evils of the English system of poor-rates were never depicted with such a graphic truth of pencil before, and never was the distinction betwixt an ignorant and an enlightened benevolence, so forcibly illustrated. The moral degradation of the recipient of cold and legal charity, is drawn with great force, and a gloomy picture laid before us of this ever-enlarging gulf of pauperism, which threatens to swallow up the property of the rich and the prospects of the poor. This is a valuable present to society, if society will but make use of it. The pest of pauperism or indigence is creeping upon us apace, and but that we see cause for hope in the moral aspect of the times, and in the resurrection of the liberties of our countrymen, we should surely despair. But we rejoice that the bow of hope is on the horizon, and have infinite faith in the regenerated spirit and virtue of the people and their rulers, that they will not fail to apply the knife unflinchingly to the most tender and peccant parts of our social institutions. Thanks to Miss Martineau and others, the seed has been sown in abundance; may the harvest be as plenteous. Before concluding, we cannot avoid noticing the exquisite sketch of "Cousin Marshall;" a more touching picture of virtuous poverty and noble independence, rising above the hardships and temptations of its situation, we have never met with; it is equal to the best of Crabbe's descriptions. The heart which conceived it, and the pencil which sketched it, are alike to be envied; and we pity the individual, who can rise from its contemplation and not feel himself wiser and better.

THE CHRISTIAN PIONEER.

GLASGOW, OCTOBER 1, 1832.

THE American Unitarian Association, held its Seventh Anniversary at Boston, on Tuesday, May 29; and in consequence of the interest of the meeting, by adjournment to Thursday, June 1. Rev. Dr. Bancroft, the venerable president, was in the chair. Rev. Dr. Harris of Dorchester commenced the meeting with prayer, and the Reports of the Domestic and Foreign Secretary having been read, the meeting was addressed by the president, Judge Rogers of Boston, Rev. Mr. Begelow of Medford, G. B. Emerson, Esq. of Boston, Rev. Mr. Lathrop of Dover, N. H. Rev. Mr. Sewall of Danvers, Judge Story of Cambridge, Revds. E. S. Gannett and Ripley of Boston, Farley of Providence, May of Brooklyn, Connecticut, Sullivan of Keene, Alden Bradford, Esq. of New Bedford, Rev. Mr. Muzzey of Framingham, Brooks of Hingham, and Farr of Gardner; and the President concluded with prayer. We hope soon to receive the Committee's Report, from which we shall give extracts. The more ample account of the Association, which we have usually received, has not yet reached us by the accustomed channel.

On Friday, June 15, an Annual Meeting of the Friends of

In this num

Unitarianism, was held at the village of Astley, a Missionary station in Lancashire. The meeting was composed of upwards of 100 persons, principally inhabitants of the village, with a few friends from Manchester, Chowbent, Swinton, and other places, and displayed the utmost harmony and good will. The Chairman, the Rev. J. R. Beard of Manchester, introduced a number of resolutions, praying for an extension of brotherly affection among men, of civil and religious liberty, of liberality of sentiment, of the influence of Unitarianism, and of a spirit of reformation in the Established Church, and was supported by the individuals who spoke on their respective resolutions, and the unanimous approbation of the meeting. At the close of the meeting, sixty-four persons took tea in the Meeting-house. ber is included about fifteen persons, wives or daughters of the teachers in the Sunday-schools, who had been invited to partake gratuitously, and to assist in the general preparation. The small charge of sixpence each on the others, defrayed the whole expense. After tea, it was suggested, that, as the teachers and members of the congregation had now enjoyed an intellectual treat, something should be done to enable the scholars to partake in the general satisfaction. Contributions amounting to sixteen shillings, were immediately made to forward this object, and it was determined that it should take place in the following week. To this sum six shillings and eightpence was afterwards added by the members of the congregation not present at the time. In consequence, the scholars assembled at the Meeting-house, on the Friday following, to the number of one hundred and thirty. They proceeded with some of the teachers through the village, and returned to the Meeting-house, where they were regaled with currant-bread and tea. The whole expense on this occasion amounted to twentyfive shillings, which, among 130 children, is little more than twopence farthing each; and at this small expense were these children rendered cheerful, happy, and contented. Whilst the procession marched along, many persons, Methodists and others unacquainted with our proceedings, expressed themselves perfectly astonished to see so many children connected with the poor Unitarian Congregation of Astley. They thought, because we had always held on the even tenor of our way without display or parade, that we had met week after week with a few scholars merely, the children of those who taught in the school; whereas we had a stronger muster than any other school in the neighbourhood. It is to be hoped, that the removal of this error will tend to increase our resources, in providing for the education of these children. Many of the active members have their spirits much raised by these proceedings, and the prosperous state of the Society in general. So much is this the case, that when the propriety of furnishing backs to the forms, for the greater accommodation of the congregation, was suggested, it was strongly objected to by some who were not for expending one farthing more than was necessary, but for husbanding all their resources, in order that they may hereafter procure a more convenient place of meeting, which by some means they may be enabled to call their own. Though this is generally

considered a thing more to be desired than hoped for, yet the feeling deserves to be encouraged, as for little more than £100 they could effect all they desire, and the interest of this would not be more than the rent paid for their present building.

The Annual Meeting was addressed by Rev. J. Ragland, Hindley, Mr. J. Ramsdale, Wigan, Mr. W. Boardman, Swinton, Messrs. F. Duffield, A. Hardy, and G. M. Ainsworth, Manchester; Mr. Thomas Peake, Chowbent, and Messrs. J. Wood and Makinson, two of the members of the congregation at Astley.

F. D.

ON Sunday, July 15, the Rev. J. G. Robberds of Manchester, preached two excellent and impressive discourses, to crowded congregations at Ashford, Derbyshire, who listened with the utmost attention and delight, to his masterly exposition of Unitarian sentiments, and their practical tendency. Every countenance seemed lighted with intelligence and joy. When the preacher came to speak of the district in which he then was, and the pleasure he experienced in witnessing the fervour and animation displayed, he was overpowered by his feelings; and the meeting appeared deeply to sympathize with him.

Had there been present any who esteem Unitarianism cold, insipid, lifeless, or incapable of rousing the affections of the poor, he would have witnessed a practical refutation of his opinions, when he beheld all hearts led captive by the persuasive eloquence of truth.

On Sunday evening, Mr. F. Duffield of Manchester, preached a sermon at Flagg, on the connexion between faith and works, which was attentively listened to.

On Monday morning, Mr. Duffield preached in the chapel at Ashford; in the afternoon, a public meeting was held, the Rev. J. G. Robberds in the chair; and in the evening, the Rev. T. May of Stand, also preached a sermon.

On the Sunday, the attendances were astonishingly numerous. On the Monday, they were more slender, as the parties had their several avocations to attend to, and as the day proved remarkably fine for hay-making. The numbers were on Sunday afternoon, 200. In the evening they were estimated as not much short of 300; they may be fairly put down at 250. At Flagg, from 60 to 70. On the Monday, there were present in the morning 22, afternoon 50, evening 65. When it is remembered that Ashford contains only 700 inhabitants, it is indeed astonishing and highly gratifying, that congregations so numerous, and taking so lively an interest in the proceedings, should assemble together.

Among other resolutions passed at the meeting, it was proposed by Mr. J. Ellis, and scconded by Mr. J. Blair, two of the members of the congregation at Ashford, "That this meeting tenders its best thanks to Mr. Shenton, for his valuable exertions in the cause of truth." At the suggestion of the chairman, the meeting departed from the usual method of showing hands, and indicated its approval of the resolution by standing up.

It was also unanimously resolved, "That the thanks of this

meeting be given to the Rev. R. Naylor, for the use of his chapel, and for his presence on this occasion."

The meeting was addressed by the Revs. E. R. Dimock of Warrington, and T. May of Stand, and Messrs. R. Shenton and J. Ellis, Ashford, and F. Duffield, Manchester.

The whole proceedings appeared to give general satisfaction to the people, to cheer and invigorate them in the pursuit of truth and righteousness, and, as is hoped, to produce effects which may be found many days hence.

At Flagg, a practical proof of the eagerness of the people to learn more of our sentiments was given. One of Mr. Shenton's hearers requested the loan of some tracts, which he would take to the houses of his neighbours. Mr. Shenton let him have what he thought was a good stock. On Saturday evening after the service, the man stated that his supply was quite inadequate, for that if he passed by any of the doors, without leaving a tract, the inmates felt half-offended at him.

F. D.

Warwickshire Unitarian Tract Society.-THE Twenty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the Unitarian Tract Society, established in Birmingham, for Warwickshire and the neighbouring counties, was held at Wolverhampton, on Tuesday, July 31, 1832. The Rev. Samuel Bache of Birmingham, conducted the devotional service; and the Rev. Richard Astley of Shrewsbury, delivered a very able and judicious discourse from Romans x. 9. At the close of the service, the business of the Society was transacted, when several new names were added to the list of subscribers. Between thirty and forty gentlemen afterwards dined together; Joseph Pearson, Esq. in the chair. The meeting was attended by the Rev. Messrs. Astley, Bache, Davis, H. Hutton, S. Hunter, E. Jones, R. Kell Kentish, Lloyd, and J. R. Wreford, who, with other gentlemen, spoke upon many topics of common interest connected with the objects of the Society. More than ordinary pleasure was felt on the present occasion, from the improved circumstances of the Wolverhampton congregation, since the Society last held its annual meeting in this town. It will be remembered that they were unjustly deprived of their chapel; but during many years of persecution and privation, when they were unable to obtain the service of a resident and permanent minister, some indi- viduals of their number conducted a religious service regularly in a room hired for the purpose; thus showing a most praiseworthy example to other societies which may be similarly situated. The congregation have recently erected a neat and commodious chapel, and have been fortunate in finding in the Rev. Stephenson Hunter, an active and able advocate of their cause, who has now for some time been their stated pastor. J. R. WREFORD, Secretary.

Thanksgiving 'Sermons on the passing of the Reform Bills.By an advertisement which appeared on the cover of this Magazine for September, our readers would see that the Editor had published a sermon on the all-engrossing topic of Parliamentary Reform. It was preached on the 5th August. So great was

the interest excited, that long before the time of service, the Chapel was crowded in every part. It was computed, that thirteen hundred people must have been in the Chapel and its vestries. At the earnest request of numbers who could not even approach the door, Mr. Harris consented to repeat the discourse in the evening. It was published in consequence of urgent applications of the hearers.

On 12th August the Rev. W. Smith delivered a Sermon on the same subject, to a very crowded audience at Dundee. So great was the interest it called forth, that he was requested to re-deliver it on a week evening, and a more commodious place was engaged for the purpose. From the Dundee Newspaper we

quote the following particulars:—

"At the request of a number of individuals who were present in the Unitarian Chapel on Sabbath se'nnight, the Rev. Mr. Smith repeated, on the evening of Wednesday last week, in the Caledonian Hall, a discourse which he had delivered in his own chapel. The text was to the point-being part of Mark xii. 12- But feared the people;' and the illustration was managed with much temper and ability, and afforded the highest gratification to a crowded audience. Mr. Smith stated that the discourse had been prepared solely for the benefit of his own congregation, with the view of improving the season of rejoicing which had been set apart by the people, to celebrate the triumph of human improvement over corruption and venality. He repelled the objection that such topics were unsuitable to the pulpit; and observed, that, in seasons of calamity, no objection was made to religious improvement being derived; and was it fair, that seasons of rejoicing, like the present, should be passed over with indifference? He adverted to the mighty effects of public opinion in all ages; and illustrated from the gospel and history, the exertion of it for ill as well as for good purposes. He continued the view downward to the present time; and exhibited the tests by which the right or wrong' of public opinion was to be acertained. After pointing out the duties which devolved upon those who had a voice in the election of future representatives,-exhorting them to select men of TRIED principles, and such as were friendly to Church Reform, the removal of all taxes upon knowledge, and the abolition of all monopolies,-Mr. Smith concluded a highly interesting discourse, with the following impressive words: 'I will not part with you, my friends, without one farewell admonition. While righteously employed in reforming your civil polity, let not your hearts remain corrupt and your actions unregenerate. If every individual were to perfect that moral reform of his heart and life, which reason and religion alike prescribe as the great work of the man and of the Christian, how easy would be the regeneration of our country; and how vain will be all our exertions for its salvation, if our own is periled by crime or carelessness! Let us remember, that in the pursuit of virtue, we shall find happiness; in the reform of morals, the improvement of the heart, the cultivation of holy and religious affections, we shall lay the sure foundations of our country's peace, prosperity, and honour.'"