and earnestness; and of the fidelity with which he devoted himself to the task which he undertook; but, after a certain period had elapsed, the result of his exertions not having been found to answer the expectations which had been entertained, and his engagement being necessarily accompanied with an expense to the Society, in itself not great, yet pressing heavily on its limited resources-it was, under all the circumstances, judged expedient to discontinue that experiment. Perhaps, under more favourable circumstances, it may hereafter be renewed, with more suc cess. By a resolution of the late annual meeting, the Committee were empowered either to continue or discontinue The Bible Christian, as a publication issued by this Society, as they might deem best for the general cause. In the exercise of the discretionary power with which they were entrusted, your Committee determined on commencing a new periodical work, under a different name, and of a different size and appearance, enabling those who might be disposed to encourage such a publication, to have their sets complete from the commencement, and exciting as much interest as possible in its success. Accordingly, The Irish Unitarion Magazine was set on foot, issued monthly, in octavo, and on terms of extraordinary cheapness-each number containing 32 pages of that size, or two sheets, at the price of 3d.The Committee were fortunate enough to engage the services of the Rev. George Hill, as Editor, and of some most competent writers as contributors. Among the latter, the name of Dr. Montgomery must be recorded, with marked gratitude, for his numerous and interesting papers on the early history of Presbyterianism in Ireland. The arrangements connected with the work have been successful in securing an amount of public patronage, which, if continued, will place The Irish Unitarian Magazine in the very first class of Unitarian publications, in point of circulation. Your Committee believe that, in this respect, it already stands at the head of the Unitarian monthly periodicals in the British empire. The character of the work is beginning to be understood in various districts; and your Committee hope, as it becomes more generally known, its circulation will extend in proportion. Your Committee, during the past year, have added several valuable works, which were not formerly in the catalogue, to the stock of the Society's Depository. Among these, they think themselves called upon to direct the attention of the Society to the admirable "Letters to Relatives and Friends," occasioned by the treatment which had been experienced, on her adoption of Unitarian views, by Mrs. Dana, an American lady of great ability and worth, already distinguished by writings replete with the feelings of piety, and expressed in the language of poetical genius. Such a convert does honour to our cause, and her justification for the course which she has felt it her duty to follow-in abandoning the opinions of her early life, and adopting those of the "sect every where spoken against" surely deserves the attentive consideration of every inquiring mind. The "Life of Dr. Noah Worcester," by the late Dr. Henry Ware, deserves to be especially noticed, as showing, in a remarkable manner, the influence of the pure and holy spirit of the Christian faith in the heart of one who was distinguished not less for his high virtues than by his lofty talents who was a Christian Unitarian, from deep study and deliberate conviction-and who has left on record several able and original defences of the peculiar doctrines of the Unitarian doctrine, including those admirable publications, entitled, "Bible News," "The Atoning Sacrifice," and "Last Thoughts on Important Subjects." To the same class of works belongs the interesting and edifying Memoir of Dr. Henry Ware himself, from the pen of his brother. Mrs. Dana's Letters depict, in colours which can never fade, the struggles and trials of an inquiring spirit, in its transition state, anxiously seeking for Divine truth, yet oppressed by internal anxieties, arising from the necessity of aban doning long-cherished opinions, and struggling against the opposition, estrangement, and, in some cases, the scornful denunciations, of persons with whom she had lived in habits of friendly intercourse, and with whom she had taken sweet counsel, and walked to the house of God in com pany. The life of Worcester manifests the strength and loftiness of soul which are consistent with the profession of Unitarian views, embraced in mature life, and ably and honourably maintained. But the memoir of Dr. Ware affords a testimony still more solid to the efficiency and purity of these principles; for his mind was formed under Unitarian influences from the very first: it grew up, and acquired its grace and its strength, in constant union with the principles of Christian Unitarianism; and his character manifests how well that mode of faith is fitted for developing a spirit akin to that of the disciple whom Jesus loved. Another work which the committee have had much pleasure in adding to the stock of the Society, during the past year, is the third edition of Mr. Wilson's 66 Scripture Proofs and Scriptural Illustration of Unitarianism." This excellent view of the Scriptural arguments on behalf of our distinguishing tenet, and of the alleged evidence for the contrary opinion, was originally published in Belfast; and this Society did itself honour by encouraging, as far as its resources enabled it, the first and second editions. It is a good sign of the times, that all the copies of these impressions were disposed of, within a much shorter time than is usual with works of that description; and the publication of a third edition has enabled Mr. Wilson to introduce a great many valuable improvements. In its present state, it presents to the reader a fair, full, and satisfactory digest of the passages of Scripture which bear upon this most important subject, and of the modes of interpretation which have been adopted by the ablest Divines and controversialists, on both sides of the question. Taken in connexion with the "Concessions of Trinitarians," by the same author, it affords a complete view of the controversy respecting the Divine unity, so far as it turns upon the declarations and statements of the Bible. The last work to which the Committee think it needful to advert, is one entitled "Unitarianism exhibited in its actual condition;" comprising a number of papers drawn up by different writers, ministers, and laymen, collected and edited by the Rev. Dr. Beard, of Manchester. If the former works clearly depict the nature, and convincingly illustrate the evidence, of the Unitarian system, that of Dr. Beard more directly illustrates the rise, progress, and present state of Unitarianism, in different parts of the world. The work does not profess to give information respecting the condition of Christian Anti-Trinitarianism, in all parts of the world; and the Committee observe, that no direct intelligence is contained in it respecting the Unitarians of India, where those learned and indefatigable native missionaries, Abraham Chiniah and Win, Roberts, of Secunderabad, are labouring, with untiring energy and encouraging success, though without any salary or reward, at least from European sources, disseminating among their countrymen-the Hindoos and Mahomedans of India-the doctrines of the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, as understood and professed by Unitarian Christians. But, although the information collected by Doctor Beard is, in this instance, and perhaps in a few others, defective, there can be no doubt that the work displays much industry and care in the selection of materials, and that it forms by far the most extensive and accurate compilation of Unitarian statistics, which has hitherto been laid before the public. re There are many other works among those lately added to the stock in the Society's Depository, to which the Committee would gladly turn the attention of the subscribers, if time permitted. They are chiefly tracts and essays of smaller size, but containing valuable materials for thought, on different topics connected with religious truth and liberty. Many of them are well fitted for distribution, and for assisting the flections of persons whose time or means do not enable them to avail themselves of larger works. Many of these have been given away gratuitously, through the agency of your Society: many have been issued to subscribers, or sold at the depository; and the result of these and other causes or incitements to religious inquiry, has shown itself, in various localities. From several quarters, information reaches your Committee, almost on every occasion of its assembling for the transaction of business, of persons seeking the aid of Y Y your Society, in the prosecution of their own religious inquiries, asking its assistance in endeavouring to disseminate the knowledge of pure and undefiled religion, in their respective neighbourhoods, or imploring the Committee to send ministers and missionaries among them, to gather together the scattered adherents of the faith everywhere spoken against, and to form them into congregations and worshipping societies, recognizing the broadest principle of ecclesiastical freedom, and cherishing the great truths, that "God is One," and "God is Love." In this important undertaking, the limited means placed at their disposal have scarcely enabled your Committee to effect anything, during the past year, beyond the distribution of tracts, in certain quarters where they seemed likely to be of use; but the way has been prepared and smoothed; and if the Unitarian public came forward to support the exertions of the Committee, now to be chosen, with that liberality which their means justify, and the importance the objects of the Society claim, they feel no doubt, that, in the hands of their successors, the benefit of past exertions will be experienced, and an ample return will be reaped for the contributions now solicited. Mr. J. GRIMSHAW moved the adoption of the above report; which was seconded by Major FULTON, and carried unanimously. Mr. M. ANDREWS read the statement of the Society's account, for the past year. Mr. W. J. C. ALLEN said, it was with feelings of no ordinary gratification, that he rose to propose the next resolution. With every disposition to do justice to the eloquent and respected gentleman who was alluded to in that resolution, he must confess, he felt himself completely weighed down with the subject. He need, he supposed, after that allusion, hardly say, that it was a vote of thanks to the Rev. Mr. Madge, who had so forcibly and eloquently advocated the claims of their Society. (Cheers.) The learned gentleman here read the resolution, and went on to say, that he had enjoyed the privilege of listening to both of the discourses delivered by Mr. Madge, on the previous day; and he spoke with all sincerity when he said, there was no tribute given to him, in the resolu Mr. The Rev. J. S. PORTER seconded the motion. He felt that the Unitarians of Belfast were under a deep obligation to Mr. Madge, for his kindness in coming over among them, at considerable inconvenience to himself, and for the ability with which he had advocated their cause, in the sermons which he had delivered on Sunday. The resolution having been put to the meeting, and passed unanimously, The Rev. THOMAS MADGE said, after the very flattering and most extravagant terms in which the gentleman had moved the resolution which had just been passed, he hardly knew what to say. He would merely say, that he thanked them, most kindly, for the manner in which that resolution had been proposed and received. There were various ties which connected men together, such as the ties of friendship, of kindred, and of family; but he rejoiced that there were other ties which could unite them-the ties which bound them together as fellow-believers, as professors of the same faith. (Hear.) He begged to assure them, that the Unitarians of England were exceed ingly desirous of connecting themselves more closely with the Unitarians of Ireland; and he would rejoice exceedingly, did he form a link in the chain that would join them together. (Hear, and applause.) In associating together, they ha dno narrow sectarian objects in view-their objects were to bring into operation those great prin ciples which they held in common with Christians at large. (Hear, and applause.) It was very true, that rational Christianity had not progressed to such an extent as its friends could have desired; but they all knew, that God, in his providence, had allowed the truth to be obscured for ages; but, if they saw no reason to distrust their faith, and believed that it was identified with true Christianity, it was their duty to go on asserting what they believed to be true, and using their best exertions to spread it through the length and breadth of the land. (Hear.) God's ways were not as their ways; and, though he, in his providence, might have obscured the truth, nevertheless it was not the less their duty, believing, as they did, that they had the true faith, to endeavour to give the truth to others. It was said, it was the part of a good patriot never to despair of the Government, and he would say it was the part of a good Christian never to despair of his faith; for, if it was founded on true principles, it would make its way among the people. They should not allow disappointment to stop their efforts or cool their energies. (Hear.) Unitarians should, under all difficulties, hold more closely by their faith; they should never shrink from asserting it boldly and honestly; let them give it all the homage which it deserved, and, if they did so, they would be repaid ten-fold. He thanked them for the kind manner in which the motion had been received, and assured them, that he would return home with pleasing recollections of his visit to Ireland, on this occasion. The rev. gentleman sat down, loudly applauded. The Rev. H. ALEXANDER, of Newry, moved the next resolution. He thought he would best consult the convenience of the meeting, by supporting it in a very few words. He could bear testimony to the usefulness of The Irish Unitarian Magazine, in his own neighbourhood. It was a great convenience to those who had not a ready communication with London, to have this repository so close to them. They were all much indebted to those gentlemen who conducted it; and he trusted they would continue to give it their valuable services. He would not detain them longer; he had great pleasure in moving the resolution. Mr. SMITH seconded the resolution, which passed unanimously. The Rev. J. MFADDEN, of Ballymoney, in moving the next resolution, impressed upon the meeting the necessity of Unitarians making greater missionary efforts than they had ever done before, as he conceived, that, at the present time, the people were better prepared to hear, listen to, and understand their views than ever they were before. He gave an encouraging account of the spread of their principles in Coleraine, where he had little hope that such views would be entertained, and urged upon the Ministers connected with their body the necessity of becoming missionaries, in order that the truth, as it was revealed in the Word of God, might, by their means, be widely diffused among the people. Dr. MONTGOMERY said, on this occasion, they had been anxious that the meeting should hear a number of their young friends from a distance, rather than that their time should be occupied with old voices, which had often sounded in their ears. How ever, as he had been requested to second the resolution which had just been moved by Mr. M'Fadden, he felt great pleasure in doing so. He then expressed his concurrence in what fell from the Chairman, as to what they had done towards the establishment of Unitarian Christianity. He believed that twenty Unitarians existed at the present time, for one that existed twenty years ago. He did not say that their boundaries were greatly enlarged; but he believed that the love of their principles had increased beyond even what the most sanguine among them could have expected. He believed they could not confer a greater blessing on the world than by the extension of Unitarianism. (Hear.) It would make the people love God, do good to one another, and imbue their minds with universal charity.They loved truth much, and faith much, but they loved charity above all. The Rev. Doctor then strenuously urged the necessity of missionary exertions, for the purpose of extending the objects of the Society, and mentioned, as a reason why they should do so, that, at the present time, there was a leaven of Unitarianism in the Presbyterian Church, and a disinclination among the people any longer to allow the Confession of Faith to be hung as a mill-stone around their necks. He did think, that in a short time, the people of Ulster would see the error of their ways, and would have their fetters broken off. He thought, in the course of twenty years, they would have added to the number of their body not merely twelve, but from thirty to fifty Congregations; but that must be done chiefly by missionary efforts. After stating that it was his intention, in the course of a short time, to go out himself on a missionary tour, and urging upon them the necessity of sending some of the most eloquent of their Ministers, accompanied by some of their intelligent laymen, to visit the various towns in the North; he said, that, by such means, they would not only raise funds -the least important matter to be considered-but they would diffuse their principles to such an extent, that this would no longer be called the Unitarian Society of Belfast, but the Unitarian Society of Ulster, having auxiliaries through the Province, meeting annually as this Society did. (Hear, and cheers.) The Rev. Gentle man concluded an eloquent speech, of which the foregoing is but a meagre outline, by saying, that, in the meantime, the Society was sending out silent missionaries, in the shape of tracts, which had done much good; and hoping, that, next year, from the exertions which he anticipated would be made, the secretary would be enabled to submit to them a more satisfactory report than that which they had heard this evening. (Hear, hear.) The Rev. C. J. M'ÄLESTER moved the next resolution. He expressed the gratification he felt at the progress which Unitarianism was making here and elsewhere, and called upon all to redouble their exertions to further the objects which the Society had in view. Mr. HARTLEY seconded the motion, which was passed. Mr. C. B. GRIMSHAW moved the sixth resolution; which was seconded by Mr. PATTERSON, and passed. The officers for the ensuing year having been elected, Mr. Andrews vacated the chair, and Mr. Gihon, of Ballymena, was called thereto. Dr. MONTGOMERY, then, in complimentary terms, proposed that the best thanks of the meeting should be given to Mr. Andrews, for the noble |