After having enjoyed so many years of pastoral connection with the Second Universalist Society in this city, and having served the same so long a time with constant solicitude for their spiritual prosperity and with a consciousness of my many imperfections, I find that words are insufficient to express the satisfaction I feel on the reception of the unanimous vote of the Society expressive of their approbation of my services, as pastor, and their prayers for my happiness in my present position as senior.  You will, brethren, accept my thanks for the acceptable manner in which you have communicated the vote of the Society to me, and assure the Society of my fervent prayer for their spiritual prosperity under their junior pastor.

    In the bonds of the Gospel,

    HOSEA BALLOU.

At the annual meeting in 1847, the Standing Committee were directed to invite Father Ballou to sit for his portrait, and that the same, when finished, be placed in Murray Hall.  This work was successfully executed, and Father Ballou expressed himself highly complimented by the action of the Society in regard to it.

Early in 1848, the Society were called together to act upon the following letter from Brother Chapin.

    Boston, Feb. 5, 1848.

    Brethren:—­

After, as I trust, deliberate and proper consideration, I have concluded to take up my connection with your Society, and accept of the invitation from New York.  I might extend this letter to great length and yet not express the feelings with which I do this act.  I can only say that I do so with the utmost kindness and with deep gratitude, and shall always cherish, with unalloyed satisfaction, the harmonious season we have passed together.  I invoke God’s blessing upon the Society you represent, and to you personally tender the warmest sentiments of personal regard.

    Fraternally yours,

    E.H.  Chapin. 
    To the Standing Committee.

At the same meeting, February 20, 1848, Rev. A.A.  Miner was invited to become the junior pastor of the Society, at the same salary which had been paid Brother Chapin, and on the 15th of March, the committee received the following letter, accepting the invitation.

    Lowell, March 15, 1848.

    Brethren:—­

The invitation which I received at your hands, to become associate pastor of the Second Society of Universalists in Boston, has been duly considered, and is hereby accepted.  Although this decision seemed compatible with my duty, it has not been arrived at without a severe trial, both on account of the existing ties it will sever, and of my conscious unfitness for so responsible a station.  Trusting, however, in Him who is always able to help us,

    I remain,

    Yours in the Gospel,

    A.A.  Miner.

    To the Committee.