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very favourable terms to his first exertions, and to the effects they had produced. But if this letter destroyed his suspicions, another from Dr. Ure, early in the following year, was calculated to furnish unexpected gratification. This letter announced, in the most flattering terms, the following resolutions, which had been agreed to at a meeting of the mechanics attending his lectures:

"At the meeting of the Mechanics' Class, Anderson's Institution, on Saturday, the 8th of February, 1823, and immediately after the conclusion of the lecture, a proposal was brought forward by Mr. Alexander Robertson and Mr. David Black, two of the oldest members of the class, that, in order to commemorate the advantages which the operatives of this city have enjoyed for so many years, from the establishment of the Mechanics' Class, some memorial should be obtained by the class, of its liberal-minded projector and founder, Dr. George Birkbeck. The proposal was cordially and unanimously approved of by the class, and a committee was accordingly appointed, with instructions to draw up resolutions for the adoption of the class; of which committee Dr. Ure was appointed convener. On Saturday, the 22d of February, thereafter, the committee brought forward the following resolutions, which, with a few additions, were unanimously agreed to by the class :

"VI. That the draft of an address,* to be presented to Dr. Birkbeck, be drawn up by the committee, submitted to the class for its tures of the members, is to be forwarded to approval, and which, after receiving the signaDr. Birkbeck.

"VII. That Dr. Birkbeck's portrait shall be suspended either in the mechanics' library afterwards be determined by the class. room, or hall of Anderson's Institution, as shall

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VIII. That these resolutions shall be entered in the minute-book of the class."

this communication, and his grateful The acknowledgment by Dr. B. of acquiescence with the proposition it contained, was followed by a letter, which, being still more explanatory of the feelings of the mechanics towards an unknown, and, as he once thought, a forgotten benefactor-feelings, honourable to their character, even by the manner in which they are expressed-our readers, we doubt not, will be gratified by perusing.

“65, Wilson-street, Glasgow, May 31, 1823.

"DR. GEORGE BIRKBECK. "SIR,-Your kind answer to the unanimous request of the Mechanics' Class, was duly received by Dr. Ure, and communicated by him to the class on the 10th of May last.

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"I. That the first formation of a course of Agreeably to their instructions, the comlectures, for instructing the operative classes mittee have now forwarded the resolations, of the community in the scientific principles of address, and signatures of the class, and which the arts and manufactures, is a remarkable will be presented to you by Mr. Patrick era in the history of Glasgow, deeply interest-Thomson, one of the present members. The ing to its artisans, and which deserves to be celebrated by a public memorial.

class has likewise, at the recommendation of B. R. Haydon, Esq. historical painter, appointed Mr. Bewick to paint the portrait, who will wait upon you when it will be convenient for you to sit for that purpose.

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"II. That it appears, from the records of Anderson's Institution, that the plan and exe. cution of such a course of lectures originated with Dr. George Birkbeck, then professor of We, the committee of the Mechanics' that establishment, now physician in London; Class, beg leave to express its sentiments on and that the first course of lectures was delithe present interesting occasion. Deeply senvered in 1800, to a small number of mechanics, sible of the obligations conferred by you on but that in the following session the benefits the operatives of Glasgow, and the permanent of the lectures were so generally felt and ac- effects, moral and intellectual, which your knowledged, that about 500 individuals attend-method of instruction is calculated to elicit, ed them with exemplary decorum.

"III. That the advantages of Dr. Birkbeck's scheme have, since that time, been very widely diffused, not only by the continuance and extension of such lectures in Anderson's Institution, but also by the establishment of similar courses of instruction in several cities of the British empire, and in foreign nations. "IV. That the members of this class, therefore, desirous of commemorating at once their gratitude to Dr. Birkbeck, and the undoubted claim of their native city to the honour of unfolding, first of all, with the commencement of the nineteenth century, the temple of science to the artisan, do agree to make a voluntary contribution, for the purpose of procuring a portrait of Dr. Birkbeck.

"V. That after the contributions are received, the committee shall communicate the resolutions of the class to Dr. Birkbeck, accompanied with a request that he will be pleased to sit for a portrait.

have unanimously resolved, in addition to the honour of soliciting your portrait, to embrace the present opportunity of communicating to you their respectful admiration of your character as a gentleman, and ability as a teacher.

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'Perhaps when your philanthropic mind first suggested the idea of diffusing useful knowledge among mechanics, it did not occur to you, that your benevolent scheme would be crowned with such eminent success as subsequent events have proved. But the oak springs from the acorn ;-the triumphs of truth over prejudice, though slow, are nevertheless certain, and, if properly directed, permanently scheme of improvement from an intimate acbeneficial to mankind. You formed your

The address to Dr. B. above alluded to, may be found in the 8th number of the Mechanic's Magazine: it was signed by upwards of four hundred mechanics, principally in the workshops of the city.

quaintance with buman nature; and it must be gratifying to you to learn, that your philosophic foresight has not been disappointed. You judged that the apparent mental lethargy of the operatives towards science arose from no infirmity of their mental powers; and you judged rightly. You traced it either to a total neglect, or an improper direction of their faculties to objects unworthy of their notice. You undertook the generous task of giving the first impulse, and of directing their attention to studies worthy of their pursuit; and the experience of twenty years has proved beyond a doubt, the beneficial effects resulting from your system of education. Let others boast of their triumph over suffering humanity, and of the successful inroads they have made upon the liberties and happiness of their fellow-creatures; your's is the pure and unalJoyed satisfaction of having done your duty, and the honour of being the founder of a school,

whose method of instruction other countries

are now proud to imitate. Unassisted by public funds, save that noble legacy you left them, viz. a thirst for knowledge, and an ardent desire of improving their condition, the mechanics of Glasgow are an example of the ease with which scientific knowledge might be disseminated through every branch of the community, did they on whom Providence has bestowed wealth or eminent abilities condescend to imitate your disinterested example. Aware that the improvement of the operative classes in this city was the sole motive which induced you to found the Mechanics' Class, and judging from their own experience, it has been the study of former committees, and it must ever be the duty and interest of future committees of the Mechanics' Class, to render efficient, and to disseminate as widely as possible, the benefits arising from the plan, first introduced by you, of educating mechanics in the scientific principles of the various arts.

derstand, is proceeding with regularity, according to its original and welldigested plans, and flourishing in prosperous independence.

At the commencement of 1823, Dr. B. was preparing for the Annals of Philosophy, conducted by his friend Mr. Richard Phillips, an essay on the scientific education of the operatives; in which he intended to offer a course of lectures to the London artisans, similar to those which had been acknowledged to have been productive of so much benefit in Glasgow ; but this essay, various occupations prevented him from completing.

Scarcely, however, had this been relinquished, before his attention was again called to the subject by a very powerful appeal to the mechanics, in the seventh number of a miscellany, which had recently appeared, under the title of the Mechanics' Magazine. It so happened, that in this able exposition, an erroneous remark was contained, respecting Dr. B. which he called upon the editors, then unknown to him, through the proprietors, to correct; and also to offer them information respecting the Mechanics' Class in Glasgow, with which they then seemed but little acquainted; assuring them, at the same time, of his readiness to co-operate in forming a similar institution in London. In consequence of this interview, and these observations, he was soon called on by one of the editors; and subsequent

"That you, sir, may still enjoy many happy days, and many opportunities of exercising your amiable spirit in ameliorating the condition of mankind; that the grateful acknowly with him and his colleague, Mr. ledgments which man owes to his benefactor may on other occasions be awarded to you, to whom science and our country are so much indebted; and that your generous example may stir other noble spirits to vindicate the honour of science, and emancipate their fellow-creatures from the chilling grasp of ignorance, are the sincere wishes of the Mechanics' Class. I remain, sir, your yery humble servant,

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"ALEX. MARSHALL, Secretary to the Committee."

Place, of Charing-Cross, and Dr. Birkbeck, arranged the several public meetings which led to the establishment of the London Mechanics' Institution. At these preliminary public meetings Dr. B. was uniformly called upon to take the chair; and when, subsequently, the officers were elected, he was appointed president. In this situation he has made considerable Before the picture, to which the pre- exertion to promote the objects of the ceding letter alludes, reached Glas- institution, and, we are happy to add, gow, some disagreement unhappily that these exertions have been crownoccurred between the "Mechanics' ed with almost unexampled success. Class" and the trustees of Professor This method of imparting scientific inAnderson's institution. Much deli- formation to the artisan, is now rapidly beration followed; the result of which spreading through England and Scotwas, that a separation took place, and land. In addition to the above, Dr. B. in a short time an independent Me- has recently been engaged in aiding the chanics' Institution was formed, and formation of the Meteorological SocieDr. B. had the unexpected, but well-ty, and the London Chemical Society, merited honour, of being nominated in both of which he has had the honour their patron. This institution, we un-of being appointed president.

SIXTY-SIX ERRORS OF THE CHURCH OF ROME.

THE time is near at hand, when the important subject of Catholic emancipation will, in all probability, again undergo legislative investigation.Aware of this, its advocates are unremitting in their exertions to compass their favourite object, that of obtaining political power under ecclesiastical pretences.

That their claims are, in many respects, plausible, cannot be denied; but it is a fact of which Protestants should never lose sight, that Popery is still the same that it ever was. Its torch is indeed concealed in a dark lantern, but it is not extinguished; its tomahawk, instead of being buried, is only covered with flowers. All its sanguinary laws remain still unrepealed, and the immutability of its character is avowed without disguise by all its votaries.

useful, but a nuisance to the peace of families, which has produced the unchaste laxity of morals in the women of Spain and Italy.

5. The use of little crosses in prayer, tending to attach the mind to the sign instead of the thing signified in the redemption of the world.

6. Paintings of the crucifixion, preferred to the history of the crucifixion by the inspired evangelists, substituting for the word of God, the work of man.

7. Pilgrimages to certain places, not sanctioned by the precept or example of the apostles, who perfected the visible churches and communion of Christians both in doctrine and discipline.

8. Calling the blessed Virgin the mother of God; by not distinguishing the deity from the humanity, the infinite from the finite, through an erroneous argument: viz. 1, Christ is God; 2, Christ was born of the Virgin; ergo, God was born of the Virgin. The titles and names of the blessed mother of the humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God and man, ought to be taken from the holy word of God, and not increased or diminished by the word of man.

It will be readily allowed, that the Papists of the present day utterly disclaim those deeds of horror which have disgraced their ancestors, and we give them credit for their sincerity. This candour will be extended to the system itself, when its bloody laws are repealed by the same authority 9. Praying to the Virgin. The picthat enacted them; but until the ture of God as an old man, and of Jehyena has lost its ferocity, self-pre-sus as a child, have become the geneservation dictates that it should wear a chain.

EDITOR.

ral custom of painters; and, therefore, the Virgin as a sweet looking young woman nursing a baby, seems more accessible. Hence she is pray

1. SCHISM, from the Eastern or Greek church, on a point not essential, ex-ed to more than God, or Christ the cept to her assumption of power by unchristian usurpation, contrary to the doctrine, precept, and example of the apostles.

2. Persecutions, contrary to the word of Christ, by deliberate decrees and permanent doctrine for that purpose.

3. Forbidding flesh, and ordering fish to be eaten, contrary to the express warning of scripture.

4. Forbidding to marry. The rule to admit no person to be an ecclesiastic who did not make a vow of celibacy, left no alternative. Hence, the voluntary celibacy allowed in scripture, became a coercive influence, of which the apostle warns the church, as one of the signs of false religion. The object once in view was universal power; that day is gone by; and the celibacy of the clergy is no longer 73.-VOL, VII.

only mediator appointed between God and man. The reading of the holy scriptures would remedy this ignorant idolatry.

10. The power of the priest to pray souls out of purgatory for money, is one of the strongest chains that bind the ignorant to the priest, and therefore makes it necessary for the priest to use all his influence to perpetuate ignorance. The prostitutes in Rome, who are prohibited from appearing as such in the streets, address strangers by the well-known watchword, "Pray, sir, will you give me some money, that I may get my mother's soul prayed out of purgatory:" if the stranger does not comprehend what is meant, they tell it with their eyes, and sufficient hints to prevent a doubt.

11. Grand processions cause the corrupt populace to form an attach

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ment to the church by its serving to their amusement. They are become ashamed of it, and it declines.

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and editions of the word of God, which would have prevented the errors, ignorance, and tyranny of the Church of Rome over men's consciences.

23. The pope's throne, called the chair of St. Peter, though it is no more derived from him than the triple crown. St. Peter held no supremacy over the apostles during his life, and bequeathed none.

24. The mass book, or missal, was

12. Indulgences sold for money, 1, a proportion of past sins; 2, proportion of sins to come; 3, proportion of the period of punishment for sin in purgatory, according to a scale of time, from one year to 12,000. This confused and equivocal doctrine of indulgences has nearly ceased, since it produced a reformation in Germany, Poland, Prussia, England, Scot-composed without a due regard to the land, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, warrant of scripture. The gaudy coat and Holland. There is, however, still of the priest, who turns his back on so much of it left as may ensnare the the people, muttering sounds which ignorant in devotion to certain places he does not intend they should underand relics. stand, while he addresses a babyhouse altar, fitting only for the amusement of childish admiration, and then, after a dumb show, which has the same relation to the public understanding as a pantomime to a dramatic dialogue, he holds up the fruit of his prestigious juggling,-a wafer! The people fall down on their knees, and adore it; the priest swallows a sup of wine, from which the lay communicant is excluded, contrary to the institution of Christ, and the wafer is now, by the most unparalleled impudence of absurdity, called literally, and without equivocation, the body and blood of Christ. However, such is the fatality, that not one but the ignorant believe it; for, in proportion

13. The titles of the pope are not only contrary to the example of the apostles, but evidently full of human pride and arrogance.

14. The unlimited authority given to those writers now called the fathers of the church, though they were fallible uninspired men. Their voluminous doctrines are in some places contrary to the New Testament, and in many instances their new invented doctrines and practices are totally without foundation in the bible.

15. Tradition equalling holy scripture, was a natural consequence of the 14th error.

16. Certain churches and places were appointed as sanctuaries to shelter murderers from justice.

17. Making Friday a day of serious devotion, and Sunday of revelling, with open theatres and licensed gaming-houses, contrary to the divine ordinance of the sabbath.

18. The numerous holidays to abstain from work: this pleases idlers, and keeps them dependent on church authority, contrary to the command, Six days shalt thou labour, and keep holy the seventh.

19. Sculptures of the crucifixion substituted for the gospel.

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the communicant is intelligent and well informed, he absolves himself from this blasphemy by admitting that in the accident of external circumstance the wafer is a wafer still.

25. The canonization of saints, by a form in law in open court argued by lawyers, has no countenance in scripture.

26. The transferring of the merit of works from one person to another, or from one religious community to any, led to the pope's title of Holiness by the merits of St. Peter, although the word of God declares that even Noah and Daniel could only be saved indi

20. The obedience of monks, jesuits, friars, and nuns, of every nation, to the pope, established an em-vidually; and that there is not even pire independent of the government in each nation.

21. Kissing the pope's toe, an undue extension of Christian civility.

hereditary righteousness transferred from father to children, but each must be holy for himself.

27. The experiment of excommu22. The worship of the images of nicating princes, and absolving subsaints and martyrs tended to with-jects from their allegiance, was tried draw people from the worship of God when the pope was blind with pride in spirit and in truth. These helps and intoxicated with power. It failed, to the illiterate cost more than schools, | excepting with Philip of France and

the Emperor Frederick, but had the good effect of making kings careful to clip the wings of the pope. Since that time, the pope stirs up sedition only in secret, by means of the jesuits, monks, and friars. These were suppressed and banished, sometimes by the government, for their infidelity to the country in which they lived, and sometimes by the pope, for their deceiving him, and seeking their aggrandisement elsewhere, without sharing the profits with the successor of St. Peter.

28. Self-flagellation was invented, to give power to the governors of monks and nuns, over their persons and purses, by ordering penance or granting indulgence.

29. One person to do penance for another, transferred the indulgence from a poor person to one who was able to pay for it.

30. Mass for the dead restricted to one mass a day, serves to disguise the object of emolument. A sick man making his will, left one pound a year to be paid to the priest of the parish, for twenty years, to pray his soul out of purgatory. A Protestant physician standing by, advised him to have it paid in one year, that he might avoid the nineteen years detention in purgatory.

35. The grant of privileges to churches, some having the power of giving plenary indulgence for a year or two, others perpetually.

36. Popish subjects are not bound to keep the oath of allegiance to a Protestant prince; the pope may license men to perjure and forswear themselves. (Council of Constance, session 35.)

37. It is a mortal sin to keep faith with heretics. (See Martin V.'s Letter to the Duke of Lithuania.) The common sense and humanity of Romanists have made these two errors abortive.

38. Tribunal of the inquisition, imprisonment in the most dreadful dungeons, and burning to death at the stake for conscience sake, and no moral or political crime.

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39. The pompous dresses, decorations, and ceremonies, which are to impose on the vulgar, are evidently ridiculous to the wearers, though their vanity is gratified. The superfluity of priests, friars, monks, and jesuits, found employment by inventing and practising whatever produced awe and subjection, and attachment in the people, and they have made considerable use of the Pagan and Jewish precedents for their exhibitions.

40. The sanction of masquerading 31. The two institutes of Christ, in the streets for six days, and carnibaptism and the eucharist, have pla-val for six weeks after Christmas, is ced along with them, as of equal authority, five circumstances, that may be found in the life of a heathen as well as of a Christian.

32. The withholding of the word of God from the perusal of the people in the vulgar tongue, is the safeguard of that corrupt venal natural religion which has been insinuated among the doctrines of Christianity by Popery. Providence has broken the snare, and the people may now obtain the scriptures, unless they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.

33. That the sacrifice of the mass is a propitiation, is, like transubstantiation, taking the sign for the thing signified. It should be considered an emblem of the atonement by the death of Christ, and of redemption through faith in his blood,

34. The apostles particularly forbade prayer and exhortation in an unknown tongue, as deliberately established by the Romanists.

to supply the people with amusement suited to the vitiated taste of their antichristian minds. Thus this holy religion embraces the most unholy children, if they remain in her bosom by a few formal habits, easily acquir ed, as the price of every sin that may be committed with safety.

41. Saying prayers on a string of beads. Ten small to one large makes ten prayers to the Virgin for one to God. The whole system of repetition, to gain by quantity or number, is contrary to our Lord's precepts, and not agreeable to the importunity he recommends in prayer; for a repctition is mechanical, and implies false religion, as if God was to obey a mechanical impulse.

42. The rosary teaches the fifteen principal events of the gospel on beads: five joyful, five grievous, and five glorious. This is to serve instead of reading the whole gospel as inspired by the Holy Ghost.

43. The invocation of angels re

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