Young Men's Bible Society of Baltimore.

Mr. Editor,

Several weeks ago a number of young gentlemen assembled in this city, for the purpose of forming a society auxiliary to the American Bible Society. One of their first acts was almost a unanimous vote to exclude unitarians from their numbers. From a notice of their proceedings, however, the public were led distinctly to understand, that all the congregations in the city had been invited to unite with them; and this, notwithstanding their formal resolution, that every member of the First Independent Church should be excluded. An article afterwards appeared in the public papers, written professedly by a unitarian, complaining of this very ungenerous and unwarrantable conduct. Of this article but one opinion was expressed by all candid persons of every party. It was written in a spirit of mildness, conciliation, and christian benevolence, which every one commended; and the ground of complaint was universally allowed to be just.

It was hoped, that they, who had been drawn into these unrighteous measures, perhaps by ignorance or misapprehension, would think it incumbent on them to make some explanation, and attempt at least to remove a stain, which must appear so dark and deep in the eyes of all the candid and liberal part of the community. As no such attempt has been made, I take it for granted no explanation can be given. It would seem as if certain persons were resolved to carry us back, with all possible speed, to the dark ages; or, at all events, to mingle the spirit of the tenth century so profusely with the holy and enlightening spirit of the gos

pel, as to destroy its purity and power. The fashion of the times, it is true, will not allow of chains and dungeons; but he, who would deprive another of his religious freedom, would not hesitate, if he had the power, to load his body with irons; and he, who would shut out the light of truth from the mind, is fully prepared, when the laws will permit, to exclude the light of heaven. from the eyes, by barring against them the doors of a dungeon. We need not be surprised, after this, to find advocates among us for the resolution lately proposed in the Synod of Pittsburgh, "to exclude Freemasons from the rights and benefits of the church, except in cases where they might confess their errors, and abjure their masonic principles." Whether masonry, or unitarianism, is the most to be deprecated, I shall leave to be settled by the inquisitors.

In the mean time, I would recommend that the patrons, advisers, and actors in the proceedings above mentioned, should not lose the opportunity of deriving some benefit from their own Society. I would respectfully suggest, that they should read, with some care and deliberation, our Saviour's Sermon on the Mount, the twelfth chapter of Romans, and the thirteenth chapter of the First of Corinthians. I cannot but think they would profit by such a perusal.

P. S. Would it not be well for those, who are engaged in collecting subscriptions for the Young Men's Bible Society, to ascertain as far as practicable the names of the unitarians in the city? It would save them much embarrassment and mortification, to which they have in several instances been subjected, by calling on those very persons, whom they had agreed to exclude.

Letter from the Rev. Professor Norton, of Harvard

DEAR SIR,

University, to the Editor.

Cambridge, Dec. 21, 1820.

I have delayed answering your letter, through some hope of being able to send you a communication for the work proposed; but it has not been in my power. I am very glad that you have undertaken such a publication. In different parts of our country the state of religious knowledge, the topics of interest, the prejudices to be encountered, and the state of feeling are different; and on this account, a publication which may be well suited to the wants of one portion of our community will be less adapted to those of another. At this distance we can hardly judge what is most required at Baltimore, and further south; but you, who are on the spot, will be able to determine perfectly well what will be most acceptable and useful to those for whom you intend your work. It is true, that a great deal may be published, which will be equally interesting to all christians desirous of obtaining just views of our religion; but there is a great deal also which may have peculiar effect, and be of particular benefit, as being adapted to particular circumstances. I think, too, we want a publication more popular than the Christian Disciple, and intended in some measure for a different class of readers; not one certainly of less ability, but one in which the ability shall be differently directed; not entering so much into disquisition, but containing short and striking articles easily read. It seems to me that such a work may consist in a great part of extracts. A great deal of excellent matter may be found, familiar to but very few readers, which it is desirable to bring into notice. I do

not know why we should take the trouble of saying again, in our own words, what has already been very well said by others. I think the generality of the readers of such a work would be as much interested by extracts, which were new to them, as by original composition. There is another advantage, too, in such selections as may be made. They will show, that our opinions concerning religion, in regard to all that is essential, are not new, but are such as have been long held by some of the wisest and most enlightened of men.I rejoice in this and all the other exertions, which you are making. The friends of true religion give each other mutual support by the efforts, which are making in different parts of our country. Res accendunt lumina rebus. They show that the interest which is felt in this subject is not produced by any accidental causes; but that it is rapidly and widely spreading. We in this neighbourhood shall, I hope, be encouraged and strengthened by your exertions, and animated by sympathy with you.

We shall, I trust, obtain a considerable number of subscribers for your publication in this part of the country. If it be desirable to have it known, that we think well of it here, and this letter may be of any service, you can make what use of it you think proper.

Truly yours,

ANDREWS NORTON.

Baltimore Unitarian Society for the Distribution of Books.

FEW objects are more worthy of the best exertions of men, than that of diffusing and impressing a correct knowledge of God, of his dispensation, and require

ments. The principles of a pure and holy religion, properly understood and received, are the surest safeguard of the order, stability, morals, peace and happiness of society These principles are fully contained in the truths revealed to us by our Saviour, and recorded in the scriptures. That they should be universally known in their original simplicity and power, and be made effectual in producing a lively faith, purity of heart and life, kind affections, unceasing love to God and men, active benevolence, charity, and habitual piety, is of the utmost moment to mankind, both as it regards their present happiness, and their everlasting peace and welfare.

Impressed with these views, a large number of gentlemen assembled at the First Independent Church of Baltimore, on the nineteenth of November, for the purpose of uniting in some systematic scheme for the promotion of religious knowledge. AMOS A. WILLIAMS, Esq. was called to the chair, and CHARLES H. AppleTON, Esq. chosen secretary of the meeting.

It was then resolved, that the persons present should form themselves into a society for the purpose specified; after which, they unanimously adopted the following

Articles of Association.

I. This society shall be denominated, THE BaltiMORE UNITARIAN SOCIETY FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF

BOOKS.

II. The books distributed by the society shall be the Bible, and such other books as contain rational and consistent views of christian doctrines, and are calculated to promote a correct faith, sincere piety, and a holy practice.