From the Universalist Magazine.

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION.

The Southern Association of Universalists met at the house of BR. RICHARD CARRIQUE, in Attleborough, on the 2th of December, 1820.

1. Chose Br. ELIAS SMITH, Moderator.

2. Chose Br. JOSHUA FLAGG, Clerk.

3. In compliance with a request from the Rev. Zephaniah S. Crossman. from the religious denomination called “Christians" to be received into fellowship as a believer in and preacher of the Abrahamic faith of the salvation of all the nations of the earth, it was voted that Zeph. S. Crossman be received into fellowship with this Association.

4. Adjourned to 9 o'clock Wednesday morning. Wednesday morning met according to adjournment. Order of public services was as follows:

Morning Service.—Br. Hosea Ballou, the introductory prayer; Br. Joshua Flagg, the Sermon from Matt. xii. 32. Br. Zephaniah S. Crossman, the concluding prayer.

Afternoon Service.-Br. Elias Smith, the introductory prayer; Br. Hosea Ballou, the Sermon from Col. ii. 18, 19; Br. Richard Carrique, concluding prayer.

Evening Service.-Br. Joshua Flagg, the introductory prayer; Br. Elias Smith, the Sermon from 1 John iii. 8. Br Hosea Ballou, the concluding prayer.

5. Adjourned to meet with the Norfolk Society in Stoughton and Canton, the second Wednesday in June, 1821.

"THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER."

In reply to our remarks of the notice of 'Hyram and Philo' by the Editor of this paper, page 115 of the Chr. Rep. he observes; “In answer to the above, "it is only necessary to state that the Editor of the

“Christian Repository is entirely mistaken if he sup"poses that 'Hyram' and 'Philo' were implicitly char"ged' with any thing more than what was candidly "and openly stated; which was that such insinuations," "(as their writings contained and which had been dis"tinctly stated ‘appeared to us to be more disingenu"ous than a direct and open attack: an opinion was "also expressed that the 'influence,' i. e. of 'such insin"uations tended, among other things, to som discord "among brethren." We observe in reply to this. that we are willing to acknowledge the entire mistake of the Editor of the Chr. Repository, because we deem it a privilege belonging to every writer to explain the meaning of his own words. We likewise deem it our privilege to mention the principles on which this entire mistake was founded. It was thought that propriety dictated, that as admonitions are frequently painful, they should embrace no more reproof, than what would well apply to the subject; and that this need of reproof was only known by the measure of his transgression. From this idea, the charge was thought to be implied. We pretended not to determine that what was implied, embraced more than what was expressed in the charge of disingenuous insinuations. To us, the former seemed to describe what was meant by the latter.

Speaking of the same charge of disingenuous insinuations, "expressed," he says; "This however was. by no means charged as being the design of the writers,. for their writings may produce effects which they did not design" but, in the first piece, (Chr. Rep. page 114) we read; "One thing: however, is very obvious, viz. that candor and sincerity were very remote, if not entirely out of the question, IN HE MIND of these writers." These two sentences look so near like a contradiction that we confess we are unable to reconcile them.

Qur admonisher further writes; The Editor of the

་

"C. Repository adds, "On a careful review, it is be"lieved, 'Hyram's piece 'will be found to be 'a direct "and open attack' of a system of sentiments, (not of "any one particular author) which he briefly de"scribes." We have therefore reviewed the piece for "the purpose of making the discovery, but being dull "of apprehension, remain in the same opinion respect-"ing it as formerly; neither do we believe it has been "so understood by others, as we cannot learn that there "has been any reply to it from any source whatever." In reply to this, let 'Hyram' speak for himself. What does he say? Look and see! "Believing that the Christian Repository is designed for the detection of error, as well as for the discovery of truth, and feel-ing fully persuaded that a late system of divinity which is circulated with industry, and read with avidity, is replete with absurdity and contradiction, I SHALL ATTEMPT TO POINT OUT some of the many inconsistencies, with which this system abounds" Chr. Rep. page 54. At the close of his piece, page 56 he observes; "These are a few of the many in-consistencies with which this system abounds." These words show us that he thought he had attempted what he promised, when he began to write. If he has not succeeded in his attempt, or does not succeed, that is a matter between him and his opposers. It effects nothing concerning what was stated respecting: the design of his piece.

Our admonisher still further writes; "If these writers really believe in a future punishment, that is, a punishment after death for sins committed in this life, let them state the doctrine clearly and explicitly, so that the discussion may not be merely about words, and then state the scriptures on which they shall rely for its support; and shew that those scriptures must necessarily be so construed-and, when they have done this, we will either acknowledge the doctrine true, or show wherein they have failed in giving it

support. But before they attempt any thing of this kind, we advise them to read carefully and attentively the correspondence which was published a few years since, in the "Gospel Visitant." He closes by saying, "If these writers, therefore, or any other, wish for further discussion on this subject, there is an opportunity, it being what we also most sincerely desire."

To this we answer, the correspondence alluded to in the Gospel Visitant, is far from satisfying us that there can be no punishment after this life. We have read the dissertation in that correspondence, on Christ's preaching to the spirits in prison, page 296, Vol. III. and compared it with a piece on the same subject, and we believe by the same writer, page 220, Vol. I. a careful investigation of which the Editor of this work is willing to lay before the public, if requested Should any one feel disposed to correspond in opposition to future punishment, we invite him to answer Hyram's piece as found in this number. He will undoubtedly attempt to vindicate, and we hope candidly, on that side of the question which he has chosen. Should this invitation be accepted by any one who writes for the Christian Messenger, the Editor thereof is requested to send an extra paper of every No that contains such discussion, to the Editor of the Christian Repository, that he may forward it to the writer who is thereby opposed.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Rev. ELIAS SMITH was installed to the pastoral care of the Third Universalist Society" in Boston, on the 4th of January last. Introductory prayer by Br-Barzillia Streeter; sermon by Br. Richard Carrique, from 2 Tim. ii 24,25; consecratingp rayer. Br. Joshua Flagg; delivery of the scriptures and charge, Br. Hosea Ballon; right hand of fellowship, Br. Edward

Turner; concluding prayer, Br. Hosea Ballou 2d, of Stafford, Con

On the 5th of January last, the First Universalist Meeting House in Roxbury, Mass. was dedicated and set apart to the service of Almighty God.-Sermon from Malachi iii. 0, by Br. Hosea Ballou.

On the 10th of the same month the new Brick Meeting-House in Milford, Mass was dedicated to the wor ship of God Appropriate portions of scripture were read by Br. Robert L. Killam; introductory prayer by Br. Richard Carrique; Consecrating prayer by Br. Elias Smith; sermon by Br. Hosea Ballou from Isai. ii. 3; concluding prayer by Br. Zephaniah S. Crossman.

It is stated from the Christian Watchman that there are 375 Congregational Societies in Massachusetts, 153 Baptists 67 Methodist, 39-of Friends, 22 Episcopalian, 23 Universalist. 10 Presbyterian. 1 Roman Catholic, 5 Freewill Baptist, Sandemanian, 4 of Shakers, and 1 Swedenborgian-total, 701.

Besides the Christian Repository, there are three periodical publications circulated among the brethren of the Universalist Societies. The Universalist Magazine, edited by Br. Hosea Ballou, is published in Boston, at $2.25 per year; the Christian Messenger, by Br. Abuer Kneeland, in Philadelphia at $2,00 per year; and the (N.Y) Gospel Herald, in New-York;

-editor unknown.

OBITUARY.

Died at Reading, December 27, 1820, SOLOMON KEYES, Esq. in the 66th year of his age. He had, for many years, been a respectable inhabitant in this place, and continued to his last in the faith of universal salvation.

At Windsor, Dec. 31, Mr. JONATHAN READ, aged 72. At Cavendish, Jan. 3, 1821, Widow MERCY HUDSON, aged 77. Feb. 13, PLINY ROCKWOOD PARKER, son of Francis Parker, aged 5 months.

At Reading, Feb. 21, MARTIN ROILY HATCH, son of Alvin Hatch, aged 4 months.