our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was a universal redemption, by which all mankind have the power continually given them, of becoming regenerate, by co-operation with the Lord.

2. That the subject of Spheres, as illustrated in the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, is worthy of the highest attention, inasmuch as it is a doctrine which inculcates the steadiest attention, both to internal and external duties, and leads to a constant observance of the divine precepts, and a devout looking unto the Lord and waiting upon him.

3. That the thanks of this meeting be cordially given to Dr. Tafel, of Tubingen, for his zealous and disinterested labours in the publication of the Writings of Swedenborg; that a subscription be entered into for the purpose of aiding the Doctor in his important and valuable labours, and that an Address be presented to him, when the amount of the subscriptions is remitted.

4. That the Committee formerly appointed, consisting of three members of the Edinburgh, and three of the Glasgow Societies, for collecting missionary funds and managing the same, be continued; that it be recommended to them to endeavour to obtain collections from the various societies in Scotland; and that they shall have power to use the funds thus collected, in missionary exertions, and in the distribution of tracts.

It was stated, that at Tilliscoultry, a meeting had for some months past existed, of the number of about 200, and having the New Church doctrines preached to them; that a clergyman of Tilliscoultry, formerly an ordained minister in the Secession Church, and who had for some time preached the doctrines, now recommended from the pulpit the study of the Writings of Swedenborg; that he had lately renounced connexion with the Secession, and is at present in course of publishing his reasons and apology: also that two individuals belonging to St. Ninians, near Stirling, who had been led to study the Writings, now embraced opportunities to preach the doctrines.

The meeting was highly interesting

and delightful; and is likely to prove no less useful, as being the means of uniting, in a closer bond of affection, the societies and members of the Church in this part of the kingdom, and of providing for a wider dissemination of the blessed truth now revealed for the salvation of men.

MISSIONARY EFFORTS IN FIFESHIRE. -We have recently received the following from Mr. Macara, dated Edinburgh, 25 Feb., 1842. I beg to transmit to you a short account of the progress of the New Church in one of our Missionary exertions here. Mr. Goyder, of Glasgow, and Mr. Bruce, of this city, made an exchange last Sabbath. Part of the arrangement was, that Mr. Goyder should proceed on Monday to Falkland, a Burgh in the centre of Fife, and deliver a course of evening lectures, explanatory of the principles and doctrines of the New Church; and I was asked to accompany him. I have for several years been a good deal connected with and had occasion to be frequently in Falkland and its neighbourhood, and had opportunities of circulating tracts, and latterly instituted a small library of our writings. In conversation with a leading individual of Falkland lately, it was suggested by him to have a course of week-day lectures. I applied to one of the magistrates I was acquainted with, who readily procured the grant of the Town Hall, free of charge. Previous advertisements were sent over, and other arrangements made, and Mr. Goyder and I arrived there on Monday afternoon. The lectures were at seven in the evening.

The first evening lecture was from this passage, "One Lord, one faith, one bap. tism (Eph. 4, ver. 5). It is unnecessary for me to dilate on the way in which the subject was handled; but I may say, that it was done in a very clear and forcible manner, and with the utmost gentleness. Several of the magistrates and other leading individuals of the quarter were present; and although Mr. Goyder invited to a statement of any objections after the lecture was over, not one was

made to our doctrines, if I may except some conversation that one or two of the hearers, of the Baptist persuasion, had with myself, after Mr. Goyder left the hall, as to their views in regard to adult baptism. The hall was well filled: indeed, several went away for want of accommodation. Next evening more seating was obtained, and the attendance was greater. The hall was crowded. The lecture was on the Doctrine of the Atonement, prefaced by some further and introductory remarks on the doctrine of the One God and the Trinity. Next day we went to a considerable manufacturing village in the neighbourhood, Fruchie, and having secured the schoolroom, gave notice of a lecture in it at five in the evening. It was crowded to excess. The subject of the lecture was on the One God and the Trinity. After the lecture, we returned to Falkland, and there Mr. Goyder delivered a lecture at seven o'clock, on the Sanctity of the Sacred Scriptures. The hall was if possible more crowded this evening.

We found that before the first lecture, there had been much prejudice and misconception as to the principles of the New Church; but by means of that lecture, these were, I may say, completely done away; at least, as regarded those who were present, and generally in the place; and there was a general burst of admiration at the able and beautiful way in which Mr. Goyder treated the subjects. Before leaving the town, next morning we had the pleasure of interviews with the chief magistrate, and other leading individuals, who, as with one voice and spirit, expressed the high gratification they had enjoyed in the lectures. Having to leave Fruchie so early after the lecture there, we had not the same opportunity of learning its effects; but I can say, that the audience was very respectable, and the most zealous attention appeared to be given. In the course of lectures, about 500 tracts were distributed.

The expenses of this mission, and the exchange between Messrs. Goyder and Bruce, were mutually borne by the Edinburgh and Glasgow Societies.

OPPOSITION EXCITED BY DISTRIBUTING TRACTS AT BATH. To the Editor, &c. Sir, For several weeks past a lady (a highly respectable member of the New Church of this city) has been circulating, chiefly among the wealthy classes, the Manchester and London Tracts. The result has been, many Tracts purchased with approval; and, among those who have refused to purchase, lamentable evidence of apathy and bigoted hostility; of which latter I beg to put in, in proof, a few of the laconic notices written on the Tracts returned, each of them coming from persons who rank themselves among the nobility and gentry of this elegant and refined city.

"It is requested that no Tracts may be left at No.-, Cavendish Place, as they are not approved of."

"Returned with earnest hopes that the circulation of these Tracts may be desisted from or prevented."

"Your pernicious Tracts are only fit for the flames, and shall be treated with, as they deserve."

"These Tracts will be called for in ten days, and are returned unread.”

We could hardly expect such a spirit of opposition as is here shewn, would suffer in silence; accordingly, a letter appeared in the columns of the Bath Chronicle, to which the editor under the pretext of a want of the writer's signature for a reply to an anonymous attack, refused the letter which appears in the columns of the Bath Journal, and the remaining history of this interesting feature of New Church proceedings at Bath, is contained in the following letter :

"To the Editor of the Bath Journal.

"Sir,-In the Bath Chronicle of Thursday, March 31, appeared the following letter:

"To the Editor of the Bath Chronicle.

"Sir,-Allow me to caution your readers and the public against certain tracts relating to the Swedenborgian or New Jerusalem Church, which are being busily disseminated about this city, and which contain, under a somewhat specious form, the most fatal heresies. These tracts are for the most part handed to

our servants, or left at our residences, with a notice that they will be called for in a few days. I trust that there will be but one answer from a Christian community for those who call for them. My reply is ready, and it is this:- You have obtruded your pernicious books upon my family, and thrust them into my house without my permission, and I have dealt with them as they deserve, and as your impertinence warrants. They are committed to the flames.' As to paying one penny for poison, and towards the support of a system of opinions which rejects the mystery of the Trinity in Unity, and denies the blessed doctrine of atonement through the blood of a crucified Saviour, let it not be thought of for a moment. Yours,

'FIDELIS.'

"Immediately after reading this intemperate effusion of a person who proclaims his bigotry by burning books instead of reading them ;-his injustice, by accusing his brethren without knowledge; -and his malignancy, by exciting against them the obloquy of the public, by proclaiming them as dangerous heretics, because they differ with him in opinion; immediately after reading this effusion, I wrote, and sent to the Chronicle, the following reply :—

"Sir,-Your correspondent Fidelis ' having asserted, unintentionally, I trust, what is decidedly untrue, I claim your usual impartiality to allow me to contradict him. I can say nothing relative to the tracts of which he complains as being at present industriously circulated in this city without reading them; but I have been a reader for more than twenty years of the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, and I can defy your correspondent or any person to quote a single sentence from his writings denying a trinity in unity, or the atonement through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. there be any poison in the tracts to which 'Fidelis ' alludes, it is certainly not Swedenborgian. Whether there be or not I require proof; and it is certainly unjust and unchristian to condemn without proof. Yours, &c.

"A CONSTANT READER.

"Instead of finding the above reply in the following Chronicle, I find only a notice to correspondents as follows:-" If 'A Constant Reader' will send us his name, in confidence, his letter shall be inserted." I believe, Sir, that every reader of my letter will agree with me that there is nothing in it that I need be ashamed of; but though I have no fear of having my name attached, I have the same reason against it which governs the great majority of those who correspond through the medium of the press; and if my name be not required by the readers of the Chronicle, it certainly cannot be required by the editor. When one person slanders another, his name ought to appear; but any writer who calls upon such a one for proof, may certainly do so anonymously; for he utters only the desire of all who are influenced by truth and justice.

"I have only, Sir, this in conclusion to say, through the medium of your public print, that 'Fidelis' cannot substantiate his charges, and it will be well for him if he can justify his conduct.

"I remain, Sir, Yours, &c.
"A CONSTANT READER."
"Bath, April 7."

If any thing further comes from this public correspondence, I shall be happy to forward it to you;

And remain, yours truly,

Bath, April 12, 1842.

J. K. Bath, April 21, 1842. Sir,-Since my last, the following letter has appeared :

"To the Editor of the Bath Journal.

"Sir,-After justifying the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, and that numerous, intelligent, and respectable body of persons who hold them in respect, in opposition to the Chronicle correspondent, 'Fidelis,' I closed my observations with this declaration, Fidelis cannot substantiate his charges.' Believing this, I expected no reply, and my expectation has been verified; in the Chronicle of Thursday there is no reply. I do not notice this, Sir, to provoke further hostility, but merely to shew the indisputable accuracy on this point, as on all others, of that voluminous writer. No man dares assail

the character or the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, without the certainty of defeat, unless among those who burn books instead of reading them. I am, &c.,

"A CONSTANT READER."

I think, Sir, it requires no further comment to shew any unprejudiced person that the slanders which the enemies of the New Church in this city were prepared to circulate in opposition to its doctrines, are without even the slightest foundation in truth. The competency of "Fidelis" to maintain his position has been tried and found wanting. I have reason to believe he is a dignitary of the Church. It was fortunate for him that he did not attach his name to his letter. Yours, &c. J. K.

REMARKABLE ZEAL AND LIBERALITY AT HASLINGDEN.-Perhaps there is no society in the Church, that has made more rapid progress towards forming a good and permanent establishment for our holy doctrines to be promulgated in, than the one established in the above place. Four years ago, when the Rev. J. Bayley delivered his first lecture there, not more than five decided receivers were known, three elderly persons and two young ones, a son and a nephew of the late Rev. Mr. Pilkington. These took a room and had service conducted every Sunday, chiefly by young missionaries from Accrington. Mr. Bayley also lectured for them once a month, which he still does. By degrees their numbers were increased from different denominations; amongst the rest a very worthy family of Quakers, some of whom have taken a very active part in the business of the Society ever since. Soon after the accession of this family they began to think of obtaining a more appropriate place of worship. Accordingly, with great zeal, it was determined that a chapel should be erected, to cost between two and three hundred pounds. In a few months the chapel was opened by the Revs. Messrs. Woodman and Bayley. Such was the great throng of the congregation, that the chapel was overflowing almost before half of the people that attended had entered: and

while Mr. Woodman was addressing the audience within the chapel, Mr. Bayley adjourned, with those that could not gain admittance, to the room they had previously occupied, and there held another service.

Since the opening of the chapel, they have steadily advanced, continually gaining accessions to their numbers. Their Sunday School has increased proportionately with their means of instruction. The number of scholars is near ninety.

For some time back, they have been desirous of engaging an efficient minister; but in consequence of the debt remaining on the chapel, their funds would not allow it. However, the activity of the society was not to overbalance its generosity. It was determined, by one great effort, to clear away all encumbrances. Accordingly, great exertions were made on the occasions of the Anniversary Sermons, which were preached by the Rev. J. Bayley, on Sunday, the 10th of April; and the amount of the collections was the extraordinary sum of 1257. 18s. 4d.! The debt now left on the chapel, is 147. 1s. 8d. This is certainly worthy of imitation, and redounds much to the praise of their zeal and devotion to the Lord. They will now, as soon as possible, engage a suitable minister. I trust, that they will meet with one of the same active temperament as themselves. May they still go on with the same zeal as they have hitherto manifested! R. E.

LONDON NEW CHURCH FREESCHOOL. In our last Number but one we mentioned that Mr. Granger had been appointed to conduct the worship at the girls' school-room twice every sabbath. day; and our friends will be glad to hear that the plan has been put into execution with the gratifying result of greatly improved attendance on the part of the children, many of whom now appear to be much interested in the services. We have also to announce that the subscription proposed to be entered upon towards the liquidation of the expenses thus incurred has already commenced; and we trust it will be continued until it

amounts at least to Mr. Granger's extra salary. We have also much pleasure in being able to state that a number of books, formerly constituting a part of the Woodford school library, has been presented by the former conductor of that establishment, to our Free-School.

We would again beg to urge upon our friends the duty of aiding this excellent institution by their purses and their influence; and if they do not feel warmly in its favour, all we ask of them is, to go to the School itself, and the opportunity of viewing its active usefulness, will, we doubt not, arouse their sympathies in its behalf, and impress upon them the importance of that precept of the Lord," Feed my lambs."

PUBLIC

PLEASING INSTANCE OF AVOWAL OF BELIEF IN THE WRITINGS OF SWEDENBORG.-It is not often that the receivers of the doctrines of the New Church are called upon for a public avowal of their belief in the mission of Swedenborg, or in his doctrices. Such cases, however, do arise, and that too at times when they might be least expected; as for instance, when any one is being examined in a judicial court.

In such a situation was our friend, Dr. Spurgin, placed on the 4th of June, 1839, when he had to give evidence as to the competency of a person to make a will, in the case of Ditchburn v. Fearn, before the Judicial Committee of Her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council.

It appears that it had transpired that he was a receiver of the doctrines of Swedenborg; and, among other things, he was questioned respecting them. His answers are contained in the following extract from the printed evidence; and we think it will afford pleasure to our readers to know that so open an avowal of his belief was made by one moving in

so respectable a circle as Dr. Spurgin does, in the presence of some of the first men in the land. It is not for us to judge what was the impression made on their minds, or on the minds of many others that were present: we need not fear that it was unfavourable:

"I am a follower or disciple of the late Baron Emanuel Swedenborg. I do believe in the theological and philosophical tenets professed by him. I do believe that at one period (I do not recollect the date) our Lord manifested himself personally to the said Emanuel Swedenborg. I do believe that the said Emanuel Swedenborg was enabled to see and converse with spirits and angels. I consider him to be so credible a witness that I believe his testimony. I believe his testimony also that he had seen or attained to a knowledge of the habitation of the angels, and I know several clergymen of the Church of England who entertain similar sentiments of the correctness of his testimony. I believe the said Emanuel Swedenborg's description of the habitations of the angels, their rooms, gardens, courts, &c., to be founded in truth. do not believe that the papers and works of the testator are founded on delusions. I have stated my opinion that the works and professions of faith of the said Emanuel Swedenborg are not so."

DIED, at Norwich, on the 9th of February, in the 62nd year of her age, Mrs. SARAH CHIPPERFIELD. This lady was

a most sincere member of the New Church, but through debility and other afflictions, was able to attend but oc