After the reading of the above letter, Rev. Lewis G. Wilson introduced Mr. Edwin J. Lewis, Jr., the architect, who exhibited and explained the plans. Mr. F. J. Dutcher moved that the heartiest thanks of the parish be extended to Messrs. Draper for their great generosity. By a unanimous vote the proposition was accepted, forty-five members being present and voting.

The new church will be built of Milford granite, with trimmings of Indiana limestone; and the interior will be finished in oak. The style of architecture will be English Gothic of the Perpendicular period. The extreme length of the building through the church, including the porch, will be 138 feet.

The extreme width of the church and parish hall will be 131 feet. The inside dimensions of the church proper from the entrance to the pulpit will be 80 feet, width 47 feet. The parish hall, or Sunday-schoolroom, is 30 x 40 feet, the parish parlor 18 x 27, the sewing-room 15 x 18, and the guild-room 20 x 20.

Ithaca, N.Y.-On the evening of May 16 Prof. J. Seth of the Philosophical Department of the university gave an instructive lecture on Epictetus. On the evening of May 23 Prof. J. E. Creighton gave a most thoughtful and helpful review of "The Religious Thought of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries.' The pastor of our church and the pastor of the Union Springs society took part in the Cayuga Association of Universalists, the former speaking on the subject, "A Church: 'A Union of Those who love in the Service of Those who suffer' for Character-building," "' the latter on The Successful Church." The meeting of the association was one of the most successful in its history. Our Unitarian churches were given cordial fellowship, and it is expected hereafter the association will be called "The Cayuga Association of Universalist and Unitarian Churches." The credit for this forward movement for liberal Christianity in this section is due to Rev. O. M. Hilton, the enthusiastic and large-hearted pastor of the Auburn Universalist church, with which church the meetings of the association were

held. Rev. W. A. Smith, a neighboring Congregationalist minister and a Scotchman, gave in our church on the evening of June 11 his lecture on "Robert Burns. The Children's Day" of June 13 was made sacred to the thought of the birds. From illustrations in colors Mr. L, A. Fuertes gave a most delightful talk on birds, imitating many of their notes, delighting the children and helping their thought of being kind to these little brothers of the air. Mr. Fuertes, the son of one of the Cornell professors, is a young man who has the promise of a noble fame in his chosen field of ornithology. He is not only a student of birds, but successful in making drawings of them from nature. He made the plates in the volume just out, "Citizen Bird," by Mabel Osgood Wright and Prof. Elliott Coues. On this day the hand of fellowship was given by the pastor to five, making fifteen who have united with our church during the year.

Kennebunk, Me.-The call extended by this society to Mr. J. D. O. Powers has been accepted. Mr. Powers will begin work the first Sunday in September.

Manistee, Mich.-Rev. George W. Buckley of Battle Creek occupied the pulpit here Sunday, May 30, and delivered two able sermons on the "Conservative and Radical" and "Is Life Worth Living?" The young people have secured a room on Main Street, which they will name "Unity Rest Room," and which they will furnish with chairs and couches, and throw open to the public during the Fourth of July celebration, which in our enterprising town is to continue for three days. Light refreshments will also be served. Rev. T. P. Byrnes has been secured by the committee in charge to deliver the address during the coming Fourth of July celebration.

Meadville, Pa.-The death of Mrs. Frances Shippen Huidekoper removes one more of the early members, as well as one of the stanch supporters of our church. The funeral service was conducted by Mr. Lawrance and Prof. Barber, and consisted of hopeful Scriptures and prayers, read from the American Unitarian Association

66

Book of Prayer and Praise," the selections being chosen by Mrs. Huidekoper's daughter, Mrs. H. P. Kidder, and her brother, Rev. R. R. Shippen. The service at the grave was conducted by Mr. Shippen.

On June 3 Miss Alice E. Roddy, one of our most active and useful young ladies, was married, in the church, to Rev. John H. Applebee of Buffalo. Rev. F. S. C. Wicks of Passaic, Rev. J. C. Kent of Farwell of Northboro, and Mr. H. C. Brooklyn came to Meadville to attend the wedding, and were warmly greeted by their many friends. Sunday, June 6, was observed as "Children's Day." The church

was filled with adults and children, forming the largest morning congregation for many years. Six persons were received into the church, five being older scholars in the Sunday-school; and eight were baptized. Rev. R. R. Shippen made the address. During the approaching vacation the church is to be enlarged, the pews rebuilt, lighting and ventilation improved, and the whole interior decorated. The improvements are expected to cost $2,500, all but $300 of which is in hand. The year's work, now drawing to a close, has been most gratifying; and strong hopes for the future are entertained.

Northfield, Mass.-Rev. Mr. Pressey of Rowe occupied the pulpit of the Unitarian church June 27, in exchange with the pastor. The guild meeting was led by Dr. N. P. Wood, the subject being "Edward Everett Hale."

Omaha, Neb.-On June 8 Dr. Edward Everett Hale read his famous story, "The Man without a Country," before an audience which reflected great credit on Unity Church and Omaha in general. $400 was realized for the church. Sunday, June 13, Rev. N. M. Mann and Dr. Hale exchanged pulpits.

Portland, Ore.-Soon after the departure

of the last conference guests Dr. and Mrs. Eliot went up to their summer home at Hood River. Mr. Wilbur also took a few days' vacation, during which he made the earliest ascent of Mount Hood on record, the snow usually being too deep for climb ing before July. The Women's Auxiliary have just given their second monthly tea in the chapel. The room was prettily decorated in white and green, with great clusters of pink roses on the tables; and many came in for a chat over the cup of tea to which the admission fee of ten cents en

titled them. At the literary meetings of the Auxiliary a series of most interesting talks upon foreign cities have been given. Several branches of the church work have received aid this spring from the Young People's Fraternity, whose annual theatricals, besides proving more than usually enjoyable, left a snug little sum in the treasury.

Ridgewood, NJ.-The ladies of the Unitarian church in Ridgewood surprised their minister, Rev. George H. Badger, at the conclusion of a service a few Sundays ago, by the gift of a handsome bicycle.

Rutherford, N.J.-The children of the Sunday-school recently gave an attractive entertainment, consisting of a child's operetta, entitled "The Dragon Terrible and the Nymph Tiny," written expressly for them by the pastor. Children's Sunday was appropriately observed June 13, the entire morning service being given up to the chil

dren. The church was beautifully adorned with daisies and ferns, and the little people themselves in their songs and exercises made fine accord with these decorations. The Sunday-school is now in excellent condition, full of life and interest. Rev. George H. Badger is giving to the ladies of the Women's Alliance a series of talks on "Evolution." During the spring months he also gave a series of public lectures on "Contemporary Novelists," his subjects being Robert Louis Stevenson, Mrs. Humphry Ward, George Meredith, William Dean Howells, and Thomas Hardy.

Salem, Mass. Rev. Mr. Prescott has been working vigorously in the First Church, and has had good response in point of audiance and interest.

Rev. Mr. Towle of the East Church has accepted a call to become the pastor of the Longwood Church, Brookline. His many friends in Salem regret his departure, and are sure that his brilliant powers will be highly appreciated in the new field, and that our cause at this important point will be well served by him.

A proposal of union between the Barton Square and East Churches is meeting with much favor; and those most interested are

hoping that the union of two of our churches, so long dreamed of, is to be accomplished.

Sheffield, Ill. The church here is in good condition. The pastor, Rev. S. M. Hunter, has been induced, contrary to his intention, to remain six months longer. The two chief public events of Sheffield at this season have come the way of the church. They are the memorial sermon and the baccalaureate sermon before the graduates of the high school. On both occasions Rev. S. M. Hunter was seen at his best. Four of the five graduates were young people of the Unitarian church. The new parsonage has now received its final coat of paint. The grounds have been much beautified by the unfailing generosity of its principal donor, Mrs. W. M. Whipple, a handsome fence has been erected, and abundant water-supply put in. Altogether the church and parsonage present one of the most sightly properties in town. The spiritual part has not been neglected. The sermons for the past month have been "Address to G. A. R.," "True Charity," "Is there any Antagonism between Religion and the World?" "Ideals."

Springfield, Mass.- June 20 the Church of the Unity held its annual Children's Day service. The members of the Sunday school were assembled at the front of the church; and the pastor, Rev. Bradley Gilman, preached a special sermon to children. The christening service, usually a part of the

Sturgis, Mich.-Rev. T. P. Byrnes of Manistee delivered the Memorial Day address to the G. A. R. Post of this city on Monday, May 31. The day was fine, and a large concourse of people gathered to join in the beautiful service commemorative of the heroic dead. An interesting service took place on Sunday, May 30, which illustrates the growing spirit of fraternity among the churches. At the memorial services in the Baptist church on Sunday, May 30, the Baptist, the Methodist, the Presbyterian, and Mr. Byrnes, the Unitarian minister, all sat in the pulpit and took part in the service. While here, Mr. Byrnes preached for the Unitarians on Sunday evening, taking for his theme "The Kingdom of God within." The foundations of the liberal movement were solidly and securely laid by Rev. George W. Buckley; and the faithful band are now waiting for the return of prosperity, when they will be glad to revive the work here again.

Unitarian Educational Society. The annual meeting of the Unitarian Educational Society was held at the parlor of the Unitarian church, Concord, N.H., Wednesday, June 16, President J. C. A. Hill in the chair. The report of the treasurer, R. P. Carr, showed that the expenses of the year had been fully met, and the outstanding deficiency at the beginning of the year reduced, leaving a remainder to be provided for of $630. The interest-bearing funds of the corporation amount to $8,375, which amount will soon be increased to about $9,000. Barron Shirley, Esq., of Andover, Hon. Charles F. Stone of Laconia, and Rev. C. J. Staples of Manchester, N.H., were made members of the corporation and added to the former board of trustees, which now consists of J. C. A. Hill, Rev. S. C. Beane, D.D., Miss Mary A. Downing. C. C. Danforth, Solon A. Carter, Solomon Spalding, Rev. D. M. Wilson, W. S. Carr, Rev. F. L. Phalen, Rev. C. J. Staples, H. A. Weymouth, M.D., J. W. Fellows, Charles F. Stone, Lyman Clark, W. S. Quimby, Mrs. E. B. Fellows, Mrs. C. E. Carr, George W. Stone, Andover, and Barron Shirley. The officers of the corporation for the year are J. C. A. Hill, Concord, president; C. C. Danforth, Concord, vice-president; C. E. Carr, Andover, clerk and auditor; R. P. Carr, Andover, treasurer; and Rev. Lyman Clark, Andover, financial agent,-these officers being all from New Hampshire. The thanks of the society were voted to

Miss Alice Marshall of Manchester, N.H., for the donation of the Emily Robinson Herbarium.

Unitarian Grove Meeting at Weirs, N.H. The twentieth annual gathering occurs this year the last week in July, from Monday, the 26th, through Sunday, August 1. So many have enjoyed these occasions in times past that it is hoped this season's meeting may be in the nature of a reunion, and that the old friends will take this opportunity to renew their acquaintance of years past. A most attractive week is planned. The ministers, who are sometimes overlooked in these meetings, are to have a day of their own, when, besides papers of interest from several of our best-known clergymen to which everybody will be welcome, there will be an informal "camp-fire" exchange of thought and experience.

Friday, July 30, many of the young people's guilds in New Hampshire and adjoining States will be represented; and a pleasant and enthusiastic meeting for mutual aid and acquaintance is promised. Better arrangements and accommodations will be prepared than ever before, and the excursions on the lake by launches to carry small parties for an evening's enjoyment are provided.

Warwick, Mass.- Rev.

Joseph Joseph M. Seaton, now located at Richmond, Va., has accepted the call of the First Congregational Parish of this place, and will begin his work in September.

Washington, D.C.-By invitation of the Young People's Religious Union of All Souls Church a meeting of young people from the liberal churches was held in the chapel of the church on Sunday evening, June 6. There were present representatives from the Unitarian and Universalist churches, the Friends' church, and the People's Church, numbering in all some two hundred and fifty, and filling the chapel. Miss Edmonds, the president of the Young People's Union of All Souls' Church, presided at the meeting. After a report of the union rally in Boston she read resolutions looking to an organization of the several liberal young people's societies of Washington for more effective work. Addresses followed by Rev. Mr. Leavitt of All Souls' Church, Prof. Thomas Sidwell of the society of Friends, and others.

West Roxbury, Mass.-On June 2 the Green Curtain Club of Dedham gave an entertainment in West Roxbury for the benefit of the Alliance. Two plays were given, "At the King's Head" and "Mr. Bob." The hall was well filled, and the Alliance will realize about $25. No more sessions of the Sunday-school will be held till September, and they closed the year by sending $10 to the Country Week.

THE NEW TESTAMENT.

LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST.

Gospel according to Matthew.

CHAPTER IV.

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. And, when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. And the tempter came, and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. But he answered, and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written,

He shall give his angels charge concerning

thee;

And on their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a

stone.

Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the

world, and the glory of them; and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him; and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. 378

Now, when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee; and, leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying,

9

ed to solai The land of Zebulunand the land sof Naphtali, 1256306 926763 9dJ Toward the sea, beyond/Jordan, A Prod Galilee of the Gentilesed bad elsareb The people which sat in darkness at bas Saw a great light, a 1918 897 7 And to them which sat in the region and

shadow of death, not to eiusq To them did light spring Pot to bolq

From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent yes for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 7599

And, walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left the nets, and followed him. And, going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, in the boat with Zebedee, their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they straightway left the boat and their father, and followed him.

And Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness among the people. And the report of him went forth into all Syria. And they brought unto him all that were sick, holden with divers diseases and torments, possessed with devils and epileptic, and palsied; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes from Galilee and Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judæa and from beyond Jordan.

FROM the great chapters of the Old Tes

tament to those of the New is a strange transition. If we look in our Bibles, we find Malachi next to Matthew, with not even a blank page between. But from Malachi to Matthew is really a leap of five hundred years. It is strange, indeed, that we should have no Biblical record of this period; for no time in the history of the Jewish nation was so crowded with exciting interest.

The political revival, under the strong, influence of the great Isaiah, could not long save the poor little kingdom of Judah from the savage attacks of its powerful neighbors. A hundred years after Isaiah's death Jerusalem had been plundered and burnt, and the Judeans carried off to Babylon. Fifty years later the Persian conquest of Babylon liberated the Jews, and strong parties of them returned to Judea (under pledges of loyalty to Persia) and rebuilt the temple at Jerusalem amid "songs of praise and sound of trumpet." But another century saw the Persian empire fall before

the armies of Alexander, and the Jews became subject to the Greeks, many being carried away and settled in Alexandria. The temple at Jerusalem was given over to the worship of Jupiter, the synagogues were closed, and the religion of the children of Israel violently suppressed. But still another brilliant political effort was to be made. Judas Maccabæus gathered round him the valiant remnant of Israel, who were prepared to perish in a last struggle for independence. He retook Jerusalem, cleansed the temple, and re-established the freedom of his people.

across

But at this moment there came the sky the shadow of an eagle's wing,-a shadow from which this turbulent little nation never could escape alive. With resistless power Rome swept toward her. An alliance soon became simply submission, and submission death. But in the very hush of this most melancholy pause, when, as it were, the talons of Rome were fastened upon the trembling people, and the beak of the all-conquering Roman eagle was raised to strike, every Jewish eye strained forward in the darkness, hoping against hope if, in the very face of impending national death, it might not, even yet, see somewhere the approaching figure of the expected Messiah.

And, behold, a Messiah appeared,-Jesus of Nazareth, a relative of the prophet preacher, John the Baptist, poor in worldly goods, the son of a carpenter, but belonging to one of the highest Hebrew families, a descendant of the great David. He has been well trained in the synagogue schools, a student of law and medicine and theology. He is now in the mature strength of manhood, filled with a profound human sympathy, gifted in spirit, mind, and person, in the fulness of a glorious manhood ready for any task to which the infinite Father may give him summons. So he seeks the solitude of the barren mountain side, to concentrate his thoughts and consecrate his soul.

He goes to meet God. It is a Pilgrim's Progress: Apollyon is in the path. Before the goal of peace can be attained, the devil must be slain.

So the evil one appears to Jesus, and says: You must have wonderful gifts, such a man as you are claiming to be a Messiah.