an atmosphere which ministered little to its support.

Generally speaking, it has appeared to me, that the style of preaching in this country is more Calvinistic than with us, and that there is also less opposition to the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel among men of the world. It is owing partly to this circumstance, that the profession of religion involves less of that mitigated persecution of modern days, which a decided Christian must often encounter with us in the regrets or remonstrances of opposing friends, or the ridicule or distance of sneering companions. A religious profession might, therefore, be supposed to be more common; and perhaps may be rather so, though this has hardly struck me.

Whatever may be the actual state of religion in this country, I am quite satisfied that it is on the advance. There may be local exceptions; but my inquiries and observations in every part of my route have led me to a confident conclusion as to the general fact. Many of the societies for the promotion of religion are of recent origin; but they are gradually diffusing themselves over the Union, and the sympathy which was first kindled by commiseration for the Otaheitan or Hindoo, instead of being exhausted on distant objects, seems to derive fervour from its very expansion, and is now visiting the hut of the Aborigines, the log-cabin of the Back-woodman, and the habitation of the careless and uninstructed " "neighbour." In New-Orleans, in March, 1815, there was not a Bible to be found, either for sale, or to be given

away; and the only Protestant place of worship was in an upper room belonging to an individual. Now, a Louisianian Bible Society is in regular operation, and the inhabitants have a handsome Episcopalian and Presbyterian Church. The Sabbath is still dreadfully and generally profaned there; but it is religiously observed by many, the influence of whose example is daily extending. At the boarding house where I lodged, were several naval and military, as well as mercantile gentlemen; and I remember an officer who had been drilling his rifle corps one Sunday, remarking on the strong representations which the Presbyterians had been making to him on the subject. He defended the practice by those arguments of expediency which have been worn thread-bare by the commanders of our volunteer corps. A few years since, no remonstrance would have been hazarded; or if hazarded, the summary argument of a pistol would probably have silenced the interference.

Unhappily, however, while religion is extending its boundaries in the United States, Unitarianism is but too successfully urging what we consider its conflicting claims; but this, and the state of morals, must form the subject of another letter. This letter is already sadly too long.

9

LETTER VIII.

Salem, 24th Feb. 1821.

that

In my last, after giving you, I think, what you would consider an encouraging picture of the present state, and still more so of the future prospects, of religion in this country, I expressed my regret that Unitarianism had acquired so much influence, and promised to say more on the subject in my next. From all I can learn, it appears Unitarian opinions have been entertained in NewEngland for fifty years at least, and perhaps much longer. Generally speaking, however, they were not very openly avowed, till much more recently; some of those who held them concealing their sentiments because they were unpopular,―others because they felt indifferent about them,-and others, more reflecting and philosophical, because they conceived that their extension would be most effectually promoted at that particular time by reserve and caution. The first Unitarian congregation formed in America, was established in the King's Chapel soon after the Revolution. This was the chapel in which the Governor worshipped; but becoming afterwards private property, and the majority changing their sentiments, they expunged from the church prayers all allusion to Trinitarian doctrines, and openly denounced the Trinity. The minority of course retired. In 1792 a Unitarian congregation was formed in Portland, in the destrict of Maine; and another at Saco, a

small town twenty miles further to the south. Both these congregations soon expired; but I regretted to find, when at Portland last Sunday, that another congregation was established there, and that the legislature of the newly elected State of Maine, who were then sitting, were debating on a bill which would have a tendency, (if indeed it were not one of its immediate objects,) to favour the extension of Unitarian sentiments. The sermon of the minister of the Episcopal church which I attended, was on the duty of contending for the "faith once delivered to the saints," and had a specific reference to this bill. As Unitarian sentiments became more general, they were gradually avowed with less reserve; yet the pulpits of many ministers who were supposed to have imbibed them, gave no evidence of the fact, except that of omissions. This at length brought upon them the charge of insincerity from their more orthodox brethren. The imputation was repelled with warmth; and the public were left in great doubt as to the precise sentiments of many of. their pastors. Dr. Morse, who had been the most prominent of those who publicly manifested their regret at the defection of their brethren from the common faith, was accused of misrepresentation ; and the most candid felt it almost impossible to arrive at the real state of things. At this time, Dr. Morse happened to meet with Mr. Belsham's Life of Lindsay, in which he found his own representations borne out by letters and documents transmitted from Boston by the Unitarians themselves. These he strung together in the form of

a pamphlet, under the title of American Unitarianism; or a brief History of the Progress and present state of the Unitarian Churches in America; compiled from Documents and Information communicated by the Rev. James Freeman, D. D. and William Wells, jun. Esq. of Boston, and from other Unitarian Gentlemen in this Country. By the Rev. T. Belsham, Essex Street, London. Extracted from, &c. &c." This pamphlet was eagerly read, and produced a great sensation. It disclosed the actual state of things, brought the question to issue, and ranged in opposite ranks those advocates of conflicting sentiments who had hitherto been confusedly intermingled. A paper controversy has since been carried on at intervals, as particular circumstances or occasional excitement prompted; and both parties, as usual, claim the victory. In the mean time, however, Unitarianism has advanced; but although it is painful to see that it prevails to a considerable extent, Dr. Morse assured me that he did not believe it was gaining ground at present. If the number of its advocates seems to have augmented during the last year or two, he was disposed to ascribe the apparent increase rather to a more open avowal of their sentiments by many who were Unitarians before, than to a more general conviction of the truth of Unitarianism. Of the present numbers of the Unitarians, I can give you no idea. There are comparatively few, except in New-England; and very few there, except in the towns on the coast. In Boston, I believe there are seven or eight congregations of Unitarians