believed that, notwithstanding our different church or denominational names, the cause we all have at heart is one and the same. Why, then, should we not come into more active co-operation? In isolation and division are discouragement and weakness: in sympathy and union are inspiration and strength." It was in this spirit that all came together, and in this spirit everything was done and said from the first word to the last:

The Institute was planned with the interests and needs of the ministers primarily in view: hence the themes discussed during the day sessions were largely such as pertained to the minister's work. Some themes, however, were of general interest. The evening sessions were popular in their nature. To these the public was invited, and excellent audiences came out.

Rev. Charles Fluhrer of Grand Rapids was chosen president of the Institute, and Rev. H. T. Root of Grand Haven and Rev. G. A. Sahlin of Benton Harbor secretaries.

Rev. T. B. Forbush of Chicago preached the opening sermon, taking for his subject "The Larger Gospel." After the sermon a reception in the church parlors was given to the ministers by the Ann Arbor society, thus offering an excellent opportunity for all to get acquainted,- an opportunity much appreciated, since this was the first time the liberal ministers of the State generally had ever met.

There were brief morning devotional meetings, led by Rev. W. L. Gibbs of Concord and Rev. W. S. Goodell of Portland. Rev. S. R. Calthrop of Syracuse, N.Y., read a masterly paper on "The Primitive Gospel [which he identified essentially with our Mark] and its Life of Christ." There were addresses upon "What to do with the Children of our Parishes," by Rev. II. L. Thornton of Lapeer; "What to do with our Young People," by Rev. D. Rowen of Detroit and Rev. M. L. Estey of Decatur; "The Funeral Service, and how to conduct it," by Rev. W. A. Taylor of Jackson; "Burial Usages and Funeral Reform," by Rev. J. M. Getchell of Marshall; "Mid-week and Other Social Religious Meetings," by Mr. C. S. Udell of Grand Rapids and Rev. H. N. Couden of Port Huron. All these were accompanied with discussions, some of which were unusually animated, interesting, and suggestive.

Perhaps the central subject of discussion in the Institute, and the one to which most time was given, was that of "Reasons for Cooperation among all Liberal Christians; and Practical Methods of such Co-operations." The discussion of this theme was opened by short addresses by Rev. James Gorton of Tecumseh, Rev. J. Merrifield, of Scotts, Rev. W. D. Simonds of Battle Creek, and Rev. G. W. Buckley of Sturgis, urging that Unitarians, Universalists, and Independent Congregationalists, all preach essentially the same gospel, and are trying to accomplish essentially the same results in their work by essentially the same methods, and therefore ought to cultivate the feeling of unity and brotherhood, and put forth efforts for practical co-operation, to an extent far greater than they have ever done in the past.

An interesting feature of the Institute was that of two addresses by laymen; namely, by Hon. S. W. Hopkins of Mt. Pleasant, president of the State Senate, and Prof. Austin George of the State Normal School, Ypsilanti, on "The Kind of Preaching needed To-day, as Laymen look at the Matter." These gentlemen of the pews gave their brethren of the pulpit some excellent hints and suggestions, not to say advice, which it is hoped the latter will lay well to heart.

Rabbi Louis Grossman of Detroit gave an address upon "Reformed Judaism, and its Relation to Liberal Christianity." Dr. V. C. Vaughn of the university was down on the programme for a paper on "The Duties of Ministers in Relation to Public Health and Sanitary Science"; but, being unavoidably absent in the East, Mr. Laurence Gronlund, the distinguished writer on socialism, took his place, and gave a very able, if not wholly convincing, lecture on what he called "The Moral Regeneration of the Nation," setting forth strongly the leading arguments in favor of a somewhat modified form of socialism. Thursday afternoon was mainly devoted to a visit to the library, art gallery, museums, and laboratories of the university, under guidance of Profs. Pettee, Greene, and Hall. At the two evening platform meetings the subjects were, respectively, "Religious Progress" and "Salvation," with addresses upon the first by Mr. Calthrop, Rev. Howard MacQueary of Saginaw, and Dr. Fluhrer, and upon the last by Mr. Dickerman, Mr. Root, Mr. Sahlin, Rev. Caroline J.

I think it was the general feeling at the close that the Institute had been a very gratifying success, and ought to be followed by many more such gatherings in the future. Prompted by this feeling, the following resolutions were passed unanimously and with much enthusiasm at the final session:

Resolved, That we desire before separating to express our sense of the value of the opportunity which this Institute has afforded the liberal ministers of the State, for the first time in their history, to meet and form each other's personal acquaintance, and to confer together upon great subjects of com

mon concern.

Resolved, further, That, in our judgment, it will be practicable and wise to plan for a similar Institute next year; and we hereby appoint as a committee to make arrangements for the same the followingnamed brethren:

Rev. W. D. Simonds, Battle Creek, Rev. Charles Fluhrer, D.D., Grand Rapids, Rev. Howard MacQueary, Saginaw, Rev. H. T. Root, Grand Haven, Rev. Caroline J. Bartlett, Kalamazoo, Rabbi Louis Grossman, Detroit, and Mr. Giles B. Stebbins, Detroit.

It is to be hoped that the example set by the liberal ministers of Wisconsin and Michigan in these two Institutes will be followed in other States. Nothing came out more clearly in the Ann Arbor meetings than the fact that at least Universalists, Unitarians, and such independent churches as those of Dr. Thomas and Prof. Swing in Chicago and Mr. Simonds of Battle Creek, and others, are absolutely one in their central thought, their aim, and their spirit. Why, then, should they submit to the continued weakness of separation and isolation, when they may have, if they will, the added strength that comes from comradeship and co-operation? The liberal Christian cause in this country would be strong in numbers and in influence if it presented a united front. It will be weak and comparatively uninfluential so long as it remains divided. Let us all do whatever lies in our power to break down the spirit of sectarianism and distrust that is too strong among us. claim to be liberal and broad. Let us be liberal and broad enough to subordinate party names to the great things which we have in common. We ought at no distant

We

CHICAGO LETTER.

J. T. S.

To admit that it is past the middle of April is to confess to another date by implication, the long expected first of May on which the whole world is supposed to have its eye fixed. As a patriotic citizen of the World's Fair city, I am bound to say, as the members of the directory do in published interviews, that everything will be ready on that day. The button will be pressed which sets the machinery in motion,—I have forgotten whether it is baby Ruth or the Infanta of Spain whose small finger is to inaugurate the great event,-the gate-keepers will be in their places, banners will wave and trumpets sound, hotel clerks bow and charge, and visiting victims pay. As a citizen of the world, with sympathies and interests all alive to the needs of everybody in general and nobody in particular, which is coming to be the approved spirit and method in all things, I do not see how this is to be brought about, or I should not see if the Fair were to be held anywhere else; but a fortnight from now we shall look back with delighted complacency to the scenes of unfinished turmoil and haste which now reign at Jackson Park.

Expectation heightens with regard to the coming Congress of Representative Women of which I spoke in my last. Clara Morris has consented to speak for her profession in the discussion on the Pulpit and the Stage, in which, as I wrote, Miss Bartlett speaks for Women in the Ministry. Miss Safford of Sioux City takes part in the programme for the 17th. The Federation of Women's Clubs holds a meeting Thursday, a recep tion being given in its honor in the afternoon by our Chicago club.

Our Western Unitarian headquarters has just finished its spring cleaning in preparation for the May conference and the summer influx of visitors from home and abroad. Members of the four Unitarian churches of the city have contributed to repair and refurnish the rooms; and freshly papered walls and newly carpeted floors will do their part in presenting a homelike gather

ing-place for the faithful. It will be of interest to the outside Unitarian to know that this work of keeping our Chicago headquarters in order has never devolved upon the conference, the money for the purpose always having been supplied in the form of contributions from resident friends. This is as it should be, since the city profits in its own way by such a centre, and should bear its special share of responsibility in maintaining it.

The hope of a new liberal organization of women in Chicago, gathered from all the liberal sects, of which I spoke in my April letter, has already blossomed into a near probability. A small company of women, representing the four Unitarian churches, met the other day, and appointed a committee on organization; and another and larger meeting will be called in the latter part of May, to perfect plans which so far have met the enthusiastic support of all those women who have become acquainted with them. It is too early yet to describe the exact character of the new society; but it is the wish of those most actively engaged in the work to keep it free from all denominational lines and entanglements, and to make the conditions of membership so easy, with a merely nominal fee and bi-monthly meetings, that no existing societies formed for missionary purposes need suffer from a sense of rivalry.

The annual meeting of the Western Unitarian Conference and its allied organizations will be held in Unity Church on May 16-19. As already announced in the Unitarian, the conference sermon is to be preached by Rev. S. M. Crothers of St. Paul. An interesting programme is preparing for the Western Conference, the Women's Conference, and the Sunday School Society; and it is hoped that our churches and Sunday-schools in the West generally will be represented.

The Chicago Ethical Culture Society held its tenth anniversary a few evenings ago, with a social reunion and banquet at Kinsley's. Mr. Mangasarian's work has been of a striking quality. He is an accomplished orator, speaking easily and with a pleasing mixture of earnestness and eloquence on high and important themes. He draws large audiences, which fill the Opera House in which the society's meetings are held.

One most encouraging feature of these meetings is the large proportion of young men in constant attendance. The work of Sunday morning instruction of the young still goes on in a small hall in the centre of the city; but I understand Mr. Mangasarian has made it a condition of his continued stay here that there shall be a speedy extension of practical work, of a philanthropic and reformatory order. It is certainly much to his credit that he is unwilling the society should stand for a mere lectureship. It never has done so, but active inside work is as difficult to carry on here as in some of our churches. It is easier to be a listener of the word than a doer, wherever we are. The society recorded a hopeful innovation in its methods at this annual meeting by the election of a woman upon the board of trustees, Miss Juniata Stafford, a former teacher in our public schools and a trained thinker and worker, who will fill her new position with credit to herself and help to the work in which she is so deeply interested.

Miss Mila F. Tupper has resigned her pulpit in Grand Rapids, Mich., and will not at present resume preaching, having made arrangements to remain in Chicago for a time, taking up her residence in Hull House, that abode of happy, consecrated effort for the needy and unfortunate. Miss Tupper desires to study at this near vantage point those social problems in which her main interest lies, and some knowledge of which must enter into the modern minister's work. Another sign of the growing interest in this line of thought is the announcement of a new publication by Mr. Kerr, edited by Mr. B. F. Underwood, to be called New Occasions, which, we are told, will stand committed to "no one panacea, but will offer a free platform for all who have some particular suggestion to make, and can put it into concise and forcible form." The new venture will be placed at the low price of one dollar a year. Mr. Underwood's experience as editor of the Index has fitted him to conduct other journalistic enterprises of high and thoughtful character, and we wish the new maga zine the success it will undoubtedly de

THE COMING RELIGION OF HU

MANITY.

[Dedicated to Rev. Thomas Van Ness.]

Like rising tide on waiting shore,
Pure reason comes to gladden earth:
Its searching waves the shoals explore

With beauty, strength, and priceless worth! Like dawning day, it steals along,

Men wake surprised to find it here;
Like May, it brings both flower and song,
And health and joy with it appear!
What glorious good its prophets see!
What promise to the royal Now!
Its equal rights shall make us free;

Where swords have clashed shall come its plough!

'Twill cure dark poverty and crime,

Help mind with sunlight love and dew, Teach all the happiness of time,

And here and now our youth renew!

So Man was sent to conquer fate,

To win this summer kingdom wide, To drive away despair and hate,

And be to men a help and pride! We've strength to do the work we need; There is no good we cannot gain; Such thought inspires heroic deed,

And laughs at pictured toil and pain! As Spring returns to bless the land,

And change to life its sleep of death,
So Love and Justice hearts expand,

And breathe in souls creative breath!
They teach the nations far and near
To share what art and nature give;
They make a brotherhood sincere,

And gain for every child to live!
Now men for this will dare to die:

They'll pay demanded gift of grief To consummate such glory high,

And bring to wrong its prayed relief! Behold the poor oppressed by power!

Slave-toil of millions for vain wealth! Ease revels like a summer flower;

And vampire robs the people's health! Away then greed that feeds the few,

The shame that turns all gold to dust! Away the wars long centuries knew!

Come speeding on, O time of trust!
Be earth a grand united race;

Join all to glorify the All;
Give Man majestic truth and grace;
Obey Humanity's clear call!

So bondsmen shall free service find;

Sad hearts shall rest and courage know;
True love shall fellowship each mind,
And paradise about us grow!

It comes like Summer with her store;
Like Autumn brings its fruit so fair
Its tide makes music on our shore;
Its balm of bliss is in the air!

WILLIAM BRUNTON.

LIBERAL CHRISTIANS.

The name "Liberal Christian" is a most significant and noble name. It may well be cherished, especially by all Unitarians and Universalists, for several reasons: 1. It interprets the deepest and best meaning of both Universalism and Unitarianism; 2. It unites not only Unitarians and Universalists, but with them the broader and more progressive minds of all other Christian churches, and many outside of all churches; 3. The word "liberal" means "free," in the original sense of the Latin words liber and liberi. The liberi in the Roman home were the children, as opposed to the slaves and domestics.

The Founder of Christianity teaches that all men sustain the relation of children to the Universal Father. They are all, not bondmen, but sons and daughters of Almighty God in a Father's home. Therefore, no theology nor religious corporation has any right in any degree to enslave, ostracize, or persecute them. They are free. "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." "Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." This species of freedom is not license. It puts all the children under the most sacred bonds of holy obedience to the Father, and under the most solemn obligations to find his truth and do his will. This is the only true liberty. License is not liberty, but slavery of the worst species. The true idea of liberty is that of the estate and relations of a child in a Father's home.

Let us, therefore, who prize the liberty we have in Christ, who cherish our freedom as children of God and brothers of all men, make more and more use of this noble name of ours,-Liberal Christians.

Elgin, Ill.

A. N. ALCOTT.

LIBERAL RELIGION AT THE

WORLD'S FAIR.

The real religious exhibit of this year will of course be at the World's Congress, where during the weeks of September we can hear some of the most famous leaders of liberal thought from all parts of the world.

But there is also to be a religious exhibit at Jackson Park itself, lasting the whole six months of the Fair. In the Liberal Arts Building space has been allowed to various religious bodies, and among them to the "Unitarian Church of America." We are fitting up our space as a beautiful Greek temple, where we shall see the faces, not of the old gods, but of Emerson and Parker and Channing and other kindred souls. And the walls of the temple will be lined with the works of our liberal thinkers, both English and American.

The American Unitarian Association will send a complete set of its own publications as well as a collection of other religious books written by Unitarians. And we have word from England that the British and Foreign Unitarian Association will do the

same.

The Unitarian Sunday School Society will have a full set of its Sunday School manuals on exhibition, as will also our Western Society, and it is hoped the Sunday-school Society of England. So that a visit to the spot will amply repay the Sunday-school worker. New methods and new manuals can be examined, and new hints received that ought to give our Sunday-school a great impulse. We hope our teachers will not forget to visit the place. It will be a pleasant rendezvous and resting-place for all of the liberal faith, as it will be furnished with chairs and a centre-table containing all of our periodicals.

But its chief value will be as a great missionary work. Thousands of people who know nothing of free religion will pass its classic portals each day for six months. Many will look in and see the busts and portraits of the noble and honored men who have held our free faith. And, certainly, hundreds will enter and examine; and some of them may carry away thoughts which may prove a new revelation to them.

We should be thankful for any suggestion which would help make it more useful or attractive.

Hinsdale, Ill.

A. W. GOULD, Chairman of Committee.

Spring is a constantly recurring miracle, in the only sense in which that word ought ever to be used.

HELP FOR JAPAN.

Editors of the Unitarian :

Referring to the letter from Clay MacCauley in regard to "The Immediate Need in Japan," I beg to say, Why not give the poor man as well as the rich an opportunity of subscribing to the fund for the Japan Mission, by calling for a dime collection to be taken up at all the Unitarian churches? The Roman Catholics and many of our Trin. itarian churches have long since learned that small amounts are not to be despised; and I am inclined to think that the amount asked for, and considerable besides, would be forthcoming from such an effort. I enclose herewith ten dimes collected from friends to whom I suggested the idea.

I, with many others, would like to see the Unitarians come down from their pedestal, and try the dime collection for once. Buffalo, N. Y., April 18, 1893.

S. W.

He comes; and, a defeated king,
Old Winter to the hills is fled.

The warm wind broke his frosty spear,
And loosed the helmet from his head;
And he weak showers of arrowy sleet
From his strongholds has vainly sped.
All that was sleeping is awake,
And all is living that was dead.
Who listens now can hear the streams
Leap tinkling from their pebbly bed,

Or see them, from their fetters free,
Like silver snakes the meadows thread.
The joy, the life, the hope of earth,
They slept awhile, they were not dead.

O thou who say'st thy sore heart ne'er With verdure can again be spread;