things." The Theological School has been established during the past year in the vestry of the Boston Society of the New Church. Five students have been connected with the school, three of whom continued until the close of the school session, and are now preaching in different parts of the country. Speaking of the important use of educating and training young men for the work of the ministry, Rev. Mr. Reed said: "It was a matter of transcendent importance to raise up an enlightened ministry. The difficulty they had to contend with was that the students were in too much demand as preachers. They were taken out of the school and set to preaching before they had properly finished their course. The students should feel that the Convention was behind them with its sympathy and its support. They were the servants of the whole Church, and should be inspired with that broad spirit of charity which should make them capable of serving the North or the South, the East or the West." The following will show one of the important works to which the Church in America is devoting its attention: "The committee on the publication of Swedenborg's MSS. reported that Professor P. B. Cabell of Urbana University had completed the work of transcribing from the photo-lithograph Swedenborg's principal treatise, De Cerebro,' and that he is now transcribing the Ontologia, also that Dr. S. H. Worcester had finished the work of comparing the printed text of 'Apocalypsis Explicata' with the photo-lithograph, and also that 'De Divino Amore et de Divina Sapientia' has been deciphered. The report stated that nearly one-half of the Apocalypsis Revelata has been printed. Mr. Warren spoke concerning this report, and alluded to the enormous labour involved in the work performed by Dr. Worcester, who transcribed his work from the original MSS. His work was a labour of love, but the Church should not accept unrequited labour. It was the duty of the Church to do its utmost to provide a suitable compensation for all labour performed for it. Here we close our notice of this year's session of this large assembly of the New Church. In America it is manifest that the doctrines of the New Church have found congenial soil and obtained considerable growth; and the manifold uses to which the members of the Church are devoting their attention give abundant promise of future success. GENERAL CONFERENCE.--The seventy. second session of the General Conference of the New Church is appointed to be held in the New Jerusalem Church, The Mall, Kensing ton, London, and to commence on Monday the 11th inst. at seven o'clock in the evening. The attention of the Conference will be called to the following business: The Society at Lowestoft applies for the Introduction of the Rev. W. O'Mant into the ministry of the New Church. The Societies at Embsay, Edinburgh, and Melbourne apply for the Ordination of their respective ministers. The Societies at Sparkbrook (Birmingham), Southport, Alloa, Bristol, Liverpool, Northampton, and Oldham apply for their respective leaders to be licensed to administer the Sacraments. The London Missionary and Tract Society applies for a licence to Mr. Plummer to administer the Sacraments. The London New Church Association having addressed a communication to the Council stating that it has been proposed to hold a meeting immediately after the close of the forthcoming session for the discussion of subjects of interest to the New Church, the Council will recommend the appointment of a special committee to consider such proposal. E. WHITEHEAD, Secretary. The AUSTRALIA.-The Rev. J. J. Thornton has been visiting Sydney, New South Wales, and delivering there a course of lectures on "The Doctrines of True Christianity from the Word of God." following extract from a letter may be interesting to some of our readers: "The subjects of Mr. Thornton's lectures were chosen for the Non-New Church public, and he gave them in a most clear and lucid manner. He answered the questions splendidly, reminding me of what Dr. Bayley was at his age. Dr. Brereton, who was to have presided at the lectures, has been unable to do so through indisposition. Several very pleasant conversaziones were got up by Mrs. Brereton and Mrs. Backhouse to enable every one to have the opportunity of being introduced to Mr. Thornton. The young ladies sang, some gentlemen played on the piano and violin, and conversation took place in the intervals. At the last conversazione Mr. Thornton gave a long address on the subject of New Church Organization in its various forms, and he has since been advising the purchase of a piece of land and the building of a little church. He was to have left Sydney this morning, but has been persuaded to remain over Sunday (May 24th) I believe on account of this particular matter-to help it on. On Sunday last, the subject being 'The Nature of Heaven,' and the night fine, the New Church room was crowded to overflowing. Many left being unable to get seats: there was the full New Church service." ITALY.-We have received a copy of the report of Professor Scocia detailing his mission-work for the past, which is the ninth, year of his missionary labours. From this report we give the following extracts: "Towards the latter part of last year, owing to too close confinement to desk labour, my head became affected with dizziness, and my eyes with cloudiness of vision. My medical adviser recommended a cessation of at least a part of my desk labour; and therefore I thought it prudent to suspend for this year the 'Nuova Epoca,' and so employ a part of my time by outdoor exercise in endeavouring to place for sale some of the translated works in my hands, and in conversing with those who would listen to me on the truths they contain. I am thankful to say that, by the blessing of God, my health has been much benefited by the change; my eyesight is getting quite strong again, and the dizziness of my head is disappearing. The spiritual state of the people of Florence unfortunately is not such as to justify the hope or expectation of great results. Materialism and superstition, which here (being the headquarters of the Jesuits) govern the major part of the people, must necessarily render the progress of Truth both slow and difficult. Nevertheless, in other parts of Italy the signs are more hopeful. We are evidently in a state of preparation for better things; and as I think there is no work so important to our dear Church in Italy at present as the translation, publication, and diffusion of the Writings of Swedenborg in the language spoken by the people, I am now making these three things the principal duties of my mission. I am daily occnpied in the translation of that important work, the True Christian Religion,' and shortly I shall be able to give over to the printer the first volume. This will be the sixth work of our Author which I have translated from the Latin. The first three translated works were distributed amongst 177 Catholic priests, and also to 75 public libraries, who received them with much favour; and lately I have distributed to every one of the same libraries my other translations and publications, that is to say, the 'Angelic Wisdom concerning the Divine Love and Divine Wisdom, and the 'Summary Exposition,' by Swedenborg; the 'Religion of Good Sense,' by E. Richer, translated by me from the French; and the first complete series of the Nuova Epoca,' in seven volumes. These books are highly prized by all the librarians to whom I have sent them, and I have received letters in return containing very earnest expressions of thanks. I have also sent some copies of all my translations and publications to those booksel lers in all the principal cities of Italy who are most likely to be able to sell books of this sort. The Sunday meetings continue to take place in my house with the usual number of friends. I am also still engaged in an extensive correspondence with mem bers of the Italian Committee and others of my compatriots, the former subscribers to the Nuova Epoca;' and I am happy to perceive from their letters that, notwithstanding the suspension of my periodical, their zeal and earnestness in the cause of the New Church are ever alive and active. A learned Dean of the Catholic Church, who has received the new light, has_commenced the translation of 'The Four Leading Doctrines,' by Swedenborg. He wrote to me on the 15th of last April: 'I had begun the translation of the treatises of Swedenborg "On the Lord," "On Faith," etc., but I was interrupted by the duties of my office. However, being freer now, I shall endeavour to recommence them; at the same time I shall try to speak to some bookseller about receiving for sale the works of Swedenborg translated by you.' With respect to financial matters, with gratitude I acknowledge to have received up to the present time, for the Conference year, from the generosity of the friends of this missionary work, the following sums: From your committee, for three-quarters, £45; from the Board of Missions and other friends in America, $330; from friends in Italy, 10 lire Italiane. LORETO SCOCIA." REV. HERMANN PEISKER.-The following is the amount received for this persecuted minister of the New Church in Vienna :— Total advertised in the June number £21 6 Collection at Kearsley, June 1st 12 5 73 Mrs. Cursham (Derby). 0 10 0 0 10 0 1 1 1 1 0 026 £36 16 1 SWEDENBORG SOCIETY.-With the subscriber's report for the year the committee has issued a revised list of the public institutions to which Swedenborg's works have been presented since 1810. This list will be useful for the information of inquirers who are desirous of becoming more fully acquainted with the distinctive character of the doctrines of the NewChurch, and who live within the reach of the numerous free and other libraries in the larger towns which possess the works. Mr. Preston Powers' beautiful bust of Swedenborg has been admirably photographed, and copies, cabinet size, can be obtained of Mr. Speirs at two shillings each. The artist's skill is shown to great advantage, and the photograph is well worth a place in every New Churchman's album. NEW CHURCH MISSIONARY AND TRACT SOCIETY. At the meeting of the committee of this Society held on the 10th June, Mr. Jobson having intimated his intention of not seeking re-election as secretary, his retirement from office was very reluctantly accepted, and the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "That the best thanks of this committee be tendered to Mr. Jobson for his past services as secretary to this Society, and for the valued and useful work he has rendered whilst in office." Mr. John Orme, 35 Barbican, London, E. C., has been appointed as his successor, and the day of the meeting of the committee is now altered from the third to the second Monday of the month, at seven o'clock, at 36 Bloomsbury Street, excepting in July and August. AUGMENTATION FUND.--To the following circular, issued by the Midlands Committee, we gladly give the increased publicity of our pages: "The Midland District Committee again desire to bring before the members and friends of the Church the claims of this fund upon their consideration. Its object is intimately connected with the growth and development of the young and small Societies. It proposes to secure to every minister or leader of a recognised Society, who is exclusively engaged in Church work, at least the moderate means of subsistence. This is felt to be vital to the progress of the Church-firstly, that young men of high character and ability may be encouraged to enter upon duties which must entail much self-sacrifice and devotion, however recognised and supported; secondly, that young or struggling Societies may be guided and strengthened in their times of greatest need by those who are, as human instruments in the Divine Hand, truly qualified for the task. The necessity for such funds has been simultaneously recognised by various large communities of the Christian world, and during the past few years great sums have been subscribed for the purpose. We cannot expect such large results, but we can do our best according to our means, and we can share the noble resolve already expressed in deeds by other denominations, viz. that however depressed trade may curtail our comforts or our luxuries, the Church shall not suffer in its uses or its needs. It is on these grounds we ask your support to the fund." KEIGHLEY.-On Saturday the 14th June the mutual improvement class belonging to this Society, accompanied by some of their friends, had an excursion to Haworth. The party visited the old church made so renowned by the Bronte family, and now about to be pulled down in order to build another more in accordance with the mind of the present vicar. After leaving the church and the parsonage the party wended their way to the waterfall in the glen on the adjoining moor, which is a very wild romantic place. The day was fine and the air balmy, and both young and old seemed to enjoy the ramble over the moor. After climbing the hill and resting a short time on one of the rocks, and singing one or two hymns from the Sunday-school book, they took their way across the moor to the house at Harbour Springs, which was the place they had set out for. These springs are now taken by the Bradford waterworks, but formerly Miss Bronte used to retire to this place to study and write her world-renowned books. After the party had all drunk from the well into which the springs are conveyed they made their way to the place where tea was provided. After tea the party all assembled on the grass outside and spent a pleasant evening enlivened by song and recitation. On Sunday, July 6th, the Rev. Joseph Ashby of Derby delivered two admirable discourses to the scholars and friends on the occasion of the Sunday-school anniversary. The morning sermon was adapted more to the children, its subject being Joseph's Coat of many Colours," and it will, we trust, be long remembered by our young friends. In the evening Mr. Ashby addressed himself especially to the older friends, and in a very beautiful sermon upon the subject "A Door opened in Heaven-Can we look in?" brought out very forcibly the glorious teachings upon the future life, which the doctrines of the New Church reveal. Attracted by the striking title, a large congregation, composed to a considerable extent of strangers, filled the church, and all seemed much delighted with the clear and conclusive manner in which Mr. Ashby established the views he set forth. The singing was very appropriate to the occasion, the hymns being such as the children could enjoy, and they sang them very well. The collections realized about £10, which was considered a very satisfactory sum, and completed the pleasing success of the services. MELBOURNE (Derbyshire).-On Sunday the 13th of July the Rev. J. Ashby preached the Sunday-school anniversary sermons. The subject in the afternoon was "Joseph's Coat of many Colours." Mr. Ashby, after showing the signification of clothes by such 66 Lat texts as mention the blessedness of watch- vestries, together with commodious cellaring and keeping the garments, the angels ing. The body of the church will seat 330 clothed in white, the change of the prodigal's persons, and the galleries, including choir, dress, said that the coat of many colours 320. The estimated cost of the new church represented all the various kinds of truths. is £3000. In the early days of the first It was necessary for all to have a coat church the Society had no regularly apof many colours-that beautiful wedding pointed minister, but Divine worship was garment that shall prepare us not only conducted by the members themselves. for admission, but for an everlasting home At this time the Rev. John Clowes, M.A., in one of the mansions above. In the rector of St. John's, Manchester, occasionevening the subject was "The Measure of ally visited the Society and used to occupy the Walls of the Holy City' according to a chair within the communion-rails when the measure of a man, that is, of the preaching. In the year 1840 the present angel." Mr. Ashby pointed out the esteemed minister, the Rev. James Boys, necessity of a religion that should measure was invited to undertake the leadership. the man, that is, the angel. The needs of He accepted the invitation, and began his religion measuring the deeds of outward labours at Radcliffe on Sunday, February life in the mill, the shop, and in the family 2nd of that year. In 1848 he was adcircle also measuring the inward life- mitted into the ministry by ordination; worship, faith, and love. Religion showed and ever since that period has been most that there is a spiritual as well as a natural unremitting in his endeavours to further man, that in every son of toil there is the the cause of Christ among the band of measure of a man, that is, of the angel. persons committed to his charge. The Sunday-school children sang some terly, we regret to say, his sight has begun hymns very sweetly, and anthems were seriously to fail him, and in this affliction given by the choir. The collection he has the utmost sympathy of his large amounted to £9, 8s. 1d. circle of friends. After the singing of the hymn opening with the words "Before Jehovah's awful throne," the Rev. W. Westall read Psalm lxvii. and Revelation xxi. Prayer was then offered by the Rev. Peter Ramage, and the Rev. J. Boys followed with an introductory address. The rev. gentleman expressed his delight at seeing so many persons gathered together on that joyful occasion, and he was thankful to the Lord for having favoured them with such glorious weather in the midst of such an exceedingly wet season. He mentioned that the church about to be erected on that spot to the worship of God was the third which had occupied the same site, and then entered into the details of the past history of the New Jerusalem Church at Radcliffe, as particularized above. He had heard it repeated over and over again that in the early days of their church in that place the congregations were very small-so small, indeed, that oftentimes the number of worshippers might have been covered over with a blanket. Yet the members worked perseveringly and laboriously Sabbath after Sabbath, and also took a devout and diligent interest in the affairs of the Sundayschool. Thus in due course the congregation swelled in numbers, and hence the necessity for extending their accommodation. Many persons might ask, What need is there to build this new church when the last one would hold us sufficiently well?" He might tell them, however, that there was not a single pew to let in the church which had just been taken down. A sitting, it was true, was here and there found vacant; but the managers of the church RADCLIFFE (abridged from the Bury Times). The Swedenborgians of Radcliffe have ample reason to felicitate themselves upon the large measure of success which attended the important ceremony of laying the corner-stones of their new place of worship, Stand Lane, on Saturday afternoon last. In the first place, the weather was delightfully fine, notwithstanding that a somewhat unpleasant wind now and again prevailed; secondly, the gathering of friends and spectators was extraordinarily large, and showed that the proceedings were productive of unusual interest. The edifice about to be erected will be the third that has occupied the same site. The first church was built the year 1803, and was wholly of brick, its dimensions having been ten yards by ten. It possessed a small gallery on the western side. This structure, having become too small to meet the growing requirements of the worshippers, was pulled down in 1841, and a large one, also of brick, placed upon the spot. The size of this was sixteen yards by fourteen, and galleries were arranged upon the north, south, and west sides, the sittings altogether numbering 422. In course of time the congregation still further increased, and hence it was resolved to raze the second church and place a more commodious one in its stead. The style of the new building will be free Classic and of stone externally, surmounted by cornice and balustrade. In front of the church there will stand two spires. The internal accommodation will comprise nave, aisles, galleries, organ-chamber, choir, and other had often great difficulty in procuring suitable places for those who came. They were, therefore, almost compelled to take the step upon which they were now entering. With an incommodious building like the old church the Society could not extend its operations further than it had; numerically it could not prosper until a larger place had been erected. When the new structure had been completed he trusted its members would feel more at ease, and that with their cord lengthened and their stake strengthened the church would henceforth increase not only in strength, but in all the graces of a Christian and heavenly life. The rev. gentleman now called upon Mr. N. Haworth to lay the first corner stone. crown their efforts, and expressed his fervent hope that through the light of the Gospel which would hereafter be disseminated through its influence many souls would be brought into the fold of Christ. After referring in genial terms to the long ministry of the Rev. J. Boys in connection with the Society at Radcliffe, and the earnestness of his ministrations, the speaker said the rev. gentleman had always laboured therein most unselfishly and well. He hoped that Mr. Boys would long be spared among them to continue that good work. The two bottles deposited underneath the foundation-stones_contained respectively copies of the Bury Times, Manchester Examiner, the Morning Light, Intellectual Repository, and Juvenile Magazine; a cabinet photograph of the Rev. J. Boys, a photograph of the old church, a briefly written history of the church (with a copy of its rules), a programme of the day's proceedings in connection with the stone laying, and several new current coins of the realm. 66 A collection was made at the close of the ceremony, which amounted to over £137; the hymn, 'Jesus, may Thy disciples shine," was sung, a prayer said, and the benediction pronounced. In the evening a tea-meeting was held in the schoolroom, which was presided over by W. Hughes, Esq., of Manchester. Mr. Hughes commenced the proceedings by an able address, and was followed by other speakers and by a pleasing selection of appropriate music. SOUTHPORT.-A reception picnic in connection with this Society was held on Tuesday the 15th July to welcome their new minister, Mr. Wm. A. Bates, and Mrs. Bates. Mr. Haworth (Kersal) stepped forward and received a silver trowel from Mr. Edward Lowe with which to perform his share in the ceremony. The trowel, as in each case, bore an inscription, the name of the person to whom it was presented being included thereon. Having declared the stone "well and truly laid," Mr. Haworth said he was glad to see so many persons present that afternoon, for it unmistakably proved that the New Jerusalem Church in Radcliffe either possessed a numerous body of supporters, or that it had a great many sympathizers. It was gratifying to know, moreover, that the other religious denominations in the place were on very friendly terms with the New Church, and upon taking his place on that platform he felt proud to have the opportunity of shaking hands with ministers associated with other sects. If any good was to be achieved in the world it must be done by co-operation and friendship. Nothing could be carried out for the welfare of mankind by one working against another; on the other hand, he had great faith in the good which could be wrought by all Christian denominations working harmoniously together. He expected the members of the New Church would do their share towards this end. A second stone was laid by Miss N. Taylor of Moss Lane, Pilkington, and a third by Miss Heywood of Shore House, New Road, Pilkington, after which Mr. Hodgson (Radcliffe) presented a trowel to Mr. W. Mather of Salford, by whom the fourth stone was laid. Having performed the duty thus imposed upon him, Mr. The Rev. Thomas Mackereth, who had Mather said he hoped that the church been preaching the anniversary sermons about to be built upon that spot would the previous Sunday, accompanied the rever be pulled down again, but that, friends to Rufford. When tea was over he should the members of the Society still was called to the chair. After expressing continue to increase a second church the delight which this gathering had would be erected in another part of the afforded him, he pointed out that the town. He wished the members of the success and usefulness of a Society deSociety Godspeed in their latest under- pended more upon the mutual love and taking, said he trusted that success would goodwill amongst the members than upon The party, about eighty in number, proceeded to Rufford by train, where they spent a delightful afternoon in the park and gardens. The way in which Mr. Bates led the young people in the various games and sports was such as not only to please those who took part in them, but was also the admiration of all who beheld it. The weather was all that could have been desired, and afforded an excellent opportunity for mutual intercourse and friendship. Tea was served in a kind of pavilion adjoining the village inn. |