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taking its rise in the Apocalypse, and shewing it to be what its name imports, Revelation, and ultimately flowing over and flowing from all the inspired records, shall be the means of communicating to those favoured ones the highest knowledge and the highest enjoyment of a heavenly nature of which, while in their time-state, they are susceptible."

If we had required a preface to Swedenborg's " Apocalypse Explained," &c. we could scarcely have been supplied with a better than the above extract. The necessity of a spiritual interpretation and the futility of merely natural expositions are here clearly exhibited, and powerfully set forth. To make the preface complete, it would only be necessary to explain the principles of a spiritual interpretation. It is true that the Spirit of Truth can lead the faithful into all truth; but it should not be forgotten that the spirit can only operate by means. The Lord, according to the laws of his own divine order, by which he instructs, enlightens, and regenerates man, requires him to procure knowledges as vessels to receive the oil of His love, and the influences of His Holy Spirit. But these knowledges of truth can only be procured by a genuine interpretation of the Divine Word, the only source of all spiritual knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom to man. And the KEY, as we have already stated, is the Science of Correspondences; and to study this system of Scriptural interpretation, is, we verily believe, the paramount duty of all who wish to possess, in any degree, spiritual intelligence, and to understand the prophecies of God's Word with spiritual discernment, so as to realize what Dr. Thom has stated in the extract above; and especially is this the duty of those whose important office it is to instruct others and to lead them into the path of truth.

Our space does not, for the present, allow us to proceed to the topics we intended to discuss. In our next, we shall endeavour to shew the grounds on which a true interpretation of the dragon and the two beasts can be established.

(To be concluded in our next.)

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.

entire document in our pages. At that meeting, it will be remembered, there were one hundred individuals present

PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD ASSEMBLY
OF THE NEW CHURCH IN GERMANY
AND IN SWITZERLAND,
Held at Canstadt, near Stutgard, April from different parts of Germany and from
5th, 1849.

In our number for December last, we translated the Verhandlungen, &c., or the proceedings of the first general Conference of the New Church brethren in Germany and in Switzerland, and inserted the

Switzerland, and that the resolutions to which the brethren came were of the most useful character,--to unite their efforts and to contribute means to spread far and wide tracts on the principal doctrines of the New Church, and to enable Dr. Tafel and other competent persons to translate

the works of Swedenborg into German, for the benefit of the members, and as an indispensable preliminary to the propaga tion of the truth, and the establishment of the church in Germany. At this first assembly it was also resolved, that quarterly meetings should be held at the same place and for the same object, for mutual edification in the blessed truths of the New Jerusalem, and to deliberate in what manner these truths may be best promoted among the people of Germany and Switzerland, and wherever the German language is spoken. Since the general assembly held in October last, two quarterly meetings have taken place, in December and in April. It is not stated in the reports what number assembled on those occasions, but as it is not expected that at the quarterly meetings persons should come from a great distance, it is probable that not so many assembled as at the general meeting.

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The establishment of perfect mental and religious liberty in Germany, is a subject of great rejoicing to the brethren of the New Church. Only those who have been under the yoke of the oppressor can fully appreciate what religious liberty is. Although things are not yet settled in Germany, yet there is a moral certainty that religious liberty will be fully established according to the law on that subject laid down by the German Constitution, under the head entitled Gesetz, betreffend die Grundrechte des deutschen Volks," &c.; or, the "Law touching the fundamental Rights of the German People, in respect to Religion, Literature, and the free expression of Opinion." Here are laws in respect to the exercise of religious worship, the formation of religious societies, and the expression of religious doctrines either by preaching or by the press, as free as heart could wish,-and the brethren of the New Church are amongst the first to avail themselves of these new privileges, and are now organizing societies with a view to public worship on the principles and doctrines in harmony with their faith, a privilege which hitherto they have not been permitted to enjoy.

These quarterly meetings, therefore, may be viewed under two aspects,--first, as a means of especial instruction and edification in the divine truths of the Word; and secondly, mutually to deliberate with each other on the best plans of spreading the truth, and of raising pecuniary means for that purpose. As to the

first object, the president delivers an address on one or more subjects of doctrine; after which they deliberate, for the purpose already mentioned. Letters are also read from societies, and individuals who could not, either on account of the distance, or their respective occupations, make it convenient to be present. Thus very interesting communications were read from Gorlitz, Ludwigsdorf, Markersdorf, and Bonnerdorf, in Prussia, signed by 23 individuals, expressive of the greatest affection for the doctrines of the New Church, and the most ardent wishes for their spread among the people. Another communication from the brethren in the cantons of Appenzell and St. Gall, in Switzerland, was read, in which sentiments of an enlightened acquaintance with the doctrines, and of an earnest zeal in their propagation were poured forth with that peculiar energy which characterizes the mind of the Swiss in whatever they undertake. Some of these letters we shall probably translate and insert in our pages. The business of the last meeting, in April, consisted chiefly in the endeavour to organize a missionary and tract society, and also to promote the publication, in German, of the Arcana Coelestia. the other works, with the exception of the Apocalypse Explained, having been already, chiefly through the instrumentality of Dr. Tafel, translated and published in that language. Several of the principal tracts issued by the London and Manchester societies have been translated and widely circulated, and it is in contemplation to bring out a series on leading subjects of doctrine, as forerunners to the works of Swedenborg. Great zeal is also manifested in preparing works for the young, written on the principles of the New Church. To this end several of the English and American publications have been already translated. These are some of the topics of usefulness which, after the president's address, form the business of the deliberations of our brethren in Germany.

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE--MR. MADELEY'S

VISIT.

This society is now without a minister, and thus dependant upon its own more active members for the performance of those necessary and important uses. It seems, however, to be the intention of the committee to make every exertion to keep

up that union and brotherly love amongst their members so essential to prosperity, as well as an interest before the public, until a suitable minister can be met with. With such a view the Rev. E. Madeley, of Birmingham, was invited, who kindly visited the society on Sunday, June 3rd, and spent about ten days with the friends, amongst whom he seemed to be very happy, and to distribute happiness.

The following is an account of Mr. Madeley's labours :-Sunday, June 3rd, two discourses in the Temple, Percy-street. Morning subject: "The Breast-plate of Judgment; or the only rule of Righteousness and Justice, and the only guide to the great Christian duty of Self-examination." Evening: "The Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil; or the true cause of Man's original Fall, and of every subsequent departure from Wisdom, Innocence, and Integrity." A lecture on Tuesday evening, June 5th. Subject: "Sectarianism the offspring and evidence of corrupt sentiments in religion, and depravity of mind; or Charity, not Faith, the chief essential and only proof of genuine Christianity."

On Thursday evening, June 7th, Mr. Madeley met a goodly muster of the members of the society at Mr. Pott's Temperance Hotel, and an animated and edifying conversation resulted.

Sunday, June 10th, two discourses. Morning subject: "The Revelation of the Divine Attributes and Operations of the Lord, as displayed in the 104th Psalm, v. 1, 2, 3;" after which he administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to upwards of twenty of the members. Evening subject: "The Heavenly World, its Inhabitants,, Employments, and Delights."

An excellent address was also delivered to the Sunday scholars, teachers, &c. in the afternoon of this day, which, like its predecessors, gave much gratification to our scholars and friends.

Tuesday evening, June 12th.-An able and interesting lecture on the following subject concluded Mr. Madeley's labours: "On the 'Signs of the Times;' or the present eventful period the actual commencement of the promised era foretold throughout the entire Word of God, when 'all things' of religion, science, politics, and domestic life, were to become 'new,' and the kingdoms of this world should become the kingdoms of the Lord."

The attendance on all these occasions was very good, and on the Tuesday even

ings better than usual. On the treatment of the various important topics it is needless to remark; suffice it to say, that impressions of good have been made which will not readily pass away; and will carry with them, in the minds of our friends, a grateful and delightful recollection of Mr. Madeley's visit. The Rev. W. Bruce and the Rev. T. O. Prescott have also been invited to visit the society, and it is hoped brotherly love will increase, and a spirit of union pervade these efforts of the society to do good. R. C.

EXTRACT FROM A LECTURE BY GEORGE DAWSON, ON THINGS NOT SEEN.

"Another great doctrine which these principles expound to you is, what is called in modern times the theory of correspondences. Of this the greatest modern teacher is Swedenborg-a man for whom every person that goes to your chapel, if you interrogate him, will have a ready sneer, and a contemptuous smile -a man that few understand, and fewer will take the pains to understand, but without doubt one of the chiefest sages of these late times-a man who strove to bring this parted world of ours into unity once more, and to teach that art, and science, and music, and song, and carnality, and sensuousness, and spirit, and soul, and God, that all these things might be brought together, and sanctified, and made holy, by the common wisdom of a pious heart. Now he teaches this doctrine everywhere-the doctrine that all things go dually in this world—that the visible thing always symbolizes the invisible. When he applies it to the Bible, he teaches us the doctrine that the Word has its literal sense, and that underneath it, it has a spiritual sense. I need not tell those of you who read the Bible, what a new world this opens to us, to those who believe. I ask you not to accept his doctrine of correspondences theologically; have no wish that you should make a new article to your creed out of them; but it is, that as in nature so in the Word-the outward thing shall never be dismissed from our attention until we have gotten, by wrestling, its inmost secret out of it. Hence there is no accidentalism in Scripture to him. If he read that the throne of God is, a great white throne,' the question comes, Why is it white? Why did the apostle' John say it was white? I put that question to you. Why did he say a

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Died, on the 18th of January, 1849, aged 61 years, Mrs. Jane Turton, wife of Mr. S. Turton, of Leeds. She was a firm and zealous believer of the heavenly doctrines of the New Church; she first became acquainted with them from the preaching of the late Rev. F. Gilbert; and the first time she heard him she was fully convinced of the truth of the heavenly doctrines; they were her consolation and support in a long and painful illness of sixteen months. She was quite resigned to the divine will of her Heavenly Father, and was fully convinced it was all for the best.

T. J.

Died, at Pickering, on the 4th of March, 1849, Miss Esther Moore, in the 37th year of her age. The deceased was one of the small number of individuals who became acquainted with the truths of the New Church during the time of holding public services in the town where she died. Shortly after her reception of the doctrines, she removed to another part of the county of York, where she was deprived of the privilege of attending New Church worship-a privilege she never afterwards constantly enjoyed. She still preserved, however, a firm attachment to the doctrines, and to the extent of her means possessed herself of the writings, which she diligently studied. Declining health induced her to return to the place where she had received her earliest religious impressions, and where, in the most tranquil and peaceful state of mind, she awaited her change. A recent visit paid by the writer to the neighbouring society at Malton, afforded him the opportunity of spending a short time in her company, and of administering to her the Sacrament

of the Holy Supper. With this service she seemed much refreshed, and expressed the warmest delight. In the course of the conversation which ensued she remarked, that during the last twelve months she had known her disorder to be incurable, but that the prospect of entering the spiritual world filled her with so much delight, that she regarded this as the happiest portion of her life. "The doctrines of the New Church," she continued, "have been a great support to my mind. There is one doctrine with which I was strongly impressed on first receiving them, and which has always been present to my mind and formed my rule of life; it isto shun all evils as sins against God, and to live a life according to the ten commandments. I have not now one doubt on my mind-not one-while the inward peace I experience is such as I cannot possibly describe." The case of the deceased presents a valuable lesson to the young. She received the doctrines in very early life, and though occupying situations which required constant and lengthened attention, she yet contrived to find time for the study of New Church books, frequently, during the summer months, rising at three in the morning for that purpose. She was, above all things, careful to bring into practical exemplification in her life the all-important doctrine of constant obedience to the Lord. And her excellent and irreproachable character,distinguished by integrity, industry, and kindness towards all, sufficiently attest the sincerity of her profession. The close of her earthly career was as serene and blessed, as its course had been inoffensive, benevolent, and useful. R. S. Dalton.

Cave and Sever, Printers, 18, St. Ann's-street, Manchester.

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"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition ?"

WE are instructed that the Jews, with whom were deposited the oracles of God, became eventually so depraved as entirely to pervert them. It may, therefore, be expedient to consider the manner in which this perversion was effected, in order that we may see more clearly the nature and degree of that degeneracy which marked the consummation of the Israelitish church. But there is another and more important reason why we should make this the subject of our meditation. We know that all Scripture is designed for our instruction, and for the edification of the church in all future ages. Consequently, that which was condemnatory of the Jews should be a solemn warning to Christians. That which is recorded of them is, in the spiritual sense especially, descriptive of what the unregenerate man is ever subject to fall into, and, therefore, in meditating upon their state, we are afforded the opportunity of individually considering whether or not there be ground for the Lord's applying to us the question, "Why do YE also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" The Jews appear to have been chargeable with this transgression in two different ways; first, by originating and exalting into religious importance certain observances which were really of a trifling nature; and, secondly, by grossly neglecting or shamefully evading divine injunctions of the greatest moment.

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'Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint, and anise, and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, N. S. No. 116.--VOL. X.

Y

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