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kindly gave us a lecture on "The Church of Prophecy," calculated to shew to strangers the power of our principles to build up our brethren in their holy faith.

On Tuesday evening, October 7th, a soirée in commemoration of our third anniversary was held. Mr. John Charlton was called to the chair; and the meeting was addressed by the chairman, Mr. Carr, of Gateshead, Mr. Spence, Mr. Brown, of Newcastle, and Mr. Atkinson. Our leader, Mr. H. Mc.Lagan, gave an excellent concluding address, on the loving and beautiful principles of the New Dispensation. After a hymn of praise and joy the meeting separated.

On the evenings of November 17th, 18th, and 19th, under the auspices of the London Missionary and Tract Society, the Rev. G. B. Porteous, of Accrington, gave us three discourses, in the Central Hall, South Shields, on "The Philosophy of Prayer;" one in the Oddfellows' Hall, Rudyerd-street, North Shields, on "Theories of a Future State;" and one in the Temperance Hall, North Shields, on "English Manners, Fashions, and Religion." J. P. Dodd, LL.D., occupied the chair. These lectures have elicited much praise.

I may further state that our society was, perhaps, never in such a favourable state as to harmony, steadiness, and pecuniary prosperity. J. C.

JERSEY NEW CHURCH MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION. The adjourned annual meeting was held on Nov. 2nd, 1862, at which the committee, in submitting their second annual report, expressed their thankfulness to Divine Providence for the success which had attended their feeble efforts.

The means employed to extend the knowledge of the doctrines has been the engaging of the Rev. Dr. Bayley, whose lectures in April were reported at the time. The Rev. J. H. Smithson also paid us a visit on account of the Manchester Missionary Society, for which we return our grateful thanks. The effect of these missionary exertions, together with previous ones, has been to soften down, and to a great extent remove prejudice from the public mind. The doctrines have been sent forth like the dove from the ark, and the messenger has returned with an answer of peace, hostile feelings having given way before it.

The finances are such as to warrant other missionary exertions. The income, including balance, amounted to the sum of £10. 4s. 91d., of which £6. 13s. 7d. was expended.

The committee cannot close this brief report without acknowledging the liberality of Mr. Bashford, in giving the proceeds of the photograph of Dr. Bayley, which has produced up to this time £3. 2s. 6d.

The committee wish also to record a very important fact which has occurred since the last annual meeting, namely, that of the States Committee for the Public Library recommending and ultimately accepting 61 volumes of Swedenborg's works in the French language, presented by that very zealous advocate of the New Church, M. Le Boys des Guays.

In conclusion, the committee would urge the subscribers and friends to renewed exertion, both by their money and influence, looking to the Giver of all Good for the prosperity of the cause, by means of the Divine Word as explained by His enlightened servant Emanuel Swedenborg, the honoured herald of His Second Coming. T. B.

BATH.

We have received a copy of the Bath Express, of November 22nd, containing an extended report of a lecture, by the Rev. W. Woodman, in the New Church place of worship there, from which we extract a portion, which forms the conclusion of the discourse. The subject was "The Inspiration of the Scriptures." Speaking of the objections of different kinds that are made against the divinity of the Word, he says:—

"Then we have objections taken upon the ground of historical discrepancies in the Bible. Here, again, the Bishop of Natal has found great difficulties rise up in his own mind upon the subject. Speaking of his recent work, it is due to him to say that whatever we may think of his conclusions, the spirit in which he has entered upon the inquiry, and which has led him to the inferences he has drawn, is most reverent and most Christian. It is no use for those who do not agree with him to say that this is the wiles of the Evil One, by which he accomplishes his purposes; it is no use to ridicule the man, and to say, as was said in one of the papers, that the Bishop had caught a Tartar in the shape of a native Zulu, who had assisted him to

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translate the Scriptures into the language of the country, and who found difficulties in his own mind, which he imparted to the Bishop,-it is no use to say that the Tartar which he caught is worthy of being brought to England to be exhibited. That settles nothing whatever. We have no right to judge any man. Judgment belongeth to me, saith the Lord.' If we are Christians, we should exercise Christian forbearance, Christian patience, and Christian love, and endeavour to convince men of their errors by appealing to their rational perceptions. If you cast a stigma upon an individual,—if you throw obloquy upon him, or if you challenge his motives, certainly it is not the way in which he is likely to be convinced, much more when it is an estimable, hard-working, self-sacrificing Christian, like the Bishop of Natal. We may think that he has formed his conclusions without sufficient evidence, but let us not judge him. The man who never doubts has no faith. The doctor says in the case of the Passover that it required the priests to kill I don't know how many lambs in a minute. Now here, I think, he misapprehends the letter of the law, for it does not appear that the priest did kill the Paschal lamb until the time of Nehemiah; prior to that, each family killed the Paschal lamb for itself. Again he finds great difficulty in the number that went up out of Egypt. I do not know that these difficulties are valid. I think it is a question whether they may not be explained. I will not say whether they may not be consistent with the letter, for it will not affect the truth of the Word as we endeavour to present it to you. At the same time it is our duty, out of veneration for the sacred Scriptures, to maintain the letter in all its integrity, and in its grammatical signification as far as possible; but if you could demonstrate to me that there was nothing in the old Testament that was a literal fact, it would not in the least affect the real essence of the Word, it being only the clothing that it has pleased the Lord to make use of, under which to present the knowledge of His Divine truth to man. I take the next objection upon scientific grounds. The Word, it is said, is not in accordance with science. If the Word were intended to reveal science to us, why, it would be a fatal objection to it; but we can learn science without revelation, and therefore a revelation is not

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necessary to teach us science. Referring again to the number of the Israelites that went up out of Egypt, he said, whether it was 600,000 men, as stated in the Bible, or 6,000 men, as assumed by Dr. Colenso, or 60,000 men, as supposed by a writer in the Record, it did not affect the truth of the Bible. The 60,000 were not there for the purpose of conveying a literal fact, for a mere literal fact had no sanctity in it, considered in itself. He then maintained that figures were intended to convey some spiritual idea, and not to record a literal fact. He likewise gave several illustrations of this hidden meaning attributable to numbers, according to the supposition of Swedenborg, whose explanation of the names of the patriarchs and the principle they embodied, he likewise unfolded. In conclusion, the rev.gentleman committed his hearers to the Divine care and keeping, with the hope that the words which had been spoken might be blessed to their edification."

A PLACE OF WORSHIP, IN MONTREAL,

CANADA.

(Taken from the "Montreal Herald.") Our readers have doubtless not failed to remark the appearance from time to time, in the columns of the Herald, of occasional notices, under the above title, relating to the public worship of those in this city who have adopted this name as their distinguishing appellation, or exponent of their peculiar religious views; and, still more recently, we have had occasion to record the performance of the ceremony of laying the cornerstone of a small edifice or chapel, now about completed, situated at the corner of Hanover and Dorchester streets, Beaver Hall, erected by members and representatives of the New Jerusalem Church in this community. We to-day propose to give a short sketch of the history of the society of the New Church (as it is commonly designated) in this city, together with a description of the building already referred to, and some account of the doctrines and peculiar tenets held by the members of the church wherever it exists.

Amongst the first signs of the existence of the church in this city was the appearance, about a year ago, in some of the daily papers, of a notice inviting all persons residing in the city of Montreal and vicinity, friendly to the doctrines of

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the Church of the New Jerusalem, as taught in the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, to meet at the Mechanics' Hall, on the afternoon of a certain day, to take into consideration the subject of forming a society of the New Church in this city. In pursuance of this notice, seven persons met at the time and place specified, and after some consideration, unanimously agreed that it was expedient to form a society, and to hold regular meetings for public worship on the Sabbath. A room was then temporarily engaged in Nordheimer'sbuilding, Great St. James-street, and on the following Sunday but one, ten adult persons assembled, and service, consisting principally of reading from the writings of Swedenborg and prayer, was then conducted. On the following Sabbath, copies of the New Church Liturgy, published in the United States, having in the meantime come to hand, the regular service according to the form prescribed by the General Convention of the New Church in America, was then gone through, and a sermon preached by Mr. Edwin Gould, a licentiate of the New Church, and leader of the society, to an audience of about twenty-five persons. Since that time, religious services have been regularly held on the Sabbath, part of the time in one of the Committee-rooms in the Mechanics' building, where the society have until quite recently met, since the 1st May last, and previously to that in the School-room over No. 12 in Great St. James-street, whither they removed soon after the formation of the society. The inconvenience and annoyance attendant upon meeting in a hired room, and the manifest advantage of having a place of their own, however small, at length determined the members of the society upon erecting a small chapel upon some favourable site; and the piece of ground at the corner of Hanover and Dorchester-streets having been presented to the society by one of the members, they immediately set about erecting the chapel which now stands there.

The building is of brick, in the Romanesque style, neatly but not elaborately ornamented, the front especially being a very tasteful design, terminating in the centre in an apex, surmounted by a carved ornament representing a star, enclosed in a circle, and emblematical, according to the Swedenborgian sym

bolism, of the relation of all knowledge of holy and Divine things to life or practice. The interior of the chapel offers nothing remarkable in the way of arrangement or construction, being divided into three parts, namely, the chancel, the auditory, and the vestibule. A gallery extends across the southern end of the building. This is to be occupied by the choir and organ, or other instrument employed in the service. There is also a vestry at the side of the chancel, and communicating with it, much as is the case in the Episcopal Church, to the interior arrangement of which that of the present building very nearly corresponds. One feature, however, peculiar as yet, we believe, to Swedenborgian churches, so called, is deserving of notice. We refer to the small box or case, to be placed at the back of the chancel, having an opening at the top, and intended for the reception and repository of the Word, or Holy Scriptures, to which the New Churchman is taught to attach peculiar reverence and veneration.

The building is now nearly in a state of completion, and will be occupied every Sunday at eleven o'clock in the morning, but will not be publicly dedicated to the purposes of religious worship until December, early in which month it will, it is expected, be consecrated with appropriate ceremonies, the society regularly organised, and a pastor ordained over it, with the full powers of the ministry.

To THOSE WHO HAVE BOOKS TO SPARE.

In the Magazine for October last, page 480, is a letter from our muchrespected friend, the Rev. A. Mc.Arthur, in Nova Scotia, from which it will be seen that a present of New Church books would be very acceptable to him for distribution there.

Some such books and magazines have been sent to me; and I now invite others, to whom it may be convenient to make additions to the same, to forward them to me by the end of January, when the whole will be sent out to Mr. Mc.Arthur. R. GUNTON,

26, Lamb's Conduit-street, London, W.C.

To the Editor.

STATISTICS.

Dear Sir,-The Secretary of Conference has already corrected an error in the statistical tables as to the number of societies, which are now the largest

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yet known-fifty-one; but I take leave to call your attention to a discrepancy in the tables beyond the secretary's jurisdiction. Though the number of societies in the tables is four more than last year, yet the number of members is fifty less. I have heard remarks made respecting this, to the effect that "the New Church is declining as an organization," &c. Now, sir, if you refer to p. 76 of this and last year's Minutes of Conference, you will find Bolton registers 42 members in 1861, whilst it is blank this year; Bath in 1861 registered 125 members, this year blank. These two societies, we believe, are still as numerous as previously, though they neglect to return, making together 167 members. The committee who examined these returns advised Conference to adopt last year's numbers, until informed of the contrary; it was not done. Now, if we add 167 to the number registered this year, instead of a decrease of fifty members, you will find an increase of one hundred and seventeen. I have not overlooked the foot-note to these tables, stating that they are imperfect; but I submit that the suggestion made by the committee would be much better, by assuming, in the absence of a return, the numbers last furnished by such society, thus doing away with the incongruity of compiling statistical tables, and then cautioning the reader that they are imperfect and incomplete.- Faithfully yours, ROBERT CATCHESIDE.

Newcastle.

THE ADVERTISING FUND. To the Editor.

Dear Sir,-All hearts should resolve to support the important movement which our friend Mr. James Trimen has so judiciously commenced. I am desirous of calling the attention of all friends of the New Dispensation to the fact that great success is sure to follow an extensive, continuous, and systematic advertising. I feel confident of this, because I know, not merely from observation but from much experience. As an instance, by using a portion of a bill of Dr. Bayley's recent lecture in this town, which I arranged to advertise the sale of "The Discourses on the Essays and Reviews" at my shop, I have sold upwards of 40 dozen, almost entirely to strangers, many of whom I now know to be reading the writings of the church with approval. Some have purchased

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"The Word Opened," "Noble's Appeal," lectures, tracts, &c. One, a young working man, is now taking the "Arcana," a volume at a time, as he can afford. These are gratifying results from an imperfect announcement of one publication in only one position. What might have been effected if every bookseller in the kingdom had been furnished with a few good attractive showbills, it is impossible to tell. Do not suppose that booksellers would object to show them. For if public interest is excited by extensive advertising, so as to cause a demand for the works, booksellers will be quite ready to supply them.

It is well known to all observers that the commercial success of most of the light literature of the present day is chiefly attributable to the extensive system of advertising adopted. Then, how much more effectual will be the result if the same legitimate and business-like means are applied to works of solid worth, which challenge the criticism of the whole theological and learned world? Let this fund be well supported and judiciously applied, and the results will prove this to be the most important movement for the promulgation of the truth that the church has yet made.I am, &c., A BOOKSELLER.

Liverpool.

DISTRESS IN LANCASHIRE. LONDON RELIEF COMMITTEE. London, 20, Paternoster-row, E.C., Dec. 19th, 1862. To the Editor.

Dear Sir, I am instructed by the above committee to forward, for the information of your readers, an account of the operations of the committee up to the present time.

The committee, since its formation on the 28th November last, have met weekly, on Friday morning. Iminediately after their first meeting they issued a circular, which is appended, and a copy of which was forwarded to every secretary of a New Church society in Great Britain, as well as to each of the isolated receivers in the Conference list.

Numerous letters have been written and received, and much information gathered, as to the nature and extent of the distress which it was sought to alleviate; and, as will be seen by reference to the Treasurer's statement, which follows, something has been done to relieve the distress.

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The committee desire to avail themselves of the present opportunity of again earnestly commending this cause to the hearts of those whom Providence has placed above the want of necessaries. In three weeks the committee have been able to forward the sum of £50. in aid, besides parcels of clothing, bedding, &c., to the societies and friends at Ashtonunder-Lyne, Blackburn, Bury, Heywood, Preston, Ramsbottom, and Warren-lane; and it is hoped that the liberality of all the friends of the church will enable the committee to continue this necessary aid until, in the order and by the mercy of Providence, this deplorable distress be removed.

Subscriptions and donations, &c., may be forwarded to the Treasurer, Thomas Watson, Esq., 19, Highbury-crescent, London.-I am, &c., F. PITMAN, Sec.

"London, 28th Nov., 1862. "To the Societies and Individuals of the

New Church.

"Beloved friends,-.The continued and increasing distress in Lancashire, now greatly aggravated by the arrival of winter, has induced the President and other members of the General Conference to form themselves into a committee, to aid, as far as possible, in the relief of the general distress, and especially to afford assistance to such New Church families as may require it.

"Besides the regular weekly demand for food, there is, at this season, a very urgent need for warm clothing and bedding. In many cases almost the whole of this was pledged in the summer (probably at less than half its value) in order to procure food; and it now crowds the pawnbrokers' shelves. It is, then, very important that adequate funds should be at once provided to take these articles out of pledge.

"The societies in Lancashire will of course be engaged in succouring their own necessitous friends, and those of their neighbourhood; but other societies and individuals may appropriately send their contributions through the London committee.

"The committee, at their first meeting, held this day, decided to recommend the societies in London, as well as those throughout the country, to make collections every Sunday, so long as the necessity may last; and suggest that the collection on the first Sunday in each month should be devoted to the

redemption of articles in pawn;* that on the second Sunday to the relief of New Church families, and those on the succeeding Sundays to the general fund for the distress. It is not intended that these weekly collections should take place on the usual quarterly, or other regular, collection days.

"The committee are aware that they . are asking great things; but from a review of all the circumstances of the case, it is deemed proper to press upon the consideration of the church the necessity for this united and continued effort.

"The committee regret the shortness of this notice; but trust that the first collection may be arranged for in the country, as will be done in the London societies, on Sunday next, the first of the month.

"Sums af money may be sent to the treasurer, Thomas Watson, Esq., 19, Highbury Crescent, London, N.; and parcels of clothing and bedding, new or old, to the Church, Argyle-square, King's Cross, where the committee have arranged to meet every Friday.

"This is, unquestionably, a time for self-sacrifice. Let the well-to-do show their gratitude to the Most High by succouring His children in their grievous need. Let no one become weary in well-doing; but let the cottage hearth be kept warm, and the cottage dear ones clothed and fed, till, by the general re-opening of the mills, the stream of well-being, now ice-bound, be melted, and, through the restoration of Charity and Right, the land once more be enabled to rejoice in health and plenty!Our motto must be, Help soon, and help on!' (Signed)

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"J. BAYLEY, President. "T. WATSON, Treasurer. "F. PITMAN, Secretary. (20, Paternoster Row, E.C.) "D. C. GOYDER. "R. GUNTON."

"F. BRABY. "H. BUTTER.

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