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themselves over the whole body. The following day they threw themselves upon a bed, which they watered with their tears. The. third day they commenced their groaning for the loss of their child this lasted a whole year, during which neither father nor mother ever washed themselves. The rest of the inhabitants of the place, in order to evince their sympathy for the affliction of the parents, wept three times a day until the body was borne to the grave.

MANCHESTER MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

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THE Tenth Report of the Manchester and Salford Missionary Society has been recently published, with the general contents of which we have been much delighted, especially with that part of it which states, that "several new Societies have been formed within the space of the last year, which will probably in a short time become a glory in the earth." The report contains fifteen sections, which are made up of extracts from letters received by the Missionary Committee from gentlemen engaged in promoting the spread of the heavenly doctrines by Missionary labours. The Report gives an account of the services of the following Ministers and Leaders, who have been engaged in the pleasing_work_of declaring the great truths of the New Jerusalem, viz. the Rev. J. Pownall, Rev. T. Pilkington, Rev. D. G. Goyder. Messrs. John Wild, Edward Lowe, R. Ğ. Sheldon, and John Pickup. The exertions of these gentlemen cannot fail of being useful, and we trust that the divine blessing will accompany them in all their labours. It appears by the Cash Account, that there is a balance in the hands of the treasurer of £123. 8s. 3žd. The Report closes with the following very interesting

APPENDIX.

Ar the particular request of several Members of the New Church, resident in the country, and with the consent of the people assembled at the Annual Meeting of the Subscribers to the Missionary Society, the Committee have appended the following particulars of the Annual meeting of the Members of the various Societies of the New Church in Manchester and its vicinity, held on Whit-friday the 19th of May, 1826, for the purpose of mutual instruction and edification, and of becoming as a Christian community more closely united in brotherly affection.

Present at the Meeting: the Rev. Richard Jones, and the Rev. David Howarth; Messieurs Richard Boardman, Thomas Gee, Thomas Ogden, William Cordin, John Barlow, Ralph Harrison, and Edward Lowe, Missionary Ministers, and Leaders; and also Members from the Societies of Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Heywood, Radcliffe, Middleton, Ringley, Wigan, Ramsbottom, &c.

The assembly having unanimously called The Rev. DAVID HOWARTH to the Chair; the Meeting was opened in the usual manner, and the 60th chapter of Isaiah's prophecy was read; after which, Messieurs Richard Boardman, Thomas Rosthorn, Thomas Gee, Ralph Harrison, Thomas Ogden, Edward Lowe, and the Rev. Richard Jones, addressed the meeting on ths contents of the chapter, with considerable animation and effect.

Before the meeting was concluded, the Secretary of the Missionary Committee called the attention of those present to the fact, that although similar meetings had been held for about sixteen years, yet no minutes or records of the transactions relating to them had been kept. In order, therefore, that the recognition of such meetings should no longer be delayed, the following resolutions were put, and carried unanimously :

I. That the proceedings of this and all subsequent meetings be regularly recorded in a book provided for the purpose.

II. That a Secretary be now appointed.

III. That Mr. John Atkinson be requested to accept the office of Sccretary.

IV. That the Secretary be desired to ascertain, if possible, where and when the first and all succeeding meetings were held, up to the present year; and to insert the particulars thereof in the book of proceedings.

The Secretary will feel obliged to any person who will communicate to him any particulars relating to the preceding resolution.

The following Rules and Regulations having been read to the meeting, and afterwards each separately read, moved and seconded; It was resolved unanimously, that the same be adopted as the Laws by which all future meetings shall be regulated.

1. That the members of the various Societies of the New Church in Lancashire and its neighbourhood shall assemble annually on Friday in Whitsun Week, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon in the place of worship belonging to one of the Societies; and that a majority of the members present, to be decided by a shew of hands, shall nominate the place where the succeeding meeting shall be held.

2. That a President for the following meeting shall be chosen annually, who shall select some particular portion of the WORD OF GOD to be read and taken into consideration, of which the Secretary shall give due notice to the various Societies.

3. That on the President's being called to the Chair, the Secretary, or some person for him, shall read over a summary of the proceedings of the former meeting; after which a hymn shall be sung and the Lord's prayer be repeated.

4. That the President shall then read the portion of the Holy Word previously selected, and invite the members present to make observations thereon, allowing not more than fifteen minutes to each speaker.

5. That the business of the meeting shall be concluded at half past one, or not later than two o'clock, by the singing of a hymn, and a benediction of the President.

6. That no alterations shall be made to these Laws, except with the consent of a majority of the members present at an annual meeting, notice whereof shall have been given at a former meeting.

The next annual meeting was resolved to be held at Middleton: and the Rev. John Pownall was appointed the President.

LEEDS.

DAVID HOWARTH, Chairman.
JOHN ATKINSON, Secretary.

THE New Jerusalem Temple now building in this Town is expected to be ready for opening about January next. The workmen are now engaged in putting on the roof. It will be a neat and handsome building, much wanted in so large and populous a town, as it is not reasonable to expect any increase of the Church while the Society are confined to their present obscure place of worship. The Rev. T. Goyder, has lately visited Leeds, and after the Evening Service on Sunday the 17th of September last a collection was made in aid of the building. Any person disposed to assist the friends in Leeds in this good undertaking, may transmit their donations to the Rev. J. Gilbert, or to Mr. Greenwood, Organ builder, York Street, Leeds.

DEATH OF THE REV JOSEPH PROUD.

As soon as the news of Mr. Proud's decease reached the Society in Hull, they determined to shew that respect to his memory

which a grateful recollection of his past services for them, and his labours in the Lord's New Church demanded. He had been the Minister elect for the Society, during the time in which the suit respecting the chapel was pending in the Court of Chancery; and would have been the officiating Minister after it was re-opened if his age, and other circumstances had not prevented it. To testify their esteem, they put the pulpit into mourning for him, and a Funeral Sermon was preached on the Evening of Sept 3rd to a numerous congregation, by the present Minister, T. Wallworth, from these words, "While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praise unto my God while I have any being." In speaking from the text, the preacher noticed the resolution of those who are made spiritually alive, which is to praise the Lord; that true praise consisted in an acknowledgment of, and faith in, the Lord Jesus Christ as the only true God and Eternal Life, which leads to a confession of Him in his exalted character; and that the spiritual affection, understood by singing, is continued to the end of our natural life, and hereafter in the spiritual world, where we begin to have real being. In conclusion he considered the above qualities to have been eminently conspicuous in the character of the Rev. Minister, Mr. Proud, especially in the abundant labour bestowed in his Hymns and other poetical productions; and contended that the same determination to praise the Lord would actuate his substantial spirit in the everlasting realms of bliss.

MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

BARNTON, CHESHIRE.

The Doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church were, for the first time, announced to be preached in this place on Sunday, the 9th July last, by Mr. R. G. Sheldon of Liverpool. He preached at a friend's house in the morning to a congregation of about 60 persons, from Rev. xxi. 2. A gentleman present who never heard of the doctrines before, generously lent a place to preach in for the afternoon and evening, when Mr. Sheldon again addressed the people from Zech. xiv. 9, and Rev. xix. 9. about 120 were assembled in the afternoon, and 160 in the evening, Most of the hearers expressed themselves in terms highly satisfactory. The following extract from a letter, dated "Barnton, July 15th 1826," and addressed to Mr. Sheldon will show the reception which the doctrines met with in this village.—

"We have much pleasure in being able to inform you, after having made a general enquiry how the doctrines of the New Church, which you preached were received, that as far as we can learn, a general satisfaction has prevailed. The people are eagerly enquiring when you will come again;-you have quite gained their affections."

(Signed) Josiah Boyer.

Joseph Boyer.
James Ridgway.

NORWICH.

The Society at Norwich, having applied to the Missionary Society, in London, to be favoured with a Missionary Visit, the Society received a Letter from the Rev W. M. Mason, stating his appointment thereto, with the subjects he intended to expound. Accordingly every necessary arrangement was made for his reception, and the public were informed of the visit, by printed bills, which were exhibited in the principal parts of the City. On the 29th of June the Rev. W. M. Mason with Mrs Mason, accompanied by Mr. Presland, arrived at Norwich, and on Sunday, July 2nd began his Course of Sermons, at Crooks Place Chapel. The Morning Service-text; answer to the question, WHat is Truth? "Pilate saith unto him, what is Truth." John xviii. 38. At this Discourse there were few persons present, compared with the size of the Chapel, which we were sorry to see though at the same time not mnch surprised. There were several Calvinists present, who when they heard the Doctrine of Truth, as understood by the New Church, seemed quite at a loss to know whether their doctrines were true or not. Many of the Friends expressed their entire satisfaction at the elucidation of this subject.

AFTERNOON SERVICE: What Jesus Christ came into the World for, shewn from his own words. Text: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth." John xviii. 37.

EVENING SERVICE. The Christian's view of Redemption by the Blood of Christ, should be pure and spiritual, not gross and carnal. Text: "Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood." Rev. i. 5. Our numbers still continued to be few but we were highly satisfied with the manner in which Mr. Mason treated this subject, and those who were of other denominations, declared their approbation by saying that they had never seen it set forth in so clear a light before; still there were some present so in love with the material blood of Christ, that notwithstanding the many able proofs that were brought forward from the Gospels, and Epistles, and Reason, they chose rather to remain in their low and grovelling ideas, than to elevate their minds, to the things represented thereby, At this discourse some persons from the Wesleyan persuasion being present, were not a little astonished to find the New Church Doctrines so justly supported by Scripture and Reason, but it appeared that these persons did not come in search of Truth, but on the contrary to misrepresent and calumniate; they therefore raised a very evil report against us, by saying that we made Jesus Christ a Sinner. This arose, it is supposed, from their not understanding, or not attending to the difference between hereditary and actual evil, which was treated of in this Sermon. Mr. Mason gave such clear views upon the subject as would convince any man who had his eyes in any degree open; but to those who are under the influence of false doctrines Truth cannot appear.

MONDAY EVENING. The nature of Baptism and its promised effects, shewing what is involved in our being baptized into the name of the three Divine Principles or Essentials of Deity, called the Trinity. Text: "And he said unto them go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark xvi. 18. In consequence of the report raised by the above mentioned persons, Mr. Mason adverted to this in the course of the subject, in order if possible to stop such a calumny, by saying that we of the New Church did not make Jesus Christ to be a sinner: but that the Lord bore our sins by taking our nature upon him, and overcoming all those hereditary principles of evil, which he derived from the Virgin, and that the Lord by this became a Conqueror; for the Apostle Paul says "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Heb. iv. 15. From these and many other passages it was shewn that the humanity which was assumed from the mother was tainted with inclinatiions to evil, but, that the Lord by means of the Divinity in himself conquered them all. After the Sermon several

persons stopt at the entrance of the Chapel : among whom was a young man unknown to us, who stopt Mr. Mason, and began to question him concerning the Humanity that was born of the Virgin Mary; upon which Mr. Mason addressing him, said that he could not think of going over the same ground again, but what I have stated, said he, are not my own words, for they are the words of the apostle Paul himself, Heb. vii. 27. ( this was quoted by Mr. Mason in his Sermon ) but this person would not have it as it was stated, but wanted to evade any direct understanding of the passage, by taking such a circumlocution as would have made light appear as darkness: it was evident by the manner of this person that he did not come for instruction, but on the contrary to create a tumult; for he raved at such a rate as to be quite troublesome. Several persons who were present (and who were merely lookers on) said that they thought he quite misuuderstood the subject altogether, and that they had heard the subject and thought it very clear. Mr. Mason had left the young man at this time, and was stopt by another person, who requested that Mr. M. would favour him with two or three hours conference upon the Doctrines, which Mr. Mason agreed to. At this interview two or more hours were spent, and upon the doctrine of the Humanity derived from the mother, he said that we were certainly authorised by saying that Jesus Christ did bear our sins, by taking our corrupt nature upon him, and that the passage in Hebrews vii. 27, did imply such a Doctrine.

WEDNESDAY EVENING. The nature of the Lords Supper and of acceptable Worship in general. Text: "I will wash my hands in Innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord." Psalm xxvi. 6. It appeared that this discourse was received with general approbation. A certan person who attended several of the sermons, said that it was shewn this Evening, what was the end and object of Divine Worship, and that preachers in general did not shew the end for which the Lord instituted Divine Worship. He remarked also that he had heard many things to night which were very striking and new, and which he had never thought on; that though he could not enter in to all, yet there were many things he thought (though new) very grand and edifyng. This person is a preacher amongst a people who have dissented from the Calvinists.

FRIDAY EVENING. The Divine Allegories contained in the Scriptures, shewn to be full of Divine Wisdom; the Narrative of the Fall of Man, &c. considered as instances. Text: "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine" Matt. vii. 6. How far the ideas given by Mr. Mason met the views of the hearers, we are not able to say, as the subject was somewhat new : but we trust that it has excited a spirit of inquiry.

On the following Sunday Mr. Mason again preached three Sermons, that in the morning was on The quality of that faith which justifies, and the true nature of justification; text, Gen xv, 6: that in the afternoon from Matt. xxv. 31 to 34, concerning the sheep and the goats; and that in the Evening was on The nature of the Christian's conquest, and the reward promised to the conqueror. In the morning the congregation was very small; the weather being unfavourable, but the Services in the afternoon and evening were well attended. After the Service Mr. Mason retired into the vestry, as he had been accustomed to do, when many of the friends and members met to take their last farewell and to return their heartfelt acknowledgement for the services he had been instrumental in administering.

A person who had attended the whole of these Sermons, addressed himself to Mr. Mason, and said that through the instrumentality of Mr. Noble and Mr. Mason, he had received that instruction and edification, which he had never experienced in all his life, though he had attended preaching more than thirty years.

On Tuesday Evening July 4, the Rev W. M. Mason baptized into the faith of the Lord's New Church 22 persons, 11 of whom were adults: and on the Thursday evening administered the Lord's Supper to more than thirty persons, and on Monday Mr. and Mrs. Mason left Norwich for Colchester.

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