Theology and Literature in America.

UNDER the head "American Unitarianism," we gave in a former number, (p. 361), some extracts from the "Chris tian Register," a weekly newspaper published in Boston, under the direction of the American Unitarian Association. We have already borne our testimony to the value of this

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publication. It uniformly exhibits a truly evangelical spirit; t is firm in its declaration of great religious truths, and onstant in its persuasions to virtuous practice. Though te first object is to promote the principles of Unitarianism, t takes a lively interest in the labours and success of all eligious bodies, and reports their proceedings in a temperate and impartial tone.

e propose to make occasional selections from this other American publications, which may illustrate the racter, the literature, and the religious opinions of our satlantic friends. The following extract, which we from No. 18 of the 5th Volume, would seem to prove the orthodox clergy of America, who flourished half a century ago, did not think that a departure from a belief in the Trinity was a crime sufficient to depose a man from the aituation of a Christian minister. By investigation it would probably be found that many of the last century who are not now suspected of heresy, were decided Unitarians. "Before an Ecclesiastical Council, convened in Wilton, N. H., in 1777, to advise respecting difficulties which had arisen between the Rev. J. Livermore, the pastor, and some individuals of the church. An article of comlaint submitted by the aggrieved was, that Mr. L. had Said in a sermon that the church had held that Christ was the eternal Son of God; but from what authority I know not, for he is not the Son of God in any other sense only in his human nature,' or something to that purpose. Upon this article the Council say as to the complaint, that Mr. L. declared from the desk that the Church bad held that Christ was the eternal Son of God, &c.,' the Council think it sufficient to say upon this point, that it is to be reckoned amongst those disputables in religion, about which divines of note in the Christian Church have entertained different sentiments, and which does not nearly affect any essential article of faith or practice.-Another article that Mr. L. endeavoured to prove, that faith and repentance and sincere obedience were the conditions of the covenant of grace-on this article the Council do not particularly remark."

American Literature. Several causes have impeded the growth of native literature in the United States. 1. The number of persons of taste and acquirements living without active employment is very small. 2. The general demand for talent and labour in mercantile and other pursuits,

Mr. Reed, of Charleston. The report was finally rejected, and the scheme of foreign missions did not receive the sanction of the meeting. No alteration in the constitution of the Society can take place, except at the annual meeting. In consequence of this, the Society is in a curious situation. The newly-elected Board is decidedly hostile to the colonizing project. They have no powers by which they may divert the funds to a foreign mission, and consequently nothing can be done till the next annual meeting in May. Under these circumstances the existence of the Society cannot be long calculated on.

Calcutta Unitarianism.-The inhabitants of Boston seem deeply interested in the promotion of religion in the East. Two meetings were held in the month of May, the latter of them a crowded one, for the sole purpose of considering the best means for promoting Unitarian Christianity in Calcutta. A report was read, the contents of which are highly gratifying. It proposed that the 7,500 dollars, the sum required from the American Unitarians by the Calcutta Committee as a loan, should rather be contributed as a gift; and, to effect this, that subscriptions should immediately be commenced throughout the country. Much information was asked and given respecting Rammohun Roy and Mr. Adam. We regret to observe, that bigotry has been at work, in the attempt to blacken the characters of these two illustrious men.- "Mr. Lewis Tappan followed, and observing that remarks having been freely circulated in some circles that Rammohun Roy and Mr. Adam are not men of good morals, he would request a gentleman present, belonging to the Orthodox Missionary Society, who had personally known them in Calcutta, to state his impressions. This gentleman in reply spoke respectfully of Rammohun Roy, but doubted the fact of his being a Christian; and with regard to Mr. Adam, be said, that he considered him a moral man, but not a very religious man; nor did he think him possessed of great ability, nor the most proper person to be employed in this work.

"The attention of the meeting was then turned for some time to the character of Mr. Adam. It was said by several that of his abilities we have abundant proof in his writings, from which we are able to form a sufficient judgment for ourselves. Mr. Tappan cited some strong testimonies in his favour. Mr. W. Russell, who had known him in Scotland, gave at some length his history and character; said