tice in the earlier days of Congregationalism in this country, when the laymen literally ordained or installed their ministers and proclaimed the new relationship of pastor and people.

"Dear Mr. Phalen, we, the members of the Second Congregational (Unitarian) Society of Concord, with great unanimity invited you to become our pastor because we needed you.

"It is with a realizing sense of obligation on our part that we to-night take upon ourselves the duties implied by this new relation, emphasized as they have been by our friends from neighboring parishes of our own faith, and especially by those of our former pastors who have taken part in these

services.

"I stand here to pledge you our united and loyal support, our sympathy and our best endeavors for the realization of that end; and I call upon all the members of this society to bear witness to the promise I make in their name, and to labor for its fulfilment.

"And now it only remains for me, speaking for this people, one and all, to bid you and yours a cordial and fraternal welcome, not only to this parish, but to our city and State, to our homes and our hearts."

Decorah, Ia.-Unity Church is passing through a second crisis in the leaving of her two ministers, Rev. U. G. B. Pierce and his wife, Florence L. Pierce. Nothing less than the plain need of a milder climate would have severed the connection, as they had begun the second year's work, where they could begin to see the fruit of their labor, and we of the church were learning more fully the delights of working with them.

Though the few inay still need to bear a greater portion of the burden, many of us are finding congenial work in connection with the church. We have Unity Church Sunday-school, Columbia Club (which is our study class), the Sewing Circle, and a new working circle of girls, which as yet has no name.

In our sense of loss, I trust we are finding one of the lessons Mr. and Mrs. Pierce would have us keep,-that each one of us should have a certain part of the work, and that we should have the whole in such order that the changes in ministry will not stop our working. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have gone to California, and make San Bernardino their first stopping-place. They wish to get to work with as little delay as possible, and we hope some part of the great State may soon be so fortunate as to prove their energy.

Dedham, Mass.-The Parish Record, formerly published as a monthly paper, is now issued weekly, and contains all notices and announcements which would otherwise be given from the pulpit. The church is

active and earnest in work and spirit, and furnishes opportunities to every member for useful co-operation, having among its auxiliary societies a guild, a Unity Club, a Dorothea Dix Circle, a Send Me Circle, a Good-will Club, and the Society of Busy Bees.

Denver, Col.-"Unity Church," writes a correspondent, "has beard with inexpressible regret the resignation of its beloved minister, Rev. S. A. Eliot. Mr. Eliot will accept the call that has come to him, all unsolicited, from the Church of the Saviour in Brooklyn, N. Y. We are glad that the friends in Brooklyn have recognized the exceptional quality of our minister's work in Colorado, and have called him to their pulpit without ever having seen or heard him; but we cannot be reconciled to Mr. Eliot's going. Our trustees are ready to offer Mr. Eliot a larger salary than he is to receive in Brooklyn; but all our efforts have failed, and last Sunday there were but few dry eyes in the church when Mr. Eliot announced that his resignation must take effect March 1. Mr. Eliot's departure will

be deeply felt in Denver, not only in the church he has served so well, but also in the community at large. The Rocky Mountain Conference will lose its founder and president, the new Colorado Divinity School will lose one of the most active members of its faculty, the Associated Charities will lose its most helpful friend and officer, and all good works in the city will miss Mr. Eliot's wise judgment and willing zeal. Unity Church has had a very successful career under Mr. Eliot's leadership. At his first coming he established himself as one of the leading ministers of the city, and his power has grown with years. This fall our congregations have averaged fifteen hundred people,-certainly one of the largest Unitarian congregations in the country. Our Sunday-school has an average attendance of one hundred and eighty-five, and our literary and charitable societies are flourishing. The musical lectures on Sunday evenings are very successful. The seating capacity of our church is strained. On alternate Sunday evenings we study social problems. A large number of workingmen come to these meetings. On December 4, when Mr. Eliot, Rev. W. C. Selleck, and President Jeffrey of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad spoke on Capital and Labor,' every seat in the church was occupied. Last Sunday Col. G. E. Randolph of the City Cable Company and Hamilton Armstrong of the Federation of Labor spoke on Tradesunionism.' The Trades Assembly attended in a body."

Des Moines, Ia.- The Iowa churches seem to be all looking upward; and, from reports at the recent State conference, much is being done in various ways for the cause of liberality in religion.

The Des Moines church, with its ten years of life, has not grown to the dimensions its friends would like to see. But, when we consider that Des Moines, for a Western city, is very conservative, and that its one Unitarian church has been hampered in ways secular and churchly, its present condition gives ground for a reasonable hope in its future.

The

This fall has marked an enthusiastic renewal of the church work, with perhaps a more energetic belief in its mission. minister in and out of the pulpit has met with hearty response and encouragement, and harmony prevails throughout the church.

There are three clubs, one for men, one for women, and one for both, which are all doing good work in the interests of general culture, and are also a material help to the church.

Last year there were several things which needed very much to be done, but which the church could not see the way to do. But

at the close of the year certain energetic persons said, "These things must be done"; and now the people are surprised to see their more than hopes transformed into facts. For they find their church beautifully repainted outside, the parlor carpeted, a number of repairs made inside and outside the building, a debt for paving, etc., of about two hundred and fifty dollars lifted, and, besides all this, a good male quartette to furnish music. The music committee has worked with unprecedented energy and determination, and by one concert in the opera house cleared almost enough to meet the year's music expenses.

But it is only by hard work that these steps have been taken. And it is hoped that for the greater work which lies ahead the energy and fidelity and sacrifice will not be wanting.

Duluth, Minn.-The Unitarian church of this city was filled to overflowing on the evening of November 29 at the ordination and installation services of Rev. Franklin Chester Southworth, the young and enthusiastic minister who has lately come to serve as our pastor and make bright the future of this society. The following ministers took part in the services: Rev. F. L. Hosmer, Rev. C. J. Staples, Rev. T. B. Forbush, Rev. C. F. Niles, and Rev. S. M. Crothers. For the society Mr. G. A. Leland welcomed the new minister, and pronounced the words of installation.

Elgin, Ill.-The Universalist society here has nearly ready for dedication a beautiful new church. Rev. A. N. Alcott is doing a work of great strength. Steady and growing prosperity has attended the seven years of his ministry here.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-The church here has lately netted nearly three hundred dollars from the "Jubilee Singers." A steady increase in attendance. The Unity Circle

every

Monday, the conference meetings every Wednesday, the club on alternate Tuesdays, two services every Sunday, besides Sunday-school, keep up the activities of religious life.

Greenfield, Mass.-The Greenfield Unitarian, published by the Young People's Guild in the interest of the church, contains, in its December number, a very interesting condensed historical review of the growth of the church here. The society was organized in 1825, and the present meetinghouse built in 1837. Under the strong direction of its present pastor, Rev. A. A. Brooks, the society is making excellent progress.

Mis

Hillsboro Bridge, N.H.-Unity sion has been organized with an Executive Committee of five, a Music Committee, a Flower Committee, a Committee on a Social and Literary Club. A Ladies' Aid Society is also organized. The movement is under the special direction of Rev. A. J. Rich of Milford, chairman of State Committee on Missionary Work; and he preaches there twice a month, Sunday evenings. There was preaching the last season on the Plain; but from one hundred and fifty the congregation dwindled to seven, and so all was given up. This movement of organization and regular services, even so seldom, and with a vote to maintain services for a year, is likely to be a success. In three months the congregations have increased from thirty-two the first to two hundred and fifty the last meeting. The officers and other movers of this mission are from among the best citizens of the enterprising and growing town, which is the home of our governorelect. Efforts will be made to secure church building-lot. The Milford pastor gives up every other Sunday evening's services to Hillsboro, thirty-two miles away. The mission has started mainly on a selfsupporting basis, which means, a self-respecting and a self-strengthening, successful basis.

a

Iowa City, Ia.-The local papers speak in high praise of the sermons of Rev. C. E. Perkins, especially a series which he has been preaching upon "Problems of the Day." Several of these have been reported with considerable fulness.

Khasi and Jaintia Hills, India.-The annual meetings of the Khasi Unitarians were held at Nongtáláng (Jáintiá Hills) on the 6th and 7th of October, 1892. The anniversary was opened with a devotional service on the evening of the 6th, after which a special meeting of the leading Unitarians was held.

At 10 A. M. on the 7th there was a business meeting; and, after the reading of the record for the past year, among other things the circular of the Joint Committee on the Unitarian Congress to be held in

Chicago, U.S.A., in 1893, printed in the Unitarian for September, and the editorial at page 435 of the same magazine regarding the intention of the English Unitarians to send out missionaries to India to help us, were explained in Khási. The meeting passed a resolution expressing its gratitude and sending greetings to the American Unitarian Association, to the National Conference of the Unitarians, America, to the National Alliance of the Unitarian Women, America, to the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, to Mr. Akbár Másih, Bándá, N.W.P., to Rev. William Roberts, Madras, and to the brethren and friends in the hills who were unable to attend the meetings.

The second meeting was held at 3 P. M., and sermons were delivered by U Riáng Pohlong, the lay preacher, and U Kissor Singh.

The last meeting was held in the evening at 6 P.M. Sermons were preached by U Heh Pohlong and U Sahon Ráy (recently come over to us from the Methodist body).

over

The small meeting-house was crowded, and many persons had to stand outside the house.

While the third meeting was being held, Messrs. U Kissor Singh, U Riáng Pohlong, and other friends proceeded to the village of Nonglámin, where they were cordially received by the Unitarians of that place. Mr. Kissor Singh preached "the religion of God" to a number of villagers; and, after singing some hymns, the party returned to Nongtáláng by the help of the moonlight, being well satisfied and full of hope for the

future.

HAJOM KISSOR SINGH.

Keokuk, Ia.-On a recent Sunday thirtyfour new members were received into the Unitarian church by the right hand of fellowship and baptism. A correspondent says, "Increased congregations have been the order all the year, and new life in all departments."

Los Angeles, Cal.-The idea of a Woman's Parliament was originated by Rev. Lila Sprague of Pomona, and acted upon by some of the women of Unity Church who have made a grand beginning in the cause of reform for the church, the home, and society. Invitations sent to all liberal Christians to unite in this mighty work met with a hearty response, as nearly all the orthodox churches were represented.

Words are inadequate to express the deep earnestness and intense sympathy of this

noble body of women, while listening to truths presented to them in a new light. We hope that Northern California, and, indeed, all the United States, will join hearts and hands in this Woman's Parliament of Southern California. Papers read at the parliament will be printed in book form.

Manchester, N.H.-Since Rev. W. H. Ramsay was installed as pastor of our church, the attendance at Sunday services has. very largely increased. Our Sundayschool has been well organized, and also increased in numbers. For five years the society has given nothing to the American Unitarian Association, but this year we shall not be left out. Our Unity Club is a remarkably successful organization, numbering one hundred and fifty members. Recently Mr. Ross Turner gave us an address on "The Influence of Art in the Public Schools." The result will probably be that our club will decorate and beautify in some way one of our city school-rooms as an object-lesson.

Marietta, Ohio. The Unitarians of Marietta have for nearly forty years maintained their worship in a community where scarcely any co-operation or countenance has been received from their Trinitarian neighbors, and where the visit of a Unitarian minister from outside has been a rare event. Hence the meeting there of the Central States Conference, December 6 and 7, was an occasion of inspiration to the congregation and its faithful minister, Rev. George H. Rice. The opening sermon was preached by Rev. George A. Thayer of Cincinnati; and addresses upon living themes were made by Rev. O. J. Fairfield, Mrs. George Thornton, and Rev. T. B. Forbush. The visiting delegates received generous hospitality from the parish.

Philadelphia, Pa.-One of the oldest and most honored ministers of the Universalist body is Rev. James Shrigley of this city. He and his wife celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, on the 28th of December, by giving a reception to their many friends. The occasion was one of much interest.

Pittsfield, Mass.-November 23 Rev. Mr. Horst preached in the Universalist church in Cheshire, and on December 4 took part in a union temperance meeting in favor of no-license, which was held in the Methodist Episcopal church, and attended by over two thousand people. On the Sunday before the city election Mr. Horst preached a strong sermon on the liquor traffic, a full abstract of which appeared in the daily paper.

A birthday-box has been started in our Sunday-school, where each member, or any one, can deposit as many or more pennies as he or she is years old. The proceeds will

THE

VOL. VIII.

"Great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth."-JOB Xxxvii. 5, 6.

Whether the events of life are what we call special providences may be questioned. Whether the events of life, adverse or favorable, ought to be improved; whether they may, if we apply ourselves to learn, teach us useful lessons, and be made to enter into life's discipline and instruction, does not admit of dispute. I do not affirm that everything that happens is directly or purposely sent for our good, on the one hand, or our judgment, on the other. I do affirm that out of everything which happens we may extract good if we seek it. The worst and unsightliest thing which comes to us has its evangel, as the ugliest toad is fabled to have a jewel in his preposterous head.

To make the application: whether this snow-storm was sent ou purpose to furnish me a text for this morning may very well be doubted; but, given the snow-storm, it shall read me my sermon, and I will deliver the message to you.

It was upon this wise: after diving deep into my inner consciousness, if haply I might find some pearl of an idea; after vainly seeking inspiration in books, and getting from much study only what Solomon did, "weariness of the flesh," I turned to my window and looked out upon the storm, as the flakes were whirled by the wind among the dark and barren branches of the trees along the street. I watched it, as slowly the snow gathered upon walks and streets and roofs of houses, and

"The poorest twig on the elm-tree
Was ridged inch-deep with pearl,"

No. 2.

white page "He saith

until at last it all seemed a pure,
of the gospel. fresh from God.
to the snow, Be thou on the earth."

It is surely charged with some message from the wise and loving Power that encircles the earth: "Fire and hail, snow and vapor, storm and wind, fulfil his will."

He who spoke from the cloud and whirlwind is himself represented as asking Job, "Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow ?" Perhaps he meant to ask whether Job had wisdom enough to find out the secret storehouses from which the snow came. But we may ask, Hast thou discovered the wealth of meaning in its flakes? Hast thou discovered the lessons that they teach? Hast thou entered into these treasures of the snow?

I. The snow-storm is a revelation of our Father. There is in it a sweeter theology than that of Augustine and Calvin, and something higher than a bread and butter morality.

Old prophets and teachers did not fear to read Nature face to face, nor did they fail to find there the Life that animated all. They did not feel that they were getting away from God, when they stood enraptured among his works. Nay, their hearts were stirred more deeply, and they struck from their harps more triumphant chords, when they beheld his great and manifold works, and knew that "in wisdom he had made them all."

The Psalmist looked out as the dainty flakes fluttered through the still air of Judea, and sang, "He giveth snow like wool,”—so soft and fleecy, so gently did it fall,-robing the valley in dazzling garments and setting a crown of light upon the sacred hill!

"As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven," exclaimed Isaiah, "and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth,