Another section took up the study of the literature of evolution, and a third section elected for its subject the history of art.

These classes met usually once a week through the winter and spring months. There was, in addition to the meetings of the sections, a monthly meeting of the entire club at which all general business was discussed and arranged, and a literary or musical or some other general entertainment was furnished. These monthly entertainments were arranged and catered for by committees of five, appointed at the beginning of the winter by the executive committee, so as to give them ample time to prepare their programmes. In this way there was no break or failure in any of the meetings.

There was considerable variety in the character of the entertainments, and some of them were of a higher grade than others. But this very variety was a good thing, because it provided for the entertainment of all. At every monthly meeting some kind of light refreshments were served.

Besides the meetings of the sections and the general monthly meetings, a series of lectures were given under the auspices of the club. Some of these lectures were in the line of the subjects studied by the sections, and others were more directly religious. The club also did some practical charitable work.

We sometimes hear the question asked: What benefit is the Unity Club to the church? What does it do toward advancing the interests that the church has at heart? If I were to judge by the results of the year's work of our club in Manchester, I should reply, Very much every way.

Before this club was formed about all that the church did for the young people, outside of the work of the Sunday-school, was to provide them with opportunities for dancing. The same conditions unhappily exist in a large number of our Unitarian churches. The preaching service Sunday morning, and the dancing party some day through the week, make up the sum of the church activities. Now, dancing and whistplaying are all right in their time and place, and in moderation; but the church ought surely to have something higher and more serious on hand than catering for these amusements. It is a very remarkable fact that during the entire season there has not been a single dancing party under the auspices of the club; and there were only two occasions upon which dancing was a part of the programme of a social meeting of the club. Not a single word was spoken against dancing. The time and energies of the young people were simply occupied in more interesting and profitable ways. It was a good illustration of "the expulsive

power of a new affection." The result of the work done by the club was an enrichment and enlargement of the intellectual life of the church.

Moreover, the club reached a large number of people not in any way connected with the church. In a membership of over one hundred and seventy we had probably fifty who were members of other churches.

When I hear people object to the Unity Club as injurious to the interests of a church, I am simply amazed. Indeed, I cannot see how a modern church can fulfil its mission in the world without some or ganization corresponding in its character to the Unity Club. It is simply an opportunity for the exercise of the various gifts and talents of its members in the mutual edification of each other in the things that make for richness and fulness of life.

TEMPERANCE NOTES.

A public meeting of the Unitarian Temperance Society was held on the evening of June 2 in Arlington Street Church, Boston.

The church was crowded; and the address, given by Mrs. L. Ormiston Chant, was listened to with deep interest. For over an hour she told of the awakening temperance sentiment in England and the need of enthusiastic devotion to this work. Mrs. Chant, herself a strong advocate of total abstinence, has again done noble service for us here. Among other things, referring to the work in England, she said: "We have at this moment before our House of Commons a bill to give to the people of England, by a two-thirds majority vote, the right to say whether there shall be a public house or not in any given area.

"The drink trade is in a great stir and passionate anger about it. We always meet with great opposition; but this year it has culminated in a wrath so outspoken and an outlay of money so huge as almost to terrify its supporters. It is a very innocent bill. It requires simply two-thirds of the voting power of the people to say yes or no. no new principle in England. Landlords have always had that power. Is it not supreme selfishness that a few people should be guarded from grave temptation, but that the people and nation at large are not? It seems to me that we have stepped into common sense at last.

It is

"We have also in Parliament, alongside this bill, another to compel the magistrates to reduce the public houses, within three years, to a number equivalent to one per thousand of population.

"We have a third bill which is to make it illegal to sell liquor to children in public houses under the age of sixteen. If I could

tell you some of the iniquitous dodges which the publicans have for compelling children to acquire the taste for liquor, you would not wonder that I plead most earnestly that that bill may be passed."

Referring to the duty of our citizens here, she made the following appeal :

"I shall never forget going down one of the streets of Boston after midnight. Never shall I forget the sincere feeling of sorrow that this great republic should have at its heart the same snake that we have eating the life out of England. Never shall I forget the feeling of mortification that the New World is not better than the Old. And I do ask you to range yourselves on the side of us who are fighting this black dragon of drink. It may be far off, the time when we shall have no more the swinging doors of the public house, it may be a long time before any nation shall have the courage to prohibit the manufacture of alcohol and liquor, to be taken as a drink; but we can, at any rate, lay the foundations upon which our sons and daughters shall build a wiser and better nation than our own. We teetotalers in England are not going to rest satisfied with anything short of total prohibition. We think that, when a mad dog is at a man's throat, it is better to do away the dog altogether, that he may not harm other men. We think that this curse of drink is spoiling the character of our people and retarding the progress of the world. We feel that it is the duty of all civilized persons and all civilized nations to plant themselves on the side of opposition."

Some time ago the thought was expressed in these temperance columns that the time might come when the State (or each city) would not consider it outside of its province to appropriate money for the support of temperance club rooms in those parts of the cities where saloons now flourish. This, it was said, would not be different in principle from the appropriation of money to amuse the people on the "glorious Fourth" or to furnish them with public libraries and reading-rooms. The following paragraph from the Boston Herald will show that some such

idea is looked upon with favor in Eng

land:

"In answer to a suggestion made in the Review of Reviews that the board schools of London be opened to the public for social neighborly gatherings to rival the streets and the public houses, the only places free to such persons who have only sleeping-rooms of their own, the London Chronicle pertinently says: 'We have a strong impression that, if this idea were systematically carried out all over London and our other cities and towns, it would do as much for temperance among the people as Sir William Har

court's local veto bill. At any rate, it would usefully supplement that measure, and it would do so without raising any political squabbles about compensating syndicates of brewers and distillers. And to what better use can these great structures, which are the chief pride, perhaps, of modern London, be put than to be the educational nurseries of children by day and the schools of manners and refinement, the social salons of King Demon, by night?""

A special commission has been appointed by Gov. Russell of Massachusetts for the investigation of the Gothenburg system of regulating the sale of intoxicating beverages. Lowell, Rev. J. G. Brooks, and Dr. Henry The commissioners named are Judge John

P. Bowditch. Rev. Mr. Brooks has been

making a special study of this system during his visit in Germany.

Our Young People, the paper issued by the joint committee of the guilds, Unity Clubs, and the Unitarian Temperance Society, made up from those pages of the Unitarian which are of special interest to these societies will continue for another year.

Members of the Unitarian Temperance Society are asked to subscribe for it, and thus help it to fulfil its mission. Should the subscription list be considerably enlarged, the paper will be improved by the publication of articles prepared especially for its use. The subscription price is twenty-five cents a year, which may be sent to Rev. George W. Cooke, 25 Beacon Street, Boston.

C. R. ELIOT.

LITERARY NOTES.

"The Evolution of Religion." By Edward Caird. New York: Macmillan & Co. 2 vols. The contribution made in these volumes to the interesting theories discussed is very considerable. The chapters represent the Gifford lectures delivered before the University of St. Andrews, Glasgow, from 1890 to 1892, with some additions and amplification. Prof. Caird certainly has the gift of lucidity; and we find remarkably little of the technical phraseology of philosophy, although the profoundest philosophical problems are roundly handled. The aim of the work is more than to give a history of the steps of religious evolution: it is to give some interpretation of the signs of the times, some clew or theory by which the earnest inquirer may distinguish between the transitory and permanent, between the change that is change merely and the change that is change plus growth. Prof. Caird seeks to maintain "a critical spirit without agnosticism and a reasonable faith without dogma

tism." This is the ideal attitude, and admirably adhered to throughout. For example, in the opening considerations as to the proper field in which a science of religion can operate, Prof. Caird allows that the variations in religious development are so great as to lead some to suppose the succession of religions to be but the "play of the wayward fancy"; yet, even so, he maintains the problem of these changes would be a fit field of study. Granting this freedom of field, he never loses sight of the "one principle of life which masks itself in all these various forms." The philosophic basis by the help of which Prof. Caird proceeds is, as far as it can be stated in a sentence, that in the development of man's consciousness the order is first object, then self, then reconciling medium, or God, this consciousness of God being as truly one of the primary elements of human intelligence as consciousness of self or of object. In the careful historical review of the gradual development of the religions of the world this theoretical supposition receives the testimony of well-supported data.

The second volume deals with the relation of Judaism to Christianity and the development of Christianity itself. In the remarkably penetrating treatment of Judaism a great deal is made of the fatal effect of that subjective attitude which resulted in isolation of personality from universality. Christianity came as revealing the reconciling medium. It is not that subjective religion is wrong, nor the early objective conceptions of Paganism, but that they are partial truths. Christiauity brought a new organic conception of objective and subjective life, united in a life of the spirit, which is of God. Probably the most interesting chapters of these interesting volumes will generally be considered to be those on the development of Christianity both before and since the Reformation. No condensed statement can give any adequate sense of the wonderfully delicate way in which, through these chapters, the bud of Christian truth is seen to unfold its petals to the wooing influences of its natural environment. F. B. M.

The last article in the New World for

June-"Andrew Preston Peabody: An Appreciation," by P. S. Moxom-is the first to which many readers will turn. Happily, there is no longer occasion for marvel that such cordial words of praise for a Unitarian preacher should come from the pastor of a

Baptist church; but the paper is a surprise because of its fine felicity of phrase. There is hardly a conspicuous trait of Dr. Peabody's character that is not hit off with wonderful precision. "The winning urbanity and fine courtesy of his manners, "the massive simplicity and purity of his character," "his restfulness and benignity," will serve

as examples. Indeed, of all that has been said and written about Dr. Peabody, this article in the New World is by far the best that has come to our notice.

What Mr. Crooker has to say on "The Congregational Polity" furnishes a capital although unintentional reply to Mr. Tunis's recent essay on "The Use of a Liturgy." Mr. Tunis declares that no church should use a liturgy unless it is gathered about the sacrificial idea, while Mr. Crooker argues that the Congregational polity was the necessary creation of the idea of a church "free from the sacrificial theory and practice" and using educational methods. Evidently, the church in Helena, like many another in our body, will have to turn away from a liturgy in name, although it may accept precisely the same thing, when called a "responsive service."

The highest praise that can be given Dr. Everett's contribution on "Tennyson and Browning as Spiritual Forces" is to say that in it the author is at his best. Those who are interested in Prof. Weissmann's views will find helpful criticisms in Batchelor's "Triple Standard of Ethics" and Morgan's "Evolution: A Restatement." The Ministers' Institute is brought to our doors by Mr. Peters's paper on "The Origin of the Psalter," which begins with a very discriminating review of Cheyne. The articles named, with two others of no less value, on "Modern Explanations of Religion," by Hermann Schultz, and "The Social Movement in French Protestantism, by Elisée Bost, and the usual book reviews, make up a number which no prudent minister will take with him on his summer vacation. It is a book for the study-table, and not for a flat rock by the seaside or a shady spot among the hills. W. W. FENN.

"A Book of Remembrance." Geo. H. Ellis, Boston, publisher. This is a pamphlet sermon written by Dr. A. P. Peabody, and intended to be preached in King's Chapel. The accident which hastened the end of his mature life intervened, and this sermon is now printed by request of the wardens and vestry of King's Chapel. It is a beautiful memento of a saintly soul. It treats in a tender and pleasing manner of the use of memory, especially as contributing to the happiness of old age.

writers, was notoriously careless and peTennyson, the most painstaking of culiar in his dress. When he took his degree of D.C.L. at Oxford, he stalked dramatically up the aisle, his hair flowing over his shoulders, his hands covered with gloves several sizes too large for him. spectacle was too much for the irreverent undergraduates, one of whom cried out in penetrating tones, "Did your mother call you early, Alfred, dear?" The shout that went up was like the roar of many waters.

The

The Critic of May 27 contains the following list of the ten American books that have received the largest number of votes from its readers during the past few weeks, with the number of votes cast for each work. Emerson's Essays (512); Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter" (493); Longfellow's Poems (444); Mrs. Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (431); Dr. Holmes's "Autocrat" (388); Irving's "Sketch Book" (307); Lowell's Poems (269); Whittier's Poems (256); Wallace's "Ben Hur" (250); Motley's "Rise of the Dutch Republic" (246). As in the case of Lowell, Hawthorne, and Irving, other works than the one chosen received votes, the popularity of these authors as indicated by the votes cast would be represented as follows: Hawthorne (643); Emerson (545); Lowell (535); Irving (496); Longfellow (458); Stowe (437); Holmes (417); Motley (275); Whittier (274); Wallace (252).

D. C. Heath & Co. publish this month "An Introduction to the Study of the Dependent, Defective, and Delinquent Classes," a text-book designed for teachers' and ministers' institutes, clubs and students of sociology, by Prof. Charles R. Henderson, of the University of Chicago.

The British and Foreign Unitarian Association has sent to the Unitarian Exhibit at the World's Fair, Chicago, a large collection of books and tracts by English Unitarians, also photographs of Dr. Martineau, Dr. Drummond, Prof. J. Estlin Carpenter, Rev. Messrs. Stopford A. Brooke, P. H. Wicksteed, Dr. Crosskey, Dr. Brooke Herford, Mrs. Humphrey Ward, the editors of the Inquirer and the Christian Life, the president and the secretary of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, and a number of other English Unitarians of eminence.

We doubt if anywhere there has appeared a better account of the remarkable Women's Congress, with which the series of World's Fair Congresses began, than that of Mrs. Woolley in last month's Unitarian.

Our

this month's "Chicago Letter" is scarcely less interesting. Indeed, Mrs. Woolley's monthly letters during the World's Fair will be a feature of the Unitarian of especial interest and value this year. We believe that no reader, whether he visits the Fair or not, will be willing to miss a single letter; while many will wish to bind the year's volume of the Unitarian for the sake of preserving them.

It is announced that the School of Applied Ethics in Plymouth, Mass., will not hold a summer session this year on account of the Chicago Congresses and other rival attractions. Meanwhile we are told that a

friend has recently made a donation to the school of a beautiful plot of twenty-one acres of ground at Plymouth, upon which it is hoped to erect lecture halls, dormitories, etc., for the better accommodation of students. The plan is always hereafter to hold a summer session at Plymouth and a winter session in connection with one of the great universities of the country.

Charles H. Kerr & Co., Chicago, has just begun the publication of a new periodical entitled New Occasions, "a magazine of social and industrial progress" (32 pages), edited by B. F. Underwood.

The author of the excellent little book on "Prayer," noticed in the last Unitarian, is Rev. George H. Deere (not Dure, as incorrectly printed). Dr. Deere is one of the strong men of the Universalist body.

The Church Exchange.-This is a new eight-page monthly published in the interest of the Maine Conference of Unitarian Churches. We are in receipt of No. 1, vol. i., which certainly promises remarkably well. The contents show that the main purpose of the paper is to bring the churches of the State into closer relationship, that the common interest and common purpose of all may be felt as a help to make religious life stronger. As a missionary organ, the paper will be of great service in keeping the older societies in touch with the newer. This number contains a fine sermon on experiencing religion by Rev. Seth C. Beach, a quotation from James Freeman Clarke on "The Church," many interesting reports as to the standing and present prospects of the various churches throughout the State, and editorial notes.

[News items are solicited from all our ministers and other workers. Send them to the EDITOR OF THE UNITARIAN, 141 FRANKLIN ST., BOSTON, before the 18th of the month.]

Mr. Edwin Milton Fairchild, a member of the Senior Class in Andover Theological Seminary, having sustained a thorough examination covering all points bearing upon his qualifications for the work of the Unitarian ministry, and having satisfied the Committee on Fellowship that he is in all respects worthy of their approval, is hereby commended to the fellowship of our ministers and the confidence of our churches.

W. L. CHAFFIN, Chairman,

D. W. MOREHOUSE, Secretary.

Mr. Frederick A. McCartney, a member Seminary, having sustained a thorough exof the Senior Class in Andover Theological amination covering all points bearing upon his qualifications for the work of the Unitarian ministry, and having satisfied the Committee on Fellowship that he is in all respects worthy of their approval, is hereby commended to the fellowship of our ministers and the confidence of our churches. W. L. CHAFFIN, Chairman.

D. W. MOREHOUSE, Secretary. Andover, N.H.-The thirty-first annual meeting of the New Hampshire Unitarian Association was held here June 22. It was an inspiring meeting. Rev. Enoch Powell of Nashua opened the session, on the evening of June 21, with a fine practical address on "Suggestions from the Realms of Common Sense." Rev. J. C. Mitchell led the devotional exercises on Thursday morning. After business and "field" reports the Association listened to the following papers: "Things to be Done," Rev. W. H. Ramsay, Manchester; "Right Methods," Rev. D. M. Wilson, superintendent of work in New England; "Our Message: Its Place and Worth," Rev. Grindall Reynolds, secretary of American Unitarian Association, Boston. The discussion was opened by Rev. A. J.