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most probably have rendered important services to , the cause of religion and virtue . She did indeed , during her short life , all that shining talents and
humble virtue could do in the great cause , and has left us , at least , her example , to lead us on to the same end to which she so ardently aspired . I refer to the well-known and
universally-interesting Elizabeth Smith . Her translation of the Book of Job is a testimony to the greatness of her powers , and we cannot doubt that , if her life had been spared , she would have devoted these powers to their noblest use—the improvement of mankind .
I am tempted also to point out the characters and writings of many other distinguished Christian women of our own time ; but I must leave the other remarks I have to make , till my next communication , in which I propose to offer some observations on Female Education . DISCIPULUS . ^^^^^^^^^^^ M ^^ QB ^^^ m ^^^^^^—
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Sir , December 7 , 1822 . IN common with your correspondent G . P . H ., I am somewhat at a loss to know exactly what his opponent I . B . ( p . 671 ) "is aiming at or means to express . " It would appear that I . B . is the victim of some act of
oppression , but as no intelligible charge is brought against those who " seek to violate the personal rights of others / ' your readers must await a third letter for the eclaircissement .
1 should not have thought of soliciting space in your valuable publication for any observations of mine on the subject in question , did I not wish for a little information which your other correspondent , who signs ~ " A Barrister , * ( p . 672 , ) is doubtless able to
communicate , being , as he says , " pretty well acquainted with Trust Deeds of many Dissenting Chapels . " Certainly , there arc various modes in practice of electing a minister of a congregation , but if I rightly understand the " Barrister" he knows of
no Trust Deed " which gives to Trustees or others the power of removing as well as appointing the minister . " Jt is true that the minister of a Freehold Chapel is " entitled to all the rights appertaining to freehold property , " where no stipulation exist * to the contrary 5 but is the ' Barrister "'
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prepared to shew that Dissenters are not at liberty to legislate for themselves j reserving what powers the majority may think essential to the common welfare ? In short , embodying in the Deed of Trust , a definite
constitution providing * for the election and accountability of officers , as would be cus - tornary in any merely civil institution ? It will surely not be denied that the people have rights and interests to
nrotect . as well as the minister ; that protect , as well as the minister ; that the " tyranny" may be on either side , and that an agreement which is binding on one party only , can never be either right or equitable . I am aware that this doctrine will ill accord with
antiquated notions and priestly prejudices , but it is nevertheless in strict agreement with just principles ; and instances are not wanting ( though I hope they are rare ) to prove that the
cause of religion , and the fair liberty of a Christian society , have been sacrificed to the private interests and unreasonable pretensions of an individual , even among Dissenters . I contend , therefore , in order to meet
extreme cases , every Trust Deed of a chapel should provide both for the 66 removing as well its appointing of the minister , " such power resting with the acknowledged members of the society , in such a proportion as shall have been defined . With due
deference to the knowledge of " A Barrister , " I believe a clause to this effect has been introduced in several Trust Deeds ; nor do I conceive that any remote probability of abuse to arise therefrom is any argument against its universal adoption .
Whilst I am on the subject , I may be permitted to remark , that it would essentially conduce to the well being of our religious societies , particularly some of the smaller ones , were they , in making their Trust J ) ccdsy to put them into hands sufficiently informed in Dissenting law to be able so to frame them as to a fiord the best
security against the unpleasant and expensive litigations which not unfrequently originate with them . ( Jan we wonder at the dilemmas into which our chapels are sometimes brought , when we observe the Deeds confided to a
country attorney , with just su / hcient knowledge to put this kind of property on the same footing with a dwelling-house or a brewery ? It would be well to
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750 On Chapel Trust-Deeds .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Dec. 2, 1822, page 750, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2519/page/30/
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