which set forth the free or open system of seats as the ideal method which best expresses the spirit of our religion. The remainder of the resolutions then stood as follows: Whereas our simple and ennobling form of religion is as yet little known and vastly needed, and whereas the most popular possible presentation of it is everywhere necessary in order to bring it to the knowledge of the American people, Therefore, Resolved, That we ask our churches, and particularly those which enjoy the use of missionary funds, thoughtfully to consider means and methods by which they may more fully and effectually proclaim our religion to all the people. We earnestly ask whether it is not possible to make more economical use of our ministers, many of whom now give public service to only one small congregation once a week; also, whether the strong churches will not consent to put their ministers at the service of this Association for a certain number of Sundays in each year. Finally, we hold that our churches will be untrue to their faith if they are not at the front, in every community where they are organized, in all movements for honest and unpartisan government, for the best methods in education, for more just distribution of wealth, for sympathetic and friendly relations between employers and the employed, for the amelioration of the condition of the poor, for the same rule of purity for men as for women, for checking the enormous and corrupting use of intoxicating drinks, for international arbitration and against the curse of militarism, for genuine democracy and brotherhood. We aim henceforth, with renewed consecration, to help establish the free and humanitarian church of America. We hold that all the illustrious lessons of the past urge us to serve as pioneers for the future. Mr. Dole spoke at some length in explanation of the resolutions. The question being on the resolutions, unanimous consent was given to the change proposed in the resolution on the free-pew system; and on motion it was adopted unanimously. The resolution on methods of church work, comprised in the first three paragraphs above, upon motion was unani The concluding part of the resolution (the last two paragraphs) upon motion was also adopted. Mr. George H. Ellis offered the following resolution: Resolved, That a committee of five shall be appointed by the chair, which shall sit during the year as a nominating committee, receiving suggestions and publishing from time to time in our denominational organ the names of persons who may be proposed as officers of the American Unitarian Association. Rev. Charles F. Russell, of Weston, offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the general method of appointing a nominating committee for officers and directors of the Unitarian Association be referred to a committee to be appointed by the present presiding officer, which shall report to the next annual meeting of the Association. The following resolutions from the church at Farmington, Me., were read by Rev. Arthur Pettengill: Whereas the committee to collect and codify the covenants and statements of faith in use in Unitarian churches, appointed at the last annual meeting of the American Unitarian Association, has published and circulated among the churches a report of its work and findings; and Whereas to this report the committee appended certain recommendations touching the following matters: the organization of our parishes and churches; the adoption in each of our churches of some brief and simple covenant or bond of fellowship; a definite and clearly defined church membership, consisting of those who have accepted the bond of fellowship; that the members of the church be received into its fellowship by some simple public service of recognition, and that the younger people be carefully prepared for such membership; the accurate keeping of a list of members of our churches; that members removing from one parish to another may be given letters of dismission; that a special committee be appointed to suggest methods of training for the young, and also to prepare appropriate services of fellowship; and Whereas these suggestions go to show how many of our churches feel the urgency of our need and the ripeness of the time for creating and establishing a more complete and efficient organization for the thought and energies and enthusiasm of our various independent Resolved, That it is the sense and judgment of this church and parish, in annual meeting assembled, that matters of such grave and vital importance should be promptly given the careful consideration they deserve; and, therefore, be it further Resolved, That we ask that a day or some portion of a day be set apart at this current annual meeting for due discussion, not only of the recommendations made by the aforesaid committee, but also of such other and cognate matters as shall look to a more perfect organization and equipment of our churches, to the end that they may be better enabled to take their rightful and proper place among the great forces which are making for righteousness and freedom and truth in the society and world of our day; and be it still further Resolved, That our minister and delegates be instructed to present this resolution at the annual meeting to be held in Boston on the twentyfirst day of the coming May. Mr. Slicer gave notice that contributions for the Hackley School might be sent to the treasurer, Mr. William H. Baldwin, Jr., 123 Broadway, New York City. Upon motion it was voted that the Directors appoint two auditors to audit the Treasurer's accounts for the coming year. The Association then adjourned till 2.30 P.M. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Association was again called to order at 2.30 by the President. The report of the Committee on Ballots was presented by Mr. Cary, the chairman. The number of votes cast was 469, of which 450 were for the officers as nominated. These officers were accordingly declared elected. The report of the Committee on Business was presented by the chairman, Mr. Allen, of Greenfield. The committee. recommended the adoption of the resolution offered by Mr. Russell, as above, and of the following, each of which was Resolved, That the affectionate greetings of the Association be sent to the International Council about to convene in London, with the hope that the deliberations of the Council will promote sympathy and union among the liberal thinkers and workers of diverse inheritance, experience, religious fellowship, and national allegiance. Voted, To request the President to appoint a committee of the Association to consider and report upon the condition and progress of unsectarian education in American schools, academies, and colleges, to the end that Unitarians may know where their sons and daughters may be well educated without compulsory attendance upon sectarian teaching and upon forms of worship hostile to their hard-won birthright. Resolved, That the Association renews its pledges of sympathy and good-will to the Universalist General Convention, and urges that the joint committee of these fraternal bodies be raised to higher efficiency, to the end that duplication of missionary effort may cease and that competitive methods may give way to co-operative endeavor. Resolved, That the representatives of this Association upon the joint committee be authorized to serve for another year, and that the Directors of the Association be empowered to fill vacancies. The resolutions received from Farmington, Me., were received and placed on file. The committee was then declared discharged, with the thanks of the Association. Addresses were then made upon the general subject, "Hopeful Aspects of our Work," by Rev. H. C. McDougall, of Franklin, N. H.; Rev. U. G. B. Pierce, of Washington, D. C.; Rev. F. V. Hawley, of Louisville, Ky.; Rev. F. C. Southworth, of Chicago, Ill.; Rev. A. M. Judy, of Davenport, Ia., and Rev. L. W. Sprague, of Helena, Mon. At the close of the addresses the Association adjourned. 1 |