lege, Boston Athenæum, Meadville Theological School, and Berkeley (Cal.) Theological School libraries now possess complete, or nearly complete, files of the published reports of the Free Religious Association. There is also a full set, bound, for consultation, at the American Unitarian Association Building, 25 Beacon Street, Boston. Single copies of Nos. 1, 4, 27, 28 and 30 are greatly desired to complete sets and will be gratefully received by the Secretary of the Association. "The President has conducted a considerable correspondence in the interest of the Society during the year, and wrote also communications to various journals and newspapers in its name. With Rabbi Stephen Wise and Rev. Paul Revere Frothingham he represented the Association at the Paris (France) Congress of Religious Progress in July last. At a hearing before a Massachusetts Legislative Committee, as spokesman for the Free Religious Association, he made an address in behalf of a constitutional amendment to prevent appropriations of public money for sectarian schools and institutions. "An endeavor was made to hold an autumnal meeting of the Society in New York City under the auspices of the Free Synagogue of Rabbi Wise and the liberal churches of Revs. John Haynes Holmes and Frank O. Hall, but the meeting was finally postponed to another occasion. "The arrangements for the coming forty-seventh meeting of the Society in Ford Hall are completed and a worthy session assured. Park Street Congregational Church had been engaged for the morrow's convention, but was finally refused by the parish committee, which overruled the action of their agent, but Ford Hall is ever hospitable to free thought. I would suggest various measures, such as the holding of a day's convention in San Francisco in August, 1915, in connection with the Panama Canal World's Fair, the printing of a new edition of Colonel T. W. Higginson's notable pamphlet, 'The Sympathy of Religions,' etc. I would also recommend greater economy in husbanding the resources of the Association. Finally, I am constrained to present my resignation as President, owing to my anticipated absence from the country during the coming year, and the pressure of other duties." It was moved that a shorthand report be made of the morning session only of the Convention on May 29. The motion was adopted. The resignation of President Wendte was accepted. The resignation of Secretary West was also accepted. The report of the previously appointed committee on new officers was made by Rev. William R. Lord, who accompanied it with expressions of sincere regret for President Wendte's resignation, and appreciation of his valuable services. Regret also was expressed that the Secretary, Mr. James H. West, found it necessary to retire. The committee nominated for the Presidency, Rev. John Haynes Holmes; for the Treasurership, Mr. William H. Hamlen; for the Secretaryship, Rev. Charles E. Beals; new Directors for four years, Rev. Frank O. Hall of New York, Mr. Emerson P. Harris of Montclair, N.J., Mrs. Emma E. Marean, of Boston; a new Director for one year, Miss Sarah J. Eddy of Providence, R.I. It was moved that the report be accepted and the committee discharged. Moved that the Secretary pro tem. cast one ballot for the officers nominated. The motion was unanimously adopted. A motion that Messrs. Lord, Parsons, and Rothschild be a committee to express the appreciation of the Association to the retiring officers for their services, and to the family of the late Mr. Wilcox the condolence of the Association, was made and adopted. Moved that a new and sufficient edition of Colonel Higginson's "The Sympathy of Religions" be reprinted under the direction of the retiring President, with suitable footnotes. The motion was adopted. Meeting adjourned. ALONZO ROTHSCHILD, FORTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FREE RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, MAY 29, 1914. Morning Session. The Forty-seventh Annual Convention of the Free Religious Association was called to order at ten o'clock, by its President, Rev. Charles W. Wendte, D.D., who said: Our gathering this morning, coming as it does at the end of a crowded week of anniversary meetings, and with rival attractions elsewhere, may not equal in numbers some of the large denominational assemblies which have been held; but I am sure it will not be wanting in large-mindedness, in breadth of sympathy, and in courage to maintain opinions often at variance with those commonly accepted in the religious community around us. In a word, it will seek to display that intellectual freedom, that loftiness of vision and inclusiveness of spirit which have always been characteristic of this Association, ever since its formation forty-seven years ago. Our choice of a general topic for consideration at this meeting will perhaps give less occasion for differences and antagonisms of opinion than those of some previous years. Two great events of our time have chiefly led to its adoption,-first, the opening this summer of the world's new highway, the Panama Canal, bringing our own and other nations into more convenient and speedy access to the peoples of Southern and far Eastern hemispheres, together with the vast transformations in the commercial, social, political, and religious life of the world which are sure to follow this increased intercourse of nations and civilizations with each other; and, secondly, the ominous and threatening relations with our nearest southern neighbor into which the people of the United States have been suddenly plunged by unforeseen and unfortunate political and military exigencies. At such a time as this it has seemed to us that no utterance from this platform could be more timely or needed than a strong and united affirmation of World Brotherhood conceived from the standpoint of a free and inclusive religion,—a religion whose sym pathy is not confined to its own particular country or church or form of faith, but embraces the whole field of man's religious and ethical nature, and includes every form of human aspiration and worship the world over; a brotherhood which is not confined within national or racial lines, but, counting nothing human foreign to itself, recognizes in all men everywhere equally the children of the Highest, and feels for them a genuine and fraternal affection. I cannot tell you precisely from what point of view the different speakers this morning will treat this great theme, but I am confident that there will be substantial unity of sentiment among them in their affirmation of the universal Fatherhood of God and the common brotherhood of man, which are fundamental elements of a world religion and a world unity. I have great pleasure in introducing to you as the first speaker this morning one whose voice has been heard before on this platform and who, although I believe he is still affiliated with one of the denominations which is called orthodox, has displayed that large-mindedness, courage, and broad sympathy for all conditions in social life, all phases in human opinion, which we love to welcome at these free religious meetings. I am sure you will listen to him with great interest and approval, because he will give you an intelligent judgment on the great questions of the day and will speak with a large and inclusive sympathy for all conditions of men and all kinds of religion. I introduce to you with great pleasure Rev. Charles E. Beals, who will address you on the topic of the morning. ADDRESS OF CHARLES E. BEALS. Fellow-Heretics:— "Man was made of social earth, Child and brother from his birth, Tethered by a liquid cord Of blood through vein of kindred poured." So sang the man whose name appears at the head of the list of charter members of the Free Religious Association, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Men's needs draw human beings together. Creature comforts demand socialized institutions. The great |