular temperature, aided by three fire places. The dining room is 66 fret long, and 33 feet wide; the drawingroom is 36 fret long, and 26 feet wide, of a proportionate height, and communicating with each other by means of folding doors; and the approach to these rooms is by a commodious geometrical stone stair, tronting Exchange street. The site of this building is the property of the Right Hon. Lord Ducie, and is held by the proprietors (who have erected Te building by subscription) upon payment ut a yearly chief rent. There are at present 1244 rubscribers, producing annually 23701. Another benevolent Institution has been added to those which are so liberally supported in Manchester. It is named, The Ladies' Society for employing the Female Poor;" and the relief is intended, by giving those 'who are orderly and industrious, the opportunity, by their own exertions, to contribute to the necessities of their families."— The employment is to consist of making up wearing apparel, and other plain articles of domestic usefulness. Though but just established, there are now upwards of one hundred poor females employed, whose families are rendered comparatively comfortable, by the aid that is afforded them through the medium of this Institution. It is the sincere wish of those who see the great advantages that arise to the poor, from this mode of relieving their distresses, that many more may partake of the benefits of this well-directed charity. Married.] At Liverpool, John Dodgson, esq. of Lorton, Cumberland, to Miss Bird, of Kensington. Mr. James Redmayne, surgeun, to Miss Russell. At Eccles, Jonathan Dorring, of Swinton, esq. to Miss Betty Radcliffe, daughter of Mrs. R. of Sale lane, near Leigh. Died.] At Liverpool, Mrs. Stanley, relict of the Hon., and Rev. John S. rector of Urnwick, 92.-Mrs Evans, wife of Mr. William E. surgeon, 22.-Mr Thomas Berry, merchant, 51.-Mrs Stephens, 75. Mrs. Richmond, 63.—Mr. William Reeves, 28.Mrs. Nevett, 74.-Mr. Roger Chamley, 34Mr. Thomas Wycliffe, of an ancient family of that name at Galey, near Richmond, Yorkshire; and formerly a merchant of this town, 81. At Manchester, Harriet, eldest daughter of Mr. John Taylor, attorney, 12.-Mr. Bolton-Mr. James Denton, a travelling preacher among the Methodists.-Mr. Peter Owen, 51.-Mr. John Kearsley, solicitor. the Rev. J. Griffith, M. A. senior Fellow of the Collegiate Church of Christ. The loss of so philanthropic a character will be severely felt by the poor, to whose tale of wue he invariable lent an attentive ear, and distributed comfort to them accordingly. At Lancashire, Mr. William Rathbone, mer chant, of Liverpool; whose loss will be deeply felt and regretted, not only by a numerous acquaintance, but by society at large. To do justice to his character would far exceed our limits, whether we consider him as a man, as a christian, or as a philanthropist. Constant endeavours to promote the happiness of his fellow-creatures and the welfare of 80ciety, were his chief delight; his heart overflowed with the milk of human kindness ¡ and the urbanity of his manners, and uncom mon punctuality as a tradesman, endeared him to all around. His consequence in the mercantile world, in which he was looked up to in all affairs of importance, and his endeav ours to get the existing (and to him obnox ious) Orders in Council, repealed, will be long remembered. His illness has been long and painful, but he supported it with christian patience.-As a proof of the great esteem and regard he was held in by his neighbours, we are informed that, although he was a member of the society of Friends, public pray ers ers were offered up for his recovery, at several churches and chapels in Liverpool, a few weeks past. At New Barns, near Dalton, Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner, 99. At the Rectory House, near Ormskirk, Mrs. Vambrugh, mother of the Rev. Mr. V. rector of that place, $3. At Lancaster, Mr. John Davies. At Hulm, near Manchester, Mrs. Mary Leatherbarrow, 106. The Rev. John Tathan, A. M. rector of Tatham, 93. At Preston, Mr. Cornelius Cheetham, veterinary surgeon. He went to bed apparent by well, and was found dead the next morn ing. Thomas Welsham, esq. 78.-Mrs. Thomas, 70. At Dean, in Prestwick, Mr. Nathaniel Welve. At Darwen, Mr. James Entwisle. At Moss, near Liverpool; Mrs. Edge, relict of James E. esq. At Leyland, the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, one of the justices of the peace for this county. At Padiham, Mr. Hoyle, senior.-Maria, wife of the Rev. John Advanson, 52. At Ardwich, near Manchester, Mr. George Bolton. At Stocks, Mrs. Wilkinson, relict of Thomas W. esq. At Toxteth Park, Mrs. Dickinson. CHESHIRE. Married.] At Astbury, John Antrobus, esq. of Cheam, Surry, to Mrs. J. Bence. At Prestbury, the Rev. George Pownall, to Miss Twemlow, of Macclesfield. Died.] At Stockport, Mr. R. Knowles, deputy constable.-Mr. Randle Alcock, 8. He was father to 15, grandfather to 91, and great grandfather to 28 children. At Middlewith, Mr. Thomas Mailor, attorney, 83. At Chester, Mr. Thomas Spense, one of the vicars choral of the cathedral, 88.-Mrs. Speed, relict of Hugh S. esq. At Newton, Phoebe, youngest daughter of the late Isaac Wood, esq. At Congleton, Margaret, wife of the Rev. J. Wilson, 50. DERBYSHIRE. Married. At Mayfield, Mr. William Forman, jun. of Chelleston, to Miss Sarah Mellor, of Coventry. At Youlgrave, Mr. William Taylor, of the White Meadow, near Ashborne, to Miss Briddon of Elton. At Bakewell, Mr. John Taylor, to Miss Ann White. Died.] At Newbold, Mrs. Hardwicks, reJict of John W. esq. At Stone Gravels, near Chesterfield, Mrs. Wardley. At Chesterfield, Charles Kinder, esq. a gentleman distinguished through life by strict integrity and active benevolence. At Alvaston, the Rev. Joseph Smith, who for knowledge and integrity of heart was suzpassed by none and equalled by few At Draycott, Mr. Robert Jowett, 54. At Kodleston-hall, Mrs. Mary Garnet, 43 years housekeeper to the late and present Lord Scarsdale, 84. At Derby, Mrs. J. Mevneil. At Eyam, Frances, wife of Mr. Farrer, 52. Married. At Willford, Mr. George Shilcock, of Chilwell, to Miss Richardson. At Nottingham, Mr. Richard Warsop, to Miss Ann Johnson-Mr. Webb, to Miss Page The Rev. John Grundy, to Miss Ann Hancock. At Ratcliffe-upon-Trent, William Worth, esq. of Gipple, Lincolnshire, to Miss Taylor, daughter of John T. esq. At Worksop, the Rev. Thomas Stacye, vi car of that place, to Miss Maria Outram. Died.] At Hoveringham, Mr. Andrews. At Newark, Mr. Francis Brown. At Ratcliffe upon-Trent, Samuel Parr, gent. At Woodborough, Mr. Nicholas Lee, 88. At Nottingham, Mrs. Sheldon. LINCOLNSHIRE. Married.] At Easton, near Stamford, Thomas Lindsell, esq. of St. Ives, Huntingdon, to Miss Margaret Hunt, second daughter of the Rev. Mr. H. At Gosberton, Charles Bonner, esq. of Spalding, to Ann, the youngest daughter of John George Culthorp, esq. Died] Ar Gainsborough, Mr. Edward White, 76; and a few days afterwards, his wife Mrs. Hannah W. 70.-Mr. Stephen Dinniş many years master of the Rosamond, Newcastle trader.--Mrs. Etherington, relict of Robert E. esq. 67.-Mr. Boswell of the Kings Arms, 33. At Lincoln, Mrs. Bratton, 78 Mr. H. Footit, 64 Mrs. Nelthorpe, aged 73, widow of John N. esq. of Little Grimsby, near Louth, and youngest daughter of the late Robert Cracroft, esq. of Hackthorne. She has left issue, one son, John Nelthorpe. esg, and one daughter, the present Lady William Beauclerk. Her loss will be severely felt by the poor, to whose distresses she was always attentive, as well as by her numerous friends, amongst whom her enlightened conversation diffused instruction, whilst her vivacity enlivened all around her. At Gate Burton, near Gainsborough, Mr. Edward Norwood, 8.5. At the Rectory-house, Broughton, Mrs. Radcliffe, mother-in-law of the celebrated authoress of that name. At Ulceby, Mrs. Field, wife of William David F. esq. At Brigg, Mrs. Mary Morris. 99. Charles Aysthorpe, esq. formerly of Ays thorpe, near Brattleby. At |