the year are elected, Hon. Richard Sullivan was chosen President; Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop, Secretary; Mr. Thomas Tarbell, Treasurer; and Rev. J. I. T. Coolidge and Henry B. Rogers, Esq., the other members of the Executive Committee.

The Recorder of this city informs us that the expenses of the "City Missionary Society," whose objects are similar to those of the "Benevolent Fraternity," are "about $4,000 a year," and that "the receipts of the last year fell $300 short of the expenditures." An effort is therefore making for an increase of the amount of annual collections. Six churches, the past year, paid as follows: "Bowdoin Street church, $1000; Park Street, $621,14; Old South, $575; Central, $468,50; Essex Street, $382,42; Salem Street, $300." May not the congregations connected with the Fraternity take instruction from these examples?

OUR CHURCHES IN NEW YORK.-A recent visit to New York has afforded us an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the stability and growth of our congregations in that city and neighborhood. The First Unitarian society, under Mr. Bellows's charge, prospers in both its temporal and spiritual interests. The church is filled, and it has been some time in contemplation to erect one much larger-a purpose that will probably be carried into effect ere long. The congregation worshipping in the "Church of the Messiah" has somewhat diminished during Dr. Dewey's absence, but with his return the attendance will doubtless he restored to its former character. Letters containing more recent information than that which we gave in our last number confirm the accounts of Dr. Dewey's improvement in health, and express his hope that in August he shall be at home, to resume all the duties of his ministry.— In the city of Brooklyn the Unitarian society under the care of Mr. Farley are much encouraged by their prospects. They have purchased a very eligible site, and have already laid the foundation, for a church, which will probably be completed in the autumn.—Mr. Channing has gathered a society in Brooklyn and New York, of which we shall make further mention in the next article.-The society formed a few months since in Albany have constant preaching, and indulge the hope of a permanent settlement of a minister of our faith in that highly important position. In Trenton, where a new meeting-house was lately dedicated, Mr. Buckingham's services are producing an excellent impression.—In Syracuse Mr. Storer continues to labor with success.—In Rochester the society have just entered their new house, and feel an increased confidence in the growth of the congregation.-From Buffalo we cannot give more accurate or satisfactory intelligence than is contained in a

letter written last December, (in reply to some inquiries made by a friend,) from which we are permitted to make an extract:—

"Our own society has been established ten years. It began with but few individuals. During the first three years of its existence the average number of worshippers was less than one hundred. In that time they built a church which cost about $8,000, purchased an organ which cost about $2,000, and sustained their minister; and at the end of that time they owed but $1,000. Then came the days of misfortune. This is wholly a commercial city-its main-spring is the carrying trade. This has been whelmed in embarrassments. Our people had been extravagant, and the ruin has been almost universal. Our population is, nearly half, foreign-Dutch, Irish, &c., and these worship in congregations by themselves. The American and English population is not more than ten or twelve thousand, and the number of such has not increased within the last six years; the general opinion here is, that it has diminished. For these ten or eleven thousand we have twelve American churches. Three of them have been established since the period of reverse; and four or five of these twelve societies, the oldest in the city, are very large. It is plain therefore that large and speedy growth cannot reasonably be expected by any of the younger societies. There is an intense struggle among the sects for life. All the societies, even the largest and most wealthy, have been troubled with pecuniary embarrassments.

And now, after these preliminaries, I can say that I think our society has done very well. Our church has seventy slips upon the floor, besides some in the orchestra gallery. These are nearly all occupied-in good weather the house is pretty well filled. We have nearly fifty communicants, and about one hundred scholars who belong to our Sunday school. We have had much to impede our progress both in spiritual and temporal things. Six months ago I was almost discouraged. Our people had fallen into debt; the few who had means to do with had already done more than could have been asked of them, and still it was not enough. Our spiritual interests sympathised with our outward circumstances. It was evident that something must be done. And something was done. A noble effort was made-about fifteen hundred dollars were raised in a single week, in addition to the regular tax, and the most of this was given by young business men who have little or no capital but industry and enterprise. We were all surprised by this result. The effort has done us good. Our outward affairs are now free, and we hope that our spiritual state will be greatly improved. We are here a little one among a thousand, but with God's blessing we will stand upon the truth and strive to open its mines of spiritual wealth. I think it is not in vain that our society has been planted here. We have pleaded for Christian liberty and practical righteousness, against hie

rarchies, creeds, and anti-Christian dogmas. We have tried to bring Christianity to the main-springs in spirit, and incorporate it with everyday life. We have had but little mere controversy—perhaps some would say that we should have had more, though we think we have had enough. We have not shrunk from conflict when it has been forced upon us. In general we enjoy an amicable relation in private life with Christians of other denominations; and when our church is open for extraordinary services, as it is once or more in each month, we have people from various societies, and usually a large audience, and at such times the services are suited to the occasion. Our monthly lectures have done good, we think. They are delivered on the last Sabbath evening in each month."

These are the principal Unitarian congregations in the State of New York, though in other places there is preaching more or less frequently. -Extending our visit to Philadelphia, we found the congregation under Mr. Furness harmonious and prosperous. The sad reverses of private fortune which had taken place in this city, and the great extent of want among the poor had called out a spirit of active benevolence, whose fruits had been abundant. During the last winter between $400 and $500 had been expended from the "Vaughan Fund"—an annual subscription, among the members of the Unitarian society, for the relief of distress; and 1200 garments had been distributed, the greater part of which were made by the ladies of the Society, who met every week to sew for this object. Here were practical evidences of the vitality of our faith, which no one could impeach.

THE CHRISTIAN UNION.-This is the name given by the members, to an association lately gathered by Rev. W. H. Channing in the cities of New York and Brooklyn. A pamphlet has just been issued, containing "a statement of their principles, and of the objects of their association." Our readers may be gratified with such extracts as may explain the purpose and plan contemplated by Mr. Channing and his friends. We can give only the leading thoughts of the paragraphs.

"The spirit of reform which is animating the hearts of men in this generation, of every class, radical and conservative, through church and state, with a greater hope than the world has ever known, prompts a threefold movement against three classes of prevailing evils.

1. The contrasts in condition, intelligence, and character, which are produced by our modes of domestic, industrial, and social life, are felt to be at utter variance with our faith as Christians and as men. * * * 2. The confusion of existing opinions, upon all subjects, religious, moral, practical, is seen to be as unnatural as it is harmful.

3. The tone of religious feeling in society and individuals-the habitual

modes of devout expression-above all, the prevailing forms of worship —fail to embody the ideal of good, which impels all denominations to seek a deeper revival of holiness.

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This three-fold movement of reform, which all thoughtful men are observing with awe, is the spirit of prophecy, the present wisdom and power of God, announcing to this generation his purposes of good. * ** The peculiar work of the present moment, it appears to us, is union -the union of those interested in either of the three great reforms we have mentioned, in a oneness of feeling, thought and action. Union will give to these divided energies method, earnestness, wisdom, consistency; and hasten the fulfilment of that great hope, which makes these three-fold tendencies but one, the hope of heaven on earth.

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Individually considered, it is true that these different classes of reformers need the reciprocated influence which each exerts, to balance the excesses and defects to which each is liable alone. * * * Viewed collectively, too, it is true, that the three grand reforms should harmonize and regulate each other, and flow in one current. We wish, then, to form a Union of Fellow-seekers after a higher Holiness, Wisdom and Humanity. We see that the three great reforms which animate this generation are essentially one; we hear a heavenly promise in this three-fold revival of hope; we desire the fulness of this inspiration; we would do the present will of Providence; we need more life, more light, more love. * *

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We have no creed; for though we see all around us tendencies to universal truth, we do not adopt any one system as an adequate and full statement. We are learners, not teachers; we set up no limits: and cordially invite all to join us who have affinity for our principles. Our movement is one of reunion, not of schism, of building up, and not of pulling down, of growth, and not of destruction. We wish not to form a sect, but to do something to show that the day, when sectarianism may have been necessary, is passing by; and that the time has come for the recognition of that essential way and truth and life,' which gives to existing organizations whatever vitality they have."

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Having thus unfolded the principles which lie at the foundation of this movement, Mr. Channing exhibits the methods of social action which are adopted by "The Christian Union."

"Our religious meetings are of three kinds, two being held on Sunday, and one on some evening in the week. One of the Sunday meetings is under the guidance of a leader, appointed for such a time as may seem best for the interests of the society. In transition from existing customs, and from respect for what may prove to be the permanent office of instruction, we select thus a friend to communicate the matured fruits of his spiritual experience, and to give that direction to devout feeling, which may seem best to his conscience and judgment. We recognise, however, no peculiar priesthood set apart by human ordination for official ministrations. On the contrary, we believe that the only true priesthood is the innumerable company of earnest, upright, loving souls, whom God forever consecrates anew with the anointing of goodness; and we hold that all pure and sincere persons are free to discharge every sacred rite to which they may feel prompted, or which others may request at their hands. We wish to see a holy nation, a people of priests.

The other Sunday meeting is wholly spontaneous in character, where every one is at liberty, and encouraged to utter his or her convictions and feelings, in whatever form of prayer or praise or address, may seem most true and befitting. We hope thus to combine the best results of spiritual life and experience, from many minds of various classes and different persuasions.

The weekly meeting is one of the frankest interchange of thought in conversation. We hope in this way to unite, by ties of kindness, the members of our society, and to gain such a knowledge of each other's characters and views, trials, aims and interests, as will make us truly fellow-worshippers, and friends anxious for each other's welfare."

We have space left only to add that several persons are united with Mr. Channing in sustaining this enterprise, and they as well as he manifest great interest in its prosecution.

ANNIVERSARY WEEK.-Our friends will bear in mind the approaching anniversaries, and we trust will show their interest in them by a general attendance. The week of their recurrence being determined by the old "Election day," which always came on the last Wednesday in May, they will this year fall upon the last days in May and the first in June. The meeting of the American Unitarian Association will be held on Tuesday evening, May 30, and of the Sunday School Society on Wednesday evening, May 31. The Berry Street Conference, on Wednesday, will doubtless afford a renewal of the pleasant discussions of previous years. The Collation, on Tuesday, may be anticipated as an occasion of even more enjoyment than on either of the last two years. The Committee appointed last year have made arrangements for an increased number of guests, and are taking measures to invite every Unitarian clergyman in the country, with his wife or daughter, (one lady to each gentleman,) to be present. Provision will be made for the board of all guests from the country, not otherwise accommodated, during Anniversary week, at the houses of gentlemen of our denomination, who ask the privilege of exercising this hospitality. Application may be made to the Secretary of the Committee, Wm. D. Coolidge, 17 Broad Street, previously to Monday, the 29th of May, or to a member of the Committee who will be in attendance at W. Crosby & Co.'s bookstore, 118 Washington Street, on Monday and Tuesday mornings, May 29 and 30, when and where tickets will be ready for delivery. Tickets will also be in readiness for clergymen and laymen of the city and elsewhere, on and after the 10th of May, and it is hoped that there will be a numerous attendance of our brethren, of town and country. The collation will be spread in the large hall over the Worcester Railroad Depot, opposite the United States Hotel, in Beach Street.