of the kingdom, kept the entire people in such a state of agitation during a period of forty years, that all this time we have heard little of the thoughts of their minds on the subject of religion, and have seen scarcely any efforts openly made to establish a sense of it among them. We are not, however, to suppose, that the French nation have been during this long period so unlike other people, as not to indulge some thoughts on a subject of such high importance to human happiness. Religion was not so entirely crushed by the violence of revolutionary measures, as not still to live in the hearts of many; even amidst the ruins of dismantled churches, and the suppression of all outward signs of devotion.

Although until of late little can be said of its revival, there are strong indications now apparent in many parts of the kingdom of an attachment to religious observances, and a desire of religious instruction. The opinion prevails, that there must be a religion. It has been said, and seen in the experience of many sensible persons, that a man without religion is deprived of his best guide in the day of prosperity, and of his only solace in disappointment and adversity. The result has been, of course, that attempts have been made to revive a moral and devotional spirit.

With all the strivings of the catholic priesthood, to bring back the ancient state of things, it is found and generally acknowledged, that the thoughtful part of the community will not be put off with any thing so little satisfactory to the reasoning powers, as what is thus offered in the name and under the character of religion. Something less mysterious, more calm, more in accordance with the independent principles which still bear sway in their minds; something which reason can embrace with cordiality, and reflection can approve, is still looked for with anxiety. But, 'How shall they hear without a preacher, and how shall he preach unless he be sent?' The calm, the rational, the enlivening principles of Unitarian Christianity, those which are found in the Acts of the Apostles, and in the teachings of Jesus, have not been held up to their view. They have no notion of the Christian doctrine, in so pure, so animating, so satisfactory a form. It has often fallen out to us who reside among them, to give in conversation an outline of this primitive religion; and their avowal has been generally ready: That is exactly what we want.-Or, These are the thoughts I have long entertained, but I did not know whether I might believe them. Men out of number, and women too, freely avow that their views of God are those which the Unitarian receives. But there is no centre towards which they can draw together; there is no nucleus to which they can attach themselves.

Yet the seed might be sown without great exertion, or great

expense. They who think at all about religion will listen to its voice, when it addresses itself to their understanding, and will gradually, especially if they are young, be brought to unite in its duties; and when the fields appear so nearly ripe for the harvest, as they certainly do in many of the great towns of France, efforts might be made with great prospect of success, to spread among them those pure and simple and acceptable truths, which have met with so great a multitude of confessors in England and America.

Three years ago a French gentleman, residing at Rouen, caused to be printed, Passages of the Holy Scripture which prove the Unity of God: and now expresses the hope which is entertained in that city, of one day forming a Unitarian society there. The same hope has been expressed by an English manufacturer living at Lille, where a service had been for some time conducted in English by a methodist class-leader. Some differences have arisen among the hearers, and a spirit of inquiry is abroad, which induces him to think there is an excellent opportunity for making an attempt in favor of Unitarianism.' He solicits tracts, and adds, "I feel confident of success, especially among the French; many of them have expressed to me their satisfaction at the simplicity and reasonableness of our doctrine. One highly respectable gentleman gave me his opinion yesterday, that the majority of the French might soon be turned from catholicism and infidelity, if Unitarian missionaries could be sent to preach to them.' Similar information has been received from Saint Quentin, where are many Protestants, English and French. In other and distant places also, our friends have met with many respectable and influential persons, who have expressed the same thoughts on the present movement of the mind in the kingdom of France.

Nothing is wanting to give to Unitarian Christianity a splendid and an extensive spread in France, but the formation in its capital of an association similar to those of America and of England. Its station will be of course at Paris, where it will find firm supporters. The objects immediately in view are these-to print in the French language and circulate small tracts, translated from the English and American publications -to obtain a French preacher, in order to open a French church in Paris in connexion with the English church-to find or to assist in the education of a proper person, who shall act under the direction of the Committee, as a missionary-and to form a correspondence with those parts of France, in which are persons, who have a regard for the truth as we believe it to be in Jesus, and are willing to put their hand to the plough, and labor in this rich and promising soil.

It is thought that we may begin with greater prospect of suc

cess, because an English Unitarian church is already formed in Paris, and in a condition which fully answers the expectation of the persons with whom it originated. In the same room the French society may hold their first meetings. A gentleman, highly respectable, and well educated, has proposed to take the pastoral care. But the same facilities are not offered for this object as presented themselves accidentally for the opening of the English church. It is hoped that by the formation of a French, in connexion with an English, social worship, they will be of a mutual benefit: the one will make the other better known; and that, united with the aid of the fund, they will cause to flow out streams of light and knowledge, at present much desired and greatly needed by this interesting people; who, like the heathen inhabitants of ancient Athens, are now busied in inquiring after some new thing. certainly true in what relates to religion.

This is

We shall not, therefore, be blamed for asking pecuniary assistance from our friends in England and America, in order to set on foot, and to carry on a work, which, we are assured, will interest their feelings and be approved by their judgment.

The Association, from whose circular these extracts are taken, was formed on the 4th day of December last. A meeting was held on that day in Paris, at which were present several gentlemen, French, English, and American, when the following resolutions were adopted:

1. There shall be formed a Society, to be called, The Unitarian Association of France; its station shall be in Paris, and it shall embrace the Provinces, and correspond with the adjoining countries. The design of this Association shall be to promote the knowledge of pure Christianity.

DECLARATION.

By Unitarian we mean, the worship of One God, in One Person, called in Scripture The Father; together with a recognition of the divine authority of Jesus Christ.

2. A Committee shall be appointed to direct the measures of this Association; a Treasurer and a Secretary shall also be chosen.

3. The measures which appear to us conducive to the spread of Unitarian Christianity in France are these:

To print and circulate, both by sale ard by gift, small tracts in the French language, which shall explain the pure and simple doctrines of the Gospel, as they are held by Unitarians.

To effect, if it be possible, the formation of a church in Paris on the principles of Unitarian Christianity, to be placed under the care of a French Minister, whose views are avowedly those of Unitarianism.

To afford aid to the English Unitarian Church already formed in Paris, and other societies which may spring up.

To find out, or assist in the education of a proper person, a native of France, who shall act under the direction of the Committee as a Missionary, to visit the Provinces and preach as opportunity may offer.

To establish a correspondence with those parts of the continent in which are found persons who have a regard for the truth as we conscientiously believe it to be in Jesus.

For the furtherance of these objects,

4. That an appeal be made to our Unitarian Friends in England and in America, in order to obtain pecuniary assistance for what we propose now to undertake.

5. That the following gentlemen form a Provisional Committee Major General Armstrong, Mr_F. Carnes, Mr D. Low, Colonel Harriot, Major White, Mr P. Taylor, Mr Lane, Mr T. W. Sturrow, Mons. Tilemau, Mons. Duteil, Mons. M. Jore; that Mr Carnes act as Treasurer, and Mr Worsley as Sec'ty.

6. That the above resolutions be sent to the Unitarian Associations of Great Britain and America, and to the Ministers. Signed, ISRAEL WORSLEY, Secretary.

AMERICAN UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of this Association was called the evening of the 19th of March, just past, for the purpose of receiving a statement from the Executive Committee, and of considering whether any, and if any, what additional exertions, in behalf of Unitarian Christianity, are required at the present time. The meeting was held at the Athenæum in Boston, and was opened with prayer by Mr Parkman, of Boston, Hon. William Sullivan in the chair. Prof. H. Ware, jr. of Cambridge, as one of the Executive Committee, made known the purpose of the meeting, stating at some length the considerations which had brought the Committee to the conviction that the Association should act more strongly and widely than they had yet attempted to act. These considerations were drawn chiefly from the important relation that the Unitarians of America bear to all others, from the rapid growth of our country, and its increasing religious wants, as well as excitement and enterprise; from the prevalence of skepticism, and the consequent obligations devolving upon all Christians, and Unitarians not least, to extend the true knowledge and dominion of pure religion. These and similar considerations led the Committee to present two

resolutions to this effect; first, that there is a call upon this Association for increased exertions; secondly, that something should be done to secure the appointment of a permanent Agent.

The meeting was addressed by Dr. Nichols, Mr Hall, Mr Phillips, and Mr Pierpont, giving encouraging facts in proof of the power and progress of Unitarian Christianity, and showing the imperative demands which it makes on all its friends for yet more combined action and extended operations. Though nearly all present had come together without knowing even the exact object of the meeting, there seemed no want of readiness, interest or resolution. The spirit manifested was all that the best Unitarian could desire; and as but one resolution had been discussed, and the hour was late, the meeting was adjourned to Friday evening of the same week, three gentlemen of the city having been added to the Executive Committee, to take the other resolution into consideration, and report at the adjourned meeting what should be done in regard to it.

On Friday evening, Mr Phillips of the select committee, opened the meeting with presenting their Report, the substance of which was this: first, that it is expedient that every Unitarian Society in the country should be immediately requested by a circular to form an Auxiliary Association, if they had not already done it, and report their proceedings before the annual meeting in May next; secondly, that measures be taken to secure the appointment and provide for the support of a permanent Agent, of high intellectual and moral qualifications, whose time and talents should be devoted to the service of the Association. These resolutions were explained and advocated at length by Mr Phillips. He was followed by Messrs Walker, Ware, Bulfinch, Emerson, Saltonstall, Palfrey, Gannett, Whipple, and Reynolds. Different views were taken, and different measures suggested, but all starting with the absolute necessity of continued and increasing efforts, and all ending in the importance of employing a permanent Agent. The resolutions were then passed, and the meeting dissolved.

We regard these meetings as not inferior in interest or importance to any yet held by this body. There is good reason to think they will lead to very important results. We are informed that the Committee have already taken decided steps towards carrying the resolutions into effect. Temporary agents are appointed for the purpose of forming auxiliaries at once, that thus something may be done toward the wider circulation of the Tracts, and the raising of funds for the support of the permanent Agent. This last is the great object now in view. We beg leave to use this opportunity of calling the attention of all Unitarians to the importance of this object. This