about 70. The doctor was warmly applauded throughout the second lecture, and at the close of it a vote of thanks was proposed and seconded by persons in the audience not in any way connected with the association; and a member of the society of Friends, who holds a position of influence in the town, expressed the great pleasure he had experienced in listening to the lecture. He commented on the disinterested character of the movement in generous terms, as also on the genuine vital religion which it is designed to recommend. I have no doubt that a very much larger audience will assemble on a future occasion should the association grant lectures to Brigg." Mr. E. J. Moore, of Horncastle, the writer of the above letter, has inserted, at his own expense, a full-page advertisement of Swedenburg's works in the new edition of the Lincolnshire Directory. The association posted fifty copies of Dr. Bayley's Scripture Paradoxes, No. 1, to fifty dissenting ministers residing in Lincolnshire. The advertising board has been hung in the station at Grimsby during the past year. A valuable defence and epitome of the leading doctrines of the New Church, has issued from the pen of our late president, Mr. J. H. Moore, who has removed from Boston to Kendal. There has been great inquiry for this valuable tract throughout Boston, Mr. Moore having given away several hundred copies. The association has granted four lectures to Boston during the ensuing season, and Mr. Moore has presented one thousand copies of the tract to the association, as a subscription for the current year. The total subscriptions during the past year were £14. 11s. 10d.; and the payments £9. 16s. 11d.; balance in hand £4. 14s. 11d.; subscriptions promised £11. 16s. It is proposed to form a New Church society for the county, and to hold meetings for public worship at different towns. Steps are being taken to accomplish this purpose, and we hope before another year to be united by a spiritual bond. May other counties follow, till each has its association, its society, and its Sunday-schools. Union is strength.

doctrines of the Church. The last Conference received the report of a committee appointed by minute 185 of the 60th Conference "to prepare a plan to secure an effective and uniform system of teaching the doctrines of the New Church in the Day-schools;" and by minute 70 such report was ordered to be printed in the appendix to the minutes. The Conference desired that the attention of the educational committees for the various Day-schools should be directed to the report, and requested that the members of the educational committees would consult with the committees of the Day-schools appointed by the subscribers, and also with the teachers of the schools; and that each committee would embody in its report to the next Conference a statement of the opinions of both committees, and likewise of the teachers, on the subject treated of in the report. The minutes are now in circulation, and I respectfully beg the attention of the various educational committees to the above question.— Faithfully yours, FREDERICK PITMAN,

Sec. General Conference.

JERSEY.-An account of my visit to St. Heliers appeared in the Magazine for July last. On that occasion it was decided to pay off the debt on their church. A short time before the debt was £300., but one friend had given £50. Two others promised £50. each, on condition that the whole sum was raised during the present year. I encouraged them by a promise to do my best to get £50. for them in England, and that leaves £100. for the other portion of the society to raise. While I was there, two committees were appointed, one of ladies and the other of gentlemen, who commenced their work in earnest, and have faith in the completion of their task. I have received several sums and several promises, but require many more; and I sincerely hope that those who have something to spare, to aid their needy brethren, will kindly send me their names before the end of November, that the list of contributors may appear in the December number of the Magazine. It does us good to help each other.-Yours sincerely, R. GUNTON,

83, Guilford-street, Russell-square, London, W.C.

BOLTON.-A tea meeting was held in the New Church schools, Bolton. on the 10th September, for the purpose of inaugurating the recommencement of the

winter evening classes. After tea, the chair was taken by Mr. J. Deans, leader of the society, and addresses were delivered by the Rev. W. Westall, of Salford, and Messrs. Frith, Horrocks, Gratan, Peake, and Wood, of Bolton. The meeting was a highly satisfactory one in every respect, both as to numbers and the enjoyable nature of the proceedings, every one present being conscious of the important nature of the work upon what they were about to engage. The winter's programme includes, Junior Members' Meetings, Essay and Discussion class, classes in reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, and sewing, and Band of Hope, and the whole are to be free to the scholars of the Sunday-school and their friends.

On the 24th, another meeting was held in the same place, under the auspices of the Junior Members' Society, when addresses were delivered by Mr. Deans, chairman, Rev. W. Westall, and Messrs. Pilkington and G. Frith. The proceedings were rendered more than usually interesting, from the fact that the opportunity was taken to present to the Rev. W. Westall a handsome writing desk, bearing the following inscription:-"Presented to the Rev. W. Westall, by the Junior Members' Society of the New Church, Bolton, September 24th, 1868." The presentation was made by Mr. G. Frith, who has been a member of the society since its formation, who alluded to the labours of Mr. Westall in organising and fostering the society, and begged his acceptance of the desk as a memento of their appreciation of his valuable services to them.

Mr. Westall, in accepting the testimonial, spoke of the primary importance of religious training; that from the knowledge secured in early life man may be built up in the Christian life; and alluded to the formation of the society, under whose auspices they were met, as an effort upon his part to give to the young people connected with the schools the kind of instruction of which he had himself felt the benefit. In conclusion, he thanked them most cordially for the present they had made him, which he should treasure as an acknowledgment of their kind feelings towards himself and his labours amongst them.-The proceedings were enlivened by music and readings, given by the members of the society. The attendance was good. J. D. CARLISLE.-Through the kind aid of the committee of the National Missionary

Institution, this society has recently received three visits from Mr. Ray, of Newcastle. The Sunday morning services were well attended, and the Sunday evening lectures, announced by bills, highly appreciated; the room being quite filled each time. The subjects were "Eve and the Serpent;" "Shall we know our Friends in Heaven?" and "Hell: its Inhabitants and its Miseries,—Are its Miseries Eternal?" The last was much valued by the friends, and appeared to be well received by all present. The Holy Supper was also administered to fourteen communicants. The friends at Carlisle express their warmest thanks to the committee of the National Missionary Institution for their aid, and also to the Newcastle society for the occasional visits of their minister.

HULL. We learn from a correspondent that a series of musical entertainments and readings has been got up by this society, with the view of increasing their building fund. The first, which seems to have been of a high order, was given on the 21st of September, in the Sailors' Institute, which was crowded. The meeting is noticed with approbation in one of the local papers, and seems to have afforded pleasure to the numerous audience.

SNODLAND.-Special services in aid of the British and Foreign Bible Society took place here on Sunday, September 13th. In the morning, a thanksgiving sermon was preached by the Rev. T. L. Marsden, from the words-"The harp and the viol, the tabret and pipe, and wine are in their feasts; but they regard not the works of the Lord, neither consider the operations of His hand." (Is. v. 12.) In the afternoon, the subject was

The position which the New Jerusalem occupies in relation to the consummated Church, and to the new age now beaming on the world." "How is it that ye do not discern this time?" (Luke xii. 56.) In the evening, the subject was-" The celestial origin, the necessity, and the sacred uses of the Word of the Lord to the Church, as a medium to reform the world and to regenerate the customs of human society." "Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy Name." (Psalm cxxxviii. 2.) At the close of the morning and evening services a collection was made for the above institution. Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered in the evening to 25 persons.

The

On Wednesday, September 23rd, nearly 60 persons sat down at the Queen's

Head Hotel to tea. After this a public meeting was held in the church. This was opened by the Rev. T. L. Marsden reading the 133rd Psalm and repeating the Lord's Prayer. After giving the friends a welcome, and intimating to them the various causes which prevented certain ministers from London being present, Mr. Marsden called upon Mr. Dibley to address the meeting, adding that he had no doubt that, even with this disadvantage, a profitable evening was in store for all. Mr. Dibley's remarks were directed to the great doctrine of the New Church, that our Lord Jesus Christ is Jehovah in His Glorified Humanity, or Love Divine in a personal form, speaking to and pleading with us in the most endearing accents. This central doctrine of the New Jerusalem, and its concomitant love to the Lord and the neighbour, is the root whence branches the love of husbands and wives, the love of children and parents, and every subordinate affection that renders life a blessing, and human society, when in order, a reflex image in this world of the happiness of angels above.

Mr. BEVIS, of Maidstone, spoke on the vast importance of knowing and understanding the truth, in order that the mind may be developed in an orderly manner. He showed also that the love of God must be felt in the heart before its affections, so ably referred to by Mr. Dibley, can be expanded. With respect to his own religious experiences he would speak as a junior member of the Snodland society. As such, he could add his testimony to the value of the treasures he had found in the wonderful doctrines of the New Jerusalem. When powerfully bearing towards infidelity, from the incongruities and contradictions in the common theology of the day, these doctrines kept him from utterly falling away. They did so because he found every one of them in harmony with the nature and requirements of the human mind. Until he met with the doctrines of the New Church, to him the Trinity was inexplicable, so also were redemption and salvation; but now he would conclude with the remark, that the further he advanced in the perception of these doctrines, the more unity, and beauty, and harmony did he discern in them.

The chairman here observed that, as one who has once occupied a public position as a teacher of criminals, Mr. Bevis was well qualified to speak so feelingly

and so earnestly of the importance of knowing and believing true doctrine to guide our feet. All must see the truth of what Swedenborg says-that "Without true doctrine the word of God cannot be understood." To be without this is like a man attempting to steer a ship in a dangerous navigation without a rudder. True doctrine is as needful for the mind to repose on, as is a couch or bed on which the weary rest their bodies. All thoughtful minds are daily becoming more competent to see the wide differences between the dogmas of a consummated dispensation, based on tradition, and the great principles of the New, each of which naturally emanates from the great scripture truth, that God is one in essence and in person, and that our Lord alone is that one God in His Divine Humanity.

Mr. JONES, of Chatham, next gave an impressive and very powerful address, on the nature of our Lord as God, the God of love, as a Being who is "our Father in Heaven." He also contrasted the sublime views of the New Church on God, existing as love itself, wisdom itself, and life itself, with the gross ideas of the Godhead presented by those teachers who maintain that the fire of Hell is really material fire. Mr. Jones, as one who had worked at the forge, and often burnt himself, described the terrible struggle he endured, when quite a youth, for three months, night and day, upon this thought. In the light of the New Church he saw the absurdity of these ideas of God; and concluded with some beautiful thoughts on the Divine majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ as "the visible form of the invisible God." This form of God is Love, and Truth, and Life, made visible in order to be loved and imitated; and is reflected in the conjugial covenant or relationship of husband and wife, and in their mutual and tender manifestations of affection, and also in family relationships.

Mr. GUNTON, who kindly honoured us with his company, gave an address (which lasted half an hour) on the development of mind, from infancy to manhood; and showed admirably how, from a creature of the senses, the infant becomes the child of reason, and next, by regeneration, the child of God, in which reason harmonizes with Revelation. He spoke of the great uses the institutions of the New Jerusalem were performing towards the clergy and laity outside, advocated their liberal support from all present, and concluded by quoting many interesting

incidents and facts to demonstrate how quietly, yet effectually, those institutions were the means of permeating the rising ministry of all denominations with new and sound theological sentiments, drawn from the Word, by a true doctrine, and not based on human traditions, or the mere ipse dixit of any man, however learned he may be.

Mr. UNDERDOWN, of Chatham, showed how men's ideas of things were all suspended from their notions of the Godhead. If their notions were false on this, so would their estimate of human nature be false also; for "every one walks in the name of his God," that is, every one lives a life reflecting his views of God. God had been represented, in the past, as full of anger; but this anger had not been explained, as it ought to have been, by ministers of religion, as a phrase expressing man's evil opposition to his Maker rather than indicating any quality in God. He had been much interested with the clear delineations given of the different subjects handled by the previous speakers; and he felt that others, as well as himself, had been both instructed and benefited by the contrast between the old and new dispensations.

Mr. JOSLEN, Maidstone, said that he had often heard others remark the want of interest they felt after being at church, and after hearing discourses which militated against all just ideas of what God is, because opposed to the relations He sustains to His church as the Redeemer, the Saviour, and the Sanctifier of His people. Since he had been led by the Divine Providence to read and investigate Swedenborg's exposition of the Word of God, his life had been to him quite a new existence. Nothing could be more delightful than to see how, by a true doctrine of the Godhead, the Word of God could be unfolded and its hidden mysteries disclosed. The teachings of the New Jerusalem were divulged a century ago, and what was undeniable; they were in harmony with the discoveries of modern science; and hence he concluded that, as primitive Christianity met the wants of the nations in former days, so the Lord had constituted the New Jerusalem the destined instrument to supply modern society with everything of a holy and spiritual nature, to meet the aspirations of the human family after the inner, which is the truly Christian life. To him now "the Word of God" was indeed a Divine revelation.

By the doctrines of the New Church he could distinguish between its spiritual wisdom and the literal sense, in which its wisdom, like a kernel, lay concealed.

Mr. CARTER said-I am an old Baptist. I have also passed through the stream of Jordan, and years ago I rose out of the waters with my Lord and Master; but never did I understand my Bible as I do now, that is, since I began to attend the ministry of my pastor, Mr. Marsden. He has taught me more in three months about God and His Word, and about salvation and the powers of the world to come, than I learnt before in twenty years.

Mr. PUGH, of Tunbridge, said nothing could have saved him from infidelity but the clear and solid teaching of the New Church. Having no society in Tunbridge, he felt it better, for the sake of example, to attend worship, but his mind was painfully struck with the utter want of coherence in the preachings he heard. In one part of the sermon the Deity of Christ was unhappily upset by another which trampled this grand doctrine under foot. The trumpet gave an uncertain sound, and no wonder that thinking men turned away, as had been observed, with a feeling of dissatisfaction. You hear nothing of such contradiction on fundamental doctrines in the New Church. There all great principles are clear as crystal, because they begin and end in the Lord Jesus.

Mr. FRENCH, of Maidstone, had realised a rich enjoyment this evening, and concurred in the remarks of most of the speakers; but at that late hour he would not add more than an expression of satisfaction with what he had seen and listened to, and added that they would all be delighted to hear that Noble's "Appeal "-which has brought hundreds into the New Churchhas been so copiously disseminated amongst the young clergy. He had also heard that, in one college in the north, students preparing for the ministry were expected to read, and, if possible, to refute this magnificent book.

On behalf of the Snodland society, Mr. Hook begged to say that the members felt greatly obliged and indebted to all the friends who had honoured them with their presence and addresses. He felt that all must have been deeply interested to learn that Divine Providence was opening ways and paths for the New Jerusalem in all parts of the world, and also leading those who possessed the means to come forward so nobly, as he

had heard this evening, to support this infant church.

During the evening, Louise Mansbridge recited the beautiful poem "The Death of Moses," and Mr. Daniel Privett played occasionally a voluntary on the harmonium. The meeting closed by the Rev. T. L. Marsden pronouncing the benediction.

Marriages.

September 3rd, at the New Jerusalem Church, Bolton, by the Rev. W.Woodman, of Kersley, Mr. James Edge to Miss Hannah Crook.

September 19th, at the Hockley New Jerusalem Church, Birmingham, by the Rev. E. Madeley, Mr. Thomas John, eldest son of Mr. Thomas Brittain, to Miss Mary, second daughter of Mr. Wm. Iliffe, of Waldsgrave, Warwick.

On the 10th October, at the Parish Church, Faversham, Kent, by the Rev. C. E. Donne; and afterwards at the house of the bride, by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, Mr. James Alfred Bayley, of London, to Miss Annie, second daughter of James Higham, Esq., of Faversham.

Obituary.

On July 13th, at Reading, Mr. John Logan, formerly of Edinburgh, in his 48th year. He was formerly connected with the Wesleyan body, but the doctrines of the New Church having been brought under his notice, he cautiously and gradually but thoroughly investigated them. This was to him a long and arduous trial, such as can only be understood by those whose experience have been similar. He steadily but humbly followed the guidance of Providence, and did not take one step without a clear conviction of the truth of his new views. After his reception of the doctrines, he quietly yet forcibly expounded them to a large circle of friends, whose joy it was to listen to his intelligent and logical explanation. He had suffered some time from disease of the lungs, which he bore with great calmness and patience, and at last, without a sigh, his spirit took its flight to his final home. He was an affectionate husband and kind father.

On the 14th July, at Nottingham, Mr. William Hutchason passed into the spiritual world, in the 79th year of his age. He was an active, useful, and much-respected member of the Nottingham society for about 35 years. Before old age and infirmities prevented him, he as the most constant attender on the

services of the church, and the most punctual at meetings for business. He was by profession a schoolmaster, and for a long time made himself very useful in our Sunday-school. He was also for many years both librarian and treasurer to the society, and was always cheerful and happy in the performance of use. His last illness was brief, and he was supported in it by a firm faith in the Lord as his only Saviour, and an abiding certainty of a resurrection to eternal life and peace. He died without a struggle, and apparently without pain, passing away as if in peaceful slumber. W. P.

On the 1st August, at London, in her 15th year, Miss Amy Louisa Smith, third daughter of Mr. John Smith, was removed from this world to her eternal home. Her life, though short, was an example to all who knew her, of piety, punctuality, and steady perseverance in all that she undertook. She was always obedient to her parents, and never acted contrary to what she thought a duty. The cause of her removal was inflamation followed by hepatization of the lungs, and this of so short a duration that from the time she was taken ill to her departure was only nine days. She had arranged to accompany her father to the Conference, and only gave up the hope of doing so the day before her decease. Her loss is severely felt by all who knew her, and particularly by the junior members of the Cross street society, of which she was a very active and useful member, while her own family feel that they have lost a loving, kind, intelligent child and sister. Her last moments were so peaceful and blessed that it may be said to have been the house of God, the gate of heaven. The following rules, which she wrote for her daily life and which she faithfully kept, will give the best idea of her general character, and we trust they will induce many other young members of the Church to act as she did. She was an Israelite indeed in whom was no guile":-1. To be dressed every morning at eight o'clock; 2. To read a portion of the Bible every day: 3. To read a portion of the doctrines every day; 4. Always to strictly obey the dictates of conscience; 5. Never to sit up after eleven o'clock when at home; 6. Always to behave as a lady in deed and word.

66

S.

On Aug. 31st, at Lowestoft, Mr. Downing Sones, aged 28, was unexpectedly removed into the eternal world by drowning.

He was down with his wife and