its theoretical aspects. A prejudice prevailed against Unitarians that they were only Deists in disguise. Your conduct has shown the contrary. It ought to satisfy every candid mind, that your profession of Christianity is sincere.

"I have seen this effect in certain cases already, and as there is upon the whole a growing spirit of liberality and toleration in the country, I trust that similar impressions may be made where I have not the opportunity of witnessing it. Perhaps there may have been persons among professed Unitarians, who calculated on this liberal spirit of the age, in expecting that it might be extended to a religious communion even between Deists and Christians. But while we disclaim all persecution, direct or indirect, against sincere Deists in matters relating to the civil and social intercourse of life, yet Christianity is a distinct religion, and definable. Religious communion consists of the expression and exercise of sentiments, opinions, and customs, which parties agree in thinking will promote their religion. But they must first agree upon what are the objects of their religion, before they can agree about the modes of promoting it. Religious communion, therefore, being a thing thus limited, as a matter of fact, it must be limited by a professed boundary, corresponding to the condition of the facts.

"Doubtless it is desirable to combine, as far as possible, 'Intellectual Freedom with Religious Union' and toleration. This is a specious profession, and addressed to the spirit of the age, but I trust Unitarian Christians can meet it in a reasonable way.

"There is one way of doing it, which I would recommend to their consideration.

"Certain distinguished and able writers among that section of Christians who assume the title of Evangelical,' seem of late to be convinced, that a distinction may, and ought to be made, between the facts and practical views of theology, as contrasted with the theories by which it has been attempted to explain these facts. I refer at present, and more particularly, to Archbishop Whately's Essays.

"For instance, he argues, that we know nothing of what God is, absolutely. It is only his relations to us that we are instructed and interested in.' Now the latter are the facts of the subject. Attempts to shew what the Deity is, abstractly and absolutely, in Himself, constitute certain theories. The Archbishop does not bring out his doctrine to this extent, nor does he mean it, but it manifestly involves it. For instance, it belongs to the facts of the case to say, that Christ possessed a plenary inspiration, such as

no other prophet or philosopher ever did; that he was sanctified, morally, as no other man ever was; and that he is invested with the administration of the moral government of the world, particularly in the matter of its final judgment. All these things are facts; but how Jesus of Nazareth was qualified for these exalted functions is a matter of theory, which, perhaps, it was never intended to be revealed as a requisite article of faith for us to know in this world.

"Here the Unitarian can have no difficulty in following out such a doctrine to its conclusions in perfect conformity, and with advantage, as he may think, to his theory.

"But if other professed Christians are contented to meet him in communion upon the facts, he need not insist upon them giving up their theories, since they are satisfied with them, and think them edifying to themselves.

6

"Here would be Religious Union with Intellectual Freedom.' I do not mean that the above is a complete formula of all that might be required as the basis of union. I have specified these particulars, only as as an example and illustration of the principle which could be applied to many other points. Neither am I sanguine in the expectation that other denominations would be very ready to meet Unitarians on this ground; but it is something to get on the right road to an object; and if there is truth in the maxim, that truth will prevail' at last, every forward step is an approximation to it. W. BURNS.'

[PATNA-Happy to hear that Glasgow people have got a new friend to reside among them as minister. Injury inflicted on the Christian Unitarian cause in Scotland by the late occurrences; may be retrieved when persons come to know the real principles of their faith in Christ. The preaching of the Rev. Mr Morrison of Kilmarnock, in the West of Scotland, that the purpose of God is the universal salvation of man, paving the way for the reception of the plain Gospel, faithfully preached in its simplicity and power. PAISLEY.--Numbers and attendance steady, and harmony and love prevail. Enjoyed several delightful visits from Rev. J. Forrest, and Glasgow brethren, whose services were highly appreciated, and their continuance universally desired. Increasing liberality of some of the churches in this locality, and a greater opproximation to the views of Christian truth as held by Unitarians. CARLUKE and LANARK. Glad to see that another effort is to be made to revive the good cause in Glasgow. Friends diminished through removals and other circumstances. GIRVAN. The diffusion of education among the people essen

tial to the dissemination of religious truth. More persons will now read, and would listen to lectures on the subject, DOLLAR.-Hope that the settlement at Glasgow will be productive of much and lasting good. Ready to join in missionary effort. FALKIRK.-Pleasure to know that the Glasgow congregation has been unanimous in choice of a minister. Sorrow that the place of meeting has been relinquished; trust that this may prove only temporary; frequent missionary labours would effect great good. HADDINGTONSHIRE.-As no active measures have been taken during the last twelve months to spread the knowledge of our holy faith, it can hardly be expected that much progress should be made. Still a more liberal theology is gradually making way. Channing's works are to be found in many of the libraries of the farmers of East Lothian, and one or two individuals have signified their assent to the doctrines of primitive Christianity. A petition in favour of the Dissenters' Chapel Bill was signed by the Provost of Haddington, and several of the Magistrates and Town-Councillors; by the Chief Magistrate of North Berwick, and many of the farmers of the county. Could lectures in favour of Unitarianism be delivered in Haddington and neighbourhood, they would certainly be productive of great good. BONHILL.-Number of friends but few, though on the increase. Great need of something being done to arouse the attention of the people to the great principles of Christian Unitarianism. A few lectures would do much good; a hall can be got for their delivery. DUMBARTON.A good deal of religious excitement. Many hold a purer faith than that currently professed, but want moral courage to avow it, thinking that society is not ripe for such a change. Lectures in the Vale of Leven would have a good effect. Best wishes for Mr Boucher's happy settlement, and that it may tend to the prosperity of the Glasgow congregation. TILLICOULTRY.-Religious reformation presents a more promising aspect. The right of individual judgment, and the duty of free inquiry are more acknowledged. Rational and scriptural views of the government and character of God are more prevalent. This pleasing change is in great measure the result of the untiring labours of the Rev. Archibald Browning, pastor of an Independent Congregation, formerly of the Secession Church. Of late Mr Browning has delivered many able and instructive lectures on doctrinal subjects. Those of the Trinity, Original Sin, Substitution, and Imputed Righteousness, he has declared to be unreasonable and antiscriptural. The congregation to which he ministers now assemble in the chapel belong

ing to the Unitarians, having rented it from the Trustees. The place is usually crowded. EDINBURGH.-The first congregational engagement with Mr Harris has just closed. In every thing that regards the permanent internal harmony and stability of the congregation, the position of the society has undoubtedly undergone a great and most beneficial change. Mr Harris's ministry began at a time when both our purposes and prospects were, to say the least, uncertain; when several causes had concurred to produce, and had produced, discord and dissatisfaction among us, when our remaining bonds of union were but wavering and feeble. With these and other difficulties Mr Harris has had to contend, and now that he has been three years among us, we find ourselves united by a common purpose, and still more strongly, we trust, by harmonious and kindly feeling. During this period many valuable accessions have been made to the society; whilst many serious losses by death and removal have to be deplored. In the year previous to Mr Harris's settlement, the number of sittings taken was 122. Nearly 100 sittings have since been relinquished, through the removal of seat-holders to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Huddersfield, Poole, Newcastle, Dublin, Glasgow, Aberdeen, North Berwick, Orkney, Boston U.S., New York, Canada, Sydney, New Zealand, as well as by numerous deaths, and other causes. Notwithstanding these diminutions, the present number of sittings taken amount to 214, and the prospect for the future is encouraging and hopeful. KILMARNOCK.-The public mind has been gradually opening to inquiry for several years. The public preaching of Unitarianism would now command attention. Channing's Evidences of Christianity have been in constant demand, and have had a very salutary effect on several unbelievers. They were thus led to inquire into the merits of Unitarian Christianity, and have become keen advocates for its principles. They are very desirous of hearing the doctrines publicly preached. Had the Ayrshire Railway been open on Sunday, many would have attended the Anniversary of the Association.

The respected minister of the Aberdeen congregation expressed his sympathy with the brethren at Glasgow on the settlement of their new pastor, and his regret that he could not personally attend the Anniversary; as did also the Rev. James Forrest of Greenock; but no communication has been received from Aberdeen congregation, Greenock, Hamilton, Stirling, Deanston, Dunblane, Dundee, Borrowstowness, Dumfries. The shortness of the notice may pro

bably account for these omissions, but they are nevertheless to be regretted.]

"The Members of the Association cannot but observe the call which is made, from almost all the correspondents of the society for missionary labour. It is a call which demands serious and attentive consideration. The materials for compliance with the desire exist; they need only combination and plan. It will be for the future Committee, with the co-operation and agency of those who are able and willing to labour, to devise an organization by which this valuable instrumentality may be brought into steady and vigilant operation. Doctrines which the members of the Association deem most baleful have been propagated by similar means; visionary schemes have thus caught the popular ear; and who can question, that knows the present condition of society, that thousands are secretly yearning for truth, and would embrace it with eagerness and joy, were it only presented to their minds in its simplicity, purity, and power, who now, for want of adequate information, and plain, faithful, practical teaching, are wandering after every meteor light, and grasping at shadows, passing only to deceive.

"The Committee repeat the expression of their regret at the paucity of their Report. They would willingly have laboured had the power been committed to them. They trust more efficient and extensive service is in store for their successors. These are not times for idleness and inactivity. The world will not be reformed merely by good wishes; and the superstructure of Divine Truth will not supersede the wood, hay, and stubble of earthly corruptionists, unless hands and hearts, patience and perseverance, faith in God's blessing, and trust, and prayer for man's redemption, are combined for its erection."

Mr C. Dunlop of Paisley made some impressive remarks on the importance of the Association, the necessity and utility of missionary labour; dwelt on the trials and discouragements which had occurred, and the moral benefits of which they might be productive; urging on all, increased union, zeal, interchange of Christian service amongst individuals and societies; the unspeakable value of Christian principle, and the bounden duty to spread its blessings ; and concluded by moving the following resolution. It was seconded by Mr Couper of Glasgow, and as well as all that followed, was unanimously adopted:

"That this Meeting receive and adopt the Report; that whilst lamenting the causes which have lessened the ef