happy. Our work is our life; show me what you can do, and I will show you what you are.

I have spoken of love of one's work as being the best preventive of merely low and vicious tastes. I will go further, and say I believe it is the best preservative against petty anxieties and the annoyances which arise out of indulged self-love. Men have thought before now that they could take refuge from trouble and vexation by sheltering themselves as it were in a world of their own.

The experiment has often been tried and always with one result. You cannot escape from anxiety and labour -it is the destiny of humanity. You may avoid taking part in the struggle of life but, by what seems to me a just and wholesome retribution, those who shrink from facing trouble find that trouble comes to them. The indolent may contrive that he shall have less than his share of the world's work to do, but Nature, proportioning the instrument to the work, contrives that that little shall be much and hard to him. The man who has only himself to please, finds, soon or late, and probably sooner rather than later, that he has got a very hard master, and the more excusable weakness which shrinks from responsibility has its own punishment too; for where great interests are excluded little matters become great, and the same wear and tear of mind that might have been at least usefully and healthfully expended on the real business of life is often wasted on petty and imaginary vexations such as breed and multiply in the unoccupied brain.

AMERICA.

The Church in America seems for some time past to be giving a good deal of attention to missionary operations. Extended courses of services in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Illinois, and other States, are reported in the columns of the American New Church periodicals. These all seem to be more or less successful. The missionaries seem to experience no difficulty in obtaining attentive and usually interested audiences. Not unfrequently ministers of other Christian bodies are present, friendly discussions succeed the lectures, and on more than one occasion lectures in opposition have

been delivered. These appear, however, only to have increased the interest excited, and furthered the work they were intended to stop. The success of Mr. Brickman's labours at Allentown, Pennsylvania, is very remarkable. We give some of the particulars of this successful mission in his own words :

"About twelve months ago,' says Mr. Brickman, "missionary work was commenced at Allentown, Pa., and the favourable report which appeared in the Messenger was so encouraging that all who read it must have felt sure of some good result in the future. I was invited to come and renew the good impression made, and to extend more specific instruction on the heavenly doctrines. I arrived at Allentown on the 23d of January, where the people waited with much anxiety for my arrival. Everybody met me with a cheerful face and wishes of success. Some opposition of the clergy had manifested itself after my departure last year, but it amounted to so little in the end that those who attempted it gave it up and became silent." Mr. Brickman continues his narrative by stating that the large court-house, capable of seating between six and seven hundred people, was secured for the services. "The opening discourse was given on Sunday, January 24th, before a full house, and from then till the last public discourse was delivered, on Sunday evening, the 21st of February, the number of hearers was never less, but sometimes many more; and sometimes, especially on the Sunday evenings, it was so crowded that a great many could not be accommodated, at least not comfortably." Twenty-one lectures and sermons were delivered. Many persons were met and instructed by private lessons, and more than a thousand questions answered. "The ministers of various churches became alarmed, and the Presbyterian and the Episcopalian began their denunciations. against me, scolding the people for listening to me. The Presbyterian attacked Swedenborg from his pulpit, and then went to Ironton, eight miles from town, and there did the same. followed him to Ironton, and delivered two lectures on the life and character of Swedenborg, and on the four leading doctrines of the New Church. I took no notice of Mr Wood or his sect, but simply stated the truth, and left the

I

The effect of this

people to judge." reply was good, and induced many to come into the New Church."

Mr. Brickman thus concludes his report:"It was now evident that the time had arrived for forming a Society. Some of the friends met, drew up a short constitution, incorporating in it the doctrines of the New Church, as printed in the Messenger, and called together the most reliable of the new receivers who had expressed the desire to form a Society. On Wednesday, the 17th of February, we met at Bohlen's Hall, when the meeting was called to order by Mr. Sweitzer. The object of the meeting being stated, a committee was appointed to report a constitution, when the document already drawn up was adopted, and the Society formed with twenty-six members, a number of whom had already been baptized by me. The Society, called "The First Society of the New Church of Allentown," then adjourned till Friday evening, when it met again at the same place. Sixteen new members joined, an address was delivered, and the Society solemnly instituted. The number had now increased to forty-two members, each of whom had solemnly promised to remain true to the Church to the end of his or her life. They adjourned to meet again Monday, the 22d of February, to listen to more instructions on the doctrines of the Church and the duties of its members, when again fifteen new members joined, and increased their number to fifty-seven nearly all of whom are married partners, and all in good moral standing in the community."

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETIES OF THE NEW CHURCH IN LANCASHIRE.

The Societies in this part of the kingdom held an annual meeting at Easter. The meeting is arranged by the committee of the Manchester and Salford Missionary Society, and is usually attended by a number of the missionary preachers and other friends of the institution. The meeting assembles at 3 P.M., and occupies two hours in the discussion of some portion of the Word. Tea is provided at 5, and afterwards a more general conversation takes place. The meeting this year was held at Rhodes, near Manchester, and was attended by over eighty persons. The chair

was occupied in the afternoon by the Rev. R. Storry, in the evening by the Rev. Mr. Hyde. The subject discussed was the sending forth of the twelve disciples, as recorded in the tenth chapter of Matthew. The chairman briefly introduced the subject, by intimating what appeared to him a peculiar feature of the New Church-the marked interest in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures which induces her members to assemble from considerable distances to hear the opinions of her teachers on the subject selected, and inviting the remarks of the friends assembled. Addresses were delivered in succession by Mr. Larkin, Rev. J. Boys, Rev. W. Westall, Mr. Jon. Robinson, Mr. Wilson, and Rev. Mr. Hyde. It would exceed our limits to give anything like a descriptive account of the several speeches. One or two prominent features we may briefly intimate.

Mr. Larkin pointed attention to the distinction intimated in the first and second verses, between the titles of disciples and apostles. The Lord called unto Him His twelve disciples, but gives the names of the twelve apostles. They were disciples when called to the Lord to receive his instructions, and to be prepared for their great mission of evangelizing the world. They were apostles when they were sent forth on this mission. Rev. Mr. Boys dwelt on the fact that the Lord gave power to the twelve, and sent them forth to exercise the power they had from Him in preaching the kingdom of God, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people. The Lord imparted this power, because He is the source of power, as to His humanity; into which, during his sojourn on earth, He took all goods and truths, and successively glorified and made it divine.

the

Rev. Mr. Westall introduced the miracles wrought by the apostles. These miracles, which were external, and objective, represented still greater miracles, which were internal and subjective. The miracles wrought by the apostles were seen by the eye of the body; miracles wrought in the ministry of salvation were to be seen by the eye of the mind. They consisted in restoring the soul to spiritual health, and elevat. ing all its principles of faith and love to conjunction with the Lord in His humanity-the true and only fountain

Mr.

of spiritual health and peace. Robinson called attention to the literal sense of the text, to the general character of the instructions given to the Apostles, and to the lessons to be obtained from them by the public teachers and missionaries of the New Church. He was followed by Mr. Wilson, whose remarks were confined to the mission of the Apostles to preach the kingdom of God. The afternoon meeting was brought to a close by a short address by the Rev. Mr. Hyde, who remarked that although the chapter was extended, and the instructions given to the disciples manifold, yet all might be expressed in one sentence-Let nothing of the proprium enter into the service of the Lord. Adopting this sentiment as the key-note of his address, he pointed to several portions of the chapter as illustrating his general theme.

After tea the friends again assembled in the church. The choir gave two anthems. Addresses were delivered by Rev. R. Storry, Mr Clarkson, Mr Wilson (Oldham), Mr. Jon. Robinson, and Rev. Mr. Hyde. The speeches were interesting and instructive, the general subject introduced in the afternoon still guiding the thoughts of the speakers.

MISSIONARY LECTURES.

BARNSLEY.-This town was visited by Dr. Bayley in March. His visit extended from the 9th to the 11th, in which time he delivered three lectures in the Mechanics' Hall. The attendance was good, though not so numerous

as last year. The following notice of the lectures appeared in the Barnsley Chronicle of March 13 :

The Rev. Dr. Bayley, of Argyle Square (New Jerusalem) Church, London, has paid another visit to Barnsley, and delivered three lectures in the Mechanics' Hall, during the present week. The first lecture was delivered on Tuesday evening, and was moderately well attended, as were the two succeeding ones on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The title of the lecture was"Jesus, and Him glorified. The Divine Trinity in Jesus. Do you pray to Him?" The subject on Wednesday night was "The Glory of the Word of God." On Thursday evening his subject was "What are the signs that follow them that believe? What is the

true faith? How do you know that you have it?" At the close of Tuesday night's lecture, several questions were put, and answered by Dr. Bayley. The titles of the several lectures will, to those who are familiar with the doctrinal views of the body known as the "New Jerusalem Church," pretty correctly indicate the line of argument pursued. Dr. Bayley has a very happy manner of stating and enforcing his views, and this, combined with his unmistakeable sincerity, never fails to secure for him a patient hearing from those who do not concur in all that he advances. His reception has, on this occasion, been very cordial, and hearty votes of thanks were awarded him.

The town has since been visited by the Rev. Mr. Hyde, who gave a lecture, March 24th, on "The Life after Death;" and a second, March 25th, under the title, "Who was Swedenborg? What does he teach ?" The attendance at these lectures was not so numerous as last year, but the persons present were more select, and manifested the greatest interest in the subject discussed. The Barnsley Chronicle gave a report of nearly two columns of the last of these lectures, using for this purpose Mr. Hyde's printed lecture on the subject. The report spoke also of Mr. Hyde as an eloquent, impressive, and attractive lecturer, having the happy art of sustaining the interest and securing the uuflagging attention of his audience throughout. His reception on both evenings was most cordial." The thanks of the meeting were enthusiastically accorded to Mr. Hyde, and a very strong desire expressed to hear him again.

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A feature of these lectures is the attendance of the agent of the Yorkshire Colportage Association. Mr. Bates sold at their close £5 worth of books. A number of tracts also, kindly granted by the Manchester Tract Society, were distributed. The lectures have made a profound impression, which it is hoped the books and tracts purchased will strengthen and keep alive. The friends resident at Barnsley are grateful for the assistance rendered them, and hope to see the results in the permanent establishment of the Church in their midst.

BOSTON.-The Rev. Dr. Bayley visited Boston, Lincolnshire, on Monday,

the 15th March, and lectured on that and the three following evenings to crowded audiences in the Town Hall. The following were the subjects of the lectures-1. "Where is Heaven? What are its laws, and who is its God?" 2. "The Human Soul. Was every Soul made for Heaven?" 3. "The Spiritual sense of the Bible, the glory of the Word of God." 4. The Woman clothed with the Sun," in Rev. xii. 1. Favourable notices of the lectures appeared in all the local papers. The East Lincolnshire Gazette of March 26th, says: "The deep interest awakened by the first and second of Dr. Bayley's orations, a brief notice of which appeared in our last issue, was more than sustained to the end of the series. The audience, which was large on the first evening, grew larger and larger every night, until at the closing discourse the Town-hall was literally crammed.

The concluding lecture

was an application of the law of correspondences to the exposition of Revelation xii. 1. It was listened to, as were the preceding discourses, with marked attention and evident interest.

The Lincolnshire Chronicle of the same date contained the following:— "It is a long time since a series of lectures awakened so much interest in

the public mind here. As a general rule, entertainments of an intellectual character are wretchedly attended. The fact, therefore, of Dr. Bayley having attracted audiences that increased four nights in succession, must be accepted as conclusive evidence of his ability as an orator, and of no inconsiderable amount of sympathy with the views he propounded."

In the Stamford Mercury of the same date also we read:-"The Rev. Dr. Bayley delivered his remaining orations in the Town-hall, Boston, on the evenings of the 17th and 18th inst. The room on both occasions was crowded to excess. On the latter evening several persons, unable to obtain even standing accommodation in the body of the hall, took possession of the dust-covered orchestra above the entrance, so great was their desire to hear the gifted lecturer. The Boston public are so notoriously indifferent about entertainments of a purely intellectual character, that the fact of these orations having attracted crowded audiences four nights

in succession, must be accepted as a gratifying evidence not only of the interest felt in the various subjects discussed, but equally so of a very general appreciation of the rare ability and thorough catholicity displayed in their treatment. At the close of the last lecture the Rev. T. W. Matthews, (Gen. Baptist) in a graceful speech, proposed that the best thanks of the meeting be accorded to Dr. Bayley for the eloquent and instructive discourses with which they had been favoured. The Rev. W. W. Robinson (Unitarian) cordially seconded the motion, which was carried with acclamation, The compliment was briefly acknowledged by the rev. lecturer, and the company dispersed. Between 70 and 80 copies of a vol. of lectures, entitled 'Great Truths on Great Subjects,' delivered by the Doctor at Brighton some time ago, were sold at the doors of the hall."

At the close of the third lecture the Rev. T. W. Matthews, many of whose views are so closely allied to the teaching of Swedenborg that he may fairly be said to stand on the threshold of the New Church, was so delighted with what he had heard, that he at once conferred with members of his Church present, and announced his intention to give up his usual week-night service on the following evening, although a special subject had been announced, in order that he and they might attend the concluding lecture.

In conclusion, we may state that these lectures were delivered under the auspices of the Lincolnshire New Church Association, as were those given at Horncastle in February, and reported in last month's Repository.

WHALEY BRIDGE.-We have received the following interesting account of a visit to this place from the Rev. Mr. Hyde. I have just had the pleasure of making a missionary visit under somewhat peculiar, and very interesting circumstances. Two or three friends, in a very humble way of life, are residing at Furness Vale, and have been industriously circulating tracts, &c, in their neighbourhood. They have made the acquaintance of a small body of earnest and pious people, who being dissatisfied with their doctrines and practices, have separated themselves from the other denominations; built a neat and

commodious little chapel at Whaley Bridge, where they worship, under the leadership of a singularly thoughtful, intelligent, and devout man, whose views in many respects harmonize with the Heavenly Doctrines. They style themselves "Christian Brethren." Our friends have occasionally attended the Sunday services at Peter Street, and were extremely desirous that I should visit Whaley Bridge, and deliver some lectures. They obtained the promise of the use of the chapel for me to lecture in. Arrangements were accordingly made, and the Manchester and Salford Tract Society's Committee made a grant of tracts for distribution, &c. I have just completed the visit, having lectured on "The Divine Trinity in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ," and "Redemption, the deliverance of man from the powers of hell, and the reconciliation of man to God." I was deeply gratified to make the acquaintance of the leader of the "Christian Brethren," who "found nothing to disagree with in my exposition of the doctrine of the Lord, and who has determined to commence the careful study of all our doctrines, as have also some of his flock. I never addressed a more earnest and thoughtful audience, or with greater freedom and satisfaction than on these two occasions. From conversation with several persons afterwards, I am led to believe that the precious seeds of Divine truth have found a resting-place in the good ground of more than one "honest and good heart." I have promised to visit the "Christian Brethren" again, from many of whom I feel sure of receiving a very sincere welcome. Our friends were delighted with the immediate results of my visit, and are hopeful that it will bear fruit not to be blighted, seared up, or forgotten, but containing the seeds of an eternal increase.

LONDON NEW CHURCH PROPAGATION SOCIETY.-Holloway Mission. - Since our notice of last month, our new building has advanced several stages towards completion, and we expect to open it with a tea and public meeting, about a month hence.

Although the active help of our friends, in many instances, has not been wanting, we have, as yet, hardly had that amount of support, which we

think we might reasonably have expected -bearing in mind, the character and intention of our efforts, and the zeal and determination with which those efforts have been maintained and continued. We invite all those New Church people, who are avowedly anxious to extend the doctrines of their church to investigate and consider our case, and to render us their support, if they find that we are worthy of it.

A list of subscriptions accompanies this report amounting to nearly £148. The effort making by our friends is an endeavour to give a practical direction to our missionary operations in the metropolis; and is well deserving the support of the members and friends of the Church, which we hope it will receive.

BATH.-On February 21, the Rev. James Keene, commenced the delivery of a course of four Sunday Evening Lectures on the following subjects:-Predestination and Election; War in Heaven; Idolatry; Faith. The discourses were listened to each evening with marked attention by large audiences, who appeared much pleased with the forcible, clear, and earnest manner in which the lectures were delivered.

HEYWOOD. The anniversary services connected with this society were held on Sunday, March 21. We extract the following account from the Heywood Advertiser:-"The annual sermons at the New Jerusalem Church were preached last Sunday morning and evening by the minister, the Rev. R. Storry. The discourses were suited to the occasion. In the morning, the preacher dwelt on the temper and disposition of mind from which the Church was to be regarded, and contributions made for its support; and in the evening, on the continuity of the Church in all ages, and its relation to the Lord's kingdom in heaven. The Church, said the preacher, is the Lord's kingdom in the world, which is established by the Word of God, written in the hearts and brought forth into the lives of its members. The principles which constitute the Church are intrinsically the same in all ages. External forms differ, religious ceremonies vary, but goodness and truth, holiness and wisdom, are