fession of arms with, 1. the principles of natural religion; 2. the decalogue, and the precepts contained in the law and the prophets; 3. the precepts taught by Jesus Christ and his apostles; the fourth and fifth letter being a continuation and conclusion of the subject, particularly in relation to defensive war. In the first of these letters Captain Thrush considers the inaccordancy of the profession of arms, or rather of the practice of war, with the principles of natural religion. On this branch of his subject, which affords so admirable an opportunity of comparing the ferocity and more than brutal cruelty of war, even in its mildest form, with the benevolence which is exhibited in every work and every device of nature, the author contents himself with a beautiful quotation from Erasmus on the natural endowments of man, a fable from Dr Johnson's Idler, and a second from Dr Franklin. They are all exceedingly apposite, and the one from Johnson was new to us, as it was published only in the original papers of the Idler. In the next letter, while it is admitted that there is no express prohibition of war in the Old Testament, it is contended that the situation of a soldier in service is almost necessarily inconsistent with his obedience to any one of the commandments of the decalogue, and with doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly before God, the summary of the religion of the Old Testament. The third letter is devoted to showing that the practice of war is absolutely at variance with the peculiar spirit of the Christian religion, which teaches not only the forgiveness of enemies, but the love of them.' Another quotation from Erasmus places this inconsistency in a strong point of view. With what feeling can a christian soldier utter the Lord's prayer, to almost every petition of which war is adverse? Speaking as philosophers only-taking our lesson from the page of history, and reflecting on the character of this religion as to its tendency to affect the conduct and motives of men, we may doubt, but with our doubt there is some reason for hope. But as Christians, believing in the divine origin of this religion and in its perfect adaptation to the wants and weakness of man, as believers in a Providence controlling all, and bringing praise even out of the wrath of man, our hope becomes confidence. The argument of the next letter is directed particularly against defensive war. In this we cannot think that there is wisdom. All will be accomplished which the religion of Christ requires, if offensive wars are brought to an end. And, until a common tribunal of nations shall be established, to determine in all cases of national offence against the great common good, each individual nation inust, as far as it can, vindicate its own rights, and national liberty and national existance be considered legitimate objects of defence; as, before the erection of civil tribunals, the life and freedom of individuals must have been of individual defence. We do not strengthen our cause by pushing it to extremes. Universal peace may prevail, and the right of defence be not affected. Perfectly wise policy and the divine philanthropy of the gospel, will be found to concur in forbidding offensive war, without requiring in national, any more than in private relations, that offenders against justice should go unpunished. In the last letter the same doctrine of non-resistance is maintained and further extended; and though we cannot fully assent to it, without admitting a principle, which, literally acted upon, would go far to take away the sword and the balance of justice, we cannot but respect the candour and sincerity with which the argument is pursued. No one who has reflected on the nature of Christianity can doubt that if men could all be persuaded to act, individually and as parts of society, entirely 33. The School or Lessons in Morals. Nos. 1, 2, in conformity with the requisitions of the gospel, a state of happiness and prosperity would prevail on earth with which the brightest pictures in history would bear no comparison. The doubt is with most persons, whether such an influence will ever be exercised by the divine spirit of Christianity over the selfish and ambitious principles of the human heart. 3, 4, &c. Boston. Cottons & Barnard. 1827-8. 18mo. WE make no apology for so often noticing books written for children. When well executed, we do not know of any which, on many accounts, better deserve attention. The series before us is intended chiefly for children in the humbler walks of life, and is well adapted to their use. The manners, conversations, and incidents, without having any taint of coarseness or vulgarity, seem faithful representations from humble life. The style is very easy and simple, and the stories are lively and well told. Every piece appears to be intended to produce a distinct moral impression. And though the virtue and religion which are taught, are pure and elevated, there is not, perhaps, a single instance of exaggerated sentiment, or of anything calculated to give the laboring classes false views of their situation in society. On the contrary, children are represented as performing their common duties without expecting or receiving extraordinary rewards. 34. A Sermon Preached before Convention of the Congregational Ministers of the Annual Massachusetts, in Boston, May 29, 18:28. By Edward Griffin, D. D., President of Williams College. Boston. T. R, Marvin. 1828. 8vo. pp. 24. WE have read this Sermon with unmingled admiration ; admiration that a gentleman who puts D. D. at the end of his name, who is President of a College, and was once a Professor of Rhetoric, should have ventured to pronounce so remarkable a production before the Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts. In the annual discourse before the Convention, we do not usually look for fine speculations' or 'flights of eloquence,' but we do always expect good sense, good judgment, and good taste. We are obliged to say, that in the present instance we have sought for these qualities in vain. In their stead we have found grossness and inaccuracy of language, extravagance in thought, and downright contradiction in terms. We know that we use plain language; but when a per son sees fit to print a discourse abounding with defects and errors of the kind just mentioned, we hold it to be the province of a just and impartial criticism to let the world know of them. The charges that we have made we are prepared to substantiate by quoting page, line, and word. Let him that doubts the accuracy or fairness of our description, read the Sermon, and he will find that the terms applied to it are not too strong. As a specimen of the confusion of the Doctor's ideas, and his downright contradictions, we quote the following passages; ex pede Herculem.' The Sanctifier of the world is absolutely promised to prayer ;-But it is no ordinary prayer. It is the Holy Ghost himself praying in the heart of the Christian.' p. 10. That is, according to the trinitarian God the Father to send God the Holy scheme, God the Holy Ghost prays to Ghost. The absurdity and nonsense of this statement, it should be remembered, attach not to us, but to the author. We have room but for one more speci men. "This world belongs to Christ. It was "cre it since and received it for the residence of his ated by him and for him ;" and he has purchased Church,-for the abode of men strung up to a high instrumentality in the service of his kingdom.' p. 18. Thus the world, according to Dr Griffin, is the property of Christ by a double title, by creation and by purchase. For ourselves, we should hold that the mere fact of his having created the world entitled him to possession; and to talk of purchasing one's own property, is one of those mysteries in language and sense which we utterly despair of ever being able to fathom. And then the world is received, by its creator and purchaser, for the abode of men strung up!' We have done. INTELLIGENCE. Unitarian Mission at Calcutta.'Agreeably to public announcement, a General Meeting of the Friends and Supporters of Unitarian Christianity in Calcutta, was held at the Hurkaru Public Rooms, on Sunday evening, the 30th ultimo [Dec. 1827]. After an appropriate prayer by the Rev. W. Adam, Theodore Dickens, Esq. was called to the chair. The Chairman introduced the object of the meeting by briefly stating the circumstances under which the Calcutta Unitarian Committee was formed in 1821, the small number of individuals that originally composed it, the difficulties with which they had to contend, and the increasing interest which has begun to be felt in their labors both in India, in England, and in America. He remarked that all who were present, in proportion as their minds were interested in the promotion of pure and rational religion, must feel that their nature was elevated and improved, and although he saw several around him better qualified than himself to preside at this meeting, yet he was grateful for the honor which was done him, and yielded to none in the great importance which he attached to the objects of the Committee and in his anxious desire to extend the blessings of Unitarian Christianity, to those who were prejudiced against its principles or ignorant of its truths. He then called upon Mr Adam, the Secretary, to read the Report; but as it was too long for perusal at one time, only extracts were read, the whole being intended for publication. The design of the Report was stated to be, to communicate information to Unitarian Christians in different parts of the world, respecting what has been done, what is doing, and what is proposed to be done, for the promotion of Unitarian Christianity in India. The first endeavour of the Committee after its institution, was to secure foreign cooperation; in which they have succeeded to a considerable extent, both American and English Unitarians having contributed liberally to aid them in their labors. The first object accomplished by their united means, has been the employment of a Unitarian Missionary, and another object for the attainment of which a public subscription has been opened, is the erection of a Chapel for English worship in Calcutta. The latter object was especially urged in the Report as essential to give full efficiency to the Mission. After detailing the proceedings and intentions of the Committee for the diffusion of religion and knowledge by means of Lectures to the Natives, Schools, Tracts, &c. a summary view was given of the state of the Funds which were classed under three separate heads, the Permanent Fund amounting to Sa. Rs. 25,000, the interest of which is applied to the support of a Missionary; the Chapel Fund, having a cash balance of about Sa. Rs. 9,000 in its favour, after the purchase of ground for 12,000 Rs., besides Calcutta subscriptions still remaining unpaid to the amount of 5 or 6000 Rs.; and the General Fund, or Fund for Contingent Expenses, which consists of annual, quarterly, and monthly subscriptions, and donations amount ing to 160 Rs. per month. Adverting to the defective organization of the Coinmittee, occasioned by the peculiar cir cumstances in which it had taken its origin, the gentlemen composing it recommended a more complete organization under a new and more comprehensive name, that of the British Indian Unitarian Association, and with that view proposed a series of Resolutions for the consideration of the meeting. 'The first Resolution was moved by Baboo Durakanath Thakoor and seconded by Mr Smith;-That this meeting does hereby form itself into a Society which shall be called the British Indian Unitarian Association, having the same objects and principles as the Calcutta Unitarian Committee, assuming all the responsibilities of that Committee, and receiving their rights, titles, powers, and properties. The second Resolution was moved by Baboo Tarachund Chuckruburtee and seconded by Mr Sutherland;-That the members of the Calcutta Unitarian Committee be requested to act as the Committee of the British Indian Unitarian Association for the ensuing year, under the rules and regulations framed by the Calcutta Unitarian Committee for itself, with power to supply vacancies in their own number; and that the Committee be requested to frame and submit to the next Annual Meeting such further regulations as may appear necessary to give efficiency to the Association. Mr Sutherland seconded this Resolution. He observed that the talents and worth of the gentlemen nominated, and the esteem in which they were unl versally held in this Society, rendered it unnecessary for him to say anything in favour of such a nomination. He believed that when a Unitarian Chapel should be erected in Calcutta it would be numerously and respectably attended, and that the principles of Unitarian Christianity would be the only effectual means of dissipating that thick cloud of superstition which has so long hung over this land. He hoped he might observe without offence to any one present (alluding to the Native gentlemen) that in no country in the world, was the spread of rational religion an object of more interest to the philanthropist than in British India. Yet let it not be supposed that in India alone superstition exerted its debasing influence. Instances of it were of fre quent occurrence in countries esteemed infinitely more enlightened, and he hoped he might be excused for mentioning one example of it which had recently come to his knowledge. Because in his mortal agonies the late Mr Canning, whose loss Britain now deplores-the brightest star in the galaxy of talent that ever adorned the office of Premier, had no minister of religion in his chamber, it was alleged that he was an Atheist! A more revolting example of bigotry was never recorded. 'Mr Sutherland concluded by expressing his opinion that within the past year, more especially, the numbers of those disposed to listen to the doctrines of Unitarianism had greatly increased, and his conviction that the labors of the Association would be attended with success. The third Resolution was moved by Mr Adam and seconded by Mr Gordon; That this meeting views with deep interest the combined exertions of English and American Unitarians to establish a Mission in this country, pledges itself to zealous and persevering cooperation with them, confides in their continued sympathy and aid in the prosecution of the object, and earnestly solicits the assistance and countenance of such Unitarians both in Europe and America as have hitherto withheld their support. 'Mr Adam in moving the Resolution pointed out the limited resources of the English and American Unitarians, the number and importance of their domestic institutions, and the proof of deep interest in a Foreign Mission which was furnished by the very liberal and disinterested pecuniary aid, which, under these circumstances, they had afforded to the Calcutta Unitarian Committee. To show the extent of the interest felt in this object, he enumerated the various places in England and Scotland from which subscriptions in aid of the Calcutta Mission had been derived. He also read a letter which he had just received from Baboo Prusunnu Comar Tagore, expressing that gentleman's regret, that he was prevented by serious indisposition from being present, and stating that he was and should continue to be a warm friend to the cause of liberal religion. The fourth Resolution was moved by Rammohun Roy and seconded by Mr Tate; That this meeting invites all Unitarians, whether Christian or Hindoo, in every part of India, to form themselves into Associations auxiliary to the British Indian Unitarian Association, and to VOL. V.NO. III. 36 place themselves in communication with the Secretary of that Association. We regretted to observe that Rammohun Roy was laboring under severe bodily indisposition at the time. We understand, that he has since, in some measure, recovered.— 'At one of the intervals between the seconding of one Resolution and the moving of another, several questions were asked by a gentleman (Mr Douglas) respecting the rate of subscription, the constitution of the Committee, the disposal of the funds, &c., which were answered by the Chairman apparently to the perfect satisfaction of the meeting. The Chairman again addressed the meeting, congratulating those who were present on the unanimity which had attended the proceedings of the evening, and on the encouragement which they afforded to the friends of Unitarian Christianity in Calcutta to proceed, with firmness and zeal, in the prosecution of the high and important purposes for which they were united. The meeting was then closed by a short extempore prayer by Mr Adam. We observed that a distinguished foreign traveller, Count Vidua, was present, besides several other gentlemen of respectability. The auditors appeared to be much interested in the proceedings.' Bengal Hurkaru and Chronicle. American Unitarian Association,The third anniversary of this Association, was celebrated in Boston, on the twentyseventh of May, 1828. The meeting for business was held in the Vestry, in Berry Street, at 6 o'clock, P. M. The proceedings at the last annual meeting were read, and a Report offered by the Executive Committee, from which it appeared, that circumstances had prevented the attendance of messengers from this Association, at the United States Christian Conference, held last Sept'r tho' several gentlemen had been requested to perform this service. By the Treasurer's Statement of Receipts and Expenditures, it appeared that the total amount of receipts the past year was $4249.53, and the amount of expenditures for the same period, $2911.90, leaving a bal ance on the 27th of May, 1828, of tive Committee a Secretary for Foreign Correspondence. The Officers of the last year were all unanimously reelected, and the Rev. John G. Palfrey, was unanimously chosen Foreign Secretary. From the meeting for business the Association adjourned to the Federal Street Church. After prayers had been offered by the Rev. Dr Porter of Roxbury, the Executive Committee's Third Annual Report was read by their Secretary, the Rev. Mr Gannett, of Boston. The sum total of tracts issued during the past year has been 74,300. The number published since the commencement of the Society's operations has been about 143,000, none of which, with two exceptions, contain less than 12 pages, and most of which are much larger. A part of the society's funds have, at repeated solicitations, been appropriated to the support of missionary labors, with manifest advantage to their cause. Settled clergymen have been employed in this way, and always with injunctions to avoid whatever might disturb the peace of parishes or churches. Honorable mention was made of the services of the Minister at Large in Boston. Notice was next taken of the encouragement the Committee had received, from their correspondence with various parts of the country, to believe that there is a general and a steady progress of christian light. At no time has a scriptural faith been more prevalent, more cordially embraced, more earnestly maintained, or more surely extending itself throughout the country than at the present. Especially is this true of the principles of religious liberty and christian equality, and the result of all is, that the Unitarian doctrines are diffusing themselves, and that attempts to enslave men to creeds, or deprive them of their rights as christian citizens, will meet with but partial, if any success. From the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, said the Committee, we have received renewed expressions of sympathy; and we cannot but rejoice with them in the prospect of a partial removal of those civil disabilities, which have so long been employed to depress the English Dissenter below his due rank in society. We hail the first sound of the falling shackles, though they have been worn rather as a badge of distinction than an impediment to activity. It is grateful, as it signifies a change of public sentiment, and as it is a proof that injustice and error cannot always maintain their power. We hope that we shall have yet more occasion to rejoice with our brethren, who dwell in the home of our ancestors, as they obtain a full restoration of their civil and religious rights.' Among the auspicious circumstances at home the Report noticed the organization of the Young Men's Book and Pamphlet Society, and of the Boston Sunday School Society, and the commencement of the Unitarian Advocate, the Christian Teacher's Manual, the Liberal Preacher, and the Unitarian, and the publication of several works intended to illustrate the sacred scriptures, and to make the English reader better acquainted with their true character. Of the wants of the Unitarian community, none has been more evident or more sensibly felt than that of candidates for the ministry. The demand for preachers,' we are told, 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.' The state of Unitarian Societies at the South was next adverted to, and the Report closed with a respectful tribute to the memory of two distinguished members of our demomination, lately deceased, the Rev. Robert Little of Washington, and the Hon. Samuel Howe of Northampton. The Hon. Judge Story of Sålem then moved the acceptance of the Report, which was seconded by Joseph May, Esq. of Boston. The Rev. Mr Ware of Boston expressed a hope that the vote would not pass without a word of encouragement to the Committee of which he was a member. The Rev. Dr Channing then rose, and in an address of considerable length, enumerated the auspi" cious circumstances under which Unitarianism had taken its rise in this country, and endeavoured to impress upon its friends a conviction of the high responsibilities the possession of its truths imposed. Though the rapid progress of liberal opinions was itself encouraging, the circumstances under which that progress had been made were much more So. It is not the result of great efforts, nor of appeals to the passions or prejudices of men; but has been silently effected by sober and pacific arguments, addressed to the understandings of an enlightened people, by the diffusion of |