The assembly consisted of friends from many neighbouring, and several distant towns; and among other less numerous arrivals, was one of an express train, of 150 guests, from Newcastle.-Inquirer.

AMERICAN UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION.

The public meeting was attended by a crowded concourse of people, showing an increasing interest in the cause, on Tuesday evening, at halfpast seven o'clock, in the Federalstreet Church. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Ingersol. The chair was taken by Hon. Samuel Hoar, of Concord, one of the Vice-Presidents, who made an appropriate address. At his call, the report of the General Secretary was then presented. It was full of interesting matter, and will be published. The following resolutions were offered by Rev. Mr. Clarke, of the Executive Committee :

"Resolved-That Unitarians are, by the Providence of God, in a position which qualifies them to conduct missionary operations to great advantage; inasmuch as they can go out untrammelled by creeds, and may dwell exclusively on those positive, practical, and fundamental truths, which will create a new heart and awaken a new life in the human soul.

Resolved-That in our future action as a denomination, it is desirable to adhere to the principles of Christian Freedom and Progress, embraced and advocated by revered and leading Unitarians in past times.

Resolved-That it is the duty of Unitarians to feel and manifest an earnest interest in all the social reforms and philanthropic movements which promise to advance the interests of humanity.

Resolved-That in the present situation of our country, as regards its foreign relations, Unitarians are bound, in common with all disciples of Christ, to plead for peace, with renewed earnestness; and we call upon our brethren, of all Christian denominations, to lift up a united remonstrance against that spirit and those measures which may tend to renew or perpetuate the horrors and sins of war. Resolved-That we congratulate all our friends upon the success which has thus far attended the Meadville Theological School; and while we rejoice

to witness the cordiality and confidence shown towards this institution by the Christian denomination, we assure that excellent body of our sincere desire that this institution may be the means, under providence, of strengthening their hands, and making them yet more useful in the service of our common Lord and Master.

Resolved-That it is desirable to take active measures to promote a more extensive circulation, through the country, of the works of standard Unitarian writers.

Resolved-That the increasing. spread of liberal views among our brethren in Canada and Great Britain confirms our belief in the ultimate success, and our sense of the saving power, of Unitarian Christianity.

Resolved-That we remember with gratitude the labours of those great and good men of our denomination, in this country and Great Britain, who have, during the past year, gone from among us into the spiritual world; especially recalling, at this time, with solemn joy, the Christian character and exalted worth of Ware, Aspland, and our late President, Story."

Under the first of these resolutions, G. G. Channing, Esq. travelling-agent during the last year, made a few observations, and offered an interesting abstract of his doings, and the results of his efforts. Rev. F. W. Holland, of Rochester, N. Y. spoke to the same resolution, and adduced remarkable facts and circumstances to show especially the utility of diffusing tracts and books where our faith is little known; he also stated the cogent need of an earnest and efficient missionary to traverse the State of New York. The second and third resolutions were advocated by J. A. Andrew, Esq. of Boston, who appealed to the explicit example of Jesus Christ, as the one great, living argument for philanthropic and humane endeavours on the part of Christian disciples, and recurred to the benevolent earnestness of Channing, and the brave devotedness of our Pilgrim Fathers. Rev. W. H. Channing followed in a similar vein, or rather in a very different and peculiar vein, speaking powerfully, but in a somewhat accusatory spirit, of the short-comings of the denomination, in regard to its original and avowed principles, liberty, holiness, and love. George S. Hillard, Esq. took the tone

of his observations from the spirit of some of the resolutions, rather than from the words of any one of them; he directed his words with emphatic and surpassing eloquence to the connexion of Christianity with public concerns, with statesmen and the state. After a few observations from Richard Warren, Esq. made in behalf of the Unitarian Association in New York city, the doxology was sung, and the services of the evening were closed.

The adjourned meeting of Thurs day morning was continued in the afternoon, when the following resolutions were adopted with great unanimity—the first six being offered by Rev. Dr. Gannett, and the last one by H. H. Fuller, Esq. :

"Resolved-That the business of this Association has so much increased, and the opportunities for an extension of its usefulness have so multiplied, that it is proper to create a permanent office, to be filled by a travelling agent, so far as this may be done without an alteration of the constitution.

Resolved-That the trial of such an

office which has been made last year, confirms us in the belief that it may become an important part of our ope

rations.

Resolved-That such an office be now created, till it shall be abolished by vote of this Association.

Resolved-That the appointment of a person to fill this office be vested in the hands of the Executive Committee, and that they be instructed to make such appointment annually, as soon as possible after this annual meeting.

Resolved-That the salary of this officer be determined by the Executive Committee, subject to the condition that it shall not exceed one thousand dollars, exclusive of travelling expenses.

Resolved-That the Executive Committee be authorised to prescribe the duties of the general secretary, and of the travelling agent, respectively, and so to distribute said duties, as to promote in the most efficient manner the great purposes of our Association.

Resolved-That it is expedient and desirable that a convenient room or rooms should be provided for the use of this Association, in some central place in Boston, which shall be kept open as a Reading-room, and free of access, as such, during all the busi

ness hours of every week-day, under the charge and care of the general secretary, and in which shall be placed the books and library of the Association, and such tracts and pamphlets as they may possess, for sale or distribution."

A resolution was also introduced by N. A. Barrett, Esq. to the effect that the Executive Committee be recommended to publish a series of tracts on practical subjects, and to make arrangements for conventions in county associations.

UNITARIAN COLLATION-The festival known by this title was observed this year with preparations and on a scale of even unusual extent and completeness. As before, it was provided by Unitarian laymen of Boston for the entertainment of the clergy, and of persons of both sexes, of the denomination generally. It was spread in probably the largest single apartment in the city, the hall over the extensive and newly-built depot of the Maine railroad. The immense company sat down to the abundantly provided and elegantly decorated tables, on Tuesday, at two o'clock, P.M. A brief and appropriate speech was made by the Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, E. Dale, Esq. and a blessing was invoked by Rev. R. C. Waterston. After the refreshments were disposed of, thanks were returned to Almighty God, by Rev. S. K. Lothrop. A hymn was sung; when the presiding officer of the occasion, Hon. Josiah Quincy, late President of Harvard University, whose presence gave added dignity to the feast, rose and addressed the assembly in a course of able remarks, alluding to the peculiar interest of the day, setting forth the distinguishing peculiarities of our faith, vindicating them, as he went on, by many forcible and sound arguments, and extending a cordial and affectionate welcome to friends present from all parts of the country. He was followed by Rev. Dr. Pierce, who protested against being called by the name Unitarian, and related an entertaining anecdote in his best manner. Another hymn being sung, Rev. Mr. Hall, of Providence, adverted to the infinite value of Christian love, Christian Charity, and especially of the great need we have of that fore

most grace under present exigencies. Rev. Mr. Hosmer, of Buffalo, N.Y. continued this course of observation, and made especial mention of the growth, the religious necessities, and prospects of the West-a region to which he said he had ceased to belong, through the multiplied facilities of communication between his city and this; and he bespoke a yet increased sympathy for the brethren there. The next speaker was Richd. Warren, Esq. of New York city.— He appeared in behalf of the recently organised Unitarian Association of the State of New York. With much spirit he declared the aims of that body, and besought the kindly regard and fellowship of the liberal Christians of New England. Elder Harvey, of the Christian denomination, of Pennsylvania, on the ground of common points of faith between his denomination and Unitarians, took the attitude of a fellow-worker and brother, in a very spirited strain, and paid a high tribute to the fraternal cordiality displayed by the latter towards the former. A response to the references made to the western country, was made by Rev. Mr. Conant, of Geneva, Illinois, who testified in terms of strong commendation to the zeal and efficiency of the preachers of the Christian connexion. A third hymn was sung, and the attention of the company was then engaged by Rev. Mr. Walter, of Springfield, Ohio, another Christian, who brought evidence of the deep desire of his as sociates to gain a more thorough acquaintance and co-operation with our men and measures. His gratitude was eloquently expressed by Rev. Mr. Cordner, of Montreal, Canada, for the substantial expressions of sympathy hitherto received by his people from the Unitarians of the United States. The Doxology was sung, thanks were tendered to the Committee, who were re-appointed, and the company separated in the best possible humour.

RENUNCIATION OF TRINITARIANISM.

On the evening of Sunday, the 17th ult. the Rev. Robert Hassall, formerly a preacher of the Methodist New Connexion, made a statement of the reasons which induced him to reject the doctrine of the Trinity, in the Unitarian Church in this city. The Rev. gentleman chose for his text John viii.

14, "Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true." He stated in the first place what his views had been respecting the doctrine of the Trinity, and what views he had adopted since he had rejected that doctrine. He then stated how he was led to the inquiry which terminated in a change of his opinions, and concluded by alluding to the influence which that change had upon his character and happiness.

Mr. Hassal is an Englishman, a native of Staffordshire, and was deeply impressed with the importance of religion very early in life. He entered upon a course of study preparatory to his undertaking the duties of a preacher of the Gospel, under the superintendence of a venerable, aged minister of the Methodist New Connexion. Whilst pursuing his studies, he felt the want of evidence in the Bible to sustain the doctrine of the Trinity. He was struck with the fact that nowhere in the four Gospels is it recorded that Christ taught, or even once named, the doctrine of a tri-personal Deity. For some time he was disturbed in mind, read several books in support of the Trinity, and a small wor of Dr. Carpenter's in refutation of that doctrine. Not being able to find such kind of proof as he was searching for, he finally came to the conclusion that though the doctrine of the Trinity was unsupported by proof positive, it was nevertheless capable of being sustained by a chain of inferential argument. This settled his mind for the time, and he resolved to receive the dogma as an admitted truth, and as an essential part of the Christian's faith. How his mind was again brought to the consideration of this subject, after a lapse of years, is stated by himself in the following words:

"One day (oh, never shall I forget it) whilst engaged in prayer to God with more than usual earnestness for the outpouring of his blessing upon me and the church, I was perplexed beyond description (as many others have been) in endeavouring to address the triune God, or, in other words, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. My faith taught me that each Person of the Trinity was an object of worship, inasmuch as each person was God; yet I found that I could not worship one person without separating it in my mind from the other two. But I knew, if I livided them, I should make

three objects of worship; and I knew too, that if I worshipped one person, that would only be a part or third of the Divinity. Still I found it impossible so to unite the three persons in one, as to worship the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit at the same time, or the Son and the Father at the same time. I say I found it impossible to do it, and I defy any human being under heaven to do it. If there be three persons in the Deity, we can render supreme worship to one only at a time. From the constitution of the mind, it is impossible to do otherwise. Thus, then, I felt myself situated. I became agitated; I rose from my knees, and, in a state of confusion and perplexity, paced my room backwards and forwards. Question after question respecting my faith occurred to my mind. Can the Divine Being, I asked myself, be what I believe him to be? Is he divided into three persons called Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? Is the being of supreme worship such a one as to perplex the mind of the sincere worshipper? I doubted it. It appeared to me to be impossible. I resolved again, then, to examine the evidence of Scripture for the doctrine of the Trinity. That examination I believe was impartial, conducted with a simple desire for the truth. I read my Bible, and the best works I could find both for and against the doctrine; and the conclusion to which I felt myself obliged to come, as I have stated before, was, that it was not scriptural."-Montreal Bible Christian.

NEWRY SUNDAY-SCHOOL.

The annual Soiree of this School was held on the 8th July. Owing to the unfavourable state of the weather, and other circumstances, the attendance of friends was much less numerous than on former occasions; but we have not to complain of any lessening of the spirit with which the proceedings were conducted.

The Rev. F. BLAKELY spoke on civil and religious liberty.

The Rev. THOS. ALEXANDER, who occupied the chair, addressed the assembled children, urging them to a faithful use of the means of improvement placed within their reach.

The Rev. SAMUEL MOORE explained the origin and principles of the Remonstrant Synod.

Mr. SCOTT responded to the senti

ment of "Prosperity to the Unitarian Congregation of Newry."

The Rev. HENRY ALEXANDER spoke briefly on Sabbath-School Instruction. Mr. W. H. CORDNER returned thanks for the notice taken of his brother, the Rev. John Cordner, of Montreal; and

After Messrs. M'Calpin, Moore, Cowan, Weir, and other country friends had expressed their satisfaction in being members of the Congregation, and with the proceedings of the evening, a hymn having been sung, and a blessing asked, the meeting separated.

CALL OF ABRAHAM.-Most important for mankind was the call of Abraham. It was one of those events on which human destiny is found from time to time to hinge. Idolatry was all but universal. The knowledge of the Creator had nearly vanished from the earth. Egypt, the centre of the arts and refinements of life, worshipped even the lowest animals. There it was fully proved how little man can do for himself in regard to the solemn obligations of duty, and the high hopes and destiny of the religious life. But God chose Abraham, and a new era began which will never come to an end; for Jesus finished what Abraham commenced. It is a gratifying fact, that the series of biographical pictures begins with one which is so pleasing and so ennobling as that of Abraham. Had the dispositions which actuated him been shared by all who came afterwards, we should not have found the great life-roll of humanity blotted, blurred, and disgraced by such names as Alexander, Nero, and Napoleon.

Already, at the times of Abraham, had the world made some decided progress in civilization; a knowledge of which, so far as it is definite and satisfactory, we owe to the divinely illuminated pages of the Bible. The most useful arts of life had long been invented, and were in general use. Those large societies of men which are called nations were gradually forming themselves on spots which were determined by a regard to the natural limits and advantages afforded by seas, rivers, and mountain-ranges. And, as men fixed themselves in different places up and down the earth, so did they become more and more divided from each other by the continually increasing diversity of languages, which led to other alienating diversities in social

usages, and in religious opinions and observances. The first empires were thus founded, and the great question of human education began to be seriously worked out. War had begun its desolations; slavery was quietly but effectually wasting human energies away, perverting the natural relations of life. The union of the sexes, which is the great hinge of man's highest good, was uncertain and illregulated. Hospitality had assumed a distinguished position, and sheds a mild lustre over these early days; but if, from such a tent as that of Abraham, we turn to the world at large, we behold scarcely any other virtue in a high condition, and such vices abounding as easy abundance and extreme leisure may produce, under the aid of burning skies, vivid imaginations, and uncontrollable passions. People's Dictionary of the Bible.

THE MOSAIC CONSTITUTION.-The choice of an agricultural constitution, on the part of Moses, had this advantage, that it effectually served one great instrumental purpose which he had in view; namely, the severing of his people from the idolatrous nations into the midst of whom they were going, and by whom they would, unavoidably, and for many ages, be surrounded. The country, too, was eminently fitted to give scope and opportunity to the resources of agriculture. Its position on the globe is such as to secure a full supply of heat, while the proximity of the Mediter

ranean Sea tends to mitigate its fervours. Lebanon covered the land from the cold winds of the north.— Other hills gave shelter, and formed warm vales; while they themselves afforded pasturage for cattle, and, by means of terraces, soil for culture under different degrees of heat. A large river runs through the length of the land, and is fed by many tributary streams; other rivulets cut Palestine from east to west, flowing from the hills into the Mediterranean. The rocky (limestone) nature of the land gave an abundance of fountains and brooks. The dews are heavy. Rain falls plentifully in the opening and in the decline of the year. All these advantages contributed to make Isaac's wish a reality :-" God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine." (Gen. xxvii. 28; comp. Deut. viii. 7, seq.) No real objection to this account can be drawn from the actual condition of Palestine. Its civil history accounts for its actual unproductiveness. The sword is a bad substitute for the plough. Tyranny and oppression inevitably produce à desert. It was a nation of freemen that, under Mosaism, made the entire land a garden. A nation of bondmen could do no other than make it and keep it barren and desolate. Yet, wherever due care is now applied, ample proofs are given that the Land of Promise might again produce the richest rewards of human labour.People's Dictionary of the Bible.

DIED-At Ardglass, on the 10th July, Jessie, youngest daughter of the late John Rowan, Esq. of Downpatrick. The peaceful and beneficent life and death of this young lady, her meek submission to the will of God, must be a joyful remembrance to those friends by whom she was tenderly cherished and dearly beloved. Their sorrow cannot be the bitter sorrow of those who have no hope. To the glorious appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ may they look, in the blessed hope of a re-union in the future kingdom of heaven of our common Father. There every tear shall be wiped from