in this city in August, 1827, for the "gratuitous distribution of Unitarian publications of an approved character.” It is intimately connected with this Association, since one article of the constitution requires that a depository be kept at some convenient place, of "such publications as shall be published by the American Unitarian Association, or recommended by them." From a recent statement made to us by the Secretary, it appears that there have been received at the depository about 5000 copies of tracts, nearly all of which have been distributed. Though this Society is now in its infancy, it promises to become an important agent in the diffusion of truth. The Boston Sunday School Society was organized in April, 1827. It did not, however, go into full operation till some time after; and even now it deserves more encouragement than it has received. So strong is the interest which the Executive Committee feel in the establishment of Sunday Schools, that they will introduce a long extract from a communication of the Secretary of this Society. "Since the time of the annual meeting, in November last, we have been fully convinced, that more attention has been given to the subject of Sunday Schools, by the Unitarian community, than before. Our schools have been more frequently visited by persons from a distance, who have expressed a desire to become acquainted with our modes of instruction, and who have gone away, declaring their intention to establish schools in their own parishes. We have learned, that some new schools have been put in operation, and that exertions are now made to establish and revive others. We are confident, that great good is effected by these schools, and that everything which can be done to place them in the light they deserve before the christian public, will tend to increase the number of the friends of such institutions, to improve their character, and to extend their usefulness. The mode of instruction in our Sunday Schools is such, that children are soon induced to attend with interest and pleasure. They are brought to look upon religion, not as something which is to diminish their pleasures and restrict them in their innocent enjoyments, but something which they can believe is designed to make them wiser, better, and happier. Their minds are thus well and early prepared, by the exercises of these schools, to receive the pure doctrines of the gospel, with little liability of their falling into error, or being driven to scepticism; and it would seem, therefore, that there is no duty which Unitarians are more strongly called upon to perform, than that of supporting and advancing the cause of moral and religious instruction for the young." No want has been felt, during the past year, more sensibly, than that occasioned by the small number of candidates for the ministry, as on the other hand no stronger proof has been or can be given of the progress of Unitarian sentiments, than the increase of churches which desire the preaching of this faith. New societies are springing up in every part of the country, and old societies are asking for a ministry that shall vindicate the simple and charitable doctrines of Unitarianism. In Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, is this remarkably apparent, and in Rhode Island also, there are encouraging indications. The demand for preachers greatly exceeds the ability of the school in Cambridge, to which the Unitarian churches almost invariably look for a supply. It seems necessary, that the resources of this school should be enlarged, or that some other means should be adopted, to satisfy the continually growing necessities of the community. It is pleasant to be able to express our congratulations at this time with our distant brethren. In Augusta,` (Georgia) a church was, a few weeks since, dedicated to the worship of one God, even the Father. In Baltimore, a pastor has been happily ordained, who will watch over the flock of the Lord Jesus, that have so long been without an earthly shepherd. In Philadelphia, the Unitarian society has so increased, that the erection of a new church has become necessary, and has been commenced. In New York, a minister has been invited to take charge of the Second Congregational Church, whose labors, we hav every reason to believe, will be abundantly prospered. In this city, also, Unitarian Christianity retains its strength. A new society has recently been gathered; and the former churches, which embrace the doctrines signified by this name, were never more firm in their adherence to the great principles of Christianity, nor more prosperous in their condition. Among the means by which true religion, in theory and practice, is disseminated, few are more efficacious than periodical publications. Of these, four have within the last year been commenced, which merit notice and patronage. The Unitarian Advocate, and the Christian Teacher's Manual, published in Boston-each, in its own department, fitted to be very useful; the Liberal Preacher, from Keene, (New Hampshire) particularly valuable for its practical character; and the Unitarian, three or four numbers of which have appeared in New York. The committee have also noticed with pleasure, during the last year, attempts to make the English reader better acquainted with the true character of the Scriptures. Two editions of the New Testament have beeen issued; one containing a reprint of the common version, without the arbitrary division into chapters and verses; the other presenting the common version, with those alterations only which were necessary to make it conform to Griesbach's edition of the Greek text, and an amended punctuation. A new version of the book of Job has also been given to the public; which, it is hoped, will be followed by other as successful attempts to exhibit the meaning of the Old Testament. These are, indeed, but the first steps towards what we deem a most desirable result, a new translation of the whole Bible; but they inspire confidence that this result will ere long be reached. In a review of the occurrences of the past year, and in the present appearances of the religious world, we find, therefore, nothing to discourage, something to sadden, but much to animate us. We have been called, in the providence of God, to mourn the departure of two most valued disciples of Jesus. The church at Washington has been deprived of its early and indefatigable friend,* a man who was surpassed by few in constancy of faith, in practical zeal, or in visible and growing usefulness. The interests of truth, of virtue, and of justice, in this commonwealth, have lost a patron,† and an ornament, one who glorified his Father in Heaven by a modest, upright, holy life; in whose character were blended power and simplicity, firmness and moderation, benevolence and piety; and in whose happy death we were permitted to see the triumph of a pure and devout faith. These servants of God have gone to their reward. It is our office to bow in submission. * Rev. Robert Little, pastor of the Unitarian Church in Washington, D. C. died at Harrisburg, Penn. in July, 1827. † Hon. Samuel Howe, of Northampton, died in Boston, January 20, 1828. Statement of the Receipts and Expenditures of the American Unitarian Association, from May 29, 1827, to May 27, 1828. Tracts sold Ladies of several Unitarian Societies in Boston, 66 Interest for Money Total amount of Receipts EXPENDITURES. Rev. Mr Kay, for Missionary services in Pennsylvania } Use of Boylston Hall for Annual Meeting, 1827 100 00 15 00 80 00 Rev. Mr Farr, for Missionary services in Spring field 50 00 Rev. Dr Worcester, for a Tract N. Sawyer, for collecting Subscriptions W. A. Whitwell, for Missionary services in Maine Postage Rev. Mr Peirce, for Missionary services in the 50 00 State of New York Rev. Mr Gannett's expenses in forming Aux 20 00 10 92 60 00 31 19 50 iliary Associations Advertising Printing Tracts 7 37 1548 80 Salary of the Rev. Dr Tuckerman, as a Missionary in Boston Additional grant to him 150 00 750 00 $2711 90 Balance, May 27, 1828 $1537 63 Of this Balance, $1090 52 can be appropriated to the general objects of the Association, and $447 11 are an unexpended balance of the amount subscribed for Dr Tuckerman's Mission, $400 of which will be due to him at the close of the next six months, if he should continue his services. HENRY RICE, Treasurer. Boston, May 27, 1828. |