from the Middle States Conference at Buffalo, who wanted to see for themselves something of the work in which they have long been active helpers, were also among the guests. Our beautiful little valley looked its loveliest. In the early morning a farewell conference was held in the little chapel on the hill, where many tender words of remembrance and God-speed were spoken. The baccalaureate sermon was preached by Rev. E. A. Horton of Boston, and was an inspiring and truly catholic word. Though the school was never larger, the graduating class was very small; but, as Mr. Reynolds said in his excellent address to its members, there were representatives of the leading international and religious interests of the time in it, as in the themes discussed. The following are the graduates and the titles of the essays they delivered : Johannes J. Brauti, Telemarken, Norway, "The Incoming Peoples and the New Nation." Francis Wilder Holden, Waitsfield, Vt., "The Condition of the Jewish People in the Time of Christ." Watari Kitashima, Tokio, Japan, “Spirit the Eternal Reality, and Nature its Eternal Manifestation." The beloved ex-President, Dr. A. A. Livermore, and Rev. F. L. Hosmer both sent original hymns. This year closes in the conviction that a larger and increasing field of usefulness is opening. Many important improvements in both the details of management and plan of instruction have already been carried out under the able administration of Acting President Cary; and, with the enlarged resources which are sure to come in the beloved names of James Freeman Clarke and Dr. Hedge, a still greater work is before the Meadville Theological School. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. Essays, Reviews, and Addresses. Vol. II. By James Martineau. London: Longmans, Green & Co. The Power of an Endless Life, and Other Sermons. By John W. Chadwick. Boston: Geo. H. Ellis. A Study of the Sects. By William H. Lyon. Boston: Unitarian Sunday School Society. Down the Ohio. By Charles Humphrey Roberts. Chicago: A. C. McClurg & Co. Gospel Criticism and Historical Christianity. By Orello Cone, D.D. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. Pamphlets.-An Address on Behalf of the Indians. Philadelphia: Friends' Bookstore.-Postal Savings-banks: An Argument in their Favor by the Postmaster-General.— The Perfect Law of the Lord, and Unitarianism: Sermons by Rev. William H. Lyon, Roxbury, Mass.-The Atonement: A Discourse by Rev. R. B. Marsh, Peoria, Ill.A Review of Rev. Edward H. Jewett's "Communion Wine," by John Ellis, M.D. New York: J. N. Stearns. Price 5 cents. -Theosophy the Religion of Jesus, by Alexander Fullerton. New York: William Q. Squires. Price 2 cents. [Neirs items are solicited from all our ministers and other workers. Send them to the EDITOR OF THE UNITARIAN, 141 FRANKLIN ST., BOSTON, or ANN ARBOR, MICH., before the 18th of the month.] Alton, Ill. The programme of the closing meeting of Unity Club was mainly given by the musical section of the club. The large audience present was a select one, coming in response to invitations from the members. The work done during the year has been of a most satisfactory character, and has been well appreciated. Andover, N.H.-The graduation exercises at Proctor Academy took place June 5, before a large attendance of the friends and patrons of the school. Under the able leadership of the principal, Prof. True W. White, most excellent progress has been made during the past year. The presentation of diplomas was made by President J. C. A. Hill of Concord. The following are the graduates for this year: Alma L. Walker, Charles J. F. Crosby, Florence I. Clark, Hattie Smith, Minnie J. Smith, Frank J. Sherman, Gertrude Thurston, Maud Weymouth, and Blanche Weymouth. The academy is under the direction of the Unitarian Educational Association of New Hampshire. Ayer, Mass.-Rev. George E. Littlefield of Cambridge Divinity School is soon to be ordained and installed as pastor of the Unitarian church here. Baraboo, Wis.-The church here is left without a minister, Rev. Lloyd Skinner having accepted the call of the church in Lincoln, Neb. Through the aid of Rev. J. H. Crooker, the Baraboo society hope soon to secure another pastor. They are hoping to improve their house of worship, as the cause has suffered from the society's not having an attractive church home. The location of the church is good, but more modern arrangements are needed. As the society is not strong financially, contributions are desired from all who can help. Bedford, Mass.-The serious sickness of Rev. Samuel A. Dyberg has called forth many expressions of sympathy. In the hope that a thorough vacation will restore our young pastor to his usual vigorous health, the society has decided to begin at once the proposed alterations, which are to add convenient church parlors and classrooms to our present building. The church will therefore be closed until the alterations are completed. Boston and Vicinity.- Weddings, class poetry, church festivals,-all things conspire in the month of June to relax the rigid Puritanic veins; and, while the increasing heat has rapidly lightened and brightened the costumes in the pews, the ministers, unable to discard their customary suits of solemn black, have been as far as possible concealed by banks of flowers, and with wonderful unanimity have forsaken the heavier themes of ponderous theological discussion for the airier topics of the hour and the day. Such a typical sermon was that preached by Rev. Robert Collyer, from Rev. Minot J. Savage's pulpit, June 14, on "Singing New Songs." The faith that can find no new songs is not worth having. No denomination has poured forth such a wealth of new songs as has the Unitarian. Memorial Day and Children's Day have occupied chief places in the services at many churches. -A new Unitarian church was dedicated at Wollaston Heights June 15, in the presence of a large congregation. The church, which cost $10,000, is of rough granite, with granite belfry tower. The main auditorium is 36 by 45 feet, giving a seating capacity of over three hundred. In the basement are Sun day-school room, ladies' parlor, library, kitchen, and toilet-rooms. Rev. Robert Collyer, Rev. E. A. Horton, Rev. D. M. Wilson, Rev. Grindall Reynolds, Rev. George H. Young, and others took part in the services, which were of a very beautiful and impressive nature. Pastor and people are to be congratulated on the cheering prospect now well opened before them. -The Church of the Good Samaritan is to unite with the New South under the pastorate of Rev. L. B. Macdonald. -We understand that, under the will of the late Rev. Frederick Frothingham of Milton, the sum of $30,000 is bequeathed to Harvard Divinity School for the founding of a new chair of ecclesiastical history. -The installation of Rev. Obed Eldridge over the Third Parish Church of West Dedham took place May 31, Rev. Edward Everett Hale preaching the installing sermon. -Harvard University this year confers the degree of D.D. upon Brooke Herford and Joseph H. Allen. Charleston, S.C.-The accession to our ranks of Prof. W. J. Alexander from the Baptists, and his dismissal from the chair of rhetoric and logic in the State University because of his Unitarian views, have caused much discussion in this city and throughout the State. The Unitarian church in Charleston is availing itself of this new interest in the subject to disseminate as widely as possible a knowledge of Unitarian views. Among other things, it has printed entire in the Charleston Daily World the tract of Rev. J. T. Sunderland on "What Unitarians Believe." Chicago, Ill.-Rev. W. W. Fenn accepts the unanimous call to the Church of the Messiah, much to the satisfaction of the society. Mr. Fenn has built up a thriving society in the parish he has recently left (Pittsfield), and there is little doubt that he will prove a strong power in the work that he now enters. A Chicopee, Mass.-The Unitarian society has entered upon a season of fresh activity under its new pastor, Rev. Solon Lauer. young ladies' guild has been organized, with forty active and forty-four honorary members. The purposes of the guild are manifold in the line of social and benevolent work. One of the kindly services it undertakes is the weekly decoration of the pulpit with plants and flowers. The Sunday-school is one of the best of the denomination. With ex-Gov. Robinson at its head, how could it be otherwise? Mr. Robinson has a genius for dealing with young people. He is assisted by an excellent corps of teachers. There are whisperings and prophesyings of a new church building which will meet the larger wants and correspond to the movement of the parish from the valley to the hilltop. Cincinnati, Ohio.-A friend writes: "The existence of a catholic spirit in some orthodox communities is shown by the unanimous invitation of the elders of the Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, lately given to our Unitarian minister in this city, Rev. George A. Thayer, to be one of several speakers on the Sunday evening of the opening of their new church, and Mr. Thayer's address was most cordially received by the congregation. He also was hospitably entertained at a recent reception given by a prominent Methodist layman to the Cincinnati Methodist Ministerial Conference." Clarinda, Ia.-The Universalist society here prospers under the pastorate of Rev. H. Lewellen, who knows no difference between Universalist and Unitarian. He preaches monthly at an out-station a few miles away. Denver, Col.-On Sunday, May 31, the twentieth anniversary of the organization of the First Unitarian Society of Denver was appropriately observed. Special music was furnished by the chorus choir, the pulpit was buried in flowers, and upon the wall behind were hung life-sized portraits of the last three ministers of the church, two of whom died while in the service of the church. The central feature of the occasion was a "History of Unity Church from May 31, 1871, to May 31, 1891," written by Mrs. D. D. Belden, one of the founders of the society and stanch supporter throughout its existence. After the reading of the history, a hymn to the founders, written for the occasion by Mrs. H. M. Hiscock, was sung by the congregation. A letter from Rev. L. E. Beckwith, the first minister of the church, told the "Story of the Beginnings." The second minister of the church, Mr. W. G. M. Stone, was present, and told how the young church struggled to get its first church building. Rev. W. R. Alger sent as his contribution a poem entitled "Old Routine and New Insight." The two ministers who died during their pastorates, Rev. R. L. Herbert and Rev. A. M. Weeks, were remembered by the singing of Rev. J. W. Chadwick's beautiful memorial hymn, to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne." The word of greeting from Rev. T. Van Ness dwelt on the transition from the old church to the present building and the increased activities and usefulness of the church. In a brief but emphatic way, the present pastor, Rev. S. A. Eliot, summed up the memories and lessons of the occasion. Dighton, Mass.-Rev. E. R. Hodges of Nottingham, Eng., has accepted a unanimous call from the Unitarian society here, and will formally enter upon his duties September 1. Fitchburg, Mass.-The Unitarian society here has called Rev. W. F. Greenman, recently of Winona, Ia. Haverhill, Mass.-At the First Parish Unitarian Church, on Sunday, June 7, ten children were christened by the pastor, Rev. James E. Bagley, his own two little ones being among the number. What made the occasion a noteworthy one was that no christening had occurred in the church for the past twenty-five years. The service was a very impressive one, and it was much appreciated, partaking more of the nature of a dedication service than of a baptismal one, in the old orthodox sense, the pastor following in part Mr. Savage's idea, and making use of water as the "emblem of purity," and of a white rosebud as "the symbol of the unfolding of a beautiful life," as he consecrated each child to "Our Heavenly Father and his service forever." There was a large attendance, and the church was beautifully decorated with flowers. Since the advent of our new pastor in October last, the Sunday-school has largely increased both in influence and membership, the number of scholars and teachers having almost trebled within that time. Lawrence, Kan.-The Unitarian people here are very happy over their new church, and happy that it is paid for. They want now to get a good library of Unitarian books, partly for use in connection with their student work. All James Freeman Clarke's works (twenty-one volumes) have been presented to them. Are there not friends abroad who will furnish others? Rev. John S. Brown uses five copies of the Unitarian regularly in his Post-office Mission work, and would be glad to have some one furnish him more. Marblehead, Mass.-The Unitarian society is overflowing with fresh energy since Rev. J. B. Barnhill of the last Meadville class accepted the society's unanimous call to become their pastor. He is to be installed early in this month, and Rev. J. W. Chadwick is to preach the sermon. The Essex Conference held its summer meeting here June 17. It was largely attended. Two striking essays called forth remarkably spirited discussion, such as the Essex Conference was famous for in its earlier days. The morning essay was on "The Brothers Newman," and was delivered by Rev. W. H. Pierson of Somerville. The afternoon essay was by Rev. Frederick B. Mott of Salem, upon the subject "Our Church delivering its Message. Pittsfield, Mass.-Rev. Carl G. Horst has received a unanimous call to become the minister of the Unitarian society here. It is hoped he will accept. at Salem, Mass.-A large gathering of the parish of the North Church assembled the church parlors on the evening of June 11 to commemorate the thirty-second anniversary of the settlement of Rev. E. B. Willson as pastor of that church. The pastor, endeared to his church by so many years of the highest service, received congratulations for several hours, many of the clergy of other denominations joining in the general expression of rejoicing. Mr. Willson is beloved by all. He is the first minister in the city, not only by age and service, but in the hearts of his fellow-citizens. His high abilities, kindly nature, and spotless character have won the respect and admiration of all. Sharpsville, Pa.-The Advertiser prints in full a very able sermon, by Rev. James Gorton of the Universalist church, on "Dr. Briggs's Heresy and the Presbyterian Agita tion." Walpole, N.H.-Rev. F. S. Thacher delivered the address at the laying of the corner-stone of the new Bridge Memorial It One of the oldest, most successful, and best conducted study clubs in the country is the "Friends in Council," Quincy, Ill. has recently devoted twelve of its sessions to a study of "Evolution"; and we republish the programme, as follows: 1. Cosmic Evolution. How suns and worlds came into being. Did the material universe ever have a beginning? Readings: Spencer's "First Principles" and "Illustrations of Universal Progress"; Clodd's "Story of Creation" and "Childhood of the World"; Proctor's "Other Worlds than Ours" (Chap. IX.). 2. Evolution of the Earth.-The story of geology; preparation of the earth for vegetable and animal life. Readings: Haeckel's "History of Creation"; Winchell's "World Life"; Heilprin's "Geological Evidences of Evolution." 3. Evolution of Vegetal Life. -How does life begin? The problem of spontaneous generation; the geographical distribution of plants. Readings: Darwin's "Origin of Species"; "Variations of Animals and Plants under Domestication"; Gray's "Darwiniana"; Spencer's "Spontaneous Generation"; Powell's "Our Heredity from God." 4. Evolution of Animal Life.-The problem of special creation; the mutability of species; the order of zoological evolution. Readings: Spencer's "Biology"; Huxley's "Paleontology and the Doctrine of Evolution" (in "Critiques and Addresses"); Powell's "Our Heredity from God." 5. The Descent of Man. -Duration of human life on the planet; growth of mind, reason, and the moral sense. Readings: Darwin's "Descent of Man"; Haeckel's "Evolution of Man"; Winchell's "Preadamites"; Tylor's "Anthropology," " "Primitive Culture," and "Early History of Mankind." 6. Evolution of Mind.-The mind and the nervous system; the nature of mind; the growth of consciousness, instinct, memory, reason, feelings, will. Readings: Spencer's "Principles of Psychology"; Fiske's "Cosmic Philosophy"; Maudsley's "Physical Basis of Mind"; Romanes's "Mental Evolution in Animals." 7. The Growth of Language.-Origin of articulate speech; the three stages in the evolution of language; relation of speech to thought. Readings: W. D. Whitney's "Language and the Study of Language, "Oriental and Linguistic Studies"; Max Müller's "Science of Language" and "Science of Thought." 8. Evolution of Society.-Primitive man; growth of the family, tribe, city, and State; domestic relations; ceremonial and political institutions. Readings: Spencer's "Principles of Sociology," "Descriptive Sociology," and "Social Statics"; Tylor's "Early History of Mankind"; Clodd's "Childhood of the World." 9. Evolution of Theology.-Origin of religious beliefs; ideas of primitive man; animism and ancestor-worship; polytheism, monotheism, pantheism. Readings: Spencer's "Sociology" and "Recent Discussions"; Coulanges's "Ancient City"; Tylor's "Primitive Culture"; Clodd's "Childhood of Religions." 10. Evolution of Morals. -How altruism grows out of egoism; characteristics and relative values of ethical systems; influence of the evolutionary theory of morals on ethical sanctions. Readings: Spencer's "Data of Ethics" and "Ethics of Kant," in Popular Science Monthly, September, 1888; Schurman's "Ethical Import of Darwinism"; Amos's "Science of Law." 11. The Philosophy of Evolution.-Relation of the doctrine to prevailing philosophical systems; metaphysics and the scientific method; positivism; realism and idealism; transfigured realism. Readings: Spencer's "First Principles" and "Psychology;" Fiske's "Cosmic Philosophy"; Martineau's "Types of Ethical Theory"; Abbot's "Scientific Theism." 12. The Effects of Evolution on the Coming Civilization.-Evolution and revolution; probable influence of the evolution philosophy in the settlement of social and economic problems. Readings: Savage's "Social Problems"; Heber Newton's "The Social Problem"; Miss Cobbe's "Present and Future of Religious Faiths"; J. C. Morison's "The Service of Man." WAITING. I'm kneeling at the threshold, weary, faint, and sore, Waiting for the dawning, for the opening of the door; Waiting till the Master shall bid me rise and come To the glory of his presence, to the gladness of his home. A weary path I've travelled, 'mid darkness, storm, and strife, Bearing many a burden, struggling for my life; But now the morn is breaking, my toil will soon be o'er, I'm kneeling at the threshold, my hand is on the door. I do not somehow understand it well." "What! knowest not God's plan, for which Christ died?" "I know no plan, and have but this to say: What object in this hell that ceases never? If that be God, I know more good in man." "Men are but worms; God, just, and lives for aye." The learner, musing, said: "He lives forever! TRINITY CHURCH AND ITS MILLION S. Says the Detroit Journal: "Last Sunday Rev. Reed Stuart, of the Unitarian church, startled his hearers by declaring suddenly, after an impressive pause, that Trinity Church in New York city owns $75,000,000 worth of property, while 40,000 girls and women in the metropolis sell themselves for bread. He added that $1,000,000 ought to be enough for the church, and the $74,000, 000 should be used in saving those poor creatures from hell. The trustees, he said, deny that the church is so rich, but acknowledge $30,000,000, while excellent authority places it at $100,000,000. There is another very wealthy church society in New York City. An old Dutchman, named John Harberdinck, bequeathed to it in 1722 about three acres of land, which comprises some of the most valuable lots on Broadway. The |