a confident hope that the society would speedily accomplish this object. An energetic young man would find a wide field for labour in this large and important town. Dr. Pilkington, of Clayton-le-Moors, addressed the meeting, advising the friends to maintain unity and harmony amongst themselves and their success was certain. Mr. Nicholas Howarth, of Clayton-le-Moors, spoke on the desirableness of cultivating an intelligent acquaintance with the doctrines of the church. Remarks were made by Mr. E. Whitehead, of Accrington, and the Messrs. Pemberton, of Blackburn. The choir gave a selection of music at intervals during the evening in an exceedingly creditable manner. The meeting was in every way pleasant and successful. BURNLEY.-The first annual assembly of the New Church Society in this town was held on Saturday evening, January 4th, when 150 friends took tea together. Dr. Pilkington, of Clayton-le-Moors, occupied the chair. The Secretary, Mr. George Grave, read the report of the Committee, detailing the history of the society from its formation to the present time. The chairman addressed the meeting on the general doctrines of the church, and each of the subsequent speakers took up one or more of the points referred to. Mr. Cunliffe, of Accrington, enlarged most forcibly on the superior practical tendency of the New Church teachings, showing the influence they ought to have upon life and conduct. Mr. Heap, of Accrington, took up the theme that God is love, and pointed out that the true New Churchman will always cultivate this principle in alliance with genuine intelligence. Mr. Waddington, of Marsden, exhorted the Burnley friends to be true to their undertaking, and promised to render such assistance at any time as he might be able. Mr. Emmott, of Marsden, gave an interesting account of his early recollections of the church. Mr. F. Smith, of Manchester, spoke on the doctrine of the Lord, and on the resurrection. Mr. E. Whitehead also addressed the friends, after which the chairman closed the meeting with an appeal to those present to work steadily and faithfully for the accomplishment of the object they had in view, relying for support on Him whose care is over his infant church. This gathering was felt by all present to have been a most useful and delightful one, and likely to strengthen the hands of those friends who have undertaken to establish the church in this important town. DEPTFORD.-The society in this town has become so far established as to justify the members in making an effort to obtain a church of their own, it being found very inconvenient and detrimental to the interests of the society to continue meeting in their present room (the Alliance Temperance Hall) any longer than is absolutely necessary. A building fund has been commenced, and an amount subscribed enabling the society to purchase a plot of freehold land in Warwick-street; and it is pleasing to state that Mr. J. L. Pulling, LL.D., solicitor, son of the Independent minister at Deptford, kindly executed the deed of conveyance free of charge. It is the intention of the members to hold a tea and public meeting at their present room on Thursday, 20th February, when they hope that the members of the several churches in London will encourage them by their presence and support. Lectures have been delivered at intervals on subjects upon which the general public in the neighbourhood have been interested, and the attendance has been good. Mr. Rhodes, the leader of the society, delivered in the month of December last a series of three lectures, on "The coming of the Lord, as foretold by the prophet Zachariah; " and our friend Mr. R. Gunton, to whose continued support the existence of the society is due, delivered a lecture on Sunday evening, 12th January, on "The coming of the Lord; is it to be a personal coming, or a coming in the power and spirit of His Holy Word?" In the morning of the same day, Mr. Gunton discoursed on the Parable of the Ten Virgins. DERBY.-During the last three months an increased activity has pervaded this society. On the morning of Christmas Day the Rev. John Hyde, of Manchester, preached an impressive sermon from Isaiah lxi. 1-3. The congregation-in point of numbers very satisfactory-included several strangers; amongst them the Rev. Mr. Stephenson, a retired Baptist minister, who expressed himself much delighted with what he had heard. The chapel having been re-slated and painted on the outside, a bazaar was held under the kind management of Mrs. Roe and Mrs. Presland, on the evenings of Thursday and Friday in Christmas week, in aid of the fund for accomplishing these necessary works. About £20. was realised by the effort, and a similar amount was obtained previously by private subscriptions from members and friends, which will enable the society to pay immediately. On New Year's Eve, a tea party and social soiree took place in the schoolroom, under the auspices of the Junior Members' Literary Society. Mr. Presland occupied the chair, and earnestly advocated the claims of that institution, as a means of inspiring its youthful members with an active interest and love for the church. The room was tastefully decorated for the occasion by Mr. Charles Holme; and a very agreeable evening was spent in hearing music and reading, and in witnessing a series of electrical experiments. Many new members have been added to this useful institution of the church during the past year, and an interesting programme for the ensuing session has been arranged by the secretary, Mr. Charles Madeley. On Wednesday, January 8th, a recital of the Sunday scholars was held, and several of the young elocutionists acquitted themselves with considerable ability. A tea party was given to the scholars the following evening. Mr. Presland, the much esteemed minister of the society, is delivering a course of six Sunday evening lectures, on some of the leading religious questions of the day. These have been well attended by strangers, and it is hoped they may be instrumental in awakening a growing interest in the great subjects which have formed their themes. A few members and friends in connection with the society have again subscribed £2. 6s., which Mrs. Ashley has kindly paid over to that noble institution the British and Foreign Bible Society. In these things a loving Providence is operating. May we all as a church, collectively and individually, coöperate with our Divine Head in a spirit of love and charity! EMBSAY.-On Saturday, January 4th, the annual tea meeting of the New Church society in this village took place. Many friends from far and near, and some of other denominations, were present. More than 160 partook of tea. The church was tastefully decorated with evergreens, which lent a charm to the entertainment. After tea, the evening was agreeably spent in speeches, recitations, and music. Mr. R. B. Swinburn, the leader of the society, occupied the chair. The meeting was opened with a hymn and the Lord's Prayer. The chairman then addressed the audience in an earnest manner on "The New Year, and how to make it a happy one." In the course of the evening, a speech was given by Mr. W. Bates (missionary and colporteur), of Leeds, on "The Extension of the Lord's Kingdom." He reviewed his labours, and stated a few important circumstances connected with his brief experience as a missionary, and remarked how astonished he had been to find, with few exceptions, the absence of sectarian bigotry, which was rapidly being supplanted by a broad Christian charity. He said he conceived that denominational barriers were every day giving way under the influence of reason and the love of truth, and that the time was approaching when the Lord Jesus would be acknowledged and worshipped as King and Lord of all. In conclusion, he strongly urged the audience to cultivate still more than ever that highest of all virtues-brotherly love, and endeavour, as far as possible, to live peaceably with all men. The meeting was next addressed by Mr. S. Mason, who referred to the various changes which had taken place during the past year, and expressed his hope that increased exertions would be made on the part of those who desired to see the church prosper. The meeting was also briefly addressed by Messrs. Metcalfe, J. Wilson, and others, by one of whom the idea of a new school-room was mooted, which is very much required. A number of recitations were pleasingly given by Messrs. Shacklock Mason, J. M. Philip, and H. B. Mason. The entertainment was pleasingly varied by a selection of music, performed by the well-trained choir, and the meeting closed with a hymn and the benediction. On Sunday, January 5th, two sermons were preached by Mr. W. Bates, in aid of the Colportage Association;-in the afternoon, on The essentiality of applying the Heart unto Wisdom," (Psalm xc 12.) and in the evening, on Wise Men inquiring for the new-born King." (Matt. ii. 1, 2.) The attendance was very good, and the services of the day, with the festival on Saturday, will The no doubt be pleasingly remembered by all who participated in them. HEYWOOD. The annual festival in connection with the society took place on Christmas Day. After a sumptuous tea, the evening was spent in the distribution of prizes to the children of the Sunday school, brief addresses, recitations, and a selection of music suited to the occasion by the choir. The chair was occupied by R. Edleston, Esq., who introduced the proceedings in an interesting address, in which he sketched some of the many changes which have taken place in the society and the neighbourhood, and drew from the past lessons of encouragement for the future. The minister of the society was absent through indisposition, but has since resumed the duties of his office. The attendance, as usual, was very large, and the proceedings extremely interesting. HULL. Mr. Joseph Deans has paid a missionary visit to this society, under the auspices of the National Missionary Institution. Two sermons were preached by him on Sunday, December 15th, the subject in the morning, "The Lord loves the evil equally with the good." In the afternoon our Sunday school was opened, when above thirty children were present, and addresses delivered to the children by Mr. Needler and Mr. Best, after which Mr. Deans addressed the children, and all went away quite delighted. In the evening the subject was, "The apostle's warning lest the serpent should beguile us. These subjects were treated with great ability and gave great satisfaction. On Tuesday evening, Mr. Deans delivered a lecture on 66 Swedenborg and his doctrines." This lecture was well received, and gave great satisfaction to all who heard it. After the lecture, strangers were invited to ask questions, but no one made any objection, and all went away apparently well pleased with what they had heard. Our friends were so delighted that they invited Mr. Deans to remain over another Sunday, to which he consented. On Sunday, the 22nd, therefore, he again preached, in the morning from Matthew, 6th chapter, latter part of the 15th verse, "Amen." Our friends were delighted by the manner this subject was treated, wherein it was shown that we give consent to all our actions, either for good or for evil. In the evening, the subject was-1 Kings 18th chapter, 21st verse, "How long halt ye between two opinions?" The attendance was good at all the services. Our friends are delighted with the treat they have had, and desire to express their thanks to the National Missionary Institution for their assistance, and their hope that the effort may be crowned with success, and aid in building up the Lord's new church. LIVERPOOL.-The members and friends of the society, Bedford-street North, held a Christmas tree gathering on the evening of January 7th, which proved a very pleasant and successful meeting. Tea was provided at 6-30, to which over 150 sat down. After tea, the distribution of the tree articles commenced, for which there were no less than 380 tickets to be allotted. This proceeding took some time, during which, however, an active trade was proceeding with other articles. Every member of the Ladies' Committee was actively engaged, as, in addition to the tree, there were several stalls, which materially increased the receipts. Before commencing the distribution, the minister, Mr. R. Goldsack, in a few appropriate words alluded to the several workers in the matter, the Ladies' Committee especially, and to the many contributors and friends who had done so much to gain the success that had been attained. The committee desire to thank the several contributors, and to assure them that their timely assistance will greatly aid them in their work. The proceeds, which will amount to 70 or £75., will be applied to the liquidation of the debt on the building. NOTTINGHAM.-The treasurer gratefully acknowledges the receipt of the following additional donations:Mr. Broadfield .£0 10 0 1 0 026 A. Braby, Esq., London. tion of Bazaar Articles"....50 In consequence of the union of the societies, the building committee deemed it advisable to make certain additions and alterations from the original plan, which increased to some extent the cost of the building, and the committee now find themselves about £150. deficient, in addition to the mortgage (£500.); and they consequently desire to make a final appeal to the church at large for help, either in the shape of donations, or by assisting in the forthcoming Distribution of Prizes, in order that they may be in a position to discharge, at any rate, the former balance. The society, at its last quarterly meeting, passed a resolution, recognising the services of Mr. James Chester, who was about to leave Nottingham for the New Church College, to prosecute his studies for the ministry. At a coffee meeting, held on the 11th instant, Mr. Pegg, on behalf of the society, presented to Mr. Chester a handsome copy of the Divine Word, bearing a suitable inscription. Speeches were delivered on the importance of educating young men for the ministry. Mr. Chester carries with him a good name and the kind wishes of all the friends here. Since the opening of the church and the visits of the Revs. R. Storry and J. Hyde, and Messrs. Gunton and Presland, the services have been exceedingly well attended, and the prospects of the society continue to be most encouraging. OLDHAM-On Christmas Day, the annual Sunday school tea meeting and recital took place, and was in every respect highly gratifying. 250 persons took tea in the school-room, after which the chair was taken by Mr. Hodgson, one of the superintendents. Short addresses were given by Messrs. Smith, Seddon, Daltry, Wilson, and Partington, on Sunday school uses A few of the children's favourite hymns and two songs were sung; but the great feature of the evening was the recital, consisting of a few dialogues and a number of selections, which occupied about two hours, and were given by about thirty of the scholars in a pleasing style. A delightful evening was closed by singing the 213th hymn. On Tuesday evening, January 14th, an additional tea meeting and entertainment, prepared and conducted by the young people connected with the school and society, was held; Mr. Wilson was called upon to preside. The proceedings were of an interesting character, consisting of readings, recitations, a few select songs, plays, and two or three dances. The object of the gathering was to afford congenial and social enjoyment and intercourse to the younger adults of both sexes when free from the care of the school children. Although somewhat private and the invitations sparingly issued, from 70 to 80 were present. STOCKPORT-The society here, willing to make an effort to extend the doctrines of the New Church in this town, solicited the help of the National Missionary Institution, which was cordially granted, and the services of the Rev W. Woodman and the Rev. J. Hyde were obtained to deliver two lectures. The first, Dec. 11th, by the Rev. W. Woodman, was an able and popular discourse on "Luther, Wesley, and Swedenborg." His impartial delineation of the characters and missions of Luther and Wesley, prepared the minds of the audience to expect a fair exposition of the life, writings, and mission of Swedenborg; and many who never heard of Swedenborg, or had only heard invidious remarks respecting him, were pleased to have an opportunity of listening to a simple and clear statement of his merits. The second, on December 17th, was delivered by the Rev. J. Hyde; subject, "The Life after Death." The mass and completeness of information which the church affords upon this subject, coupled with the elaborateness, eloquence, and force of argument of the lecturer, confirmed also by multitudinous passages and references from the Word, could not otherwise than either cause to admire or carry conviction to the audience. The audience, numbering about 150, were generally well pleased and most favourably impressed, and we believe and trust, with the Divine blessing, this effort will be the means of encouraging some who are young in the doctrines, and of increasing the members of the church. Our best thanks are due to the rev. gentlemen for their willing and able services, and to the committee of the National Missionary Institution for its liberal support. WIGAN. The Society at this place had for some time discontinued its public meetings, when, in December, 1861, the Rev. E. D. Rendell paid a missionary visit to the town, and delivered four lectures, which were well received. Through his efforts and encouragement, the society again commenced public worship. Its first place of meeting was a private house; its next a large room, which, in its turn, has been relinquished for a more convenient situation. The society has now taken 1,034 yards of land, and propose erecting a Day and Sunday school, to accommodate about 300 children. The £60. with which the society commenced its building fund has grown to £160. Mr. G. Meek, Manchester, has added £50., to which we expect to add more ourselves. Mr. Farrington, Blackpool, has presented the society with an elegantly bound large Bible for the pulpit. That the society has progressed, may be seen by Mr. Woodman's report in our last number. The members now solicit the liberal aid of the church, to assist them to carry out their efforts. They consist entirely of working people, whose means are therefore limited, hence this appeal. Any information will be gladly given by the secretary, Edwin Rudd, 3, Larches Cottages, Wigan; or by Mr. Samuel Mason, New Springs, Wigan. Marriage. At the New Jerusalem Church, Heywood, January 15th, by the Rev. R. Storry, Mr. Samuel Whitehead, jun., of Accrington, to Alice Howarth, of Bury. Obituary. At Kersley Moor, on the 17th December last, Mrs. Alice Fletcher. The deceased was a native of Radcliffe, and, born of New Church parents, was brought up in connection with the Sunday-school of the Stand-lane Church. About thirty years since she removed to the neighbourhood of Kersley, and, with her family, connected herself with the Kersley Society, then recently formed, and with the exception of a short period when she was in America, continued in connection with it till her removal. Her attachment to the church was truly sincere, and her life distinguished by sincerity and uprightness. At Farnworth, on the 9th ult., in her 71st year, Mary Roscoe. For several years she had belonged to the Kersley Society, where during health she was a regular attendant. Though in humble circumstances, she had the esteem of all who knew her, for her regard to the upright discharge of her duties; and there is every reason to believe that she was fully prepared for the change she has experienced. INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.—First Thursday 7-0 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.-First Friday. National Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Second Thursday Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-Fourth Monday MANCHESTER. Missionary Society ditto ditto ... 6-30 8-0 6-30 6-30 7-0 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. |