In the mean time, before all the circulars had been returned, the annual meeting of the American Unitarian Association occurred. At this meeting there was discussion upon the subject of slavery, and a series of resolutions passed expressing the general opinion and position of our denomination in relation to it. These resolutions seemed to the committee, and to many of the brethren with whom they conferred, to cover the whole ground, so far as our denomination is concerned, and to render a reply to the communication, signed by yourself and others, unnecessary. At least, the resolutions seemed so far a reply to our brethren in England, and a declaration to the whole world of our views in relation to this subject, that the committee thought it advisable to postpone sending the engrossed copy, and thus give the amplest time to those who had doubted or delayed to send in their signatures. This will explain to you the delay which the committee have permitted to occur. The Reply is herewith sent, and as your position is central, the committee have taken the liberty to direct it to your care, requesting you to communicate it to those to whom it is addressed in such way as you may deem best. With sentiments of Christian sympathy and regard, We are your friends and brethren in the faith, Rev. Joseph Hutton, LL.D. London. SAML. K. LOTHROP Committee. "To the Unitarian Ministers of Great Britain and "REVEREND AND DEAR BRETHREN,-We have received your letter relating to slavery, a subject of deep and fearful interest to us all. In our political relations, it is threatening to upheave the very foundations of our government, while it draws its dark line through the land, and painfully divides the members of a great, and, otherwise, united people, on a point touching the dearest interests of man. In its moral and religious bearings, we cannot look upon it without feeling sick at heart. It is a curse pressing every year more heavily upon society; and as we believe in the righteous retributions of heaven, so we verily be lieve that, unless we do all that we can to purge it away, it must bring upon us the sorest calamities that, in the providence of God, can fall upon a nation. So far, there is no difference of feeling or opinion among us. We all believe that there is something for us to do. But what shall we do? How shall we act? Slavery, though it belongs only to a portion of our country, is so woven into our political organization, and, in its more extended influences and relations has such bearings, that the question is one not only of solemn interest, but of great difficulty, requiring of us the most earnest and devout thought. And as we must answer to a higher tribunal than that of man, so must we be faithful, each to his own convictions. "As it respects any direct political action for the abolition of slavery, except in the district of Columbia and in the territories not yet admitted as independent states, it may not be known to you that the citizens of the free states have no more right to interfere than the citizens of Great Britain. As a political body each separate state has the entire control of this matter within itself; and is exceedingly jealous of any interference from without. "In addition, therefore, to what we can do for a correct public sentiment in the free States, our only appeal is to the consciences and hearts of our brethren whose misfortune it has been to inherit, whose guilt it will be, if, without strong and earnest struggles, they consent to uphold an institution which, from the dreadful wrong it inflicts on master and slave, must be unblessed of God and a curse to man. Our "We ask for ourselves and we ask for them the counsel and sympathy of all Christian men, and we trust that the wise and holy efforts of all will second our efforts and our prayers, that slavery may no longer stain our national character, and threaten the ruin of our republic. faith is strong; and while we see cause for penitence and sorrowful forebodings, we have also a bright assurance that if we are true, He who maketh the wrath of men to praise Him, will, in his own good time, point out to us a way of deliverance. "With sincere regard, your brethren in the faith and hopes of the gospel of Christ." Oliver C. Everett-Northfield, Mass. Thomas P. Dogget—South Bridgewater, Mass. John Pierpont-Boston, Mass. Joseph C. Smith-Groton, Mass. Joseph Richardson-Hingham, Mass. Cazneau Palfrey-Barnstable, Mass. Frederic Augustus Whitney-Brighton, Mass. Samuel Osgood, of Westminster Church, Providence, R. I. Horatio Wood-Tyngsborough, Mass. H. Emmons-Vernon, N. Y. M. Harding. James D. Green-Cambridge, Mass. Edmond H. Sears-Lancaster, Mass. John H. Heywood-Louisville, Ky. Artemas B. Muzzey-Cambridgeport, Mass. Amos Smith. Henry Lambert-East Cambridge, Mass. Richard Pike-Dorchester, Mass. Morrill Allen-Pembroke, Mass. Seth Chandler-Shirley, Mass. Linus H. Shaw-Mendon, Mass. Henry W. Bellows-New York. Augustus H. Conant-Geneva, Cane County, Mass. Richard C. Stone-Sherburn, Mass. Samuel May-Leicester. William Silsbee. John Bartlett-Marblehead, Mass. William P. Tilden-Norton, Mass. Nathaniel S. Folsom-Haverhill, Mass. James L. Stone-Mansfield, Mass. Samuel B. Cruft-Lexington, Mass. Andrew P. Peabody-Portsmouth, N. H. James W. Thompson-Salem, Mass. ON THE HISTORICAL EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. To the Editor of the Christian Pioneer. SIR,-Mr Taylor has declined answering my questions. I do not mean to trouble your readers with any "last words," on my part, about the personal question of misrepresentation or misunderstanding which has arisen between us. He is welcome to any supposed |