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ISLINGTON. The annual meeting of this society was held on the 19th May, and was followed by a tea meeting on the 26th. From the secretary's report it appears nine members have been added during the year, and the average attendances have increased some thirty per cent. At the Holy Communion also, the numbers have increased considerably. The society's position is, therefore, one of increased strength and increased means for usefulness. The meeting was addressed by Dr. Bayley, Rev. W.C. Barlow, Mr. G. Pulsford, Mr. Kimen, Mr. Bateman, who was in the chair, and the Secretary.

LIVERPOOL.-On the evening of May 18th, a public meeting was held for the recognition of Mr. Goldsack as minister of this society. The appointment, at first temporary, has recently been rendered permanent, and it was resolved to celebrate the event by a social meeting to which the congregation and several of the neighbouring ministers were invited. A pleasant and numerous party assembled to tea, and during the evening the large School-room was nearly filled. The chair was occupied by George Pixton, Esq., who regarded it as a piece of good fortune to occupy so prominent a place in the meeting. The society, he said, had increased in numbers, and he hoped would steadily improve in quality. They had been fortunate in obtaining the services of Mr. Goldsack, whose connection with the society he hoped would be long continued. He should himself regard its severance as a calamity, to prevent which he strongly urged on all, mutual affection, forbearance in judgment, and to keep the conscience void of offence. It was their duty to their minister to sympathise with him in his labours, and to render him a cordial assistance in the works of usefulness which he suggested, and in which he was engaged for the building up of the Church.-Mr. Skeaf introduced Mr. Goldsack with the assurance that he would uprightly discharge the duties of a minister; and Mr. Francis, in recognising his appointment, trusted that the society would give him every encouragement and assistance.

Mr. Goldsack, in a very able speech, of which we can only give a brief abstract, dwelt on the position we claim for the New Church, and on the ministry as a means of its establishment. We call it

the New Christian Church, foretold by the Lord in Daniel, vii. 13, 14, and in the Apocalypse, xxi. 1, 2. The world at large thinks that of all expositions of these visions and prophecies ours are the most mistaken, and we have to support the claim against such an amount of disbelief and pre-conceived aversion, that success would be impossible if our posi

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tion were not in some form true. believe that those prophecies refer not so much to any material or physical events and changes as to spiritual. We may sum up their fulfilment by saying it realises the heavenly upon earth; it is a bringing down of the higher glories of spiritual existence to bless and adorn the world. This, then, is our position. The Word of God is the source of all true doctrine, and in the doctrines we have derived from it are the basis and foundation of a new and everlasting church, even the grand and holy state pictured by the New Jerusalem in Revelation. The New Church, then, is no sect; its principles are derived solely from Holy Scripture; its aim is from those principles to build up a heavenly state upon earth. If you ask who compose it, I answer the good of every denomination, wherever there are faith and life according to Scripture; there, in one form or other, is part of that Church which is to stand for ever. If you reply, why then set up a new ecclesiasticism, a New Church? I answer, it is the best means to the end universal. Thus it can grow and expand, shedding its light and spreading its love in a form that can be seen and recognised; the more distinct its position, the greater its power. If men can see that it

really is something greatly differing from other churches, it stands forth either acknowledged or condemned. Take for instance the doctrine of the Trinity. There is no common ground between our views of the sole and supreme Divinity of Christ Jesus, in whom dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and those which have been taught for centuries of the "three persons, each by himself God and Lord." We acknowledge no connection whatever with such a theory of the Divine Being, and we wish such to be plainly understood. So with the doctrines of redemption, the future life, and others. There is a radical distinction, and the truest course is to say so plainly. Our doctrines have little or no

resemblance to the mass of religious teaching, and we come forward as a New Church in the Lord's name, to stand or fall, as our doctrines are from Him or not. In the one case public opinion will no more affect the truth and success of our views, than it has done the many verities it has at various times ridiculed and despised; in the other we deserve to fall. The New Church, then, is a necessity for the times,-necessary as the spiritual home of advancing minds,-of minds which the prevalent doctrines of Christendom are failing to lead to a clearer knowledge and a purer love. Referring to his connection with the society, Mr. Goldsack, after warmly expressing his thankfulness and gratitude for the uniform kindness shown to himself and his dear wife, remarked-I have to teach and to preach according to the doctrines of our Church. To do, as best I can, the greatest good for the greatest number, is no small task. Few things, indeed, are more difficult than completely satisfying a variety of tastes. You come to church each Sabbath with various feelings and affections, each having had a week's work differing in nature and differing in effect, producing wishes and feelings of unlike kind; and though the service, that most important part of our Sabbath work, does much, very much, to bring the hearts and minds of the congregation into unity and harmony, yet will there be great variety of receptivity, each listener taking the preacher's words according to his or her state; on them as much as on him depends the success of his teaching. The worship of the Lord in sincere contrition before Him for sin, humiliation that the heart may receive His nature, thanksgiving and praise for His many mercies, are among the most important uses of public worship; and on the ground thus prepared the preacher must scatter the seed of truth, to be nurtured and produce good fruits; and just as the husbandman watches the field he has sown, is anxious that it should grow and be productive, is hopeful that no weeds shall come, no blight destroy the fruit of his labours, so is the spiritual husbandman equally careful and anxious that the seed he sows be not lost, but bring forth abundantly. Let us each, therefore, search out and endeavour to fulfil our individual duties, and then I am sure the Lord will bless and crown our efforts with success.

The address of Mr. Goldsack was followed by appropriate addresses from Revs. E. D. Rendell, W. Woodman, and R. Storry. Mr. Rendell urged on the society the duty of cordially and warmly supporting their minister. "Give him,"

he said, "the love and the coöperation he deserves. Let him feel that you are his friends. Sustained by your sympathy he will work on cheerfully and usefully. But if you become cold, he will be cold. And remember that an iceberg not only cools, it crushes. The angels strive to find the good. When we strive to find out spots we are not angels. It is by regeneration that we approach the angelic state. Let each endeavour, therefore, to become an angel." Mr. Woodman dwelt on the importance of the ministerial office, offered reasons for the setting apart proper persons to perform its functions, dwelt upon the value of continuous service, and cautioned against the seductiveness of popularity, as liable to foster pride and to sacrifice more solid advantages, and concluded by offering encouragements to the minister in the difficulties of his office, pointing to the Lord as the only source of aid and his everpresent helper. Mr. Storry after briefly tracing the preparation providentially made for the public teaching of truth, dwelt upon the need of the ministry of the New Church for the exposition of the Word, and the guidance of mankind to the attainment of the spiritual life. The end of preaching is a regenerated humanity, and this regeneration is only possible by the Word born into the hearts and minds of the people, and brought forth into their life and conduct. The evening was enlivened by some very choice music, and afforded eminent pleasure to the friends assembled. The congregations on the Sabbath are large and encouraging, and we hope that the appointment will be the commencement of a long course of happy and useful labour.

SOUTHPORT. The desire long felt by a few earnest New Church friends here to open a meeting room in which to worship the Lord Jesus Christ as the only true God of heaven and earth, has recently been accomplished. A room in Chapel-street, a central part of the town, has been rented, in which to hold services every Sabbath. The opening took place on Sunday, the 17th of May, on which occasion the Rev. E. D. Rendell, of

Preston, delivered two able and eloquent discourses; that in the morning on "Public Worship," and that in the evening on "The Dispensations of the Ancient and Modern Churches." The attendance was good, though not numerous. The number of receivers of the heavenly doctrines in Southport is not large, though sufficient to sustain a useful and edifying religious service. The opening of the room affords also an opportunity to New Church friends visiting this interesting and pleasant watering-place, to attend a New Church service, and the friends naturally hope they will avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded.

WIGAN. The effort making by the society at this place to possess itself of a suitable room for a day and Sundayschool and a place of religious worship, had an encouraging commencement on the 27th of May. It was arranged that a procession of the members and friends, and the teachers and children of the Sunday-school, should proceed from the room at present occupied by the society, in Rodney-street, to the ground on which the new room is being built, and here a stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies by the Rev. W. Woodman, who has manifested a deep interest in the progress of the society. At the time appointed a considerable congregation, including a few friends from distant societies, and a number of strangers attracted by the service, assembled on the ground. The day was beautifully fine, and the proceeedings throughout animated and interesting. The service was commenced by a hymn, followed by a short introductory address by the Rev. E. D. Rendell, who presided. The stone was next laid in due form, after which Mr. Woodman delivered an earnest and animated address. He remarked partiIcularly on the points of doctrine which the members of the New Church held in common with other Christian communities, noticing in this connection the Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, around which, as a central truth, all Christian truths group themselves; the written Word, which it was impossible to venerate more highly than was done by the members of the New Church; faith, not indeed separate from love, but faith united with love, true faith being the eye of love, and love the soul of

faith.

The work in which we were engaged was in harmony with the new era on which the world had entered. It was an age of education, of moral training, of the mental and physical improvement of the human family; and the members of the New Church would cheerfully and earnestly work with others in promoting its advancement. The harvest was great, but the labourers were few; and the wants of society furnished abundant room for the most earnest and united labours of all christian communities. This address was followed by prayer by the Rev. R. Storry, a short address by the Rev. J. Hyde, and the meeting closed by a second hymn and the benediction. After this service a numerous party assembled in the schoolroom of the Wesleyan Free Church, most kindly lent for the occasion, where a sumptuous tea was provided. After tea addresses were delivered by the ministers who had taken part in the proceedings, by Mr. Deans of Bolton, Mr. Kenyon of Wigan, Mr. Bucknall, and other friends. The proceedings throughout seemed to yield the greatest satisfaction to the friends present, and may be regarded, we hope, as an earnest of the success of their labours.

"CONFERENCE FUND."-The following was Minute 85, of the last General Conference :-"It appearing that the present contributions to the 'Conference Fund' are inadequate to meet the expenses, resolved,-That in the opinion of this Conference it is the duty of every society to contribute annually to the 'Conference Fund' a sum at the rate of not less than sixpence for each adult registered member; and the Conference directs that copies of this resolution be printed, and sent by the Treasurer, in May next, to every society of the church."

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Marriages.

On the 16th April, at Wallasey Church, Cheshire, by the rector, Rev. T. E. Espin, B.D., Andrew Pixton, Esq., second son of George Pixton, Esq., Liverpool, to Annie Eliza, only daughter of the late Thomas Manders, Esq., of that town.

On the 14th May, at the New Jerusalem Church, Accrington, by Mr. E. J. Broadfield, B.A., Mr. Joseph Whitehead, of Manchester, to Susan Ann, younger daughter of the late Mr. Christopher Whitaker, of Accrington.

ERRATUM.-The name of Mr. C. Tarelli was by mistake printed Farelli in our marriage notice of last month.

Obituary.

Died at Accrington April 2nd, after a short illness, in the 75th year of his age, Nicholas Waddington. When very young he was connected with the Established Church, having been carefully trained by his pious mother who continued her connection with the old path to the end of her days. During the time of Mr. George Haworth's leadership of the society, he became acquainted with the New Church doctrines, and he was always delighted to talk about the early days of his acquaintance with the new views he accepted. Mr. Waddington was one of the eighteen members who were first enrolled in the Accrington society, but three of whom survive. Before this time he had collected and read many of the New Church works. He was a humble and reverent student of the Word of God and of the writings of Swedenborg. For more than thirty years he was a teacher in the Sunday-school, very frequently an active member of the society's committee, and for some years its treasurer. According to his means he was a liberal contributor to the funds of the church, and was more than willing to do what he could for its welfare. Gentle and unobtrusive in his demeanour, he was never unwilling to converse about the truths of the New dispensation, his perception of which was calm and clear. During the alterations in the church here last year, no member took a keener interest in their progress, nor was his interest limited to the progress of the society to which he belonged, he was always exceedingly pleased to hear of the progress of all our institutions and the spread of New Church views.

On the 23rd of April last, at Stoneclough, near Manchester, Mr. Nathan Wardle passed into the spiritual world, aged 65. He had for many years been

a reader and receiver of the doctrines of the New Church, and took an active part in the erection of the Kersley Church. His decease was caused by cancer in the tongue and throat, from which he suffered for several months, and which, although often attended with great pain, he bore with remarkable patience and resignation. He felt the great value of the truths he had embraced in sustaining his spirit; and, let us hope, is now realizing the blessings they are calculated to secure.

On the 29th of April, at Stoodley Lodge, near Todmorden, Miss Grace Hinchcliffe, second daughter of George Hinchcliffe, Esq., J.P., in the 34th year of her age. The deceased had been from early life initiated into the doctrines of the New Church, to which, as her life advanced, she became more and more warmly attached. Her life was distinguished by cheerful obedience and active usefulness; and her long illness was sustained with meekness and patience. Her acute sufferings appeared only to perfect her patient submission to the Divine will, and to deepen her love and widen its sphere of affectionate solicitude for others and sympathy with the wise and good. Her departure was in peace, and in hope of an immediate resurrection to eternal life.

On May 9th, departed this life Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Stanley, aged 68 years. She had been a highly-esteemed member of the Argyle-square Society since its formation, having previously been many years associated with the church at Lislestreet, and then at Waterloo-road. She cultivated the quiet virtues and loving activities of true religion. She was patient and gentle at all times. No dis, cord was suffered to ruffle her temper, nor any unkind expressions to escape her lips. She was uniformly the gentle, affectionate, loving mother, friend, and Christian. She had been one of the committee of the Benevolent Society for many years, and she signalized her interest in its aim to succour the aged poor by a bequest of £10. She had suffered from asthma, more or less, for some winters, but having felt a strong desire to go and visit her aged father on the com

pletion of his 100th year on Good Friday last, she found on her return she was much worse for the exertion. Her illness increased with alternations for a month, and then she passed quietly as she had lived to her eternal home. She had no fears nor anxieties: she waited patiently until it pleased the Lord to remove her, and evidently felt she was going to rejoin the worthy objects of her love who had gone before her in a land of love and light. J. B. Exchanged worlds, June 8th, Sarah, the beloved wife of Mr. E. M. Sheldon, surgeon, Liverpool. The circumstances attending her removal seem in a natural point of view peculiarly distressing. About a week after a successful confinement, she was attacked by fever of a typhoid nature, to which in a few days her mortal frame succumbed. There remain to feel her loss a fond husband and six children, the youngest but a fortnight old. All who knew her feel, however, that the Lord has taken to

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Himself one who had truly learned to love and serve Him; and in the church below her labours will be much missed. Few are better acquainted with the glorious writings of Swedenborg than was Mrs. Sheldon; it may justly be said she had taken them to heart, and made their teachings the basis of all her actions. The "Conjugial Love" was her favourite subject, and so convinced was she that the union of herself and husband was according to its principles, that her last words to him were, 'Good-bye, I shall look out for you," feeling sure she would meet him again in the land where parting is unknown. About half an hour before her departure she gladly consented to hear a psalm read and a prayer offered, so that among the last sounds she heard on earth were the words, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want," while it seemed less hard for her than for the husband and the sister, kneeling at the bedside, to acquiesce in the prayer, "Thy will be done!"

R.G.

INSTITUTIONS OF THE

CHURCH.

Meetings of the Committees for the Month.

LONDON.

p.m.

Missionary and Tract Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.—
First Friday

6-30

College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Second Thursday

8-0

6-30

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MANCHESTER.

ditto

6-30

7-0

National Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund,
Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-Fourth Monday ......

Tract Society, Schoolroom, Peter-street.-Third Friday..

Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies.

TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS.

Communications to be sent for the Essay department, to the Editor, the Rev. W. BRUCE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W.; for the Miscellaneous department, to the Rev. R. STORRY, Heywood Hall, Heywood. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number must be received not later than the 15th.; except brief notices of recent meetings, &c., which may appear if not later than the 18th.

CAVE AND SEVER, Printers by Steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.

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