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divine love and wisdom, and of the Lord with His Church. And lastly, how beautiful were the lessons which the doctrines of the Church drew from the Word in relation to the eternal world! Men had well-nigh become Sadducean; whether confessedly or not, men were to a large extent absolute Sadducees, their notion of the soul was that it was next to nothing, and of the body was that it was the best part of the man, and that at death it was buried until some future and unknown period; but in the New Church grand, definite, and satisfactory truths were presented, showing that, in proportion as a man lives the life of heaven upon earth, he is prepared for entering into a real heaven hereafter, a world in which all man's noblest powers would have free and eternal scope. it not a grand thing to have a series of truths calculated to make man's life on earth pure, happy, and useful, and his eternal existence blessed beyond all thought? On these grounds he cordially moved the resolution commending the society as worthy of increased assistance. The resolution was seconded by Mr. JOHN SMITH, who spoke of the importance of fostering a society which, like that, had so noble an object as spreading the doctrines of purity and light, doctrines which alone can reform, regenerate, and renew the world. In the New Church spiritual truth could be investigated from a rational basis; through the medium of the truths of the New Jerusalem, descending from God out of heaven, man was enabled to rise to heaven, by entering into a state of conjunction with his Divine Creator. The tracts and works published by the society were eminently fitted to teach those glorious truths, and he was himself highly pleased that the committee had come to the decision to permit subscribers to take either books or tracts to half the amount of their subscriptions. Every one of the works published by the society was a missionary, and directly tended to spread the streams of truth through the world. The resolution was supported by the Rev. O. P. HILLER, who observed that the objects of the society were two-fold, one involving missionary labours, the other the publication and distribution of tracts. Those who were mentally rich, who were fed every Sunday, and never lacked a spiritual meal, could form no idea of the longings of the members of

some small societies in the country, or of isolated receivers of the doctrines, to whom an opportunity rarely presented itself for the visit of a missionary. In Scotland, at the present day, the people entertained the most delightful reminiscences respecting missionary visits paid them by the Rev. Samuel Noble and the Rev. Thomas Goyder, forty or fifty years ago. A tract was not a very pleasant name, and many entertained almost a dread of them. Religious tracts were frequently disseminated containing particularly disagreeable ideas. One he had recently had put into his hand, near to his own church, on a Sunday, was headed, "Blood, blood, blood!" Nothing would do but blood; no salvation without blood; without blood there was no remission of sins; it really was quite awful; it made them think of Moloch and of the car of Juggernaut. God was described as unwilling to do anything but for blood. Now, should they stand by and see those monstrous views put forth, and do nothing? He had in his hand a bill announcing the subjects for a series of religious lectures, containing the most contradictory views; and were they to see such things without endeavouring to circulate something more rational? But a tract could contain truth as easily as falsity; and they might regard the tracts issued by the society as so many interesting little books, each presenting some beautiful view of truth. That society had been for 47 years labouring publicly and efficiently; and he urged them faithfully and liberally to support it by subscriptions, and to make themselves useful by receiving their quota of works or tracts, and taking the necessary pains to lend or present them on occasions when they were likely to obtain a perusal. The resolution was then put and passed.

The fourth resolution was proposed by Mr. GUNTON-" That the condition of the Church in many of its small societies, as observed by those who undertake missionary labours, is such as to require constant, affectionate, and earnest assistance, which can be rendered most effectually through our missionary organisations." Mr. Gunton said he had at first felt some fear lest the society might not be able to continue the plan of giving subscribers the option of taking books or tracts; but the uses of this step were evident, and if the change resulted in

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attracting double the number of subscribers, or led all the present subscribers to double their contributions-as he felt disposed to think would be the casethen he should heartily approve of the new plan. The speaker, in the course of a lively and interesting address, illustrated most appositely some of the chief uses which the society was performing. As a missionary, he had numerous opportunities of observing, not only the value but the necessity for such aid as it was rendering to many of the societies of the Church, some of which, but for the help given them, would be unable to maintain their ground. Many of the societies of the Church might be regarded as infants; they needed feeding and supporting, and could not be expected to thrive unless they received constant attention and substantial assistance. Mr. Gunton referred at some length to the "Fryer Gift" of the "Appeal," and spoke of an interview he had had with some of Mr. Spurgeon's students, expressing the conviction that it was impossible for any young man possessing a thoughtful mind to read the chapter in the "Appeal" on "The Resurrection," and to continue to entertain the notion that his body would ever come out of the grave; and so with regard to other chapters. He believed that the perusal of the book must have considerable influence in leading to a perception of the truth. His own lectures at Malvern he trusted had been of use; and, at the time of their delivery, the "Malvern News" had contained three long notices of Noble's 66 Appeal," written in the most frank and liberal spirit; indeed he did not think a New Churchman could have done better; and the reviewer in summing up the whole contents of the book had declared that for himself he had long entertained similar ideas, without knowing that they were the views of any body of Christians, and added, that he should rejoice if the notice of the book induced others to obtain it and read it for themselves.

The resolution was seconded by Mr. JOHN PRESLAND, from Derby, who stated that he, for one, believed in missionary labour. It was quite true that missionary labour had been abused. The tracts issued, as had been proved to them that evening, were often very puerile, irrational, and paltry productions; but with that abuse there was a use, and with the perversion and wrong there was a glo

rious right. Jesus had taught His disciples to go and preach the Gospel to every creature; Paul had stood on Mar's Hill, proclaiming the Word of Life; and Rome and Athens and Corinth had reverberated to the sound of the Gospel teachings. He knew nothing that showed the want of truth in the world more than the degradation visible all around. The world wanted a rational religion,a religion that should tell it truly the will of God,-a religion that should unfold the Bible,-a religion that should explain the perplexing mysteries and the great duties of life. What did they find taught? That religion was incomprehensible; that the greater the mystery, the greater the faith! What the world wanted was a religion that should sanctify politics, that should banish wars from the earth, that should extend and establish the principles of right and justice, that should sanctify commerce, that should make a man in the business of life pure and holy, useful and charitable, that should clear the streets of drunkenness and of shame, that should unite husband to wife and wife to husband, making of the home a true church, the abode of truth and love; that should teach parents their duties and responsibilities, and fill the hearts of children with reverence and docility; that should drive out evil and misery, and raise up a people God-fearing and God-loving, men-serving, duty-doing, and heavenward-aspiring. The growth of truth must be gradual, but the truth would assuredly prevail; and it was their duty, as it was their privilege, and should be their happiness, to endeavour with all their might to place before the world the truths which they knew by experience to be so precious, yea, so vitally important.

The resolution was seconded by Mr. BATEMAN, in a brief, earnest, and affectionate address, and passed unanimously.

The Chairman made a few concluding remarks, and the meeting, which was one of considerable interest, was concluded by Dr. Bayley pronouncing the benediction.

[We are requested to state that subscriptions or donations will be thankfully received by the treasurer, Mr. Gunton, 83a, Guilford-street, London; or by the Secretary, Mr. F. Pitman, 20, Paternoster Row, E.C.]

JEWISH HETERODOXY.-The following has appeared in several of the public prints: Dr. Nathans, an eloquent German Jew Rabbi, is creating considerable attention in America by his discourses. He spiritualises the idea of the Messiah, and does not expect his coming in the flesh. The Jews do not consider him orthodox, and he is not permitted to preach in the synagogues." SWEDENBORG SOCIETY.-The fiftyeighth anniversary is fixed for Tuesday, June 16th, at the society's house, 36, Bloomsbury-street, at seven o'clock precisely, the Rev. Augustus Clissold in the chair. On this occasion it is intended to condense the committee's report, and to compress the routine business of electing the officers, &c., into the smallest possible compass, in order to afford more time for reading and discussing a paper by the chairman, on "The indefectability of the Church." A proposition will be submitted to the effect that "There is good reason for believing that, in the present day, the Divine Providence of the Lord is effecting a transition from one dispensation to another." Other topics, pertinent to the existing state of the Christian Church, will also be introduced, affording occasion for several interesting addresses. As the committee believe the meeting will be more than usually attractive, they earnestly hope the members and friends of the society will endeavour to be present, and make the meeting known in their respective circles. It is very desirable that all subscriptions for the current year should be paid before the meeting, either to the treasurer, Thomas Watson, Esq., 19, Highbury Crescent, N., or to Mr. C. P. Alvey, at the society's house.

THE "MESSENGER."- We have received the following communication respecting this popular organ of the church in America from the Rev. Mr. Potts. Mr. Potts' address is 5, Broomfield-place, Hillhead, Glasgow::-"I was glad to see the advertisement on the cover of the Intellectual Repository for May concerning the New Jerusalem Messenger,' as it has long been a matter of surprise to me that this spirited and well-managed New Church paper should be so little circulated amongst us. I feel sure that this arises from the simple fact that the 'Messenger' is comparatively little known. Will you allow me, therefore, in the interest of the church at large, to supply through

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your pages a few points of information concerning your very ably-conducted contemporary? The Messenger' is a weekly paper, containing sixteen large quarto pages. In every number there is a short, well-written leading article, on some topic of current interest to the church, which is followed by a few short papers, generally upon questions of practical interest connected with our New Church literature, forms of worship, points of doctrine, or some other lively subject. To these is appended a sermon by one of our ministers in America. Then succeed short notices of the move¬ ments of other religious bodies, the progress of legislation all over the world as it affects the church, brief reviews of remarkable books, and other kindred topics. The department of news and correspondence comes next, which always brings with it to us on this side of the Atlantic some cheering proofs of activity and progress of the New Church in that wonderful land of the West, where the advance of all liberal and enlightened principles is so rapid; and contains, besides, communications from our own country respecting the status of the New Church here. Following this, under the heading of Communications,' there are letters, written in a familiar style, from various members of the American New Church, upon some subject of personal interest, which often turns out to be of pretty general interest. Then come reviews of New Church books, followed by the Children's department,' which is far from being the least valuable feature of the paper, and which always contains a well-written story to interest the junior members of New Church firesides. This is the last department of the paper, excepting the space devoted to Selections,' from various sources, as for instance, from other American journals. I may add to this long list of interesting features the obituary notices, advertisements of marriages, and full priced lists of all American New Church books. The cost of the Messenger' is 12s. per annum, or 6s. for six months, including postage. For this moderate sum it is delivered by the postman every Tuesday or Wednesday at one's own door, and under the new act there is no penny to pay for British postage; the sum I have mentioned therefore covers all the cost. It may be useful to state that there has recently been an alteration

in the form of the Messenger.' It is greatly improved by the change from the ordinary newspaper size to its present dimensions, as it can now be bound; and if the current number is placed every week in a cardboard case, the work is preserved clean, and can be held whilst reading with convenience. I hope that what I have said may be the means of bringing the Messenger' into acquaintance with many of our friends, who at present have no idea of the pleasure they may insure for themselves by inviting it to pay them a weekly visit. At least every society should provide a copy for the use of the library, and every family where there are young people growing up should take it, as a sure means of exciting interest in the minds of those who require a lively and readable medium of instruction. It will afford me pleasure to assist any of our friends in making acquaintance with the Messenger.' The subscription may be transmitted to me by means of a post-office order, or in stamps, and on receipt I will undertake that no delay or disappointment shall ensue; or, if preferred, they can write directly to Mr. Putnam, the manager of the paper, 20, Cooper Union, New York, who is the very pattern of promptness and kind attention. I shall also be very happy to send a specimen number of the Messenger' to any one who will apply to me for one, as I have a quantity of odd numbers at hand."

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BOLTON.-On Thursday, March 26th, a meeting was held in the Schoolroom, Bolton, for the purpose of publicly recognising Mr. Joseph Deans, of Sheffield, as minister of the society. There was a good attendance, including friends from neighbouring societies. The meeting was opened by singing a hymn, and prayer by the Rev. W. Woodman. The chair was occupied by Mr. W. H. Horrocks, who, in a few brief remarks, introduced the business of the evening, and expressed his gratification at the presence of so many friends on the occasion. Mr. Edleston, of Heywood, followed the chairman, and in the course of his remarks referred to the pleasant recollections which his former connection with the society at Bolton called to mind, and of his acquaintance with Mr. Deans as of long standing, having known him from early childhood. He wished that every blessing might attend his

labours among them. The Rev. W. Westall next addressed the meeting in a feeling speech, dwelling upon the kindly feelings manifested towards himself during his ministry in Bolton by the members of the society, and, expressing his pleasure that the society had been able so quickly to fill the pulpit which he had left, assured Mr. Deans that he would find many kind friends willing to render him every assistance in the performance of his duties.-Mr. Peake then welcomed Mr. Deans on behalf of the society, and after referring to the unanimity of feeling manifested in giving the invitation, expressed his hope that their connection might be a long and useful one.-Mr. Deans in responding spoke to the following effect: "When I cast my mind back upon my earliest recollections in connection with the Church as a scholar in the school at Leeds, during the ministry of Mr. Edleston, I can scarcely realise the fact that I am now entrusted to fill the responsible position of leader of a New Church society. Remembering my youth and inexperience, I might feel that the task was too great for me; but I take courage, knowing that I shall be supported in the discharge of my duties by other and more experienced friends, who will regard my short-comings in a kindly spirit, and help me to surmount the difficulties of my position. I can make no promises of superior efficiency, but I bring to the work a warm attachment to the doctrines of the Church, and a love for the duties of her ministry, and will do my best. The duties of the office which you have entrusted to me I accept cheerfully, trusting to obtain your hearty cöoperation, and above all, in the full conviction that the Lord Jesus Christ will, as the great Head of the Church, watch over and bless every earnest effort put forth for the purpose of promoting her prosperity, and extending her influences of use and blessing. Thanking you for the confidence which you have manifested by thus calling me to be your leader, and trusting that my conduct will be such as never to cause you to regret the step you have taken, I will conclude by expressing a hope that the union now celebrated may be long, happy, and fruitful."-The Rev. W. Woodman next addressed the meeting on the relation of minister and people, dwelling on the material advantages to be derived from a permanent connection between

them. The Rev. J. Boys, Mr. F. Smith, Manchester; and Messrs. Pickering, Graham, Morgan, and J. Horrocks, Bolton, afterwards addressed the meeting.

BRIGHTLINGSEA.-We extract the following account of the opening of the New Church at this place from the "Colchester Mercury" of April 25th:-" The denomination usually known as Swedenborgians have lately erected in Spring-road, Brightlingsea, a very commodious and substantial place of worship, which does great credit alike to the architect, E. C. Gosling, Esq., 44, Chancery-lane, London, to the builder, Mr. Lake, of Brightlingsea, and to the committee of management. The place is capable of seating 400 persons, and was opened on Thursday, April 16th, by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, of London, and dedicated to the worship of the Lord Jesus, as the one only God 'in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,' that being the foundation tenet of this body of Christians. On Thursday afternoon a large attendance was present, and the Rev. Dr. Bayley, having read the consecration service from the Liturgy, and his lesson from the Word-that beautiful and affecting dedication of the temple by King Solomon (1 Kings viii.) delivered an impressive discourse from Haggai ii. 8, 9, The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of Hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former, saith the Lord of Hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of Hosts.' After the service, the friends, to the number of about 80, took tea together at the Temperance Hall. In the evening, they met again at the church, when it was full, and many persons left for want of room. The subject spoken upon was— 'Some of the Blessings to which Man is heir.' The meeting was addressed at some length by Dr. Bayley, who occupied the chair, and several other gentlemen also spoke. On the Friday evening, Dr. Bayley gave a lecture, subject—'A good Christian Temper a Necessary Preparation for Heaven.' On Sunday, two discourses were delivered to large and attentive audiences, by Mr. Gunton, of London; and on Monday evening, the exMayoress of Derby (Mrs. Roe) delivered a most impressive and useful lecture, on 'Lady Rachael Russell.' The attendance at all the services and meetings was large, and the collections towards the building fund very liberal; the musical services

of the choir having added greatly to the interest and delight of the whole proceedings. At the close of Mrs. Roe's lecture, which was effectively delivered, and moved some to tears, a vote of thanks was passed, and carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks was also proposed to the chairman, and this terminated a very happy and useful series of meetings connected with the opening of this excellent structure."

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CARLISLE. This society has received two visits from the Rev. William Ray, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. The first of these took place on the 29th of March, when he delivered a discourse in the morning on "The sea of Galilee," and one in the evening, "From what and by whom is man saved." The services on both occasions were well attended, especially in the evening, when the room was completely filled with an intelligent and appreciative congregation. subjects were ably treated, and served to bring out two of the leading doctrines of the New Church, viz., the doctrine of the Word and of the Lord, apparently to the satisfaction of all who heard. second visit was paid on the 19th April, the subjects being "The first Resurrection," and "Genesis and Geology." The weather was unfavourable, but the attendance was quite as good as on the former occasion, and the congregations were impressed with the singular beauty and clearness of New Church doctrine. Although these and other visits of Mr. Ray have not as yet resulted in any permanent increase in our numbers, yet we are convinced they are productive of much good; and together with the other means used by our members, such as the circulation of sermons by the Rev. Dr. Bayley and other ministers of the Church, have brought many to a knowledge of the enlightening doctrines of the Lord's Church. society desires to acknowledge the kindness of the National Missionary Society in thus enabling them to have such encouraging and useful visits, and also to acknowledge the kindly sympathy of the Newcastle society in depriving themselves of the valuable ministrations of Mr. Ray, in order to help their less fortunate brethren in Carlisle.

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CLAYTON-LE-MOORS, NEAR ACCRINGTON. A few zealous members of the church resident at this place a short time since commenced a Sunday-school, and insti

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