London debates: 1796

1991. August 29, 1796 London Forum

'Which would most probably avert from the rising generation the untimely fate of the unhappy Weston - the vigilant activity of Magistrates; the earnest exhortation of Divines; or the salutary Restraints of Parents and Masters of Families?

The Managers of this Society with confidence assemble together, for the Season, that Public which has long patronised their Institution. The opinion of the most eminent Counsel has been taken with regard to the Legality of the Meeting, who have uniformly pronounced, that "The Convention Bills only affect Political Discussion". It is not the intention of the Managers to oppose or evade Laws. It is their duty to submit to them. Political allusion is therefore, in any shape, inadmissible.

A numerous and polite audience decided almost unanimously in favour of the salutary restrictions of parents and masters of families.'

Morning Chronicle

1992. September 5, 1796 London Forum, Wych Street, opposite Lyons Inn

'Do not the unhappy Consequences which have resulted from Love unsanctioned by the holy tie of Wedlock, prove that Marriage is a Duty incumbent on Every Individual of the Human Race?

In framing the above Question, the Managers had not the most distant idea of anticipating the trial now pending, on the murder of Mr. Yates. It has been some months in their possession, and was sent by a Correspondent soon after the unfortunate affair of Miss Broderick and Mr. Errington.'

Morning Chronicle

1993. September 15, 1796 Westminster Forum, Brewer Street, Golden Square

'Are the late Suicides to be more imputed to avaricious Speculation; Disappointment in Love; or the modern Doctrines of Infidelity?

The Public may rest assured that every precaution has been taken on the part of the Managers to render this Meeting strictly Constitutional. All political remarks or allusions are utterly inadmissible. Any such attempt to disturb the Society and evade the Laws, will be immediately checked by the Chair. The Legislature has taken from the Society the right of Political Discussion; but its Members hope that (assisted by those Literary Characters, who start Volunteers in this popular and erudite Assembly) they may, on Subjects of Divinity, Morals, History and Science, continue to receive, as it shall be their united effort to deserve - the patronage of the Public.

The decision was against avaricious Speculation in Trade.'

Morning Herald/Morning Chronicle September 22

1994. September 22, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Has the Preaching of the Rev. Mr. Huntington, and the rest of the Methodists, been productive of more good or harm to Mankind in general?

The Managers observe, although they have not altered the question, yet a line ought to be drawn between the great body of Methodists and an individual. The violent temper of the Apostle of Titchfield street, they know too well to invite him; but should he attend, he shall receive that candour he has uniformly denied to others.'

Morning Chronicle

1995. September 26, 1796 London Forum

'Which is the more intolerable Yokefellow in Marriage, a Drunken Husband, or a Scolding Wife?

O, ye Scolding Wives, who annoy your neighbours with your daily, and disturb your Husbands with your nightly vociferations, come hither! In the LONDON FORUM learn the virtue of silence, a virtue highly commendable in Woman; so shall we practice the duty of obedience, a duty indispensible to the peace of Wedlock! And you, ye Lovers of the Bottle, attend to the admonition of prudence! - The neglect of the Drunkard deserves the clamour of the Scold. This is therefore to give notice, that This Evening . . . a JURY OF SCOLDS will be impannelled, the oldest and most untamed Virago in the whole assembly will be elected Forewoman, and the punishment due to every Drunken Husband impartially ascertained.'

Morning Chronicle

1996. September 29 Westminster Forum

'Do the Talents, Virtues and Vices of Man depend on his Organization; or are they the result only of Education?'

Morning Chronicle

1997. October 3, 1796 London Forum

'Are the opinions of Dr. Gill, Mr. Toplady, Mr. Whitfield, Mr. Romaine, Mr. Winchester &c. founded in reason or revelation, that the Pope is Antichrist, and that his destruction is at hand?

The Society was . . . honoured with the sentiments of the Rev. Richard Clarke' and solicited for the attendance of the Rev. Arthur O'Leary.

Morning Chronicle

1998. October 6, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Has the Preaching of the Rev. Mr. Huntington, and the rest of the Methodists, been productive of more harm or good to Mankind in general?'

Morning Chronicle

1999. October 10, 1796 London Forum

FEMALE AGONY

'Which is the greatest Misfortune, to a Woman of Susceptibility, the Loss of a Lover by Banishment, Death or Marriage?'

Morning Chronicle

2000. October 17, 1796 London Forum

'Is the Answer of the Bishop of Landaff to Thomas Paine's Age of Reason, a satisfactory Refutation of the Principles of Infidelity?'

Morning Chronicle

2001. October 20, 1796 Westminster Forum

ASTROLOGY - FORTUNE TELLING

'Is it possible to foretell good or evil Fortune, Marriage, Death, the Elevation of Poverty, the Depression of Greatness, by the Science of Judicial Astrology?'

Morning Chronicle

2002. October 27, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Which are most consistent with Scripture and Reason, the Opinions of Dr. Priestley and Price, that the Wicked will be annihilated; the Calvinistic Decrees of Mr. Toplady; the Arminian Creed of Mr. J. Wesley; or the Universal Restoration of all Mankind, as preached by Mr. Winchester?'

Morning Chronicle

2003. November 3, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Is the Assertion of the Right Honourable C.J. FOX true, 'There are but two things superior to our Reason, the Love of Life, and the Association of the Sexes?'

The Westminster Forum being frequented by Ladies of the most respectable character, and in the higher situations of life, the utmost decorum is observed: the Managers have therefore taken the liberty of altering one word in Mr. Fox's assertion, and substituting another of the same meaning, but which will not admit perversion.'

Morning Chronicle

2004. November 7, 1796 London Forum

'Which is the greater Misfortune, a Man to be born without Sense, or a Woman without Beauty?

Political Allusion is utterly inadmissable.'

Morning Herald

2005. November 10, 1796 Westminster Forum

RAKES - TO THE LADIES

'Is the commonly received opinion true, "That Reformed Rakes make the best of Husbands"?'

Morning Chronicle

2006. November 12, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Has GENERAL WASHINGTON acted consistently with his own exalted Character, and the Welfare of his Country, in resigning the Presidency of the American Government?'

Morning Chronicle

2007. November 14, 1796 London Forum

'Ought the Church of Rome to be considered the object described by St. John as the "Whore of Babylon" whose destruction is at hand?

This long promised Question is now brought forward under particular advantages, the great Prophecies of Almighty Revelation seem now either fulfilling, or about to be fulfilled over the whole globe.'

Rev. Mr. Clarke to either open or close the debate.

Morning Chronicle

2008. November 17, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Which is the Production consistent with Truth - Mr. Paine's Age of Reason, or the Bishop of Landaff's Answer to that Work?'

Morning Chronicle

2009. November 21, 1796 London Forum

'Ought the Church of Rome to be considered the object described by St. John as the "Whore of Babylon" whose Destruction is at hand?'

Morning Chronicle

2010. November 24, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Which is the Production consistent with Truth - Mr. Paine's Age of Reason, or the Bishop of Landaff's Answer to that Work?'

Morning Chronicle

2011. November 28, 1796 London Forum

'Is the "Whore of Babylon" mentioned by St. John in the Revelations, indicative of the Romish Church, the Mahometan Church, or the World of Infidelity?

To this [question, the Managers] have been more inclined, not only to evince their impartiality to both Catholics and Protestants; but on account of a learned and ingenious Gentleman having signified his intention of proving, that THOMAS PAINE is the WHORE OF BABYLON mentioned by St. John.'

Morning Chronicle

2012. December 1, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Which is the Production consistent with Truth - Mr. Paine's Age of Reason, or the Bishop of Landaff's Answer to that Work?'

Morning Chronicle

2013. December 5, 1796 London Forum

HOW TO MAKE ALL THE WORLD HAPPY

'Would it not be likely to prevent Conjugal Infidelity, and abolish quarrels between Man and Wife, if Married Persons had the Privilege of Divorcement, as soon as they would declare upon oath, that they were unhappy, and heartily tired of each other?

Among the Antients the Law of Divorce was carried to a considerable extent. A neighbouring nation has revived the practice. How far such a regulation would, in a well-organized Government, operate to the cure of matrimonial infelicity, is a subject worthy the abilities which are displayed in this institution.'

Morning Chronicle

2014. December 8, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Which is the Production consistent with Truth - Mr. Paine's Age of Reason, or the Bishop of Landaff's Answer to that Work?

It may be departing from general practice, but we cannot avoid thus publicly presenting our Thanks to the Rev. Mr. BENNET, for his eloquent and energetic defence of the Christian Religion.'

Morning Chronicle

2015. December 11, 1796 Westminster Forum

'The Bachelor's Apology "Are these times to marry"?'

Morning Chronicle December 8

2016. December 26, 1796 London Forum

'Is the Imprisonment of Mons. LA FAYETTE in the dungeons of Olmutz, the greater disgrace on France or America?'

Morning Chronicle

2017. December 28, 1796 Westminster Forum

'Was Marcus Brutus justifiable or censurable for the Assassination of Julius Caesar?'

Morning Chronicle