the propitious influence of these schools, both upon those who teach, and those who are taught."

The Rev. Mr Peabody, of Springfield, in relation to this subject, observes," I have always till lately, taken a part in the instruction of the school, but I now have a class which I am preparing for teachers, who meet in a separate apartment. I find my care in the school, by far the most encouraging and delightful part of my duty. The children generally seem to take much interest in the exercise, and regret when it is ended; and there is a sensible change for the better, in the behaviour of the children in church, through the whole service of the day."

The Rev. Mr Osgood, of Sterling, says,-" The advantages which have resulted from our Sunday school, are, that many more children have attended church, and those who stay at noon, are receiving religious instruction; when before, they were left to themselves, free from the restraints of their parents, and exposed to temptations. And we have reason to believe that the Sabbath is better observed at home, and to hope that many good impressions have been made on the minds of the children by their teachers."

The members of this society know full well how to appreciate the advantages which have resulted to them from devoting a portion of their time to prepare for meeting their classes on the Sabbath. They know, also, that without such preparation, but little good can be effected in the schools; and they will therefore, no doubt, be gratified to learn that this subject has not been overlooked by the teachers of those schools from which we have received reports.

From our correspondent in Cambridgeport, Mr Hunt, the superintendent of the school, we have the following remarks. "It is inquired in the circular, what will most increase the usefulness of the school? We answer, that which would most improve, and best qualify the instructers. It is a mistake to suppose that good feelings and good principles, unattended with knowledge, are sufficient; for, much as we may value the zeal and piety of an instructer, if he would be a successful teacher in a Sunday school, and would heighten the character, and increase the usefulness of his instructions, he must seek for information, and strive for capability."

"In connexion with this subject, it may be mentioned, that nothing would be of greater benefit than the establishment of a library for teachers in every Sunday school."

Mr Hunt adds, "It would increase the interest of teachers, and operate as an encouragement to them, if the parents and friends of the youth in these schools would more generally visit them, and show a readiness to co-operate with them in the labors of instruction. If knowledge and virtue are valuable, where could a teacher look with more propriety, or with stronger claims for counsel, encouragement, and sympathy, than to the parents who wish their children to be in every way prepared to obtain these blessings. When it is considered, that a faithful and interested teacher would be amply rewarded for years of instruction to save a child from a single act which would stain his future character, or materially diminish his future happiness, it cannot be thought too much to call the attention of all parents to a subject which will most solemnly and deeply affect the future character, happiness, and virtue, of society."

The influence of teachers' meetings is a subject which is noticed in several of the reports, and in a manner which shows that they are esteemed highly important, not only in regard to the teachers themselves, but to the children.

A single extract from the report of the school in Concord, will be sufficient for our purpose. In this, it is stated, "that the teachers hold frequent meetings, in which whatever is connected with the usefulness and improvement of the school is made the subject of familiar discussion. Each one makes any inquiry he may choose, and the greatest freedom prevails in communicating information. Such business as requires the formality of a vote, is conducted and recorded by the secretary; but it is desired to proceed with as little ceremony as is consistent with the good of the cause. These meetings are found to have a very beneficial influence. The teachers become acquainted with each other's views; they enter more ardently and effectually on their duties, and the school is conducted in a more enlightened and useful manner."

It appears, by the reports we have received, that the libraries for children are esteemed a most valuable auxiliary for the advancement of the schools; but the difficulty of obtaining a sufficient number of suitable books, and such as are suitable, at a reasonable rate, is a matter of general complaint. The following brief extracts will furnish a clear statement of the opinions which are entertained by correspondents on this subject; and also gratifying testimony of the feelings of approbation with which the operations and designs of this society are contemplated.

Mr Shattuck, the superintendent of the school in Concord, writes, "I rejoice that your society is about to commence the publication of books suitable for Sunday school libraries. These are much wanted. It is now difficult to obtain them, because there are few free from objections, and these are held at high prices. Be assured you will have the hearty approbation and support of the friends of Sunday schools in this society; and that we shall be pleased to preserve a correspondence, for your exertions are highly prized by our teachers."

The Rev. Mr Whitman, of Waltham, states,-" We shall have, probably, fifty dollars annually, to be expended in juvenile books; and we are very desirous you should proceed with your plan for furnishing those of the right kind, at a reasonable rate." He afterwards adds, "We are deeply engaged in the cause of Sunday schools, and we are grateful for your sympathy. We hope you will be able to increase our gratitude, by furnishing such publications as we need. We reciprocate all interest and congratulations, and firmly trust mutual benefit may arise from further communications."

THE

UNITARIAN ADVOCATE.

VOL. III.

FEBRUARY, 1829.

No. II.

CURSORY OBSERVATIONS ON THE QUESTIONS AT ISSUE beTWEEN ORTHODOX AND LIBERAL CHRISTIANS.

NO III. ON THE ATONEMENT.

ON no subject, not even that of the Trinity, is a dissent from the popular creed, thought to be so material and momentous, as on that of the Atonement. This is the more extraordinary, because, on no subject has the popu lar creed so frequently and so greatly changed, as on this. It seems to me, extraordinary, also, that the Orthodox should hold this, as they do, to be the grand point of dif ference between them and Liberal Christians, because, there is, in fact, if I mistake nct, less difference between them, on this article of speculative faith, than almost any other. I speak, now, of the most recent and best authorized Orthodox interpretations of the doctrine. I say not Calvinistic interpretations, for, in truth, they are, in New England at least, almost entirely forsaken. Take, then, the difference, as it now stands, and pursue it to its nicest metaphysical points, and it will be found to be, in my judgment, very slight and immaterial. Indeed, the great evil is, that the subject is made too metaphysical. Practical and momentous as it is constantly repre

VOL. III. NO. II.