Committees for Repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts: Minutes, 1788-9 (nos 61-99)

61. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern, Poultry, 16th March 1788. Present: Mr Jeffries, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Serjeant Watson, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Dodson, Mr Mount, Mr Towers, Mr Bogle French, Mr Towgood, Mr Grigby, Mr Esdaile, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Heywood, Mr Scott, Mr Rickards, Mr Hall, Mr Calamy, Mr Yerbury, Mr Lowdell, Mr William Smith, Mr Vaughan; [f. 22v] Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes of the committee were read.

Resolved that Mr Alderman Newnham, Powis Place, and Mr Jacob Wilkinson of Bedford now be added to this committee.

The following resolutions of the general body of 4th May 1787 being read,

Resolved nem. con. that it is the opinion of this general body that the same application to parliament shall be renewed either the session in 1788 or 1789 at furthest, being fully persuaded that we solicit nothing but what is just and reasonable to be asked and what is safe and honourable to be granted.

Resolved nem. con. that the committee be desired to keep this object constantly in view and that they take all such measures as may appear to them best for carrying the preceding resolution into execution, and that this great object be pursued with a steady assiduity and a manly firmness and fortitude till the redress sought for shall be obtained.

62. The committee resolved that it does not appear to them expedient to renew the application to parliament in the present session, but that the committee will use every effort to procure success to such application in the session 1789, pursuant to the said resolutions unless a more favourable opportunity should previously offer.

Resolved that the chairman, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Serjeant Watson and Mr Heywood be a subcommittee to prepare a circular letter [f. 23] to be sent into the country to press the continued exertions of the whole body of Protestant Dissenters for obtaining the desired relief and to report the same at the next meeting of this committee. Adjourned to Thursday 24th April, eleven for twelve.

63. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern, Poultry, 24th April 1788. Present: Mr Beaufoy, Mr Grubb, Mr Fuller, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Calamy, Mr Dodson, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Towgood, Mr Ingram, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Heywood, Mr Hall, Mr Jeffries, Mr Rickards; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr Beaufoy from the subcommittee appointed to prepare a circular letter to be sent into the country reported they had prepared the same, a draft of which he produced and read, which is as follows.

Sir: Although the motion, which was made in the House of Commons on the 28th March 1787, to relieve the Protestant Dissenters from the laws whereby the sacramental test is imposed as a qualification for civil and military offices was not agreed to by the majority of the members then present, yet we are neither inattentive to the [f. 23v] instructions which the general body of the Deputies have given us to keep this great object constantly in view, nor are we shaken in our hope that a future respectful and well concerted application to parliament will be attended with complete success.

The report that was made by us to the general body of the Deputies and their consequent resolutions at the meeting which they held on 4th May 1787 were immediately circulated through the different parts of the kingdom. Two of these resolutions are,

Resolved nem. con. that it is the opinion of the general body that the same application to parliament shall be renewed either the session in 1788 or 1789 at furthest, being fully persuaded that we solicit nothing but what is just and reasonable to be asked and what is safe and honourable to be granted.

Resolved nem. con. that the committee be desired to keep this object constantly in view, and that they take all such measures as may appear to them best for carrying the preceding resolution into execution, and that this great object be pursued with a steady assiduity and a manly firmness and fortitude till the redress sought for shall be obtained.

In pursuance of these resolutions we think ourselves bound to renew our earnest application in the next session of parliament, and we cannot entertain a doubt that in a measure so essential not only to the rights of Protestant Dissenters but to those of society itself we shall have your concurrence and support.

64. [f. 24] On the last application a motion was entertained and urged against us in argument that the Dissenters were neither earnest in their exertions or unanimous in their wishes for redress, on which account we are anxious that the concurrence of the several congregations of our brethren in every part of England and Wales should be expressly declared.

Nothing but the circumstance of proximity to the seat of power can ever induce those Dissenters who constitute what is here called the general body to act upon any occasion independently of their brethren in other parts of the kingdom, and that only upon sudden emergencies on which the sentiments of the Dissenters at large cannot be collected. But as a common interest must dictate similar feelings, we are confident that in general we express your sentiments whenever we declare our own.

On the present occasion we think it impossible whatever diversity may exist in our religious persuasions that we should not have one and the same wish. We feel alike as fellow citizens unjustly deprived of civil privileges and are equally sensible that what we claim is not a favour but a right. The more this subject is considered and discussed, the more clearly must the hardship of our present situation in the community be seen. And be assured that with this fixed persuasion and with your concurrence and support, we shall steadily persevere in the pursuit of our object, confident of success in the end and even of the applause of those who through the course of long continued prejudice may for a time oppose our just application [f. 24v] for relief.

Signed by the order of the committee. Edward Jeffries, chairman.

65. Resolved that it be recommended to the Dissenting congregations throughout England and Wales to signify their approbation of the intended application to parliament by letters directed to the chairman of the committee.

Resolved that it be recommended to the Protestant Dissenters throughout England and Wales that they promote to the utmost of their power the repeal of the acts imposing the sacrament test as a qualification for the holding of civil and military offices by their conversation, correspondence and influence to the utmost of their power.

Resolved that the said letter and also the resolution of the last meeting for renewing this application to parliament in the session in 1789 and the two preceding resolutions of this day be forthwith printed and circulated among the Protestant Dissenters through the kingdom.

Resolved that a small edition shall be printed of The Right of Protestant Dissenters to a Compleat Toleration Asserted, and that Samuel Heywood Esquire and Benjamin Vaughan Esquire be requested to superintend the printing of the same and to alter or omit any part or parts which they may think proper.

Resolved that Henry Keene Esquire of Walworth and Mr William Downe, East Smithfield, be added to this committee.

[f. 25] Resolved that as the assistance of the following gentlemen when they happen to be in London will be very acceptable to this committee, they be elected members thereof: William Russell Esquire, Bates Hotel, Adelphi or Birmingham; Thomas Butterworth Bayley Esquire, Hope near Manchester; Anthony Chapman Esquire, High Sheriff, Dorset; Samuel Shore Esquire, Maresbrook near Derby; Joshua Iremonger Esquire, Wherwell near Andover.

Resolved that a committee be appointed for the purpose of circulating through the kingdom books and pamphlets written in favour of the repeal of the test laws, and in general that they be empowered to take such steps as they shall think fit for the disseminating useful knowledge upon that subject, and it do consist of Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Heywood and Mr Towgood. Adjourned.

66. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, 3rd December 1788. Present: Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Dodson, Mr Hall, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Esdaile, Mr West, Mr Vaughan, Mr Heywood, Mr Keene, Mr Bond, Mr William Smith, Mr Fuller, Mr Rickards, Mr Benjamin Boddington, Mr Jeffries, Mr Grubb, Mr Bogle French, Mr Lowdell, Mr Yerbury; Mr Jeffries in the chair. [f. 25v] The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The secretary reported that he had sent the circular letter into the country as ordered by the committee at their last meeting.

Great inconveniences having arisen from the letters and papers published by this committee not having been generally circulated among the several congregations of Protestant Dissenters in the country,

Resolved that the chairman do send a letter to every minister resident in the country whose name and place of abode has been communicated to this committee to request that such ministers will be so obliging as to transmit to the chairman, by return of post if possible, a list of the names of all the Dissenting ministers of whatever denomination resident in the neighbourhood, with their place of abode, that a regular list of the ministers and congregations in England and Wales may be immediately completed and a regular correspondence carried on throughout the kingdom.

Resolved that the committee do make application to the present members for the counties of Middlesex and Surrey and the Cities of London and Westminster and the borough of Southwark to request their attendance and support when that motion for the repeal of the laws imposing the sacramental test shall be brought on in the present sessions of parliament.

Resolved that it be recommended to [f. 26] the Protestant Dissenters in England and Wales to make similar applications in such manner as they may think fit to the present members of the counties, cities, boroughs or Cinque Ports in which they reside.

67. Resolved that it be strongly recommended to the Protestant Dissenters both in town and country to shew a marked and particular attention at the ensuing general election to the interest of such candidates as they believe to be well affected to civil and religious liberty, but especially to such as being now in parliament have proved themselves friends to the rights of Protestant Dissenters.

Resolved copies of those resolutions and lists of the members who voted in favour of Mr Beaufoy's motion on the 28th day of March 1787 be transmitted to every Dissenting minister and congregation in England and Wales. Adjourned to Friday the 12th December 1788.

68. [f. 26v] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Friday 12th December 1788. Present: Mr Dodson, Mr Serjeant Watson, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Thomas Boddington, Mr Bradney, Mr Bond Hopkins, Mr Jeffries, Mr Grubb, Mr Heywood, Mr Lowdell, Mr Rickards, Mr Fuller, Mr Keene, Mr Yerbury, Mr Benjamin Boddington, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Calamy, Mr Esdaile; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Resolved that John Pemberton Heywood Esq of Lincoln's Inn and John Towgood Esq, Clement's Lane, be added to this committee.

Resolved that the names of the chairman, Michael Dodson Esq and Benjamin Vaughan Esq be added to the subcommittee for circulating books and pamphlets.

Resolved that the subcommittee do consider if any and what encouragement should be given to the proposed publication of a manuscript addressed to the bench of bishops, written with a view to the propriety of a repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts. Adjourned to Thursday the 18th December 1788.

69. [f. 27] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Thursday the 18th December 1788. Present: Mr Dodson, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Lowdell, Mr Jeffries, Mr West, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Rickards, Mr John Heywood, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr John Towgood, Mr Hall, Mr Esdaile, Mr Keene, Mr Bogle French, Mr Calamy; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

The subcommittee having reported their approbation of a pamphlet entitled A Letter to the Bishops on the Application of the Protestant Dissenters to Parliament for a Repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts, including Strictures on the Bishop of Gloucester's Sermon on January 30th 1788,

Resolved that this committee do take 200 copies thereof and that Mr Samuel Heywood contract with the author and publisher for this purpose.

Resolved that 3,000 copies of the pamphlet entitled The Right of Dissenters to a Complete Toleration Asserted referred for abridgment and alteration to Samuel Heywood and Benjamin Vaughan Esq to be printed off at the committee's expense. Adjourned to Thursday 8th January 1789.

70. [f. 27v] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head in the Poultry on Thursday 8th January 1789. Present: Mr Grubb, Mr Dodson, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Esdaile, Mr Lowdell, Mr Calamy, Mr Yerbury, Mr Jeffries, Mr Bond, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr John Towgood, Mr Fuller, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Barnardiston, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Rickards; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Resolved that Mr Dilly be desired to advertise the remaining copies of the abridgment of Bishop Hoadly's refutation before the next application of this committee to parliament.

Resolved that the chairman, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Dodson, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Calamy and Mr Vaughan be a subcommittee to revise and alter the printed Case. Adjourned to Wednesday 28th January 1789.

71. [f. 28] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, Wednesday 28th January 1789. Present: Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Calamy, Mr Jeffries, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Dodson, Mr William Smith, Mr Rogers, Mr Vaughan; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

Whereas in consequence of the endeavours of the committee to obtain a knowledge of the names of all the Dissenting ministers of the three denominations in the different parts of England, numerous returns have already been received.

Resolved that the secretary be directed to send to each of the ministers whose names have been procured for the information of himself and of his congregation printed accounts of the steps taken by the committee for the purpose of obtaining the object of its appointment and of the proceedings consequent on those measures.

The Reverend Dr Rees having offered to procure the distribution of the said account among the Dissenting ministers of the three denominations in Wales,

Resolved that Dr Rees's offer be thankfully accepted.

[f. 28v] Resolved that the pamphlet entitled The Right of Protestant Dissenters to a Compleat Toleration Asserted be sent to every member of this committee and be sent to all the ministers and Deputies of the Dissenting congregations in and near London.

Resolved that the chairman be requested to take proper measures for the circulation of the copies of the new edition of the pamphlet entitled The Right of Dissenters to a Compleat Toleration Asserted printed in pursuance of the resolution of this committee. Adjourned to Wednesday the 11th February 1789.

72. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Wednesday 11th February 1789. Present: Mr Grubb, Mr Shore, Mr Calamy, Mr Dodson, Mr Fuller, Mr Lowdell, Mr Esdaile, Mr Barnardiston, Mr Yerbury, Mr Rogers, Mr William Smith, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Jeffries, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Keene, Mr Vaughan; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

The Case as altered by the subcommittee was read and considered and referred for further consideration to Friday next. Adjourned to Friday 13th February 1789.

73. [f. 29] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, 13th February 1789. Present: Mr Fuller, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Lowdell, Mr Esdaile, Mr John Maitland, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Bogle French, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Vaughan, Mr Dodson, Mr Thomas Boddington, Mr Calamy, Mr Jeffries, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Hall, Mr Raymond, Mr Shore; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

The Case was read and considered and referred back to the subcommittee. Adjourned to Friday 27th February 1789.

74. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, 27th February 1789. Present: Mr Jeffries, Mr Rogers, Mr Lowdell, Mr Dodson, Mr Raymond, Mr Samuel Shore, Mr Bond Hopkins, Mr Towers, Mr Yerbury, Mr Fuller, Mr Brand Hollis, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Bogle French, Mr Benjamin Boddington, Mr Shore [Jr], Mr Keene, Mr William Smith, Mr Calamy; Mr Jeffries in the chair. [f. 29v] The last minutes were read and confirmed. The draft of the Case being read and considered,

Resolved that sixty copies thereof be printed under the direction of the subcommittee for the use of the committee. Adjourned to Friday 6th March.

75. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, 6th March 1789. Present: Mr Dodson, Mr Bogle French, Mr Towers, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Fuller, Mr Rickards, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Lowdell, Mr Shore, Mr Calamy, Mr Beaufoy, Mr William Smith, Mr Yerbury, Mr Esdaile, Mr Jeffries, Mr Hall, Mr Vaughan, Mr Rogers; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

Resolved that 500 copies be printed under the direction of the subcommittee and that the press remain set.

[f. 30] Resolved that Mr Johnson be directed to advertise [The Right of] Protestant Dissenters to a Compleat Toleration Asserted for sale and that they be sold at 1s 6d a piece or 15s the dozen.

Resolved that 2,000 copies of the reports of the committee be printed off and distributed.

Resolved that copies of the above pamphlet be sent to every member of both houses of parliament.

Resolved that copies of the above pamphlet and of the Case as now corrected be distributed in Scotland and Ireland. Adjourned to Thursday 12th March 1789.

76. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, 12th March 1789. Present: Mr Dodson, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Bond Hopkins, Mr Barnardiston, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Esdaile, Mr Rogers, Mr William Smith, Mr Grubb, Mr Lowdell, Mr Yerbury, Mr Jeffries, Mr Benjamin Boddington, Mr West, Mr Calamy, Mr Bradney, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Fuller, Mr Keene, Mr John Towgood, Mr Vaughan, Mr Shore, Mr Thomas Boddington; Mr Jeffries in the chair. [f. 30v] The last minutes were read and confirmed.

Resolved that the application to this House of Commons in this session for repealing the laws imposing the sacramental test be made by way of motion. Adjourned to Thursday 26th March 1789.

77. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Thursday 26th March 1789. Present: Mr Grubb, Mr Lowdell, Mr Yerbury, Mr Thomas Boddington, Mr Vaughan, Mr Jeffries, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Calamy, Mr Rogers, Mr Esdaile; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

Resolved that Mr Beaufoy be requested to make a motion in the House of Commons this session for repealing the laws imposing the sacramental test on Protestant Dissenters.

[f. 31] Resolved that Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, be requested to second the same.

Resolved that the chairman be requested to wait upon the right honourable Charles James Fox and to return to him the respectful thanks of this committee for his able, zealous and uniform conduct in parliament in favour of religious liberty in general and that of the Protestant Dissenters in particular, as well as for his late obliging intimation of his continued good wishes and proposed support in favour of the Protestant Dissenters in their application to parliament for relief from the sacramental test laws; that the chairman also be desired to inform Mr Fox that the committee have resolved to renew the application to the House of Commons this session by way of motion, and that Mr Beaufoy has been requested to make and Sir Henry Hoghton to second the said motion, and to state to Mr Fox the reasons which have influenced the committee in those proceedings; and that the chairman be requested to present to Mr Fox a printed copy of the Case of the Protestant Dissenters in Relation to the Laws imposing the Sacramental Test as at present altered for distribution and to explain to him the real motives for the alterations in the same.

Resolved at the request of the chairman that Thomas Boddington Esq and Benjamin Vaughan Esq be desired to accompany the chairman when he waits upon Mr Fox. Adjourned to Thursday April 2nd, 1789 at eleven o'clock.

78. [f. 31v] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Thursday the 2nd April 1789. Present: Mr Lowdell, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Calamy, Mr Yerbury, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Keene, Mr Fuller, Mr Downe, Mr Bond Hopkins, Mr Rogers, Mr Jeffries, Mr Samuel Smith, Mr Grubb, Mr Vaughan, Mr Martin; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

The chairman reported that he sent to Mr Fox to know when he would be waited on in pursuance of the resolution of the committee at their last meeting, and that Mr Fox had appointed tomorrow at one o'clock. Adjourned to Tuesday 7th April 1789.

79. [f. 32] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, 7th April 1789. Present: Mr Keene, Mr Ingram, Mr Yerbury, Mr Fuller, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr Bond Hopkins, Mr Bogle French, Mr Samuel Smith, Mr Grubb, Mr Shore, Mr Esdaile, Mr John Towgood, Mr Lowdell, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Jeffries, Mr Benjamin Boddington, Mr Thomas Boddington; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

The chairman produced and read a letter from a meeting of many Dissenters at Chelmsford in Essex and of the two congregations at Leeds approving and endorsing the present application and recommending the committee to apply for a repeal of all penal laws relative to religion.

Resolved that the chairman of this committee do write letters to the chairmen of those meetings to return them the thanks of this committee for their communications, but at the same time to acquaint them that the committee being expressly appointed to obtain the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts as far as they affect Protestant Dissenters cannot attempt anything further without the directions of their constituents.

The chairman reported that the subcommittee had waited on Mr Fox, who received them very politely and promised them his support. Adjourned.

80. [f. 32v] At a meeting of the committee summoned by order of the chairman at the King's Head Tavern, Poultry, on Thursday 30th April 1789. Present: Mr Jeffries, Mr Ingram, Mr Fuller, Mr Keene, Mr Rogers, Mr Barnardiston, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr John Heywood, Mr Hall, Mr Downe, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Shore, Mr Dodson; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

Resolved that the chairman, Mr Shore and Mr Serjeant Watson be a committee to wait on Mr Pitt.

Resolved that the chairman, Mr Dodson, Mr Shore, Mr Rickards, Mr Yerbury, Mr Thomas Boddington, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Barnardiston, Mr Ingram, Mr Rogers, Mr Benjamin Boddington, Mr French, Mr Downe, Mr West, Mr Esdaile, Mr Fuller, Mr Maitland be a subcommittee to canvass the members of the House of Commons. Adjourned to Tuesday 5th May 1789.

81. [f. 33] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, Tuesday 5th May 1789. Present: Mr Vaughan, Mr Fuller, Mr Barnardiston, Mr Ingram, Mr Bogle French, Mr Jeffries, Mr John Heywood, Mr Shore, Mr Esdaile, Mr West, Mr Serjeant Watson; Mr Serjeant Watson in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed. Adjourned to Wednesday 6th May 1789.

82. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, Wednesday 6th May 1789. Present: Mr Jeffries, Mr Shore, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Vaughan, Mr Calamy, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Bogle French; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed. Adjourned, tomorrow, 8th [7th] May 1789.

83. [f. 33v] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Thursday 7th May 1789. Present: Mr Dodson, Mr Fuller. No other gentleman attending, no business was done.

84. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern on Tuesday 12th May 1789. Present: Mr Dodson, Mr Bogle French, Mr Fuller, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Benjamin Boddington, Mr West, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Jeffries, Mr Yerbury, Mr Keene, Mr Ingram, Mr John Heywood, Mr Calamy, Mr Lowdell, Mr Rogers, Mr Beaufoy, Mr Thomas Boddington, Mr Rickards, Mr Vaughan; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

The chairman reported that on Friday last, pursuant to notice, Mr Beaufoy moved in the House of Commons 'that this house will immediately resolve itself into a committee of the whole house to consider of so much of the act of 13 Charles II for the well governing and regulating of corporations, and of the act of 25 Charles II for the preventing of dangers which may happen from popish recusants, as requires persons before they are admitted into any office or place in corporations or have accepted any office or place in corporations or have accepted any office, civil or military, or any place of trust under the crown, to receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper according to the rites of the Church of England', which motion was seconded by Sir Henry Hoghton and upon a division passed in the negative, the [f. 34] numbers including the two tellers on each side being for the question 104, against the question 124.

Resolved unanimously that the thanks of the committee be given to Henry Beaufoy Esq and Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, for the able arguments with which they enforced the propriety of the repeal of the test laws in making and seconding the said motion, and that the said thanks be expressed to them by the chairman at their first attendance in the committee.

Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this committee be given to the right honourable Charles James Fox for the continuation of his generous attention to the rights of Dissenters and for the distinguished ability and zeal which he displayed in support of the motion, and that the chairman Mr Samuel Heywood and Mr Thomas Boddington do wait on him to communicate the same.

Resolved unanimously that thanks of this committee be given to William Smith Esq for the zeal and ability exerted by him in support of the said motion, and that such thanks be expressed to Mr Smith in his place in the committee by the chairman.

Resolved unanimously that the thanks of this committee be given to Mr Martin, a member of this committee, in his place and to Mr Wyndham [William Windham] and Sir James Johnson [Johnstone] for their support and to all the other members of the House of Commons who voted for the said motion.

85. That the chairman, Mr Shore, Mr Bogle French, Mr Dodson, Mr West, Mr Yerbury be a committee to wait on each of the members who voted for the said motion and leave the following card [MS blank].

[f. 34v] Resolved that the chairman, Mr Dodson, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr John Heywood, Mr Vaughan, Mr Serjeant Watson be a subcommittee to collect as accurate an account as possible of the debate on the said motion, to be printed and circulated throughout the kingdom.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that a further application for obtaining the repeal of the laws imposing the sacramental test as a qualification for offices be made to one or both houses of parliament in the next session.

Resolved that in the opinion of this committee those members of the House of Commons who divided in favour of the rights of Protestant Dissenters on the motion made on the 28th day of March 1787 or on that made on the 8th May 1789 are entitled to the warmest support of the friends of religious liberty at the ensuing general [f. 35] election, and that this committee doth recommend to the Protestant Dissenters throughout England and Wales to pay a marked and particular attention to their interest and in general exert themselves in favour of such candidates as they believe to be attached to the cause of religious liberty.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that copies of these resolutions and lists of the members who divided in favour of the above motions be printed and circulated through England and Wales. Adjourned to 11th June 1789.

86. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Thursday 11th June 1789. Present: Mr Lowdell, Mr Vaughan, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Thomas Boddington, Mr Grubb, Mr Shore, Mr Jeffries, Mr Ingram, Mr William Smith, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, Mr John Heywood, Mr Beaufoy; Mr Shore in the chair. The last minutes were read with an addition of the following words to the 7th resolution, viz.

Resolved that no man ought to be excluded from civil rights merely on account of his religious opinion and that encouraged by the favourable reception of the late motion in the House of Commons, it is the duty of the Protestant Dissenters to persevere in their just [f. 35v] claim to be restored to the rights of citizens and therefore,

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that a further application for obtaining a repeal of the laws imposing the sacramental test as a qualification for offices be made to one or both houses of parliament in the next sessions.

The chairman returned the thanks of the committee to Henry Beaufoy Esq, Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, and William Smith Esq in their places.

The chairman produced and read letters from the Reverend Dr Barnes, chairman of the meeting of ministers in Cheshire and Lancashire, and a copy of their resolutions and also a letter from Mr Bright, chairman of a meeting of delegates from the different congregations of Protestant Dissenters, their returning thanks to the committee for their exertions, to which the chairman was requested to return him the thanks of the committee.

Two drafts of a report being read,

Resolved that they be referred to the chairman and Mr Vaughan to draw up the report. Adjourned to Thursday 18th June 1789.

87. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Thursday 18th June 1789. Present: Mr Jeffries, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Vaughan, Mr Rogers, Mr Shore, Mr Thomas Boddington, Mr Calamy, Mr Fuller. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

[f. 36] Resolved that the draft of the report as now read be approved.

Resolved that the general body be summoned at the library, Red Cross Street, on Friday 26th inst. at eleven for twelve. Adjourned.

88. At a general meeting of the Deputies at Dr Williams's Library in Red Cross Street on Friday 26th June 1789; Mr Jeffries in the chair.

The minutes of the two last general meetings of the Deputies and likewise of the preceding meetings of the committee for conducting the application to parliament for the repeal of the test laws commencing with the meeting of the 30th day of January last were read and confirmed. The second report of the proceedings of the above committee was then twice read, which report is as follows.

June 18th 1789. The second report of the committee appointed for conducting an application to parliament for the repeal of the laws imposing the sacramental test.

Gentlemen: In consequence of the 1st and 2nd of your resolutions dated May the 4th 1787 by which we were directed constantly to keep in view the object committed to our charge and to renew the application to parliament either in the session of 1788 or that of 1789 at farthest, we took such measures as seemed proper for a second application by dispersing in different parts of the kingdom a printed state of the Case of the Protestant Dissenters respecting the laws imposing upon them the [f. 36v] sacramental test (which was new modelled for that purpose) together with several tracts in favour of the general cause, adding for the use of our Protestant Dissenting friends a printed report of our proceedings to the third of December last; at the same time we endeavoured to obtain an account of every Dissenting congregation in the kingdom with the name of its minister in order to establish a regular communication with each upon the subject of our application, in which we have had considerable success, and we flatter ourselves that a proper spirit has shewn itself through the country in our support.

At a meeting of your committee on the 16th April 1788, it was resolved that it did not appear expedient to renew the application to parliament in the then present session, but that the committee would use every effort to procure success to such application in the session of 1789. Accordingly, at a meeting of a committee on the 12th March 1789 it was resolved that an application to the House of Commons should be made by motion in the present session and at a subsequent meeting that Henry Beaufoy Esq should be requested to make and Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, to second the same, which those gentlemen readily undertook; previous to the day of the motion, the members of the House of Commons were waited upon individually as in the former instance, and a printed Case with a tract entitled The Right of Protestant Dissenters to a Compleat Toleration Asserted was sent to each member.

Mr Beaufoy after having given previous notice to that effect moved in the House of Commons on Friday the 8th May last that the House should go into a committee to consider of a repeal of the laws in question. He was seconded in this by Sir [f. 37] Henry Hoghton, and both of them supported the motion by speeches which reflect honour on their ability and zeal, as will appear by the general account of the debate which is now printing and will be dispersed by your committee throughout the kingdom. These gentlemen were followed on the same side by Mr Fox, Mr William Smith and others with great energy and effect. Your committee think it incumbent upon them here to state that in a private conference previous to the debate, Mr Fox testified his disinterestedness and generosity both respecting the cause of religious liberty in general and that of the Protestant Dissenters in particular.

On the division of the House there were 104 votes in favour of the motion and 124 against it, tellers included; on the former application the numbers were 100 and 178. The difference in the majority against us being thus only 20 instead of 78, a flattering prospect of future success opens itself, and we are justified in concluding that the equity and good policy of our claims have increased the numbers of our friends and relaxed the efforts of our opponents.

89. In consequence of this circumstance and in conformity to the reasons contained in our former report, to which we still beg leave to recommend attention, your committee have come to the following resolutions.

Resolved unanimously that no man ought to be excluded from civil rights merely on account of his religious opinions, and that encouraged by the favourable reception of the late motion in the House of Commons it is the duty of the Protestant Dissenters to persevere in their just claims to be restored to the rights of citizens and therefore,

[f. 37v] Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that a further application for obtaining the repeal of the laws imposing the sacramental test as a qualification for offices be made to one or both houses of parliament in the next sessions.

Your committee beg leave to add that previous to the late application it was thought advisable to recommend to our Protestant Dissenting friends in England and Wales to apply in such manner as they should see fit to the members of those counties, boroughs or Cinque Ports in which they reside to request their support and attendance when the motions should be brought on in the House of Commons and to shew a particular and marked attention at the ensuing general election to the interest of such candidates as they believed to be well affected to civil and religious liberty but especially to such as being now in parliament have proved themselves friends to the rights of Protestant Dissenters.

90. The following is a list of those members of the House of Commons who voted for going into a committee to consider of the repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts on the 8th May 1789.

And four other gentlemen whose names cannot be obtained. (fn. 1)

91. The foregoing report being unanimously approved,

Resolved that the said report be printed with the list of the members who voted for Mr Beaufoy's motion.

Resolved nem. con. that it is the opinion of this general body that the application to parliament should be renewed either in the session of 1790 or 1791 at farthest, being fully persuaded that we solicit nothing but what is just and reasonable to be asked and safe and honourable to be granted.

Resolved nem. con. that the institution of Deputies from the Dissenting congregations of the several denominations in and near London to take care of the civil concerns of the Protestant Dissenters has been of singular service to religious liberty, and that it be recommended to the several Dissenting congregations in the country to form similar institutions, dividing themselves into such districts as they may find convenient.

Resolved nem. con. that the thanks of this body be given to Henry Beaufoy Esq for the eminent perspicuity, precision and ability with which he stated the justice and equity of our claim.

92. [f. 39] Resolved nem. con. that the thanks of this body be given to Sir Henry Hoghton, Baronet, for the very zealous and judicious manner in which he seconded and supported the motion.

Resolved nem. con. that the thanks of this body be given to the right honourable Charles James Fox, William Smith Esq and the other members of the House of Commons who spoke in favour of the motion.

Resolved nem. con. that the thanks of this body be given to all those members of the House of Commons who divided in favour of a repeal of the laws imposing the sacramental test as a qualification for offices.

Resolved nem. con. that the thanks of this body be given to the chairman and committee, together with those gentlemen who acted in concert with them, for the zeal and attention with which they have conducted this business.

93. At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Friday 6th November 1789. Present: Mr Jeffries, Mr West, Mr Keene, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Beaufoy, Mr William Smith, Mr Calamy, Mr Dodson, Mr Bogle French, Mr John Towgood, Mr Vaughan; Mr Jeffries in the chair.

The following resolutions and communications from different associations of Protestant Dissenting laymen and ministers having been read, viz. [f. 39v]

Devizes, Wiltshire September 14, 1789
Benjamin Hobhouse Esq, Chippenham

Gloucester July 13
Richard Chandler Esq

Colchester October 12
Robert Tabor Esq, Colchester

Taunton September 23
William Hawker Esq, near Taunton

Hertford August 10
Thomas Fuller Esq, Bishop's Stortford

Exeter October 1
Samuel Frederick Milford Esq, Exeter

Maesyberllan, Brecon June 19
William Williams Esq, Cardigan

Dorchester October
William Blake Esq, Blandford

Worcester June 24
Reverend Joseph Gunner, Worcester

Bristol May 25
Richard Bright Esq, Bristol

Birmingham October 14
William Russell Esq, Shower Green near Birmingham

Resolved that the same be preserved amongst the records of this committee.

Resolved that this committee will be happy to co-operate with such persons as may be deputed by associations of Protestant Dissenters in the country districts.

94. Resolved that a subcommittee be appointed to prepare a circular letter to be transmitted to the gentlemen from whom the above resolutions and communications have been received and that the draft of such letter be laid before the next meeting of this committee.

Resolved that the following gentlemen be of the said subcommittee, viz. the chairman, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Dodson, Mr Heywood and Mr Vaughan.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that the application to parliament for the repeal of the laws by which the sacramental test is imposed be renewed in the ensuing session.

[f. 40] Resolved that for the purpose of giving the most effectual aid to the proposed application in the House of Commons as well as for that of expressing the sense which the Protestant Dissenters have of the value of their rights, it is in the opinion of this committee of the highest importance that all such Dissenters in England and Wales as have votes for members of parliament should apply to their respective representatives and request their attendance and support in the House of Commons when the said motion shall be made.

Resolved that it be recommended to the Protestant Dissenters in general that they promote to the utmost of their power the success of the intended application to parliament by their conversation, correspondence and influence.

Resolved that the three last mentioned resolutions be circulated through England and Wales and that the committee before appointed do draw up a circular letter for that purpose. Adjourned to Friday 20th November 1789.

95. [f. 40v] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Friday 20th November 1789. Present: Mr Jeffries, Mr Dodson, Mr Heywood, Mr Beaufoy, Mr West, Mr Lowdell, Mr Calamy, Mr Fuller, Mr Vaughan; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Resolved that a committee be deputed to wait upon the right honourable Charles James Fox to communicate to him the information received by this committee respecting the violation of the rights of the House of Commons and of the electors of Great Britain by the unconstitutional and arbitrary interference of the Bishop of Saint David's for the purpose of obstructing the re-election of Mr Phillips, representative for Carmarthen, on account of his vote given in parliament in favour of the repeal of the test laws.

Resolved that this committee do consist of the chairman, Mr Heywood and Mr Dodson.

Resolved that it is the duty of the Protestant Dissenters to support Mr Phillips, should he offer himself as a candidate at the ensuing election as a member for the borough of Carmarthen, against the unconstitutional and arbitrary interference of the Bishop of Saint David's merely on account of his conduct [f. 41] in the House of Commons, having voted for the repeal of the test laws, and his having received the thanks of the Dissenters for his exertion in the cause of religious liberty.

96. Resolved that the chairman do repeat by letter to Mr Phillips the grateful acknowledgement of this committee for his conduct and assure him of their fixed resolutions to give him every assistance in their power upon his canvass and, in order to effect this, do request him (if he shall think it expedient) to transmit to the chairman lists of the nonresident voters for the borough of Carmarthen.

Resolved that the letter to be sent by the chairman be couched in the following terms.

Sir: The London committee appointed to solicit the repeal of the test laws so far as they affect Protestant Dissenters having been informed that a letter has been written by the Lord Bishop of Saint David's to some clergymen of his diocese, of which the obvious intent is to prejudice you with the electors of Carmarthen for having voted in parliament for the repeal of the above mentioned laws by which a great number of his majesty's most loyal subjects are unjustly degraded from the rank of citizens, I am directed by the committee to assure you that they conceive it the duty of the Protestant Dissenters to acknowledge with gratitude their obligations to you for your repeated exertions in the cause of religious liberty, and they are sorry to observe that the part you have taken may possibly be attended with serious inconveniences, therefore hold it incumbent [f. 41v] upon them to render them light as is in their power. They cannot, however, suppose that the manly spirit of the electors of Carmarthen will not be roused by this attack upon their franchises and the freedom of election in general, or that the established clergy will resign their civil rights and assist in placing the nomination of the member for Carmarthen in the Bishop of Saint David's. If you can point out any mode in which the Dissenters living of a distance can assist in securing your election, you will confer a favour on this committee, and if you think it will at all conduce to your success and will transmit to me a list of the nonresident voters in any part of England or Wales, they will with pleasure endeavour to engage their suffrages in your favour. The committee cannot omit expressing their hope that the body of Protestant Dissenters will eagerly embrace an opportunity to prove by their exertions in your behalf that a lively sense of gratitude animated them, and that the friends of religious liberty may expect their general and spirited support.

I have the honour to be etc. [Edward Jeffries]

97. [f. 42] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry on Friday the 4th December 1789. Present: Mr Jeffries, Mr Keene, Mr Benjamin Boddington, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Downe, Mr Vaughan, Mr Lowdell, Mr Heywood, Mr Beaufoy, Mr West, Mr Rogers, Mr Fuller, Mr John Heywood, Mr Thomas Boddington, Mr Calamy, Mr John Towgood; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

A letter having been delivered by Mr Christopher Harris to the secretary of this committee signed by a number of respectable Dissenting laymen and ministers and addressed to this committee, the same was read and is as follows.

23rd November 1789. Gentlemen: We have observed with unspeakable pleasure the various associations of Protestant Dissenters in different parts of the country as well as the spirited resolutions they have published; and we cannot help expressing our desire that the Dissenters in London may have a speedy opportunity of shewing their zeal in the important business which has so long engaged their attention.

[f. 42v] The present moment is the period for successful action, and we therefore request that you will call a public meeting by advertisement of the Dissenters in London.

It is hardly necessary to add that we entertain the highest opinion of the gentlemen who compose the committee for effecting the repeal of the Test Act; but notwithstanding their consequence and respectability, we are convinced that a public meeting is indispensable. We remain with the greatest respect, gentlemen, your obliged and very humble servant.

98. [f. 43] Resolved that a letter signed by the secretary be sent to Samuel Favell Esq informing him that this committee request the favour of the company of the gentlemen who have subscribed the said letter, or of such of them as may think proper to attend at this place at one o'clock precisely on the 11th inst. for the purpose of conferring with the committee on the subject of the said letter.

Resolutions were read from the county of Norfolk held at Norwich dated 25th November 1789, from the county of Monmouth held at Usk dated 18th November 1789, and from the county of Cornwall held at Truro dated 14th October 1789 and from the county of Wiltshire held at Trowbridge dated [MS blank].

Resolved that William Manning Esq and Robert Alderson Esq, being appointed by a general meeting of Protestant Dissenters in the county of Norfolk delegates to attend the public meetings of this committee, letters of summons to every meeting of the committee be sent to each of those gentlemen when in London.

Resolved that a committee be appointed to collect extracts from the minutes and correspondence of this committee and from the letters sent and received by the chairman to form a pamphlet for circulation in order to make the object we have in view and the means used to obtain the same more generally known and to lay the same before the committee.

That the chairman, Mr John Pemberton Heywood, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr Calamy, Mr Vaughan, Mr Dodson and Mr Serjeant Watson do constitute that committee.

[f. 43v] Resolved that the threatened persecution of the mayor and sheriff of Nottingham for not having received the sacrament according to the rites of the Church of England as a civil test ought to stimulate the friends of religious liberty and the Dissenters in particular to endeavour by every spirited and constitutional exertion to procure the repeal of the persecuting test laws.

Resolved that it is the duty of the Dissenters at large to unite in repelling every attempt to persecute and oppress any individual of their body merely on account of his religious opinions; and if the prosecution of the mayor and sheriff of Nottingham should be carried on with effect, to consider it has a common cause and adopt the measures most proper to obviate or defeat this attack of the enemies of religious liberty.

Resolved that the chairman do transmit copies of the above resolutions to William Smith Esq, mayor, and [MS blank] and [MS blank], sheriff of Nottingham. Adjourned to Friday 11th December.

99. [f. 44] At a meeting of the committee at the King's Head Tavern on Friday 11th December 1789. Present: Mr Jeffries, Mr Benjamin Boddington, Mr Brand Hollis, Mr Alderson, Mr Shore, Mr Thomas Boddington, Mr Calamy, Mr Vaughan, Mr Rogers, Mr Lowdell, Mr Downe, Mr Yerbury, Mr Towgood, Mr Grigby, Mr Rickards, Mr Dodson, Mr Bond, Mr Fuller, Mr Serjeant Watson, Mr Samuel Heywood, Mr West, Mr John Heywood; Mr Jeffries in the chair. The last minutes were read and confirmed.

Several gentlemen who signed the letter to the committee requesting a general meeting of the Dissenters attended and the propriety thereof being discussed and the gentlemen having resolved that the requisition contained in this letter be not receded from, at the same time leaving the form and manner of the requested public meeting to the wisdom of the committee, the committee having maturely considered of the application to them,

Resolved nem. con, that this committee being a deputed body deems itself not competent to call together a public meeting by advertisement of the Dissenters in London.

[f. 44v] Resolved that the chairman of this committee report to the meeting of Deputies to be held in the ensuing week the subject and particulars of the conference held this day, as well as the resolutions since sent to this committee and the reply of the committee thereto. Adjourned to Friday January 1st, 1790.