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as complete as possible. The number of pupils has also increased; and arrangements are in progress for the fixing of gymnastic apparatus in the room beneath the college chapel. The library continues to receive additions of books; and arrangements are being made, under the superintendence of Mr. Watson, the chairman of the council, and Dr. Goyder, the librarian, for a new bookcase, which is intended to be a model according to which the others are to be made, so that in time the whole may be uniform. Two only of the professions are at present represented by our students, theology and medicine, but we hope to have young lawyers also. A student of law would find our college useful to him, not only as a place of instruction in arts whilst attending the Inns of Court, but as a religious home in which to dwell under the influence of the New Church. The association of good young men of different worldly professions in the same college, is also calculated to give an enlarged view of life which may be useful to our future ministers, and do away with the cramping effect of a merely theological institution.

The recent hurricane blew in the boarding of the west window, and did some damage in the gallery. Hopes are entertained that the new stained glass window will be in by Easter, and that it will be strong enough to resist the severest gales to which our climate is subject.

MINISTERS' MEETING.-The quarterly meeting of the ministers in Lancashire was held on January 27th, at the house of the Rev. Mr. Rendell, of Preston. There was a numerous attendance. Various subjects of interest to the church were fully considered, and the conviction was strengthened as to the extreme usefulness of these periodic assemblies. A meeting of the Preston Society was held in the evening, at which the Rev. W. Woodman read an essay, which had been previously heard and discussed by the ministers, on "The Authority of Swedenborg in the Church," after which interesting addresses were delivered by various ministers whose other engagements had permitted them to remain, and also by several members of the society. The next meeting is appointed to be held at Accrington.

RITUALISM.-We have received the following note from the President of

Conference, to which we invite the attention of our readers. The essays alluded to are on questions at present occupying a good deal of public attention, and are eminently calculated to spread correct views on the subjects of which they treat :

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"Permit me, through your valuable columns, to call the attention of the church to a new series of Essays on Modern Religious Thought,' now in course of publication. The first of the series is in the hands of the booksellers. It is on Ritualism, Ecclesiastical and Revealed.' It will not be difficult for members of the New Church to guess the source whence the author has drawn very many of the ideas which are presented in the essay. It is an attempt to look at one of the great religious questions of the times from the high standpoint of New Church philosophy. As such it deserves the assistance of all who desire to see the literature of the church assume a broader and higher attitude. This essay will be followed in a month by one from another writer on Confession and Absolution.' I beg, therefore, to urge upon the readers of the Intellectual Repository the advisableness of procuring copies of these essays, and also of recommending them to their friends."

PRESENTATION OF A TESTIMONIAL TO MR. WATSON, THE LATE SECRETARY OF THE ARGYLE-SQUARE SOCIETY.—At the quarterly meeting of this society, held on the 15th of January last, the Rev. Dr. Bayley, having been called to the chair, rose and said: I congratulate the meeting on the largeness of its numbers, and on the happy circumstance which will form the chief event of the evening. It has been a notable feature in the history of this society that it has enjoyed the services of a body of officers faithful, persevering, true, and courteous,-a body of Christian gentlemen with whom it was a happiness for a minister to work. I cannot refrain from mentioning Mr. Prowse, our former treasurer, who will this evening present the testimonial to our late secretary. There is also Mr. Pitman, who has worthily trodden in the steps of his predecessor in the same office; and there is also our esteemed friend Mr. Butter, who has so efficiently and so constantly aided in the public service of the Lord, both in the ministry of Mr. Shaw and my own. The services of

these gentlemen and many others-in fact, all the members of the church committee have continuously rendered services which have conduced to the progress and stability of the society, and well deserve the esteem which they one and all enjoy. There is, however, one office in a society which, in the management of its general affairs, is of supreme importance; and that is the office of secretary. Upon the worthy discharge of the duties of this office in a warm and affectionate spirit largely depends a society's well-being; and by Mr. Watson they had been served in a manner the most able and exemplary for the long period of 28 years. Always at his post, always attending to everything conducive to the welfare of the society and the comfort of its members, and always with a kind word and a genial smile for every one, their esteemed friend and brother had, during all the time he was in office, won golden opinions from all; and when his somewhat failing health induced him to retire, the goodwill of the society could not allow of such a change without giving, in a form that would mark its sense of the admirable services of Mr. Watson, some token of their gratitude and affection. The superb inkstand and the noble salver which you see before you, with the sentiments engraved upon them, will long be to Mr. Watson, his family, and friends, a memorial of the value of services which will live in the hearts of his fellowmembers; and their earnest prayers will be for his future and eternal happiness. They may be regarded also as a token of good-will from the whole New Church, for Mr. Watson is known and esteemed amongst us universally. His position as treasurer of the Swedenborg Society, his long attendance at the Conference, the part he has taken in all the general movements of the church, have brought him into contact with so large a number of his brethren, that his name is unknown to few, and where he is known he is loved. In the name, then, of his own society especially, but in the name also of the whole church, I call upon our esteemed friend Mr. Prowse to make the presentation.—Mr. Prowse then presented Mr. Watson with the inkstand and salver, and read the following address:

"To Thomas Watson, Esq. "Dear Sir,-The members of the society of the Lord's church with which

you have been connected for so many years, desire your acceptance of the inkstand and salver which they now present, as a mark of their esteem, and especially as a testimonial of their appreciation of your faithful and distinguished services as their secretary during 28 years. Your fellow-members do not doubt that during the long period of your estimable labours you have enjoyed in your own breast the exalted reward which ever attends the sincere performance of duty in serving the Lord; but they desire also to assure you that your courteous, kind, efficient, and long-continued exertions in the best of causes-the cause of Divine love and wisdom, as unfolded in the principles of the New Jerusalem Churchhave secured you the universal esteem of the Argyle-square Society, who invite you to accept the tokens of their goodwill accompanying this address, and who pray that the Divine blessing may still attend you and your beloved family during the continuance of your useful life on earth, until you enter upon the higher uses and fuller joys of heaven.Signed on behalf of the society,

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"J. BAYLEY, Minister.

"FREDK. PITMAN, Treasurer. "THOS. G. WATSON, Secretary. January 15, 1868."

Inscription on the inkstand and salver:"Presented to Thomas Watson, Esq., at a general meeting of the Society of the New Jerusalem Church, Argyle-square, held 15th January, 1868, as a token of respect, esteem, and love for his Christian character, and in acknowledgment of his services as their secretary for the period of 28 years, ending 17th July, 1867."

Mr. Watson said: Mr. Chairman, my dear pastor, ladies and gentlemen, my dear friends, what reply can I make for all this kindness? I am thankful to you all-grateful to every one present-thankful for this beautiful gift; but especially grateful for the kind feelings and affectionate regards of which this is the outward manifestation. But, dear friends, I did not require such extra payment. My services to the church have always been rewarded, each act with its own peculiar satisfaction and encouragement, either for what had been done or what remained to do. Elected to the office of secretary as I was in the early days of my manhood, I cannot but trace the watchfulness of Divine Providence for

my welfare. I was doubtless preserved from temptations and dangers, and I have certainly been blessed with success and prosperity. For all that I possess, for my position in life, and all my friends, I am indebted to the New Church. But I cannot express my feelings to you, my dear friends; be assured that, by the Lord's blessing, I will try to repay you for this mark of your esteem, and to deserve your future regard; and when I look upon these gifts I shall think of them as being the silver frame that surrounds the affections of my New Church friends, their cordial and loving faces, and all the other circumstances of this most happy occasion. We are told that it is more blessed to give than to receive-may this be the experience of you all, and, from my heart, I once more sincerely and affectionately thank you all.

BURY.-In our January number was a notice of the effort making by this society to remove their building debt. The amount at that time subscribed (£180.) included the sum of £42. offered by Mr. Clifton; and the liabilities, we have since learned, are larger than there stated. The friends have earnestly persevered in their efforts, and still hope, with the assistance of the friends of the church at a distance, to succeed in this good work. Subscriptions in aid can be sent to the treasurer, Mr. Clifton, care of Mr. Howarth, 24, Foundry-street, Bury, Lancashire.

HEYWOOD.-On Sunday, the 2nd of February, this society was visited by Mr. Parry, of Sheffield, who delivered two instructive and interesting discourses to attentive audiences. On the Monday evening following, Mr. Parry gave a lecture on "Indifferentism," in the schoolroom, which was reported in one of the local papers. The subject was treated with the lecturer's usual ability. After giving evidences of the fact of a widespread indifference, he proceeded to describe some of its causes, noting the disinclination of the natural man to spiritual culture, and dwelling upon the popular religious teaching as unsuited to the growing intelligence of the age, and hence incapable of producing an interest in its instructions. The services were warmly appreciated by those who attended them; and the visit revived agreeable recollections, Mr. Parry having many years ago held the office of leader of the society.

HULL.-During the months of January and February the leader of the society has been engaged in the delivery of a course of six lectures on the Mosaic account of the Creation. The attendance has been good, and the regular congregation has also somewhat improved. The lectures seem to have given general satisfaction.

LEEDS. Two excellent sermons were preached at this place on Sunday, 19th January, by Mr. S. Pilkington, of Ramsbottom, and collections made at the close of each service for the benefit of the Infirmary. On Monday evening, Mr. Pilkington delivered a lecture on the "Second Coming of our Lord," in which he briefly reviewed the various opinions that are held by the bulk of professing Christians, and clearly showed that they are contrary to the true interpretation of the Word of God. The lecturer forcibly showed that the second coming of the Lord is not a coming in person, but a restoration of the true knowledge of divine subjects, or of the genuine doctrines of the Word of God, accompanied with their corresponding influence on the heart and life. On Tuesday evening, Mr. Pilkington brought his first visit to this society to a close with another lecture, on "The twelve Gates of the New Jerusalem." In this lecture he displayed the same masterly exposition of the subject as in his previous discourses. He concluded with a very impressive appeal to his hearers to investigate the doctrines of the New Jerusalem, in order that they might become truly wise and happy.

NEWCHURCH, LANCASHIRE.-A course of three lectures has been given at this place during the month of February, under the auspices of the National Missionary Institution. The first, on the question-"If God is Love, why is there a Hell," and the second, "On the Improbability of the Destruction of the Earth at the Lord's Second_Coming," were delivered by the Rev. R. Storry; and the third, "On the Employments of the Angels," by the Rev. J. Hyde. The attendance at the first was very large, upwards of four hundred being present. The attendance at the subsequent lectures, though good, was not quite so large.

Most of the people present were strangers, the actual receivers of the doctrines in the place being few in number. From all we could learn, however, the truths taught in the

lectures were very favourably received. Short reports were given in one of the local newspapers, and the subject thereby brought under the public attention of the neighbourhood. The members of the church, though few in number, are intelligent and earnest. They sustain a regular Sabbath worship and other means of usefulness, and we may reasonably hope that the service thus rendered will tend to encourage and strengthen them in their work.

NORWICH.-We have had the pleasure of a visit-thanks to the kind offices of the National Missionary Institution-by Mr. R. Gunton, of London, who gave four admirable discourses on Sundays, Feb. 9th and 16th, delivered two lectures during the week, and also met the members and friends at a social tea meeting. By this visit the society has been strengthened and encouraged; and an earnest hope is felt that our energetic and warm-hearted brother may soon be seen in our midst again.

SHEFFIELD. This society was visited on the 26th of January by the Rev. R. Storry, who was induced, at the urgent request of the society, to continue his visit over a second Sabbath. The services of the society are at present held in the Council Hall, and on both the Sundays named were attended by very attentive, though not very numerous, audiences. On the evening of Monday, January 27th, a social tea party was held, which was attended by nearly all the members of the society. The evening was spent in instructive addresses, improving conversation, and pleasing music. Everyone present seemed to enjoy the assembly, which did not break up until a late hour.

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Departed this life, September 26th, 1867, at his residence, Spring-road, Brightlingsea, aged 68 years, Mr. Nathaniel Buck Riches. He had been many years a respected member of the Brightlingsea New Jerusalem Church Society. His harmless and inoffensive disposition was felt and admired by all who knew him. He was a great reader, especially of the Scriptures and the writings of the church. And the writer of this notice is happy to say that great as his love was for reading, it was not greater than his love to practice what he read. He had a large share of the social virtues; and his deeds of benevolence and kindness to the poor and afflicted will be remembered with gratitude by many. Divine Providence had given him a fair portion of this world's goods, and he did not forget to give a little to those whose lines had not been cast in such pleasant places. In this respect, he reThe society at Sheffield possesses many membered the words of the beloved advantages. Its members are intelligent, Apostle-"Whoso hath this world's good, many of them occupy respectable social and seeth his brother have need, and positions, and they have now the talented shutteth up his bowels of compassion services of Mr. Parry as their leader. from him, how dwelleth the love of God Yet with all these advantages, the church in him?" His end was peace. A funeral does not make rapid progress. The discourse was preached on Sunday evenmembers continue year by year to attend ing, October 6th, to a large audience, by their small assemblies with the most Mr. Jepson. Text: "Well done, thou commendable zeal; and, without the en- good and faithful servant: thou hast couragement of worldly popularity, or been faithful over a few things, I will crowded attendances, to enjoy their make thee ruler over many things: enter public worship and to bear their testi- thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matt. mony to the truth. We cannot doubt xxv. 21.) the usefulness of the work in which they are engaged, or despair of its final success. The experience of the society

At Edinburgh, on the 31st day of October last, aged 60 years, Mr. Thomas Isbister. The son of one of the earliest

members of the New Church in this country, he was carefully educated in its principles; and he earnestly endeavoured so to live as to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." Being connected with the Edinburgh society from his youth, he was, during the whole of his after life, one of its steadiest and most active members. Much and justly esteemed as he was, in the church and in the world, it was in private and domestic life, as a friend, a husband, and a father, that his Christian character appeared to the greatest advantage. A widower for the last seven years, his children, to whom he was devotedly attached, engaged a large share of his attention; and the happy combination of affection and firmness, intelligence and playfulness, which he exhibited in their domestic training, presented a sight as pleasing in itself as it was satisfactory in its results. By all who were connected with him, and especially by his family, his memory will be cherished with the tenderest affection.

At Bury, on the 26th November, 1867, Mrs. Elizabeth Lord, aged 62. The deceased entered the church when a very young woman, chiefly through the preaching of the Rev. Thos. Pilkington. While yet young she became the teacher of an infant school at Heywood-the first dayschool connected with that society. Through life she has manifested a warm attachment to the church, and a very superior acquaintance with its doctrines. At the time she entered the church, there were few introductory books published, and she became an ardent reader of Swedenborg. For many of the last years of her life she has been separated by her place of abode from all outward connection with the public worship of the Lord, but has gladly availed herself of every opportunity which has offered of joining the assemblies of the church. She has now entered a world where space can no longer separate her from the association the heart desires and is fitted to enjoy.

Mrs. Sarah Ann Wibberley, of Derby, was called away to her rest on January 8th, 1868, aged 35 years. Connected with the society of the Church in Derby from her infancy, the daughter of New Church parents, an attender of the Sunday-school, and, so far as her health permitted, a regular and devout attender of the public worship of the Lord, she was trained in the knowledge and love of

the sacred truths of the new dispensation. She became united in marriage to one who fully shared her abiding affection for the heavenly doctrines; and after several years of suffering, borne with singular patience and unrepining submission to the will of the Divine Mercy, she has gone home, leaving her husband and their child to remember her gentle virtues with saddened tenderness; yet desiring rather to be comforted by remembering the greatness of her gain, than to be afflicted by considering their own irreparable loss. J.

Mr. Frederick Slight, at his residence, Ampthill-square, London, January 17th, 1868, in his 43rd year. Mr. Slight for more than 18 years had been secretary to the London and Brighton and South Coast Railway. In the discharge of his onerous duties he had ever shown himself a diligent and conscientious officer, remarkable for his punctual habits, scrupulous impartiality, and prompt attention to a voluminous correspondence. The immediate cause of death was paralysis, resulting from disease which for several months before had been slowly and insidiously developing itself. A temporary suspension of his arduous duties, and the abstraction of his mind from the anxieties of office by a residence on the continent, had given himself and his friends some hope of a restoration to health; but this, as in many similar cases, was a delusive hope. Mr. Slight's connection

with the New Church is worthy of notice. His brother (to whom he was affectionately attached), having some years before most fully and cordially accepted the new doctrines, felt it his duty to devote his energy and means to provide and furnish a more fitting place of worship for the small society in Brighton. Very earnest himself, both as a member of the society and as a reader of Swedenborg's works, he had taken every opportunity of introducing the doctrines to the serious consideration of the subject of this notice. In these discussions, which had been often and warmly entered into, an impression very little short of conviction, and which may probably be called a tacit conviction, had been wrought. It is now known that a painful internal conflict had been going on in the mind of Mr. F. Slight for some time, which at last so distressed him that, on returning home one day, he threw himself on his

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