While a world's redemption is the theme of our teaching, let union and brotherly love be the ornaments of our lives. All minor points should be forgotten. Whether Christ is a merely human or a super-angelic being whether punishment ceases with extinction of life in that body in which sin was committed; or whether the spirit suffer a state of disciplinary punishment, and like the fabled shades of the poet, wanders for a hundred years on the dark shores of the Stygian lake because its propitiatory sacrifice was not offered, and the penitential tear had not washed away the last damning sin-whether man possesses an immortal soul, or whether the next state is dependent entirely on the resurrection-these are subjects on which universalists may differ, and perhaps always will differ, but which should not occasion division in their ranks. I do not wish to be understood as saying these subjects should not be canvassed. So far from this, they should be examined with all attention and candour, that we may learn all the light on the subject that we can. But while we are engaged in these inquiries, let us remember, that they are secondary to the great truths in which we are all agreed that the government of the Deity is truly paternal-that religion and virtue carry a present reward in their bosom, and vice carries its sting with it-in other words, that duty is the road to happiness, and disobedience is the

way of misery. While, then, we are united in inculcating these important truths, which, while they are most consolatory to man, are purifying in their influence on the moral character, let us not break the bond of fellowship by mere dissent on speculative opinions. Our business is to destroy the foul monster endless misery, that has so long deceived the nations and filled the earth with terror, insanity, suicide and death. When we shall have slain this mammoth which is desolating the folds, we can then, at our leisure, turn and rid ourselves of less noxious animals.

Finally, brethren, let us study our own characters and search our own hearts, and if we discover any besetting sin, that stands opposed to the propagation of the pure gospel of Christ, let us immolate it on the altar of duty. Let this cause rise paramount in all our hearts-we cannot be engaged in one more God-like—or that will carry more peace to the soul-it is the cause of truth, religious freedom, and benevolence, against the united forces of error, superstition, cruelty and oppression. Let us then devote ourselves to propagating it-be. instant in season and out of season-recommend it by our lives, so shall we walk worthy of the high vocation wherewith we are called-so shall we adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

ΑΜΕΝ.

APPENDIX.

IT is thought that a short account of the Convention, at which the foregoing sermons were delivered; embracing a concise statement of the proceedings of that body, together with its circular address, might be a suitable and desirable appendix to this little volume; and which is accordingly here given.

This General Convention of the denomination of universalists, convened at Concord, N. H. to hold its annual session, according to adjournment, on Wednesday and Thursday, 19th and 20th of September 1832. On the preceding evening, after devout prayer, offered by Br. Robert Bartlett, the Council was duly organized by the choice of

BR. HOSEA BALLOU, Moderator.

BR. THOMAS F. KING, Clerk, and

BR. HOSEA BALLOU, 2d, Assistant Clerk. A committee of five, (three clergymen and two lay brethren) was appointed to arrange the public services of the occasion.

Brs. Russell Streeter, T. J. Greenwood, and Warren Skinner, were appointed a committee on applications for letters of Fellowship and Ordi

nation.

A committee was appointed consisting of two brethren from each State within the jurisdiction of this convention to consider the subject of a General Convention of Universalists, for the whole denomination in the United States, and to report thereon.

On Wednesday morning, after prayer by Br. Brimblecom, the Fellowship of the Convention was, on request, granted to the "First Universalist Society in Hanover, N. H."

In the afternoon, the committee appointed on.. the subject of a General Convention of Universalists for the United States, reported in favor of such a convention.

The committee on Fellowship and Ordination reported in favor of granting fellowship to Brs. T. H. Taylor, and A. Norwood, and that ordination be conferred on Br. H. F. Stearns, which report was accepted.

On Thursday morning, after prayer by Br. J. Annear, letters from several societies were read,

and the report of the committee on the proposed formation of a U. S. Convention was discussed, and after mature deliberation, in the afternoon, the report was adopted.

Committees were appointed to enquire into the literary qualifications of candidates for the ministry. Committees of discipline were also appointed.

The Clerk was requested to prepare the minutes of the session, and procure them published, accompanied by a Circular Letter.

After uniting in devout prayer with the Moderator, the convention adjourned to meet in Strafford, Vt. on the third Wednesday and Thursday of September, 1833.

CIRCULAR LETTER FOR 1832. The Ministers and Delegates composing the "General Convention of Universalists," send salutations of peace and christian affection, to all of like precious faith wheresoever scattered abroad:

BELOVED BRETHREN:-It is with great joy that we address to you this annual epistle, because we have reason to be assured that all faithful Universalists are both eager and happy to learn any facts connected with the spread of their peculiar doctrines.