Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

276

MISCELLANEOUS.

MISSIONARY & TRACT SOCIETY'S

ANNIVERSARY.

The forty-fourth anniversary meeting of the Missionary and Tract Society of the New Church was held at Argylesquare, London, on Wednesday, May 10, 1865. A preliminary tea meeting was held as usual, being but poorly attended on account of the inclemency of the weather. The public meeting was held in the church, commencing at 7 o'clock and closing at 9-45, it being felt that the inconvenience of prolonged meetings exceeds their benefits. Mr. H. R.Williams had been announced as chairman, but a letter received from him was read, stating his regret that unavoidable absence from town should prevent his fulfilling the engagement. Mr. Gunton took the chair, and, after calling upon Dr. Bayley, who opened the meeting with prayer, he made some brief remarks of an appropriate character.

The Secretary read the minutes of the last anniversary meeting, which were then signed by the chairman. The Committee's Report for the past year was also read by the Secretary. The Treasurer read the audited Cash Account.

Mr. J. B. Keene moved the first resolution:-"That the reports and accounts which have been read be received; and that they be printed, under the direction of the new Committee." He spoke in terms of high approval of the labours which, according to the Report they had heard, had been accomplished.

The resolution was seconded by Mr. Potts, from Manchester, who called the attention of the meeting to the necessity for accuracy with respect to names; a matter of considerable difficulty in some instances, as in the one he referred to, where the same place bears the three names of Warren Lane, New-Church, and Oswaldwistle. (Laughter.) He highly acquiesced in the remark of the first speaker, that each one should be a missionary. There were young folks in most homes, and why might we not begin to act at our own hearthstones? Let our children be trained in the New Church doctrines and principles from their youth upwards, as it was said of Timothy that he was trained in the Scriptures. He believed our best missionary efforts were home instructions,

and our best and most successful sermons our examples as manifested in our lives.

Mr. Moss supported the resolution. His experience in this southern sphere of missionary labour, he said, had hitherto been very pleasant. He would like to see more tracts scattered abroad among our country friends. He doubted if tract distribution was sufficiently appreciated; and he thought that the practice of giving out, at the conclusion of lectures, tracts appropriate to the subject lectured upon, was necessary to secure the full fruition of missionary labours. "Many run to and fro, and knowledge is increased;" schools, colleges, and universities are extended in number, and improved in excellence; the sciences and arts are being developed, and are daily increasing their contributions to home comfort. But did we see in the same proportion the cause of truth and heavenly wisdom advanced amongst men? Science would never give a man wings to soar towards heaven. The doctrines of the New Church, and those doctrines alone, could in the fullest degree afford man that power; for, as we all know, the old system of theology cannot meet the advanced state of the rational mind of the present age. The New Church presents the grounds for a rational perception of matters heavenly and eternal, in the same way that science affords demonstration of things earthly and temporal. As by the first advent the Lord released man from his spiritual captivity, so by the second advent He will release man from mental captivity, and throw light upon those who grope in darkness. As the Lord had once sent forth his disciples two and two, so He is now sending forth his labourers in twos; for each missionary should have his mind well stored with a knowledge of the truth, and his heart glowing with love. The resolution was then put and passed.

The second resolution, as follows, was moved by Mr. Watson, and seconded by Mr. Butter:

"That Mr. Sandy be the Treasurer of this society for the ensuing year."—This resolution was also put and passed.

The Rev. O. P. Hiller moved the third resolution, as follows:

"That in view of the important fact, that by means of this Society the doctrines of the New Church may be and

MISCELLANEOUS.

frequently are presented to the attention of the public through the delivery of lectures in places where there is no New Church society, or else no regular minister; and considering that without the aid of a society which concentrates the means of the church this use cannot be extensively effected, this society is cordially recommended to the support of all those who desire the promulgation of the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem."

He spoke of the unhappiness which is often experienced through an imperfect knowledge, or a misapprehension of the more important doctrines of Christian faith and religious truth, contrasting with it the happiness, satisfaction, and power for good derivable from the clear and well-defined knowledge of those truths which the New Church affords. He therefore would most cordially speak in behalf of the resolution which he had submitted. Many, he said, are indifferent to the mental darkness in which they live-caring not whether their doctrines are true or not, and disregarding the diseases which are preying upon their spiritual nature. There are, however, some not in this state. Some there are who feel that they are wandering in mazes of error-that they are in labyrinths, out of which they long to be extricated, and they thank any one who will bring them light. Supposing that in a country town there were only one person of this latter description, distressed and afflicted, and that he had for a long time been in doubt as to the doctrine of Predestination; supposing him to be in darkness and perplexity: he sees a placard announcing the delivery of a lecture on the theology of Swedenborg. Ready to look for the light in any direction, he goes to hear: and, his mind being open to the reception of truth, he hears the truth, and accepts it with joy. He perhaps receives, at the conclusion of the lecture, a tract; finds on the cover a description of the works of Swedenborg; sees where they can be obtained, gets them, reads them, and receives the truths with delight. It was difficult to over-estimate the good which a single lecture might thus have effected. And was not this a great and noble use? Those who were rolling in spiritual wealth-who were Dives, and had abundance of spiritual knowledge--who attended church, and constantly heard genuine truths, had little idea of the feeling of

277

friends in a country town when they received a visit from a minister. It was perfectly delightful to them, and they recollected it with pleasure for years. He knew that in Glasgow, until this day, friends spoke with affection of Mr. Noble's visit to that city 35 years ago. This society likewise enables ministers to go forth to wake up receivers, give them new light, new love, and put strength into them, and thus enable them "more and more perfectly to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling." Was not this society worthy the cordial support of every one who loves his fellow-men?

The resolution was seconded by Mr. Goldsack, who said, nothing could be more dear to the heart of an angel or a good man than to see extensively spread those doctrines which he loves. Perhaps in the history of the world no time has equalled the present in an earnest desire to know and understand what the truth is. This spirit of inquiry is becoming more and more dominant in a section of the church which has been very unwilling to accept the truth. He referred to a sermon which had recently been preached, by appointment of the Bishop of London, in the Chapel Royal, Whitehall, by the Rev. Dr. F. Temple,-the chapel being densely crowded, and there being present the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Bishop of Ely, and a large number of the clergy and aristocracy. In that sermon Dr. Temple had spoken thus :-"Referring to modern controversy, they might find an example of it in the opinions which had prevailed in reference to the first chapter of the book of Genesis. Attempts had been made to reconcile its statements with the discoveries of modern science, but the two things were totally irreconcilable. On no ground could they be accepted as two accounts of the same thing, however ingeniously they might be dovetailed together. It was clear, therefore, that the first chapter of Genesis was not the same thing that they learned from the study of geology, and they must come to the conclusion that the narrative in the first of Genesis was not history at all, but poetry. They had in all probability, in that account of creation, a poem, just as the whole of the Apocalypse was a poem. The seven days of the creation did not represent time. The number seven was a symbol; and they would never dream of inferring from the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit that the Hol

276

MISCELLANEOUS.

MISSIONARY & TRACT SOCIETY'S

ANNIVERSARY.

The forty-fourth anniversary meeting of the Missionary and Tract Society of the New Church was held at Argylesquare, London, on Wednesday, May 10, 1865. A preliminary tea meeting was held as usual, being but poorly attended on account of the inclemency of the weather. The public meeting was held in the church, commencing at 7 o'clock and closing at 9-45, it being felt that the inconvenience of prolonged meetings exceeds their benefits. Mr. H. R.Williams had been announced as chairman, but a letter received from him was read, stating his regret that unavoidable absence from town should prevent his fulfilling the engagement. Mr. Gunton took the chair, and, after calling upon Dr. Bayley, who opened the meeting with prayer, he made some brief remarks of an appropriate character.

The Secretary read the minutes of the last anniversary meeting, which were then signed by the chairman. The Committee's Report for the past year was also read by the Secretary. The Treasurer read the audited Cash Account.

Mr. J. B. Keene moved the first resolution:-"That the reports and accounts which have been read be received; and that they be printed, under the direction of the new Committee." He spoke in terms of high approval of the labours which, according to the Report they had heard, had been accomplished.

The resolution was seconded by Mr. Potts, from Manchester, who called the attention of the meeting to the necessity for accuracy with respect to names; a matter of considerable difficulty in some instances, as in the one he referred to, where the same place bears the three names of Warren Lane, New-Church, and Oswaldwistle. (Laughter.) He highly acquiesced in the remark of the first speaker, that each one should be a missionary. There were young folks in most homes, and why might we not begin to act at our own hearthstones? Let our children be trained in the New Church doctrines and principles from their youth upwards, as it was said of Timothy that he was trained in the Scriptures. He believed our best missionary efforts were home instructions,

and our best and most successful sermons our examples as manifested in our lives.

Mr. Moss supported the resolution. His experience in this southern sphere of missionary labour, he said, had hitherto been very pleasant. He would like to see more tracts scattered abroad among our country friends. He doubted if tract distribution was sufficiently appreciated; and he thought that the practice of giving out, at the conclusion of lectures, tracts appropriate to the subject lectured upon, was necessary to secure the full fruition of missionary labours. "Many run to and fro, and knowledge is increased;" schools, colleges, and universities are extended in number, and improved in excellence; the sciences and arts are being developed, and are daily increasing their contributions to home comfort. But did we see in the same proportion the cause of truth and heavenly wisdom advanced amongst men? Science would never give a man wings to soar towards heaven. The doctrines of the New Church, and those doctrines alone, could in the fullest degree afford man that power; for, as we all know, the old system of theology cannot meet the advanced state of the rational mind

of the present age. The New Church presents the grounds for a rational perception of matters heavenly and eternal, in the same way that science affords demonstration of things earthly and temporal. As by the first advent the Lord released man from his spiritual captivity, so by the second advent He will release man from mental captivity, and throw light upon those who grope in darkness. As the Lord had once sent forth his disciples two and two, so He is now sending forth his labourers in twos; for each missionary should have his mind well stored with a knowledge of the truth, and his heart glowing with love. The resolution was then put and passed.

The second resolution, as follows, was moved by Mr. Watson, and seconded by Mr. Butter:

"That Mr. Sandy be the Treasurer of this society for the ensuing year."—This resolution was also put and passed. The Rev. O. P. Hiller moved the third resolution, as follows:

"That in view of the important fact, that by means of this Society the doctrines of the New Church may be and

MISCELLANEOUS.

frequently are presented to the attention of the public through the delivery of lectures in places where there is no New Church society, or else no regular minister; and considering that without the aid of a society which concentrates the means of the church this use cannot be extensively effected, this society is cordially recommended to the support of all those who desire the promulgation of the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem."

He spoke of the unhappiness which is often experienced through an imperfect knowledge, or a misapprehension of the more important doctrines of Christian faith and religious truth, contrasting with it the happiness, satisfaction, and power for good derivable from the clear and well-defined knowledge of those truths which the New Church affords. He therefore would most cordially speak in behalf of the resolution which he had submitted. Many, he said, are indifferent to the mental darkness in which they live-caring not whether their doctrines are true or not, and disregarding the diseases which are preying upon their spiritual nature. There are, how ever, some not in this state. Some there are who feel that they are wandering in mazes of error-that they are in labyrinths, out of which they long to be extricated, and they thank any one who will bring them light. Supposing that in a country town there were only one person of this latter description, distressed and afflicted, and that he had for a long time been in doubt as to the doctrine of Predestination; supposing him to be in darkness and perplexity: he sees a placard announcing the delivery of a lecture on the theology of Swedenborg. Ready to look for the light in any direction, he goes to hear: and, his mind being open to the reception of truth, he hears the truth, and accepts it with joy. He perhaps receives, at the conclusion of the lecture, a tract; finds on the cover a description of the works of Swedenborg; sees where they can be obtained, gets them, reads them, and receives the truths with delight. It was difficult to over-estimate the good which a single lecture might thus have effected. And was not this a great and noble use? Those who were rolling in spiritual wealth-who were Dives, and had abundance of spiritual knowledge-who attended church, and constantly heard genuine truths, had little idea of the feeling of

277

friends in a country town when they received a visit from a minister. It was perfectly delightful to them, and they recollected it with pleasure for years. He knew that in Glasgow, until this day, friends spoke with affection of Mr. Noble's visit to that city 35 years ago. This society likewise enables ministers to go forth to wake up receivers, give them new light, new love, and put strength into them, and thus enable them "more and more perfectly to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling." Was not this society worthy the cordial support of every one who loves his fellow-men?

The resolution was seconded by Mr. Goldsack, who said, nothing could be more dear to the heart of an angel or a good man than to see extensively spread those doctrines which he loves. Perhaps in the history of the world no time has equalled the present in an earnest desire to know and understand what the truth is. This spirit of inquiry is becoming more and more dominant in a section of the church which has been very unwilling to accept the truth. He referred to a sermon which had recently been preached, by appointment of the Bishop of London, in the Chapel Royal, Whitehall, by the Rev. Dr. F. Temple, the chapel being densely crowded, and there being present the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Bishop of Ely, and a large number of the clergy and aristocracy. In that sermon Dr. Temple had spoken thus:"Referring to modern controversy, they might find an example of it in the opinions which had prevailed in reference to the first chapter of the book of Genesis. Attempts had been made to reconcile its statements with the discoveries of modern science, but the two things were totally irreconcilable. On no ground could they be accepted as two accounts of the same thing, however ingeniously they might be dovetailed together. It was clear, therefore, that the first chapter of Genesis was not the same thing that they learned from the study of geology, and they must come to the conclusion that the narrative in the first of Genesis was not history at all, but poetry. They had in all probability, in that account of creation, a poem, just as the whole of the Apocalypse was a poem. The seven days of the creation did not represent time. The number seven was a symbol; and they would never dream of inferring from the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit that the Holy

[blocks in formation]

Spirit consisted of seven parts. The number seven signified perfection, and the seven days of creation was nothing more than a symbolical account of the perfectness of that creation. The first chapter of Genesis, then, did not profess to teach history, but doctrine. Be it, however, poetry or history, this first chapter of Genesis bore with it the same characteristic of authority. Whether it were, as some thought, a history, or as others thought with him, a poem, all would admit that it contained a Divine message." Now there were many simpleminded members of the church who would ask, What is to become of our religion, when the Alpha and Omega of the Book of God are decided to be poems? Truly it was a fit and proper time for the New Church to put forth its strongest efforts in spreading the truths they possess.-The resolution was then put and passed.

Mr. Austin moved the fourth resolution, as follows:

"That this meeting is well pleased with the missionary efforts which have been made during the past year, as there is every reason to believe that they have been productive of much good; and that the new Committee are hereby recommended to persevere in the same course so far as is consistent with a due regard to any exigencies that may arise."

He referred to the immense meetings which were then being held, some of them being so largely attended that even Exeter Hall was not capable of containing the multitudes who flocked to the meetings. He felt that some of the labourers in the good cause needed missionaries to be sent amongst them, for what were the doctrines which these men were taught to disseminate? He would give one example. In a sermon by Mr. Beecher, recently published, and one which commends itself to all New Churchmen, he calls God our Father; and he tells his readers that in thinking of the Divine Being, they must strive most of all to think of Him as a father, and think that He loves them, that He cares for them, that He is their best friend, that He desires to make all happy. Now, the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon is fortunate enough to be able to boast that he can raise in his congregation £6,000. per annum. He has a college under his own immediate superintendence, in which, at the present time, ninety-one young men are studying. Let us see

how far these young men are imbibing genuine truths. In the last publication issued from Mr. Spurgeon's tabernacle this sermon of Mr. Beecher's is reviewed; and Mr. Spurgeon denounces the idea that God is to be primarily thought of as a Father; and, says he, if this be true, if it be a fact that God does thus love all his children, why the atonement? why the innocent punished for the guilty? If God loved us as children, it would be enough for us to go to Him and say, We are sorry for our transgressions, and He would need no inducement to relent. ("Hear, hear.") Under the extraordinary circumstance that such teaching as this is popular, it behoved them to endeavour to disseminate to those around them the glorious light possessed by the New Church as to the true nature of God, and other subjects of theological knowledge.

The resolution was seconded by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, who said he had great pleasure in seconding the resolution, as he always had in taking part in any matters which forwarded the interest of the Church. Our grand duty (that which we should postpone for nothing), our great aim (insomuch as the Lord has made us acquainted with principles so good, so gracious, and so grand), was to give ourselves to this work of spreading the principles of the New Jerusalem. We need, from time to time, to deepen our sense of this duty; for we are apt to forget the immense importance of these things, on account of their familiarity to our own minds. Our great object is no less than, by the promulgation of truth, to render the earth more efficient as a seminary of heaven. Our cause was now in its commencement; and as none would have thought that the babe whom the Lord preserved in an ark of rushes would be the means of introducing into the world an entirely new dispensation of religion, so we could have but little conception of the enormous changes that will be worked out by the grand principles which they had in view that night. We have to spread the grand doctrine of love, until it is felt by the nation, and permeates every law, and governs the world. Referring to the crude notions existing upon religious subjects, Dr. Bayley stated that he had recently heard the mother of a family declare that she had for a long time been absolutely afraid to teach her children any religion at all; but her mind

« AnteriorContinuar »