finitely more culpability, than the miserable creatures whom they have bribed or terrified into the sacrifice of conscience, for the sake of worldly interest or convenience. That such a system of unrighteous temptation should have existed, in times comparatively dark and barbarous, is more a subject of regret than surprise: that it should still continue to exist in our own days, when knowledge and liberty are marching hand in hand for the blessed diffusion of social improvement in all temporal concerns, is not only a subject of regret but of deep humiliation. Better times, however, are assuredly comingtimes in which men will be valued for their worth and not for their creed-in which Christian integrity, though possibly associated with theoretical error, will be more honoured than time-serving dishonesty, although it may be connected with the ostentatious profession of theoretical truth! Blessed be God, there have still been some upright spirits, even in the worst of times, to keep alive the vestal flame of Christian Liberty; and I do not venerate the memories of such men the less, because at many other times, as well as in the days of Charles II. they were Calvinists and Trinitarians. No: let honor ever be accorded, where honor is due; and let us never forget to cherish "the immortal memory" of those excellent and intrepid Ministers, to whose fortitude amidst all the perils of a restored despotism, we probably owe the very existence of a Presbyterian Church, in Ireland, with all its train of social improvements, at the present day. Generally speaking, the deposed Ministers, like the early apostolic servants of God, "continued in the exercise of fellowship and doctrine, in the breaking of bread from house to house, and in prayer,” By such wise and moderate proceedings, they at once sustained the zeal of their friends, and blunted the weapons of their enemies. But, there were not wanting some bolder and more ardent spirits who scorned the tameness of mere "passive resistance," and openly denounced the errors and the tyrannies under which they suffered. These intrepid young Ministers were Michael Bruce, of Killinchy, (already mentioned,) John Crookshanks, of Raphoe, and Andrew M'Cormick, of Magherally, near Banbridge. Determined "to cry aloud and spare not," so long as the arm of power was not actually laid upon them, and to have the means of escape to Scotland prepared, in case of emergency, they went from place to place, assembled multitudes, some times by night, and some times by day, in the valleys, and on the mountains, whom they animated with their own spirit, and filled with a noble disdain of tyranny and oppression. Crowds followed them, in all directions; and although the older and graver Pastors censured their rashness and indiscretion, I feel persuaded that their exertions eminently contributed to keep alive the zeal and sustain the integrity of the people. Eventually, as they had anticipated, they were compelled to fly into Scotland where they joined the ranks of the Presbyterian Army, then struggling against all the power of England, to prevent the re-imposition of Prelacy upon the Scottish nation. Crookshanks and M'Cormick were slain, at the disastrous battle of Pentland, in the year 1666: Bruce was afterwards made prisoner, conveyed to London, and confined for several years; but, eventually, he was restored to his ardent friends in Killinchy, where he exercised a most successful ministry, in the midst of universal esteem. Of this eminent man, though blaming his excessive ardour, Adair, his co-temporary, thus honourably writes-" He was a person singularly gifted, truly zealous and faithful, peaceable and orderly in his temper and conversation, and, in his whole way, a very Nathaniel -a truly godly and worthy brother." To "the good seeds" of Christian Liberty and Integrity sown by this excellent man, I can clearly trace the abundant harvest of righteous Independence which blessed Killinchy, in the year 1835, and enabled its present Pastor and his honest, intelligent, numerous Congregation, to disenthral themselves, forever, from the tyrannical yoke of the General Synod of Ulster! So true is it, under God's gracious Providence, that if, in faith and trust, "we cast our bread upon the waters, we shall find it after many days." (To be continued.) NOTICES OF BOOKS. The Westminster Review. No. LXXXVII. Dec. 1845. London: SAMUEL CLARKE, Pall-Mall East. 8vo. It is not often that a work so small in size as our Magazine, can afford space for strictures upon the popular literature, and especially the periodical literature of the day; but a phenomenon so remarkable as the appearance of two articles upon religious subjects-and both of them conceived in a candid and liberal spirit—in a work usually devoted to political, scientific, and economical questions, ought not to pass unnoticed. In the present number of the Westminster Review, there is an analysis, extending to upwards of 50 pages, of the life of the late Rev. Joseph Blanco White, edited by our friend the Rev. J. H. Thom, of Liverpool. The author of this article is understood, and almost avowed by the initials at its close, to be one of the real ornaments of the University of Oxford-one whose attainments do equal honour to English science and to English theology. He does ample justice to the subject on which he has exerted his pen in the paper now before us. Though no heretic himself, he does not shrink from honouring the friends of the closing scene of Blanco White's pilgrimage, who were so; nor does he refrain from bestowing the tribute of just approbation on the many talents and virtues which graced the character of that remarkable man, though somewhat more than a heretic, in the sense usually attached to the word heresy. The appearance of such an article, from such a pen, and in such a work as the Westminster Review, we regard as a slight but expressive sign of the times. Equally pleased we are with the paper on "German Theology," and the "Priest Rongé," which is found in the same number. It contains some sound and valuable strictures on the good and evil of the Rationalistic Schools in the land of speculation; and a very lively sketch of the life and labours of the master spirit of the New Reformation in Germany. The article will well repay an attentive perusal; and such of our readers as have an opportunity of referring to it will find their curiosity rewarded. If we mistake not, the initials at the close of this paper assign it to the pen of an English Unitarian divine, well known for many meritorious labours, and at present engaged in an undertaking from which we anticipate much advantage to the Christian Church. When we see the readiness with which papers speaking highly of the characters and principles of Arnold, of Channing, of White, of Rongé, are admitted into the popular literary journals-the willingness with which they are read, and the eagerness which continually asks for more of the same species of mental food-we cannot but think that a time is coming, or is already come, in which the two ancient parties of all-rejecting scepticism, and all-believing, or at least all-professing Orthodoxy which, a short time ago, seemed to divide the reflecting world of England between them, must be content to take their place beside, if not beneath a third-which holding fast to the great factthe most important in the history of the human race-that God hath given to man a revelation of his will-yet allows free scope to the legitimate exercise of the human mind, and views the truths of reason and of inspiration, as forming one harmonious whole. Of this tendency of the British mind, we have an indication, by no means, however, a solitary one, in the present number of the Westminster Review. AMERICAN. BROOKLYN. INTELLIGENCE. AT this place, which is a quiet and beautiful village, the Unitarians occupy the ancient church. This was the early field of labour of the Rev. S. J. May, whose name is still held in affectionate remembrance. The building has been recently remodelled and renovated, by which it has been greatly improved as a place of worship. Rev. Herman Snow is their present pastor. Under his preaching, a new and deeper interest, we believe, has been excited in the cause of pure and undefiled religion. On Sunday, the church, considering the population of the place, was well attended; and the SundaySchool, which was re-opened on that day, for the season, was more encouraging in point of members, than at any former period. Addresses were delivered by the agent of the Sunday-School Society, to the parents, teachers, and pupils; a collection was taken in aid of the Juvenile Library, and a lively interest manifested generally in the proceedings of the day, and the welfare of the Church, and the Sunday-School. HARTFORD. On the following Wednesday, 22d ult. we were present at the Dedication of the new Church, at Hartford. This beautiful building was designed by Lefevor, of New York. It is constructed of Connecticut freestone, and in its style of architecture is of the ancient Gothic order. Every part externally and internally, is in perfect keeping; chaste in all its proportions, designs, and finish. The windows are of stained glass-amber coloured the effect of which is highly pleasing. It contains 100 slips or pews, and will seat, comfortably, four or five hundred. It was highly satisfactory to learn that seventy-two of the one hundred slips had been taken before the day of installation. The Society, therefore, may now be considered as permanently established. On the morning of the Dedication, the house was early and well filled, and the audience manifested that deep attention which the harmony, solemnity, and interest of the services were so well calculated to inspire.The following was the order of services:-1. Introductory Prayer, by Rev. C. Farley, Norwich, Conn.; 2. Reading of Scriptures, Rev. R. Ellis, Northampton, Mass.; 3. Prayer of Dedication, Rev. F. T. Gray, Boston; 4. Sermon, Rev. Joseph Harrington, Pastor elect of the Society; 5. Concluding Prayer, Rev. H. F. Harrington, Albany, N. Y. The text of the discourse was from 2d Chron. vii. 16: "For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever." After an appropriate introduction in reference to the place and the occasion, the subject chosen by the preacher was Christian unity, in preference to any other more controversial. Unity of feeling and sentiment, and not of belief, was insisted upon as the only basis of Christian union compatible or consistent with the Protestant doctrine of the right of private judgment, and the Bible as the only rule of faith and practice. Connected with this leading thought was introduced a statement of the leading doctrines of Unitarians, and forcibly contrasted with those of other Protestant denominations; and the discourse was closed by a solemn consecration of the Church to sacred purposes, henceforth to be known as the "Church of the Saviour." An anthem, two original hymns, composed for the occasion by ladies of the Society, and other select pieces, were sung by a large choir, assisted by Mrs. Jameson, which added much to the interest of the occasion. Installation. On Thursday, the Rev. Joseph Harrington, formerly of Chicago, was installed as Pastor of the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Hartford. The Council assembled at the house of James H. Wells, Esq. Rev. Dr. Peabody, of Springfield, Mass. Moderator; and Rev. Rufus Ellis, of Northampton, Scribe. The proceedings were in strict conformity with ecclesiastical usage, and the candidate produced satisfactory evidence of his call and ministerial qualifications and standing. On proceeding to the church, it was found more crowded than on the previous day. A very intelligent and attentive audience were present. The services were in the following order :Introductory Prayer, by Rev. Herman Snow, Brooklyn, Conn.; Reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. F. D. Huntington, Boston; Sermon, Rev. Dr. Putnam, Roxbury; Prayer of Installation, by Rev. Chandler Robbins. Boston; Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. H. F. Harrington, Albany, NY.; Charge, by Rev. Dr. Gannett, Boston; Address to the People, by Rev. R. C. Waterson, Boston; Concluding Prayer, by Rev. F. A. Farley, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Benediction, by the Pastor. The music, consisting of anthems, hymns, and select pieces, as on the previous day, was of a high order. The discourse by Dr. Putman, was from the text, John xvii. 19:-"That they also might be sanctified through the truth." The leading idea of the sermon was, that as character is formed by ideas or truths, so if we would know the truth we must seek it at the fountain head. The Gospels contained the teachings of the Master. Any doctrines not inculcated by Jesus, not found in the Gospels, might be learned, metaphysical theories or ingenious and valuable speculations, but they were not Gospel truths. To this test were brought some of the principal doctrines of the popular theology, and were found wanting. This was followed by a powerful and glowing exhibition of the true doctrines of the great teacher, as found in the Gospels, which, the preacher insisted, must be sounded to WORCESTER, Ordination. The Rev. Edward E. Hale, of this city, was ordained as Minister of the Church of the Unity, a newly formed church in Worcester. The services on the occasion were highly solemn, impressive, and interesting. They were performed by the following gentlemen, members of the ordaining council, viz. :- Introductory Prayer and Reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. F. D. Huntington, of this city; Sermon, by Rev. S. K. Lothrop; Prayer of Ordination, by Rev. C. Lincoln, of Fitchburgh; Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. J. Weiss, of Watertown; Charge, by Rev. Ephraim Peabody, of this city; Address to the People, by Rev. Mr. Hill, of Worcester; Concluding Prayer by Rev. Mr. Hall, of Providence; and Benediction by the Pastor. Two appropriate hymns, written for the occasion, were sung by the Choir of the Society. On the close of the services, the members of the Society, and of the sister Society in Worcester, the members of the Ordaining Council, and a large number of the numerous auditory, by invitation of the Committee, proceeded to Brinley-Hall, and sat down to a handsome collation, provided for the occasion, at which the Hon. Judge Merrick presided. IRISH UNITARIAN CHRISTIAN ON Sunday, the 10th inst. the anni- the first, from 1 Cor. xiii. 6,-" Charity rejoiceth in the truth;" and the second, from Matt. xi. 29, and John xviii. 37,-" Learn of me." "For this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice." The truly admirable discourses of the Rev. gentleman, advocating, as they did, the cause of Unitarian Christianity as the cause of gospel truth, and enforcing the duty of Unitarian Christians to avail themselves of all the means and opportunities within their reach for its dissemination, were on each occasion listened to with unmixed delight by a numerous and respectable audience. On Monday evening, the 11th inst. the annual meeting of the society was held in Strand-street meeting-house. The president, DANIEL HUTTON, Esq. having taken the chair, the meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. DRUMMOND. The secretary, Mr. ROBT. ANDREWS, read a brief and interesting Report from the committee of the past year, from which it appeared, amongst other things, that the sale and distribution of books and tracts had considerably exceeded those of the several preceding years; that the committee had adopted the plan of inviting the public, at intervals, to doctrinal lectures, for which purpose, besides the kind and valuable aid they had received from the Rev. Dr. Ledlie, they had been fortunate enough to secure the services of the Rev. G. Armstrong, of Bristol, and the Rev. Dr. Hutton, of London; and that the experiment had proved eminently successful, the services on all these occasions having been attended by a large number of worshippers of other denominations. The report concluded with regretting that the scantiness of the resources in their hands prevented exertions of a more active or extended nature, and that the Unitarians of Dublin did not, in general, give that support to the society which it merited, from all who desired the dissemination of the pure and holy truths of the gospel. The Rev. G. A. ARMSTRONG moved the reception of the report. There was one portion of the report he (Mr. A.) deeply regretted; it was that which related to the little support the society received from those who were in the |