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capable of rendering good service to the community." The Dean not only defined and defended this position of a State church, but "maintained that there was far more likelihood of freedom and justice being respected under State superintendences, than under the narrower surveillance of party, sects, or individuals. All things human were imperfect, under the best arrangements, and secular government formed no exception; but as great cruelties, as much wickedness, as much misery had been inflicted upon the world by so-called churches and spiritual rulers, as by any statesmen or politicians whatever. Calling things spiritual did not make them so, and even the boasted headship of Christ meant frequently the selfish domination of some tradesmen in the next street."

To the sentiments expressed by the Dean the " English Independent " demurs. "To us," says the editor, "the State is the proper embodiment of law; the true church the proper embodiment of the principle of grace; so that to unite the two, either by establishment or by endowment, which gives the right of interference, is to confound the functions of both. In order to unite Church and State, you must either heighten the character of all citizens up to the level of the Gospel, or you must degrade the character of Christianity down to the level of the parish multitude; and in the conflict it is always the latter portion of the alternative which is chosen."

As members of the New Church, we do not attach the highest importance to the contentions of rival parties on the mere questions of church government and authority. We note them, however, as signs of the times and evidences of the growing liberality of thought and feeling in all religious communities. Religious liberty is of priceless value, but like every other kind of liberty, it can only be preserved by true order. The church has its foundation in the spiritual life, but for its appearance in the world it must assume an organised form; and as a religious organisation it becomes amenable to the laws of civil society. No religious community can, therefore, be wholly separated from the State. The true mission of the church, however, is to imbue the State with its own exalted principles of spiritual wisdom and love, and thereby to improve and purify the motives and practices in worldly policy, and to bring the action of the State into

harmony with the laws of righteousness and truth. Towards this end all religious communities are working, and in our own country, therefore, all should be recognised as, to the extent of their operations, equally valuable to the State; and all should seek to cheerfully recognise the uses of each other, and to work together cordially and earnestly for the common good.

PROPOSALS FOR UNION BETWEEN CHURCHMEN AND NONCONFORMISTS.-We have on more than one occasion pointed out the growing disposition for promoting this union, on the part of eminent members of the Established Church. Hitherto these efforts have not been reciprocated by the leading organs of the Nonconformists. An effort of this kind, however, made by Dean Alford, in a recent number of the "Contemporary Review," has led to a cordial response by the Rev. John Stoughton, in the " Evangelical Magazine" for March. "Our own firm conviction," says Mr. Stoughton, "is that the centre of union and the basis of Christendom is to be found, not in any canons or formularies whatever, not in any kind of church government, nor in any theological creeds or ritual, but in the common belief which all true Christians have in the Lord Jesus Christ,— that Divine Person who redeems our souls, and who, therefore, Himself must be the secret of all fellowship and sympathy among those who rejoice in His redemption. And that being the case, there must necessarily now exist a spiritual union between all believers in Christ. Whether made visible or not, whether admitted or denied, there it is, a reality in the sight of God, a reality in the hearts of good men. Holding this position most firmly, we find in our own case, the ground cleared for the consideration of any plans which may be devised, in reference to union. By no particular plan of ours, however, can the union be produced, for it already exists; nor can it, perhaps, properly speaking, be, in its essential and spiritual character promoted by them; but it can, through such help, be expressed; it can be more richly enjoyed. It is, then, to a fuller enjoyment and manifestation of a Divine privilege, the foundation of which is already laid, that we are invited and stimulated by such reflections and appeals as those which we have the pleasure of bringing before our readers."

The writer proceeds to express his

satisfaction that the Dean "makes no proposals for any comprehension of Nonconformists within the establishment." This is felt to be unattainable. "The only feasible thing to be thought of is to seek to promote a healthy, manly fraternisation among them,—a fraternisation which shall involve no compromise of principle, while it gives full scope for the expressions of mutual candour and charity. If Christians of distinct communities-distinct in their ecclesiastical organisation-be one in Christ; if in the sight of heaven they be one, there must surely be some possible method by which they may be brought into relations with each other in full accordance with that real union." So again-"When we come to dwell upon the subject, how utterly unchristian and unreasonable it seems that there should be such a wall of social separation between men who are divided from each other' by the thinnest possible partition, as far as theological doctrine is concerned.' It could not be if our common Christianity were dearer to us than our sectarian opinions,-if the religious welfare of our country were more precious in our esteem than the interests of our own particular community. It could not be if we were to cast aside our foolish prejudices, antipathies, and suspicions-which will not bear the light of a single moment-and act under the influence of wisdom and common sense."

The above sentiments give the true ground of Christian unity, and read like a comment on such passages as the following in our author's writings:"Mutual love and charity are effective of unity, or oneness, even among varieties, uniting varieties into one; for let numbers be multiplied ever so much, even to thousands and tens of thousands, if they are all principled in charity or mutual love, they have all one end, viz., the common good, the kingdom of the Lord, and the Lord Himself. In this case the varieties in matters of doctrine and worship are like the varieties of the senses and viscera in man, which contribute to the perfection of the whole. For then the Lord, by means of charity, enters into and operates upon all, with a difference of manner according to the particular temper of each, and thus arranges all and every one into order, as in heaven so on earth; and thus the will of the Lord is done on earth as it is in heaven, according to what He Himself teaches." (A.C. 1285.)

SPAIN. This country, so long closed to Protestant missions and the circulation of the Scriptures, is still fast bound in the hands of the Roman Catholic priesthood, and regarded as the stronghold of the Papacy. The Papal appreciation of this relation to the holy see is manifested in the recent presentation of the golden rose to the Queen. The Word is nevertheless slowly making its way among the people, and the hearts of some of her sons are yearning to awaken an interest among their countrymen in its teaching. A successful effort has been made at Lausanne, in Switzerland, to educate young Protestant Spaniards for missionary service in their native country; and an American widow lady has devoted her wealth to the establishment and support of a school for Spanish boys at Pau, with the special object of preparing them for further studies at Lausanne. One of the labourers in this hitherto barren field thus writes respecting his country and his work:-" My country is now passing through a complete revolution, out of which religious freedom must necessarily arise. Therefore we need the support of our brethren in the more highly-favoured countries of Europe, in order to be prepared for the day when the Lord, in His mercy, will fulfil our ardent wish of being able to preach the Gospel freely in our beloved but unhappy land. In different parts of Spain there are small societies, mostly from the middle and labouring classes;

we

hold regular meetings, though, through fear of persecution, this is done altogether in secret. As a proof of the ardent desire of the most diverse classes of the Spanish population for a knowledge of Gospel truth, it may be noted that at the Paris Exposition, down to the end of September, there were distributed, exclusively to Spaniards, 1,900 Bibles, 200 New Testaments, 11,300 single Gospels, and from 20,000 to 27,000 tracts. Many Spaniards have not hesitated to attend the public services which were held every Wednesday in the Taitbout Chapel, a fact which attracted the attention of the Spanish newspapers."

BOSTON, AMERICA.-We extract from the February number of the American "New Jerusalem Magazine," the following account of the installation of the Rev. James Reed, as pastor of the society of the New Church at this place:"" The Rev. James Reed was inducted into the

office of pastor of the society of the New Church in Boston, on the forenoon of Sunday, January 5th. The Rev. Thomas Worcester, who had been the first and only pastor of the society, having held that office nearly fifty years previous to his resignation, officiated on the occasion. The discourse and installation services were, in the highest degree, interesting and impressive. Mr. Reed was attended during the ceremony by six members of the church, to represent the church and the society. The church was very full, the number being estimated at from 700 to 800. It was beautifully decorated with flowers, and the music was excellent. In the afternoon the sacrament of the Holy Supper was administered to 352 communicants; Mr. Worcester commencing the service and continuing to the end of the prayer, after which Mr. Reed broke the bread, and gave it to the assistants, and also gave the cup; Mr. Worcester closing the service with the Benediction. Previous to the Supper, Mr. Reed officiated at the reception into the society of sixteen new members."

STUDENTS' AND MINISTERS' AID FUND AND NATIONAL MISSIONARY INSTITUTION. The last General Conference re-affirmed a resolution which has been adopted at several former Conferences, suggesting to the various societies of the church the propriety of making an annual collection on behalf of the above institutions; and appointed a deputation of three to attend public meetings, or otherwise to promote this object.

As a body, the New Church has sustained its public institutions almost exclusively by private subscriptions. The tendency of this course has been to confine their support to a few, and to narrow the sympathy of the members of the church, in the progress and effective working of these institutions. Many of them have been very inadequately supported, and all have lacked the discussion and thoughtful consideration which would be secured by public meetings, and which would have led to their greater efficiency. Nor can we doubt that societies would be largely benefitted by at least one public meeting in the year, wherein not their own wants, but the well-being and extended usefulness of the general church, should be made the subject of thoughtful and earnest discussion. A larger charity would be developed, and greater unity, mutual sympathy, and active coöperation obtained in the working of our institu

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RICHARD STORRY, Sec. SWEDENBORG SOCIETY.-Several opportunities have lately occurred for presenting sets of the works in localities where there can be no question they will be extensively read. At the instigation of Mr. Hobler, resident there, a complete set, of both Latin and English, have been sent to the New Church Society in the populous and busy city of St. Francisco.-A complete set in English has been presented to the free library which has recently been established in Nottingham, under the auspices of the Town Council. For these a vote of thanks has been received. At their last meeting, the committee voted a complete set in English to the Oxford Union Society. In reference to this, one of our friends most competent to form an opinion on the subject, says " A more important grant the society could not possibly make." He regards the circumstance, "at this crisis," as "very providential." The zealous friend who suggested the gift, in a letter of March 12th, says

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In a very full house of more than three hundred members, the works were to-night proposed amid much cheering and accepted with acclamation, and a hearty vote of thanks passed at once to your society for its noble gift." The official vote of thanks has since been received.

"The Doctrine of the Lord," revised by Dr. Bayley, is in the press and will soon be ready. It forms part of the "Four Doctrines" in one volume. The "Heaven and Hell" is also in the press. Several errors having been found in the stereotype plates, they have been corrected.

It will afford pleasure to the members to know that a second edition, revised, of the Rev. A. Clissold's pamphlet, "The Literal and Spiritual Sense of Scripture," is in the press and will soon be published. It consists of the address which he read

at the last anniversary. This important document has found its way to America, one publisher there having ordered 100 copies. It is very suitable for lending. Mr. Butter, as we understand, will shortly publish a twopenny tract, under the title "Maiden, prepare to become a Happy Wife and Mother."

NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-The annual meeting of this institution is arranged to take place on Tuesday, the 28th of the present month. The governors of the college and the friends of New Church education in general will (D.V.) take tea together at six o'clock. An opportunity will be afforded after tea to examine the buildings, and note the arrangements which have been made for the instruction of the students and the pupils. The report of the council will be then submitted to the meeting, and the officers for the ensuing year elected. Tickets for the tea may be obtained at the college, or from Mr. Alvey, Bloomsbury-street. It is hoped the meeting will prove full of interest to all who desire that their children should be instructed in the truths of the new dispensation, and that religion, literature, and science may be at one.

MISSIONARY AND TRACT SOCIETY.-We are requested to state that the 47th anniversary meeting of this society will be held in the church, Argyle-square, on Wednesday evening, the 13th of May next. Tea will be provided in the schoolroom at 5-30, and the chair be taken in the church by Mr. Austen at 7-0. Steps are being taken to render this meeting more than usually interesting.

BUILDING FUND OF THE NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. The committee of the above Union invite your attention to the claims of the Building Fund, which is instituted for the purpose of aiding in the erection or enlargement of school-houses, wherein will be given a sound education according to the doctrinal teaching of the New Jerusalem. The plan pursued is to advance, on loan, half of the cost of the building, without charging interest, which is to be paid back by ten annual instalments, the borrowing party having first raised the other half of the amount required; thus enabling societies of the church to possess themselves of school-houses, which they could not do without such aid, and which, of course, could be used by the society as a church, and also as a day-school. Nine

school-houses have already been built or enlarged by this aid, one of which is now out of debt, and the others are in course of paying their annual instalments; thus proving the practical uses of this institution. The committee have, therefore, much confidence in asking you for a subscription, and in assuring you that you would be giving help where help is required, and where it can be employed in a valuable and also permanent manner. Signed on behalf of the committee,

RICHARD STORRY, President. THOMAS POTTS, Hon. Sec. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.-The Rev. W. Ray has, during the present year, delivered a course of Sunday evening lectures, eight in number, embracing the principal doctrines of the New Church, which have been tolerably well attended. The (London) Tract Society kindly sent a grant of tracts, which have been distributed; and at the weekly service on Wednesday evenings, some inquirers have manifested an interest in asking questions, which Mr. Ray answers in a kind Christian spirit. The morning congregations are good, and the society moves on in the "even tenor of its way" in peace. Arrangements are made for a visit from the Rev. E. D. Rendell at Easter.

NORTH SHIELDS.-This society is now without a meeting-room, nor can a suitable place be obtained. Mr. Mc. Lagan, the leader, has been unremitting in his weekly services, but the society has not increased in numbers. It has been suggested to make an effort at South Shields, where several of the members reside.

CARLISLE.-The care and fostering of young societies until they can "walk by themselves," is an anxious matter with those who have their interest at heart. The National Missionary Society is "a mother" in this respect, and Carlisle and Shields have received of her kindly aid. The Rev. W. Ray and Mr. Catcheside have frequently visited the former society, and speak of the pleasure of their visits and the kindness and unanimity of the friends. The time seems to have arrived for an extra effort to obtain for the Carlisle society a regular minister or leader-say, a student-who would find this an excellent field for work. are two or three gentlemen in the locality who are willing to "lend a hand" in such case, and by a grant for a year or two from the Ministers' Aid Fund, such a desirable effort might be made. The

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members are most anxious to coöperate, and are hopeful of the results. They have a comfortable though small house of worship and a harmonium, which, with three or four active members and an inquiring community, form the leading requisites of a young New Church society.

ACCRINGTON. -The anniversary sermons, delivered on Sunday, February 23rd, by Mr. Presland, of Derby, afforded to the friends who had the advantage of hearing them great delight and much benefit. All agree in opinion respecting them, and will be most happy to see the able and agreeable author of them here again on a future occasion. The collections realised £47. 9s. Mr. Presland also addressed the Sunday scholars in the afternoon in a very kind and interesting manner.

On Thursday evening, February 6th, the members of the society held a most interesting and happy social meeting, at which nearly 300 adults were present. Mr. G. Bury, the chairman, in a feeling and suitable address, referred to the success which past efforts had attained, and drew hope and encouragement for future undertakings from the unanimity which now characterises the church in this town; gave a word of welcome to all present, and trusted that this, like previous similar meetings, might result in increased mutual good feeling amongst the brethren. A humorous reading was then given by Mr. W. Morris. Mr. John Heap spoke upon "Life's Pleasures," laying down a true definition of pleasure as based upon use, and showed that in the many positions of life our duty is to seek pleasure and happiness in the pursuit of the good and the true. His address was able and kind. Dr. Pilkington, of Clayton-le-Moors, in a stirring speech, referred to the spread of the church in various directions, and invited the attention of our young members to the recent publications of the church, assuring them of the lasting benefit and blessings which they are calculated to bestow. Tea and coffee were then served, and a genial conversation ensued for a short interval. Mr. Cunliffe introduced the subject of a penny subscription, which is about to be re-established, showing that the good work of the church must be prosecuted by every means within our power, and that while we have been able to do much, there are still remaining further

duties to discharge in pecuniary matters, which this means will enable us easily to accomplish. Mr. Heywood made a few brief remarks upon the value of time, with humorous illustrations, and then gave a reading from Dickens's "Dombey and Son," which appeared to afford much amusement. After this came a short address from one of our superintendents, Mr. N. Hargreaves, upon Sunday-schools, in which he urged the claims of these institutions, and showed the visible improvement in the quality of our own, as an inducement to teachers to aid in still enhancing its utility by giving more extensive assistance. Mr. E. Whitehead traced with considerable clearness the rise of two societies, our own and Heywood, and showed the good they have done, and may still do, by raising up a united and intelligent body of people, earnest in the development of a true Christian charity. Lastly, Mr. Broadfield gave one of his happily clever addresses, illustrative at once of the pleasing position which he occupies here as leader and friend, in which, while acknowledging the happiness always felt in such large and social gatherings, he begged that the other meetings of the church might be distinguished by a similar increase of numbers, and a consequent augmented interest. At eleven the assembly rose, after a very happy four hours' interchange of thought and feeling. At intervals part-songs and solos were pleasingly sung by several musical friends. These, with hymns, formed an agreeable change of proceeding, and promoted the general enjoyment. Nor were bodily refreshments wanting, in the shape of a plentiful supply of various fruits. These social meetings, which bring the whole church membership together on free and equal terms, cannot fail to be eminently useful, and, from past experience of them, every one feels desirous that they should be maintained.

BRIGHTLINGSEA.-The last account of the progress of the new place of worship at this place appeared in the pages of the Repository of May last. Since then the work of building has progressed steadily, and, we believe, to the satisfaction of all concerned. Many friends saw what the edifice promised to be at the time of the last Conference, and now that it approaches completion, it seems all that we could wish. Since the last announcement some additional subscriptions have

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