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collateral light has much assisted me in a spiritual discernment of the passage. This, indeed, was done with the new edition of the Gospel of John, and which is consequently superior to the first edition. I beg therefore to suggest to the editors that these collateral illustrations he adduced; I am sure they will add much to the value of the work. I am aware, however, that all this is attended with much labour and research; but still, considering its usefulness, I consider that the superior excellence of the work will be esteemed as an ample reward. London.

T. A. C.

THE FOUR LEADING DOCTRINES.-MANCHESTER TRACT SOCIETY.

TO THE EDITOR.

SIR,-As a conductor of a Sunday school, I beg to offer, together with my colleagues, our congratulations and thanks for having brought out so neat and so cheap an edition of the Four Leading Doctrines. The true ideas opened from the scriptures in these works can now be more fully and frequently impressed upon the minds of the children, especially upon the elder scholars, than heretofore. The plan we have adopted in our school, is to read two or three numbers, and then to converse with the scholars about the instruction therein contained. In this manner the affection, together with the rational faculty, is awakened and brought out, and the seed of truth sinks more deeply into the mind; and now that the Tract Society has enabled us to procure these minor works of Swedenborg at so low a cost, we can indeed become much more effective in our instruction. It is hoped that the society will soon bring out a corresponding edition of the "Heavenly Doctrines," and thus enable us still more effectively and extensively to inculcate the truths of the New Jerusalem. It is our sincere wish that all fathers of families and teachers of Sunday and day schools, may cordially and actively support you in your endea vours to bring out these works in so cheap a form as soon as possible. G. S.

[We can assure our zealous correspondent, that on the part of the Tract Society nothing but funds is wanted to enable them fully to carry out the undertaking in which they have embarked; and that if the works already published meet with a speedy demand, the small volume of the "Heavenly Doctrines" will also speedily appear.-EDITOR.]

LONDON PRINTING SOCIETY: FORTIETH REPORT.

We here present our readers with an abstract of the last report of this valuable institution.

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During the past year 1,000 copies of the first volume of the Arcana have been printed on the standard page, the revision having been kindly undertaken by Mr. Bateman, and 500 copies of the True Christian Religion are now being printed from the stereotype plates."

Presents of books to various public libraries and to individuals, especially to emigrants, have been made by the society during the year.

"The number and value of the publications, at trade price, issued by the society during the twelve months are as follows:

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"The committee regret that the state of the society's funds has compelled it again to decline the request of the Manchester society that it would enter upon the publication of Mr. Dodd's Index; and that the committee could not, in prudence, at present, engage even to take any copies of that valuable work, should it be published by the Manchester society. Every exertion has been made during the past year to keep the operations of the society within the very limited means which have been accorded to it; but notwithstanding this, were it not for the payment of two legacies, which have been bequeathed to the society, it would have been at this moment considerably in debt.

"The stock of works, however, now possessed by the society is very considerable, and by new editions it is becoming, year after year, in a more satisfactory state as to the getting up and appearance of the books, and in no long period it is hoped that no works will present a better exterior than those issued by this society.

"For many years the most urgent appeals for an increase of the funds of this society have been made in the annual reports of successive committees to its mem bers and to the body of the New Church, but it does not appear that any effect has been produced, and this society, which the committee considers to be the first in usefulness, and indeed the main stay of

all others in the Church, is in this most vital epoch of its existence, crippled in its exertions for want of funds. In no former period were the uses of the society so much called upon, or so necessary to be displayed in full vigour, as at this time, when the minds of men and the kingdoms of the earth are in a state of fusion and organic change. Never was the "still small voice" more likely to be heard than now, if you who have been blessed by providence with the means, will enable the society to continue its onward progress."

The society's income during the year has been £512. 3s. 1d., and its disbursements, £459. 3s. 9d.; balance in hand, £52. 19s. 4d.

In allusion to the deaths during the past year of Messrs. Brooksbank, Grayson, Tulk, Gordon, and Coulson-gentlemen who had taken an active part in the society's proceedings, some from the period of its formation in 1810, the report very affectingly concludes thus:- -"The obituary is large, but it is now the record of our spiritual life, and we doubt not that our ranks will be more than replenished by the Lord from the good, the wise, and the earnest, who shall be called in these new times into the vineyard. The age of more powerful truths opens to our eyes with fearful signs, but there is peace from the world's tempests, hope against its despairs, solidity in spite of its destructions, in the divine City and haven which lies in full promise before all those who conform life, and heart, and mind, to the teachings of God's sure covenants."

LECTURE ON THE TRINITY, AT AYLESBURY,

BY THE REV. W. WOODMAN.

The following is taken from the Aylesbury newspaper, Sep. 7:-"On Wednesday evening a lecture was delivered in the Castle-street room, by the Rev. Mr. Woodman, minister of a New Jerusalem church, in Lancashire, and who is known to the people of Aylesbury as a native of the neighbourhood. The audience was numerous and intelligent, comprising persons belonging to the various denominations in the town. Mr. Woodman announced that he would take the theological question of the Trinity as the basis of the lecture, and he gave a clear and lucid account of the doctrine entertained by his religious body, that of a trinity of essentials in one Person, and not a trinity of persons in the Godhead. He was listened to atten

tively, and having given an opportunity to all, several persons catechised the lecturer upon questions of difficulty which the doctrine propounded presented. The chief objector was the Rev. Mr. Driver, Wesleyan minister, who presented several scriptural objections, and kept up a running commentary in defence of the more orthodox opinion for some time. Mr. Hamilton and Mr. M'Clune, agreeing with the lecturer in his opinions on the Trinity, put questions for the sake of affirming the doctrine; and at an early hour the assembly dispersed, after a pleasant and harmonious discussion. Mr. Woodman, or some of his friends, intend, we believe, to resume the subject hereafter."

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In addition to the erection of the Sunday school room, five of the members have united to erect a small gallery, which will accommodate about forty persons, and, together with the occasional use of the school-room, when required, will give eighty additional sittings. learn that the members are indefatigable in their exertions, and we trust these exertions will be crowned with success. Any subscriptions to enable the society to accomplish the purposes they have in view, will be gratefully received and acknowledged by the Rev. D. G. Goyder, 8, Norwich-road, Ipswich.

VISIT TO SOUTHAMPTON.

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR,-It being known by some of the friends of the church in Southampton that I was about to visit that place on private business, I was requested by them, during the Conference week, to embrace that opportunity of being useful to the society there. To this I readily consented, and preached on Sunday, the 19th of August, morning and evening, on the subjects of the Lord and Heaven. In the evening I also baptized six adults, and administered the Lord's Supper. The attendance on each occasion was from 35 to 40 persons, and I had the pleasure of meeting about the same number at a social tea party held on the Tuesday evening following; when, after baptizing of a child, an exceedingly pleasant evening was enjoyed in a general consideration and exposition of the nature of the Divine Providence and the laws

of permission. The society regularly meet for worship under the leadership of Mr. T. S. Rendell, whose services seem to be acceptable. They have a neatly fitted up room for meeting, in one of the most public streets, adjoining the postoffice, which will hold from 60 to 70 persons with convenience. They appear affectionate and harmonious, and are full of hope for the rising church. May the Lord extend its borders, and bless the labours of his people!

E. D. RENDell.

RE-OPENING OF THE KERSLEY NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH.

This church, which had been closed for the purpose of being enlarged, was reopened on Sunday, August 5th. The services were conducted by the Rev. W. Woodman, the resident minister, who preached in the morning; and the Rev. J. H. Smithson, of Manchester, who preached in the afternoon. The day was favourable, and the services were well attended, particularly that in the afternoon, when the church was so crowded as to require forms being placed in the aisles for the use of those who could not be accommodated in the pews. A conversational meeting was held in the church in the evening, and between three hundred and four hundred were present and were addressed by the Revs. J. H. Smithson, W. Woodman, and J. Boys, and by

Messrs. T. Wilson, of Woodhouses, and L. H. Grindon, of Manchester. The subject was, "The Descent of the New Jerusalem," which was treated in a manner to interest and edify the auditors.

The Kersley Church is now the largest place of worship for the New Church in any village in England, except Accrington, its dimensions inside measure being 57 feet long and 371⁄2 feet broad; and from what we have heard since the reopening, we hope it will be gradually filled with attentive worshippers. The alteration cost the society between £200. and £300., which was previously raised by private subscription among the members, so that no collection was made on the occasion of the opening.

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Marriage.

Married, at Ipswich, by the Rev. D. G. Goyder, on the 20th August, Mr. Benj. Backhouse, jun., to Miss Lydia Waine

Johnson, eldest daughter of Mr. Robert Johnson, secretary of the New Church, Ipswich.

Obituary.

Died, June 14th, aged 52 years, Mrs. Coffey, wife of the respected leader of the society at Ramsbottom. From childhood she had been instructed in the great duties of religion. She attended the Sunday schools of different denominations, learned their catechisms, and committed to memory numerous scripture passages. As she grew up to years of maturity, she often opposed the New Church doctrines, for the purpose, as she said, of discovering the truth; for she felt fully persuaded that what she had learned was not in agreement with the plain teaching of the Holy Word; and on this account she resolved to inquire into the doctrines of the New Church, and to judge for herself. The first book she read was the work on "Heaven and Hell," when she was not only greatly surprised, but fully convinced that the doctrines she had heard misrepresented were, when rightly understood, founded upon the Word itself, and the means of opening its eternal truths. In a short time after she began to examine the doctrines of the New Church; her four sisters were also led to read and consider them; and at length they all became so much delighted with the truths of the New Jerusalem, that they openly acknowledged them, and joined the society. From the first, our departed sister seemed deeply impressed with the idea that the heavenly doctrines were not merely doctrines of faith, but especially doctrines of life; and with this idea she considered them as the guiding principles in all her domestic, social, and religious duties; for she was fully convinced that she could receive no good from the Lord, but in the degree that, trusting in His power, she shunned evil as sin against Him. Guided by these principles, it may be readily seen that, as a wife, a mother, and a neighbour, she was exemplary in her Christian conduct. This example had also a most salutary effect upon her children, whom she was delighted to instruct and to see instructed in the principles of Christian doctrine she had embraced. To this end she often read with them the Holy Word and the

Cave and Sever, Printers, 18,

writings of the New Church, and never appeared so happy as when engaged in this useful occupation. May they ever bear in remembrance the example of so pious, intelligent, and affectionate a mother! On Sunday, July 15th, the occasion of her death was improved in a discourse from Rey. xiv. 13, by the Rev. J. H. Smithson, when the great realities of the eternal state were solemnly impressed upon a numerous and attentive audience.

Died, July 25th, 1849, at his residence, Endless-street, Salisbury, aged 41 years, Mr. John Jackson, a man universally esteemed and respected, as well for the solidity of his judgment as for his kind and unassuming deportment of manners. His loss to the society of the church in Salisbury will be severely felt, he being, at the time of his decease, the corresponding member as well as the superintendent of the Sunday school, and a liberal contributor on all occasions to its funds. Our friend had been acquainted with the doctrines of the church about thirteen years, having first heard them preached by the Rev. T. Chalklen during his missionary visit to that city in 1836. Having thus had his attention drawn towards such vital subjects, he went on steadily investigating and proving them, by reflection and due comparison with the Sacred Word, for himself, until he was fully and satisfactorily convinced of their sterling truth. In June, 1840, he received from the hands of the Rev. T. Goyder the rite of baptism, and thus became, even as to externals, an orderly member of the Holy Jerusalem. During his severe illness, these heavenly truths were his constant support and stay; and on the bed of death, to use his own expression, they were his only consolation. A funeral discourse was delivered on the occasion of his death, by the Rev. T. D. Dyke, from Luke xx. 37, 38, in which the consolatory doctrines of the New Church, respecting the resurrection and the future life of man, were copiously set forth to the edification of an attentive auditory.

St. Ann's-street, Manchester.

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THE PROPER DESIGNATION IN THE WORLD OF THE NEW CHURCH, UNDERSTOOD BY THE NEW JERUSALEM IN THE REVELATION.

(Extracted from the President's Report to Conference read before that body at its last Session.)

Most of our readers are aware that, from time to time, the question as to the proper public designation of the New Church, understood by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, has been discussed in our pages. This discussion plainly shews that there has been a variety of opinion. on this subject. During the last year the question was again opened in consequence of one of the ministers having reported to the President of Conference that, on an application by the Registrar General as to what religious denomination the chapel of which he was the minister belonged, he had returned answer as follows:-" We call ourselves the New Church, but we are commonly called Swedenborgians; the latter designation would probably answer the Registrar's purpose the best." In explaining this reply, our friend stated that he thought the latter appellation would best suit the Registrar's purpose, because its meaning could not easily be mistaken by the public at large; whereas, the designation "New Church" or "New Jerusalem Church" might be mistaken, it having also been ascribed to the Mormonites, whose ideas and dogmas are entirely opposed to the doctrines of the New Jerusalem. In consequence of this letter the late President of Conference, the Rev. J. Bayley, thought it useful in his report to Conference, to enter fully into the subject of the proper designation of the church; and as his statements and remarks were considered highly useful, a wish was N. S. NO. 119.--VOL. X.

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