the world needed its work. Its work was not done, nor would be till the individual life, the home, the school, the workshop, the town, and nation had all been brought to the life of higher things.

Rev. E. M. Taylor, D.D., of Roxbury, from the Epworth League, spoke most richly and eloquently. Personality is a great power. There is some of God's work for each of us, which none other can do. This personality should be consecrated to high ideals, and its service should be voluntary.

Rev. Ashley Smith of Annisquam, speaking for the Christian Union, said their motto was "Onward," their paper was "Onward," and they were marching to the goal of the perfect individual, the perfect society, and a nobler life in all the world. Another motto they had, "Each for all, and all for each,”a Christian socialism far different from that commonly known. We consecrate our best powers to the service of man.

President Van Ness spoke of the principles of the Religious Union. Of each of these, Truth, Worship, Service, we had a somewhat different conception from that of the past. We do not find all truth in any one record: it is everywhere, and each new day brings a fresh revelation. Worship means not form nor creed; it is the direct contact of the soul with God. All we need is in the Eternal Mind: we have only to come directly to that mind. Worship is so natural a thing, since we can never be apart from God, that we want our young people to be God-seekers. Our service has to do with all of life, even with those things not always thought to be religious. Man is our brother; and we serve wherever we can help ourselves, another, to the heights.

The people quite forgot the old Psalmist's injunction, "Let all the earth keep silence before him," when it came to singing our inspiring rally hymns. The old sang as they used to sing forty years ago, and the young people as though that was the best thing they could do to show their devotion

to our cause.

BOOKS.

Talks to Young Men. By Charles H. Parkhurst. New York: Century Company. This series of eleven addresses to young men seem to have been struck off at white heat. The subjects treated form an admirable outline of a noble career. Much familiar advice appears in fresh and varied form. The pointed, epigrammatic utterances for which Dr. Parkhurst is famous may be found on every page, and serve to fix in the memory much important advice.

Martha Washington. By Anne Hollingsworth Wharton. New York: Charles Scribner.-No volume in the series of "Colonial Women" will be likely to attract more interest than this of "Martha Washington." The peculiar difficulties arising partly from the fact that the distinct personality of Mrs. Washington was largely overshadowed by that of her husband, and in a minor way through the unfortunate destruction of nearly all the family letters, have been largely overcome by diligent research and much faithful labor. A life-like picture, not only of Martha Washington, but of husband and wife together, is conveyed by this book more satisfactorily than anything we have read elsewhere. To read these pages is to gain an intimacy with the Mount Vernon household as distinctly valuable as delightful.

Religion for to-day. By Minot J. Savage. Boston George H. Ellis.-This volume contains the restatement by Mr. Savage for his New York congregation of his views on the fundamental principles, issues, and problems of religion. While it necessarily

contains statements with which Mr. Savage's readers are familiar, yet it bears the stamp of fresh and vivid utterance, and altogether is probably the very best single volume which any one could own or give to a friend as a definite summary of the progressive liberal gospel so ably and brilliantly presented by Dr. Savage.

Life of Frederic Thomas Greenhalge. Brothers.-The character and career of the Boston: Roberts By James E. Nesmith. late Governor Greenhalge both demand a biography, and the volume before us fulfils that demand admirably. It is well written, it gives full and ample information. It is in a vital sense historical: it allows the

subject of its story to speak largely himself, it makes him personally prominent. Yet the background and setting is nowhere vague or illusory. We have the moving political events in which Greenhalge was an actor, we have his home and city life, we have especially his inner intellectual career. In religion the late Governor of Massachusetts was eminently clear-sighted and practical; he did admirable work in the stamp his religious character put upon all his statesmanship; he delivered some layman's addresses before Unitarian clubs that were strong expositions of the faith that was in him. He was fond of literature, and wrote occasional poems and some stirring hymns. His life touched an unusually broad and varied circle of interests, and this record of his too brief career is full of inspiring hopefulness.

380

[Aug

THE BOYLESS TOWN.

CARRIER PIGEON.

One day a carrier pigeon tapped at the window of Mrs. Nansen's home at Christiania. Instantly the window was opened, and the wife of the famous arctic explorer in another moment covered the little messenger with kisses and caresses.

The carrier pigeon had been away from the cottage thirty long months, but had not forgotten the way home. It brought a note from Nansen, stating that all was going well with his expedition in the polar regions.

Nansen had fastened a message to the bird, and turned it loose.

The frail courier darted out into the bliz zardly air, flew like an arrow over perhaps a thousand miles of frozen waste, and then over another thousand miles of ocean and plains and forests, to enter the window of its waiting mistress, and deliver the message which she had been awaiting so anxiously.

We boast of human pluck, sagacity, and endurance; but this loving carrier pigeon, after an absence of thirty months, accomplished a feat so wonderful that we can only give ourselves up to amazement and admiration.-From Nansen's Arctic Explorations.

ORIGIN OF THE WORD "PICNIC."

It isn't a very old word, but it had its origin in a very natural way. People who desired to go on an excursion to the woods or to the fields made out a list of articles which they would need to take along. This list was passed around; and each person "picked" out the name of the article she would furnish, which was then "nicked" off the list. Some witty man probably called the excursion a picked-nicked or a picking-nicking party. Of course it didn't take long to get the word down to simple "picnic."

Religion is like the sun: it is not meant so much for us to look at as to see by.Dean Stanley.

Ann Arbor, Mich.-Sunday evening parlor services will be held at the Unitarian church during August, as follows: August 1, Mr. W. K. Childs, "True Christian Citizenship"; August 8, Mr. F. P. Jordan, "Helpful Thoughts from the Gospels"; August 15, Mrs. F. P. Jordan, "Helpful Thoughts from Browning"; August 22, Miss Lucy Textor, Grand Haven, "The Bright Side of Dark Things"; August 29, Mr. David Boyd, Greeley, Col., "Unitarianism and the Masses.'

Ashby, Mass.-The twenty-ninth anniversary of the settlement of Rev. George S. Shaw as pastor of the First Parish was observed Sunday, July 18, by appropriate services, the music being especially fine. Mr. Shaw reported that during the last year he had preached eighty-four times, attended two hundred and twenty-four other meetings, officiated at nineteen funerals and seven weddings, and made five hundred and nineteen calls.

Bar Harbor, Me.-The summer services at the Bar Harbor Unitarian church have thus far been conducted by Rev. D. M. Wilson, Rev. Edward H. Hall, Rev. Samuel A. Eliot, and Rev. Francis G. Peabody. The appointments for August are as follows: Rev. Samuel M. Crothers, Rev. Chas. F. Dole, Rev. James De Normandie, Rev. Charles G. Ames, and Rev. Charles Carroll Everett.

Bernardston, Mass.-The Unitarian friends met at the parsonage in the afternoon and evening, Monday, July 5, for a social time, and to celebrate the national holiday. Refreshments were served from 4.30 to 8 o'clock. Music was furnished, and there were games for the young people

and children.

Brooklyn, N.Y.- A correspondent writes: "The sad news that Rev. Stephen H. Camp of Unity Church had received a stroke of paralysis while at his country home in South Woodstock, Conn., reached here early in the month of July. For several days the reports of the sufferer's condition were very discouraging. But the latest news gives some hope that he will regain, in great measure, his strength, and be able, in part, to resume his place among his friends and fellow-workers. May this be

true!

No minister in the Middle States is more deeply loved, and none has a dearer, closer place in the hearts of his congregation. Mr. Camp's work has been unique in many respects. It cannot spare him who has been its central support and inspiration for almost twenty-eight years.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-The Unitarians of this city have united with the Universalists in All Souls' Church, with a handsome stone edifice and a large congregation.

Green Harbor, Mass.-The annual fair, by which the people of Grace Chapel help to pay the running expenses of the society, is to be held on the afternoons of Wednesday and Thursday, the 11th and 12th of August. All money for the fair should be sent to Mr. Charles S. Peterson, Green Harbor, Mass., the treasurer of Grace Chapel. Articles should be sent to Mrs. Hoagland, with the name of the sender plainly marked, so that due acknowledgment may be made.

Hackensack, N.J.-A Branch of the Alliance of Unitarian and Other Liberal Christian Women was organized the 1st of June. At present the members number fourteen; and the meetings are held every Wednesday. The outlook is very promising; and the Branch anticipates being of some help to the.church society, which will resume its services in the fall.

Isles of Shoals, July 11-18.-The Unitarian Summer Meetings Association has proved its own excuse for being. The hotels have been crowded to fullest capacity with representatives from widely separated sections of the country and many have been refused admission. The character of the meetings, the beautiful surroundings, the associations of the place, all have contributed to make this week memorable to all. From the initial sermon, by Rev. S. M. Crothers of Cambridge, on the two kinds of religious aspiration, that of wings to fly from all earth's ills and that of the hand to help create a better condition, to the eloquent sermon of Rev. John Cuckson at the close, the spirit of the meetings has been one of deep earnestness, lofty spirituality, and broad helpfuluess. The devotional meetings each morning, held now and again in the quaint little Gosport church, were most uplifting. These were in charge of Rev. Messrs. Alfred Manchester, Salem, Mass.; C. T. Billings, Lowell; F. A. Gilmore, Haverhill; Rev. J. C. Duncan, Clinton; J. P. Forbes, Taunton; and evening meetings conducted by Rev. Alfred Gooding, Portsmouth, and Rev. Enoch Powell, Nashua, N.H. On Monday Mr. Edwin D. Mead lectured on "Emerson and Carlyle," giving the salient characteristics of these two greatest philosophers of the age, in discriminating phrase.

The

The meeting of Tuesday morning would of itself have made the week a memorable one. It was a meeting of giant knights, with open visor and lance at rest. subject, "Our Common Heritage and Sympathies," was presented most ably by Rev. Philip S. Moxom, D.D., and Rev. William E. Barton, D.D., for the Congregational division, and by Rev. George Batchelor and Rev. George L. Chaney for the Unitarians.

In the evening, "Lines of Advance toward Unity," was the theme of Rev. A. M. Lord of Providence, R.I., and Rev. E. D. Towle. Wednesday brought a full day. The morning session was taken by the younger men,-Rev. Messrs. Minot O. Simons, Billerica; Rev. Charles H. Porter, Jr., Hingham; Alfred Hussey, West Roxbury; and Charles J. Staples, Manchester; and their clarion call roused the sluggish blood of the most self-complacent or indifferent hearer. Unitarianism is a positive force so long as it can count on such as these. The work and aims of the Women's Alliance were convincingly given by Mrs. R. H. Davis of New York, Mrs. Eliza Sumner of Canton, Mass., and Mrs. Sarah F. Hamilton of Saco, Me. This is truly the right hand of the Church in all practical advance. The evening session was held at Appledore, so hallowed with associations and memories of that great soul who rejoiced and struggled, and rejoiced anew in the light, who has made this island a Mecca to thousands. The life of Celia Thaxter was most sympa

thetically and tenderly presented by Mr. John Albee, a close and lifelong friend of the poet, his picturesque personality adding to the beautiful pen-pictures he drew of this rare spirit. Songs from Mrs. Thaxter's poems, by Miss Mira Bell Ross, the wellknown teacher and vocalist, and Miss Evans of Montreal, with readings of choice poems by Rev. Philip S. Moxom, made an evening of rarest pleasure. There is an earnest desire that this beautiful tribute to Celia Thaxter be put in published, permanent form.

Thursday morning brought the "Sunday. school and its Interests," Rev. Edward A. Horton presiding. Rev. Orello Cone, D.D., spoke of the higher criticism as connected with the Sunday-school. Mrs. James A. Beatley and Rev. Thomas Van Ness presented interestingly practical details. Afternoon and evening were devoted to the Young People's Religious Union, with Messrs. E. J. Prescott and Charles H.

Porter, Jr., presiding. It was a happy thought to have each denomination present the aims of its society. Christian Endeavor, Rev. De Witt S. Clarke, D.D.; Epworth League, Rev. E. M. Taylor, D.D.; Baptist Union, Mr. Frederic T. Bailey; Christian Union, Rev. Ashley A. Smith;

Religious Union, Rev. Thomas Van Ness. The notably inspiring singing of the Union rally hymns will not soon be forgotten.

On Friday interest was given to the topic "Unitarian Emphasis in Religion" by Rev. J. P. Forbes, Taunton, Rev. E. C. Butler, Quincy, Rev. S. C. Beane, D.D., Newburyport; and to "Church Extension" by Rev. William Brundage, D.D., of Albany, Rev. J. L. Marsh, Saco, Me., Rev. E. E. Newbert, Augusta, Me., Rev. D. M. Wilson, superintendent for New England.

Laymen's Day had for speakers Mr. William R. Billings of Taunton on "Why I am a Churchman," Mrs. M. L. Carver of Augusta on "The Hebrew Psalms," Hon. James O. Lyford, Concord, N.H., and Mrs. R. H. Davis, "The Dangers that confront us."

The committee which had these meetings in charge, Rev. D. M. Wilson, Mr. T. H. Elliott, Mr. George W. Stone, Rev. F. L. Phalen, and Rev. Alfred Gooding, deserve and are receiving unstinted praise for the remarkable success of the meetings. There is a general desire that in some form they should be continued in years to come. The fine solo work of Miss Ross, the accompanist of the convention, and the songs of Miss Marion H. Stearns of Brookline and Miss Hoyt of Portsmouth, gave great pleasure, and added much to the beauty of the services.

Newport, R.I.-The annual meeting of the Channing Memorial Church was very largely attended June 28, there being considerable feeling in regard to the withdrawal of certain pew-holders and members of the congregation, owing to the legal separation which has recently been publicly announced between the present pastor and his wife. A resolution suggesting the retirement of the pastor was, however, negatived by a vote of 48 to 11. A proposition was then made adjourning the meeting for four weeks, so as to give time to the Finance Committee of the trustees to prepare and submit at this adjourned meeting, some plan by which the deficiency in income could be met or the expenses reduced.

Norton, Mass.-Children's Sunday was observed at the Unitarian church Sunday, June 27. Four children were baptized. Rev. F. W. Holden preached an interesting sermon to the children in the morning. The Guild of the Good Shepherd, which has conducted evening meetings through the entire year, has suspended services during July and August. Union temperance services have been held once in three months at the various churches in town.