uals, i. e. so long as any evils remain which render temptation-combats necessary? If so, then we shall do well to moderate our expectations accordingly. We shall see that it is unwise and unreasonable to expect heavenly stability, peace, order, and love, in any society, unless the individuals composing such society have each attained to a heavenly state-a state of complete regeneration signified by the Sabbath day. And it would argue a most deplorable condition of any society on earth, whose members should profess to have arrived at such a celestial state.

B. F. B.

REMARKS.

The principal objection of B. F. B. to the article of S. J. is made to what S. J. designates as the difference between heavenly consociation and infernal. S. J. says "the difference between heavenly consociation and infernal is, among other things, that one who, while in the life of the body, is as to his spirit in infernal societies, is the centre thereof, and those spirits who adjoin themselves are of the same quality and gather round about." In H. & H. 295, Swedenborg teaches: "Such spirits are adjoined to man as he himself is as to affection or as to love; but good spirits are adjoined to him by the Lord, whereas evil spirits are invited by the man himself.” If he regards himself the host and invites his guests is he not the centre thereof and do not the invited spirits gather round about? Again, in the same No., speaking of those who cannot be reformed and regenerated, he says "Their immediate conjunction is with evil spirits who communicate with hell, whence they have such spirits as the men themselves are." The evil spirits flow into his evil affections and inflame him, but if he changes any of his evil loves he shuts the door of the spirits which flow in there, and invites others to himself who minister to the new love.

What S. J. next says in opening the principle before stated is spoken according to the appearance and does not seem to be forced when he says: "He [the man in evil] commands and they [the spirits] obey. They conform to him and minister to his peculiar genius and angels only keep all in check." They do it by good spirits who Swedenborg says" are adjoined that by them they may be withheld from evil as much as possible." So in A. C. 4069, Swedenborg says, "He who takes delight in revenge invites such as are in similar delight; and so in other cases. Such spirits communicate with hell, and man is in the midst of them, and is ruled altogether by them so that he is no longer under his own power and guidance, but under theirs, although he supposes from the delight and consequent liberty which he enjoys, that he rules himself." Does not he appear to command and as all thought flows in in one direction does he not seem to himself to have it all his own way? Yet his own peculiar evil genius or love is the inviting principle. And he acknowledges no power superior to himself. He appears to himself to be in freedom and thus to govern, though he is in fact ruled by the influence of the company he has invited.

When it is afterwards said of societies that they are composed of those who lead themselves, and each one is a centre, &c., it is also said of them according to their principles and states of interior belief which appears from what they do. Thus they appear to themselves, and are principled in selecting, calling, and to a very great extent ruling those who preach to them, they practically require him to preach acceptably to them. Of course they do not doubt but that they themselves are on the Lord's side or that He is on theirs. Thus when the preacher's orthodoxy is not their doxy they resort to the principle of withholding supplies-they cease to employ and pay and listen to him. Is not this so? Is the above described state of things according to true order, or according to inverted order? Where order is inverted the New Church is not, for it is to be built up in true order.

S. J.

ABSTRACT OF THE JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTYFIRST GENERAL CONVENTION OF THE NEW CHURCH.

The Convention met, agreeably to adjournment, June 13th, 1849, in the Temple of the Second Society of the New Church in the city of Philadelphia. The number of delegates, of whom several were from Ohio and Michigan, was twenty-seven, besides three or four clergymen who were present, not as delegates, but were invited to sit as corresponding members. Rev. Thomas Worcester was elected President, and Rev. T. B. Hayward Secretary. The session was continued from Wednesday during the remainder of the week, and as the discussions were in the main conducted with much brotherly love, and the measures adopted with a prevailing unanimity, the season was, we believe, generally regarded as a very pleasant one to those in attendance, and hopeful in its results for the good of the Church. The reports handed in from the several societies in connexion with the Convention formed a very interesting feature of the meeting, particularly that from the Boston Society, which disclosed an encouraging prospect for the New Church in that vicinity. The most important report of the meeting was that of the Committee on the Rules of Order, who brought in the draft of what is virtually to be regarded as a new constitution, in connexion with which was offered also a similar programme from the Ohio Association. Both were laid over for definite action at the next Convention, which meets in New York.

The following embrace the leading resolutions and reports which were presented and acted upon at this meeting. As the proposed modifications in the Rules of Order constituted the grand feature of the Convention at this sitting, we commence with them, giving first the

Report of the Committee on the Case of the Ohio Association and the Rules of Order.

The Committee appointed at the last meeting of the General Convention of the New Church in the United States, and directed to "take into consideration our Rules and Recommendations, and correspond with the Ohio Association, or with individuals on their behalf, and with other bodies of the Church in this country, with the view of arranging the reception of that Association into this Convention on grounds satisfactory to that Association, and, as far as may be found proper, common to all the Associations and other bodies of the New Church, which are or shall become members of this Convention," respectfully report:

In discharging the duty assigned them, they have considered our Rules of Order in the relations suggested by their appointment, and have corresponded as directed; and they offer the result in the form of the amendments herewith submitted.

These amendments substitute a Constitution for Rules of Order. This, however, in itself, is little more than change of words. The substantial difference being, that the Convention is made to embrace as members all associated bodies of Receivers, and all individual Receivers, in the United States, who wish to belong to it.

The associated bodies appear by delegates; for societies can vote only by delegates and if their votes may be countervailed by the same number of individuals who vote only for themselves, it is obvious that an act of the Convention, instead of being indicative of the opinion or expressive of the will of the whole church, may be its precise opposite.

Probably the most important alteration recommended is in the provisions respecting the ministry. It is proposed to have but one ordination into the ministry. Licentiates are not ministers, and are not ordained. Ministers are ordained as such; and when settled as Pastors, or when ordaining powers are given to them by vote of Convention, they are not ordained again.

The Committee think it proper to state very briefly their reasons for this change.

The Constitution of the Convention ought to be such as to exclude, by the effects of its provisions, none who ought to be its members. All receivers of the Heavenly Doctrines in the United States ought to be its members. It, therefore, ought to contain the essentials of the Church-which we have sufficient authority for believing that we certainly know, and can with certain accuracy express-and no others. The Committee have no desire to conceal their own opinion, and there should be three permanent discrete degrees in the ministry. But they are unanimous in the belief, that we have no such authority for the distinctions between these degrees, as they exist in the Rules, as warrants their insertion in the Constitution, when that insertion must exclude those whose conscientious convictions are the other way. For we hold, that when these conscientious convictions exist, the essential doctrines of the Church may nevertheless be sincerely and intelligently received and loved.

The candidate for the ministry is not required to be a member of a society, by the proposed Constitution, because the ordaining authority may demand such testimony of his fitness as will satisfy them, and such membership may form a part of this testimony. But cases may occur in which it should be dispensed with; and this cannot be, if it is a provision of the Constitution.

It will be seen that we have much condensed the provisions respecting ordinations, &c.; not because the words and manner now prescribed are not excellent, but because we doubt whether the Constitution should contain these details. We have no doubt a similar method will be adopted in practice; and it will always be easy to make a rule requiring it, or advising it, whenever that shall be thought best.

We have made no other alterations, excepting such as these require for the sake of consistency. There are many things we should have altered, and some alterations we should deem important. But we forbear to suggest them, for the reason, that we wish to present the proposed fundamental changes, wholly unconnected with collateral questions, or questions of detail. And we should not discharge our whole duty, if we did not earnestly recommend to the Convention to consider this question altogether by itself. If the consideration of amendments, details, and collaterals, be entertained by the Convention, it will be very diffiult, if not impossible, to come to a determination. For it must be remembered, that the time of Convention is very limited, and cannot be all given to any one subject.

If a majority of the Convention prefer the Rules of Order substantially as they are, it seems to us important that they should say so, by a general rejection of the proposed amendments; and the subject will then be open for whatever other alterations they may offer at a future time. On the other hand, if a majority of the Convention desire the proposed fundamental changes, we are satisfied that there is no way in which such a desire can be carried into effect, but by the acceptance and adoption of the proposed amendments. And if these are adopted, it is obvious that any special alterations of the amendments, or of other parts of the Constitution, will be open for consideration and adoption, at the same or any future meeting of Convention. [The references are to the Rules of Order as they are printed in the New Jerusalem Magazine for July, 1848.]

Strike out all as far as the second article of the first chapter, and insert the following:

CONSTITUTION

OF THE GENERAL CONVENTION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM IN THE UNITED STATES.

CHAPTER FIRST.

Of the Membership, Form, and Procedure of Convention.

ARTICLE FIRST. OF MEMBERSHIP.

Sec. 1st. This Convention consists of Societies, other associated bodies, and individuals, who are receivers of the Heavenly Doctrines.

Sec. 2d. All societies, or other associated bodies which are now members, or may become so by vote of Convention, may be present in Convention by delegates. Each society may send three delegates. Each association or other associated body may also send three delegates. Only ministers and delegates, and only those present in Convention, shall vote.

Sec. 3d. All individual receivers of the Heavenly Doctrines, who shall be present at the meeting, and shall report themselves to the Secretary, and shall be admitted by vote as members thereof, may exercise all the rights, and discharge all the duties of membership, except that they shall not vote.

Sec. 4th. Every society shall send to the Convention at every meeting thereof, by its delegates or otherwise, a written statement of baptisms, marriages, funerals, and of what else they may deem interesting information.

Sec. 5th. By the "Heavenly Doctrines," wherever mentioned in this Constitution, are meant those which contain and express the three essentials of the New Jerusalem, as contained in No. 259 of Emanuel Swedenborg's Treatise on the Divine Providence.

Sec. 6th. By "a Society," wherever mentioned in this Constitution, is meant a body of baptized receivers of the Heavenly Doctrines, who have united for the purpose of social worship, and a life in conformity with these doctrines. Sec. 7th. By "an Association" is meant a body consisting of societies. Sec. 8th. By "other associated body" is meant a body consisting of societies, or of Associations, or of insulated individuals.

After the words "Article second," strike out "Officers of Convention," and insert the words, Of the Form of Convention. The residue of this article shall stand as at present.

After the words "Article third," strike out "meeting of Convention," and insert, Of the Procedure of Convention.

Strike out the first section of this article, and insert the following:

Sec. 22d. This Convention shall meet annually. The time and place of each meeting shall be appointed at the preceding meeting. When not so appointed, or when circumstances shall render the meeting at the time and place appointed impracticable or manifestly inconvenient, the President and Secretary of the Convention shall appoint a meeting at another time and place, and give due notice thereof.

To the present 23d section add the words, "and of the other members." The residue of this article to remain as printed.

Strike out the first four Articles of chapter second, and insert the following:

CHAPTER SECOND.

Of the Ministry.

Sec. 1st. The Presiding Minister of an Association, if an ordaining minister, (or if any other associated body which shall become a member of this Convention) with the concurrence of the Association or other associated body, or of its Committee of Ministers and its Committee of Laymen conjointly (or if it have not these committees, of such other committees as by vote of the Association, or other associated body, shall exercise the functions of these committees in this respect), and any ordaining Minister, with the concurrence of a Council consisting of not less than two pastors, and not less than three members of the Committee of Laymen of the Convention, shall have authority to introduce candidates into the ministry by ordination.

Sec. 2d. The candidate must desire and intend to devote himself to the duties of the ministry, and present a written declaration to that effect to the Ordaining Minister; and also present three written discourses, one concerning the Lord, one concerning the Holy Scriptures, and one concerning Life; and give satisfactory evidence that he is a New Churchman, and capable of discharging the duties of the ministry.

Sec. 3d. Ordination into the ministry shall be performed substantially in the following manner :

The Ordaining Minister shall lay his hands upon the candidate (other ordaining ministers present aiding in such wise as may seem to them proper,) and address him to this effect. He shall say, that by the authority committed to him (or them) he (or they) hereby ordain the candidate into the ministry of the New Jerusalem. He shall then enumerate the duties of the office, and exhort him to discharge them faithfully; and he shall close with invoking the blessing of the Lord.

Sec. 4th. The office and duties of the ministers of the New Jerusalem shall be to lead in public worship; to read the Word and say the prayers; to preach the doctrines of the Church; to administer the ordinance of baptism; to officiate at funerals; to receive members into the societies where they are settled; to watch over the members, and instruct and lead and aid them in the way of life; to officiate at weddings; and to perform such other appropriate duties as shall be in their power. The Holy Supper may be administered by any Ordaining Minister, or any minister settled over a society, or any minister expressly authorized by this Convention, or by the Association, or other associated body which ordained him.

Sec. 5th. Those ministers who now have ordaining powers, or shall hereafter have them by vote of this Convention, shall be known by the name of Ordaining Ministers. In addition to the duties of ministers, it shall be their office and duty to ordain ministers; to institute societies, and receive them into the New Church; to preside at the meetings of Convention and of Associations, and to administer the Holy Supper on those occasions.

These powers may be revoked and cancelled, or limited, or modified, by the Convention.

Sec. 6th. The same authority which may ordain a candidate into the ministry, may settle a minister over a society. And the ceremony of ordination shall be such, and so conducted, as shall be judged appropriate by those performing the same.

A minister settled over a society shall be known by the name of Pastor. Sec. 7th. The same authority which may ordain a candidate into the ministry, may also give a license to suitable persons, to lead in public worship; to read the Word, and say the prayers; to preach the doctrines of the Church; to administer the ordinance of baptisin, and to officiate at funerals; or any portion of these duties; and under such rules and conditions as may seem to them expedient. Persons so licensed shall be known by the name of Licentiates. The license may be revoked and cancelled, in whole or in part, by the same authority which conferred it, or by Convention.

Sec. 8th. All ordinations and licenses, and all revocations or modifications of a license, shall be reported to the Convention at its next meeting.

Sec. 9th. This shall be the same as Article 5th of Chapter Second (bottom of page 383).

STANDING RECOMMENDATIONS.

Before Chapter First insert the following:

The Convention acknowledges the entire right of every Society, Association, or associated body, to decide for itself as to the form and manner of its organization; and the duty of paying a proper regard to peculiarities of position, capability, or condition. But having found the following recommendations useful, the Convention submits them in the way of advice or suggestion, and in that way only.

Strike out the 13th Recommendation.

In the 25th Recommendation insert between "located" and "find" the words, "or otherwise located, or for other reasons."

STANDING RESOLUTIONS.

Strike out the 2d, the 3d, and the 5th, on page 389.

THEOPHILUS PARSONS,

Per order of the Committee.