CHAP. XVI.

THE Thirteenth General Conference was held at the New Jerusalem Temple, King Street, Derby, on Tuesday, the 8th of August, 1820=64, and continued its meetings, by daily adjournments, until Friday, the 11th of the same month. Seven Ministers, four Leaders, and twenty Representatives from different Societies, were present; besides a number of the friends of Derby, and other places. The Rev. ROBERT HINDMARSH was unanimously chosen President, and the Rev. SAMUEL NOBLE, Secretary.
Business was then commenced by an appropriate address by the President, in which he called the attention of the members, assembled to the subjects likely to come before them, particularly those introduced for discussion at the last Conference, and then directed to stand over for the consideration of the present.
The Minutes of the last Conference were then read; also twenty-nine letters from various Societies and individuals, containing much useful information concerning the general state of the Church; and a Committee was appointed to prepare a digested report of the letters proper for publication in an Appendix to the Minutes.
The appointment of a Minister Superintendant was further postponed.
The Rev. R. Hindmarsh and the Rev. R. Jones were requested to prepare a draft of a Liturgy, to be laid before the next General Conference, and to submit the same, before the meeting of such Conference, to the other ministers, for their suggestions thereon. {331}

The Missionary Committee for the ensuing year was then appointed; and at the same time an Auxiliary Missionary Committee was formed for London, with power to send forth local Missionaries, as means may offer for that purpose.
Instructions having been given to the Secretary of the last Conference to procure, if practicable, the Minutes of Conference for the years 1792 and 1793; and he reporting, that he had not been able to obtain them; Mr. Hindmarsh stated, that he had brought them with him; and he accordingly presented them, to complete the set.
The Conference then proceeded to take into consideration the Deeds proposed to be executed, in order to give stability to the New Church; and a Committee, to be attended by a legal friend then present, was appointed to examine them, and report what amendments might be necessary to be introduced therein. The Committee having returned with their report, and a letter having been received from Mr. Henry Hindmarsh, Solicitor, of London, (son of the Rev. Robert Hindmarsh,) offering, in a very liberal manner, his services in preparing the Conference and Trust Deeds, it was Resolved unanimously, That this offer be gratefully accepted, and that the Deeds, as corrected by the Committee, be referred to Mr. Henry Hindmarsh, with a request that he will have the goodness to prepare proper drafts of them and transmit them to the care of the Rev. E. Madeley of Derby.
The Rev. R. Jones having been requested by the last Conference to examine the four Catechisms then extant in the New Church, and to draw up one from the whole, for general use, reported, that he had made the examination desired, and had found, that they all inculcated similar doctrines, and were capable of imparting a knowledge of the principles of the New Church; but that, in his opinion brevity was a most important requisite in a composition designed for the tender capacities of children, and on this account he gave the preference to a short Catechism drawn up by Mr. Hindmarsh, being an abridgment of a larger Catechism by the same pen. Mr. Jones further stated, that he did not see how the doctrines of the New Church could be more clearly explained in a short compass, than is done in that composition, which is therefore recommended for general adoption, with such alterations as might be agreed on. The Catechism was accordingly read, and with some verbal alterations was approved; when it was Resolved unanimously, That this Catechism, as amended, be adopted, and recommended to general use among the members of the New Church. {332}
It having been stated to the Conference, that an attack upon the New Church had lately been made by the Rev. J. G. Pike, of Derby, in a work, entitled, Swedenborgianism, Depicted in its true Colours*, which contained misrepresentations calculated to raise pernicious prejudices against the heavenly doctrines; an ardent wish was expressed, that an appropriate Answer might be drawn up; and it was Resolved unanimously, That the Rev. R. Hindmarsh be requested to take up his pen on the occasion, and draw up an Answer to the above-named pamphlet.
* Mentioned above, in p. 325.- ED.
Mr. Hindmarsh, on this request being agreed on, expressed considerable disinclination to go forth again into the field of controversy; but was at length understood to accede to the wishes of the Conference.*
* Mr. Hindmarsh’s Answer to this pamphlet, is entitled, A Vindication of the Character and Writings of the Honourable Emanuel Swedenborg, against the Slanders and Misrepresentations of the Rev. J. G. Pike, of Derby. Including a Refutation of the False Reports propagated by the late Rev. John Wesley, respecting the same Pious and Illustrious Author. With brief Remarks on the Rash Censure pronounced on Baron Swedenborg and his Writings by the Editors of the Evangelical Magazine. The title-page has two mottoes from Scripture, “I saw three unclean spirits, like frogs, come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet,” (Apoc. xvi. 13,) and the other from Apoc. xii. 10. It was published in August 1821; and a second edition in a cheaper form bears the date 1822. The same pamphlet also led the Rev. E. Madeley to publish his Pastoral Instruction, in 1821.- ED.
It was suggested, that great injury was liable to arise from the circumstance of persons, falsely pretending to be ministers of the New Church, intruding themselves on Societies where they were not known, and afterwards bringing disgrace on the Church by the impropriety of their conduct. To render the occurrence of this inconvenience less practicable, it was Resolved unanimously, That every Minister, on his ordination, be furnished with a Certificate of the same by the Minister or Ministers performing the ceremony.
The form for the Ordination of Ministers in the New Church, as hitherto used, was ordered to be taken into consideration at the next General Conference.
Several other Resolutions and Regulations respecting the affairs of the Church having been adopted, the next General Conference was appointed to be held at Derby, on the second Tuesday in August, 1821=65.*
* To the Minutes of this Conference was appended a list of forty-four societies of the New Church in England, being the most complete list that had appeared.- ED.

Since the discontinuance of the American New Jerusalem Church Repository, the 8th Number of which completed the first volume, at the close of the year 1818, but little information has been received in this country respecting the progress of the Church in that quarter of the globe. In the absence of certain intelligence, many had been led to form gloomy apprehensions, which however were immediately dissipated on receiving the first number of a work, published at Philadelphia on the first of July, 1820, under the title of The New Jerusalem Record. {333} This Periodical, which “is not intended to be a Theological Magazine, but a mere record of religious intelligence,” to be published quarterly, abundantly proves, that, if the New Church is not there advancing with all the rapidity her friends had been inclined to hope, it is at least very far from suffering anything like a retrograde movement.
The present Number contains a Journal of the proceedings of the Third General Convention of the receivers of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church, from different parts of the United States, held on Thursday, the 11th of May, 1820=64, being Ascension Day, and continued until Saturday, the 13th of the same month, at the New Jerusalem Temple in the city of Philadelphia. The subjects, which engaged the attention of the Convention, were chiefly the framing of regulations respecting the Ministry, the providing a Liturgy and Hymn-Book, and a Catechism: and their deliberations appear to have been conducted with much wisdom and judgment. The following passages are extracted from the publication, as highly interesting and gratifying to the reader.
“Some detailed information has been derived from various communications, as to the progress of the New Church. In the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, a Minister of a settled congregation has, with sixty or more of his flock, embraced the leading doctrines of the New Jerusalem; and there is every reason to believe, that, ere long, those who are not already such, will become full recipients of the heavenly dispensation. In the city of Philadelphia, the number of communicants, as well as of new professors, increases; and the number of individuals of other persuasions is not inconsiderable, who favour the doctrines, but who are too much influenced by habit, and an attachment to the societies in which they were educated, to make open profession of their belief in the new revelation. A small but highly respectable Society exists in the town of Bath, in the State of Maine; and one also in the town of Gardiner, in the same State. A letter from the Society in Cincinnati, where a Temple for worship (the first in the western country, dedicated to the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Only God of heaven and earth,) has been lately erected, says, ‘Our Society in this place is rapidly increasing in its numbers, and, all things considered, is in a very prosperous state. A letter from a friend in Montreal, Canada, mentions the names of three gentlemen there, who are receivers of the doctrines.
“It will no doubt be highly gratifying to our friends to learn, that in one of the Universities of our country, there are five resident graduates studying theology, who openly profess the doctrines of the New Jerusalem. There are in the same institution two under-graduates, who are studying theology, with private clergymen, and a third in an academy.
“In Massachusetts, a Minister of the Old Church, who is represented as a man of excellent talents and good character, has heartily embraced the doctrines, and zealously preaches them to his congregation. Heretofore the harvest has been great, but the labourers few. Should it please the Lord of the harvest to send forth numerous labourers into his vineyard, the receivers of the new dispensation may anticipate the most happy and extensive results.”

The Report of the Convention concludes with the following excellent and animating remarks:

“In perusing the above Report, our brethren will feel with us that there is much ground for thankfulness, and hope, and zeal. Notwithstanding the depression of external circumstances, which, by surrounding the receivers of the new dispensation, in common with others, with the thorns of worldly anxiety and care, threatens to choke up the soil, and prevent the good seed from springing up; yet it is evident, that the Lord watches over its growth, and turns the wilderness into a fruitful field. {334} Four years ago the Church in America was, to appearance, but a weakly plant, which emitted its sweets in secret, unnoticed, or despised; but now, under the cherishing hand of Divine Providence, it has acquired a strength and solidity, which bid defiance to the storm, while the fragrance of its bloom is diffused on all the winds of heaven. Although the apparent means of propagating the doctrines have been straitened by the difficulties of the times, yet truth, as if in mockery of human calculation, has prosecuted a silent and triumphant march, and her brilliancy has been reflected from many points, which, without our knowledge, and beyond our expectations, have met her cheering light and have been gladdened with the splendour of her beams. ‘This is the Lord’s, doing, and marvellous in our eyes.’
“While a consciousness that the Lord is on our side calls forth our gratitude, and inspires us with the most animating hopes of the future progress of divine truth, we must not stand idle spectators, and act as if we believed the Lord would work without using the appointed means. We may, indeed, indolently fold our hands, and rest in the confidence that the Lord will carry on and finish his own work; but at the same time we may be assured, that he will use some as instruments for that purpose; and if by our indifference and inactivity we render ourselves unfit for this honourable service, we shall have the mortification to perceive, that our crown of glorying, and the light of our joy, are removed; for ‘to him that hath shalt be given, but from him that hath, not shall be taken even that which he hath.’ There is much to be done, and our zeal and exertions ought to be proportionably great. And whether we consider the infinite importance of truth, or reflect on the inestimable value of the souls we see ready to ‘perish for lack of knowledge,’ – whether we contemplate the amelioration of society, or extend our views to the glory and felicity of an eternal state, surely there is enough to awaken in our heart a sentiment superior to all earthly affections or worldly cares. The Lord’s vineyard wants cultivation, and every faithful servant will, in one way or other, be a labourer. United by the purest affections, and employed together in the best of causes, let us, as brethren, join hands and animate one another to our labours of love, bearing in mind the words of our gracious Master, ‘Let your loins be girded, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching.'”

Among the letters, which are added to the Report, is one from the Rev. M. M. Carll, to the Secretary of the Convention, well worthy of being transcribed.
“It has long been, no doubt, a desirable object with the members of the Lord’s New Church generally, in this extensive country, to see some mode of disseminating the blessed truths of the new dispensation, more efficient than any which has hitherto been adopted. When we view the extent of our country, its rapidly increasing population, the scattered and insulated condition of our New Church Societies, and, above all, the abounding influence of those principles which either rob the blessed Saviour of all Divinity, or offer to him a divided worship; what heart but is roused, warmed, and animated with an unconquerable desire to go forth, and proclaim, as with the voice of a trumpet, the truths of the everlasting gospel? When we consider, that in less than a century our country will, in all probability, contain a population of one hundred millions, all speaking the same language; and that we are appointed the honoured instruments of laying the corner-stone, in the new world, of that magnificent Temple, towards which all shall ultimately worship, – that glorious Temple, whose light is the Lamb! what heart, not dead to every noble and generous sentiment, but must feel a holy rapture at the thought of being in any way instrumental in promoting a cause so glorious!
“Every society of men, however small, throughout our country, no doubt contains individuals, whose minds, now distracted with the ever-jarring and discordant views which prevail upon the very fundamental principles of our holy religion, even as to the Object of worship, would gladly embrace the harmonious and scriptural views of the New Jerusalem Church, not only as to the doctrine of the exclusive Divinity of our blessed Lord, but all other doctrines, which she so lucidly unfolds, were they explained by the enlightened intelligence, and enforced by the ardent zeal, of a Preacher.
“It is with sentiments of unfeigned gratitude to our blessed Lord and Saviour, that I am enabled to inform you, and through you our distant brethren, that there is a favourable prospect of attaining, at least in a degree, the objects to which I have referred. {335}

“A number of our brethren, after the close of the Convention, conversing on this subject, and deeply impressed with the vast importance of adding Missionary exertions to the means already adopted for the dissemination of the truths of the new dispensation, generously determined to lay the foundation of a fund, to be appropriated to this use. The sacred deposit was placed in my hands, accompanied with the sincere prayer, that it might become an important instrument in promoting the cause of truth.
“From the ardent zeal, and affectionate disposition to act in concert, in advancing this glorious cause, which exists among our brethren, as plainly manifested in the numerous interesting communications received from distant Churches, there is not the smallest doubt of their hearty concurrence and co-operation in this undertaking; and, it may be presumed, that the respective Societies will adopt the measures they may deem most proper, for collecting such free-will offerings as may be presented, and forward them to J. K. Graham, treasurer of the Church in Philadelphia, who has been appointed to receive them. Brethren, ‘let us not despise the day of small things.'”
“May the Lord, of his infinite mercy, bless this small beginning, and make it the means of causing many hearts to sing for joy.”

By accounts subsequently received from America, it appears, that the New Jerusalem Record has been discontinued, beginning and concluding with the first number.

The Fifth Missionary Report, published in 1821=65, fur- nishes matter of great interest to the Church, and affords a striking testimony of the progress which the heavenly doctrines are making, both in the northern and southern districts of the kingdom. And it is evident, that nothing is wanting to spread them most extensively, but a sufficient supply of experienced, able, and active Missionaries. The superiority of information, on all subjects relating to the Lord, his Word, the regenerate life, and a future state of immortality, which these must almost of necessity possess, from the writings of the New Church, beyond everything that can be imagined or conceived by the most finished adepts in the Old School, will ever secure to them the attention of the candid and the unprejudiced of all denominations. It is not merely “the march of intellect,” naturally, and by its own power emerging from the darkness of past ages, among the people, who have heretofore been kept in a state of spiritual thraldom, and are now beginning to break the chains which bound them in subjection to an irrational and preposterous faith, that the great change now taking place in the condition of human society is to be ascribed; but it is to the march of divine truth itself, in the new dispensation of grace and mercy, originating from above, and actually descending upon the earth, which has at length broken the spell of priestcraft, and placed man in a new capacity for discerning and justly appreciating the invaluable blessings of spiritual liberty and sound rationality. It is, in short, to the appearance of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven, dispelling the thick mists of ignorance, superstition, and falsehood, and opening to the view of the astonished beholder the radiant glories of the Sun of Righteousness, that the Church, and all within the wide circle of its influence, are indebted for the extraordinary blessings which they now enjoy. {336} The “age of reason” and revelation united, has already commenced; and every year brings to light new wonders of the Divine Providence, not only in changing the general aspect of civil affairs among the nations of the earth, but, what is of still greater importance, in removing those trammels of spiritual bondage, which had so long fettered the human mind, and incapacitated it for the reception of heavenly and divine things. We look forward, therefore, with pleasure and confident hope, that the efforts of the New Jerusalem Missionary Institution will in the end be crowned with the desired success.
The Report states, that the gentlemen engaged in visiting the different Societies in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire, have in general been fully employed every Sabbath-day; and that the attendance at each of the places visited is found to be respectable, and in some cases numerous. In consequence of some misunderstanding, however, among the members of the small Society at Warrington, it appears that their number is diminished, and the means of supporting their place of worship considerably reduced. Yet hopes are entertained, that their present difficulties will shortly be overcome, and that they will yet enjoy days of prosperity.
A new Society has been formed at West-Houghton, in Lancashire, of persons, who heretofore have been for the most part connected with the Independent Methodists, but who, hearing of the new doctrines, invited our Missionaries to come among them. The consequence is, that many, who were before not quite satisfied with the doctrines formerly taught them, eagerly and affectionately imbibe the truths of the New Church. In short, the Methodists are sensibly losing ground in that neighbourhood, and the new religion, as it is called by some, bids fair to gain the ascendancy.
A new place of worship was opened at Stockport, on the 22nd of October last; and the Society in that town, under the care of their able and experienced Leader, Mr. Richard Gill*, is in a prosperous condition. At Leigh, also, the New Church is evidently gaining ground, as is plain from the numbers that constantly attend, whenever a Missionary can make it convenient to pay them a visit.
* Mr. Gill died at Stockport, on the 14th of February, 1835, in the 78th year of his age. He joined the Wesleyan Methodists, and afterwards began to read the works of Behmen, Law, and other mystical writers, and for this the Rev. John Wesley gave express orders that he should be expelled. He was a bookseller and stationer; and was the means of raising a small society at Stockport, which as its leader he kept together for more than forty years. He was a contributor to the Magazine of Knowledge, the New Jerusalem Journal, the Aurora, and the Intellectual Repository, and the author of several tracts.- ED. {337}
At the last meeting of the General Conference, it was resolved unanimously, “That an Auxiliary Missionary Committee be formed in London, with power to send forth local Missionaries, as means may offer for that purpose, and that they be authorized to call upon the Receiver for the southern district for money to defray the expenses.”* This Committee was appointed at the same time; and from the Report since made of its proceedings, it appears that both the Rev. T. Goyder and the Rev. S. Noble have been employed in Missionary visits; the former to Reading, in Berkshire, and the latter to Dover. Mr. Goyder states, that he preached in a Chapel belonging to the Baptists, and that he was apparently well received, but was not permitted the use of their pulpit a second time. Mr. Noble, in like manner preached in a Chapel belonging to a society of General Baptists in Dover, where he was twice heard with the greatest attention, and even astonishment, by all who were present. His letter, which is calculated to excite unusual interest, and which follows in its order, will be read with great satisfaction and delight.
* Acting upon this resolution, a public meeting was held at the Church in Hanover Street, Long Acre, London, on the 8th of October, 1821; at which the formation of the London Missionary and Tract Society took place; and its first Report was presented to the following Conference.- ED.
Generally speaking, the Church appears to be increasing in numbers, as well as improving in the knowledge and love of heavenly things. And though, in one or two particular places, something like a falling from their “first love,” Rev. ii. 4, an abatement in their former zeal, is observable among some of the members, there is yet reason to believe, that the Divine Providence is watchful over every state of the rising Church, and that in due time the evening will be succeeded by a brilliant morning.
From the various letters, which have been received by the Committee since the last Report, the following extracts will enable the reader to form his own judgment on the present state of the New Church, and the benefits which have been derived from the adoption of Missionary proceedings.

From Mr. John Pownall, Hulme (near Manchester,) Sept. 1, 1820=64.

It is a duty incumbent upon me to communicate to you a request from the people of Leigh, which is, that you will have the goodness to send them a Missionary or Visiting Minister as early as possible. Many individuals have a strong desire to hear Mr. Hindmarsh. The reasons why they are particularly desirous of being visited early are, because they have at present the use of Pennington Hall, which may not be the case at a future time; because the days are shortening, so that it will be extremely inconvenient to travel to Leigh from Manchester, the road being a cross one; because, the Hall being untenanted, the public may conceive, that it will be too damp to assemble in during the winter; and because the Hall itself is at some distance from Leigh, so that in unseasonable weather much company could not be expected. Another reason is, that the minds of many are in this quarter open to receive information on the New Jerusalem doctrines. I was there on Sunday last. There were two services, both of which were very numerously attended. I have not time at present to write you the particulars. {338} But one thing is certain, that the Committee will do well to attend not only to this particular request, but to the town of Leigh at all times. I am pretty confident, that a Society will be raised here.”

From Mr. Robert Hindmarsh, Salford, Oct. 1, 1820=64.

“On the 24th of September I visited Leigh, where it had been previously announced by posting bills, that I would deliver two lectures in Pennington Hall, situated nearly a mile from the village. The service in the morning was attended by about three hundred, who paid the greatest attention, while I endeavoured to shew, from John xvi. 15, that all things appertaining to the Father, or Divine Essence, are at the same time the property of the Son, or the Human Essence; that from both proceeds the Holy Spirit of truth, not as a Person, but as a Divine Influence and Operation on the minds of the regenerate; consequently that there is only One God in One Divine Person, and that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is that God, who, in reference to the union subsisting between his Divinity and Humanity, saith, ‘All things that the Father hath, are mine;’ and again, to assure his disciples that the Holy Spirit is not a distinct Person by himself, but a Holy Influence or Operation proceeding from him, he adds, ‘Therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.’ In the afternoon, when I arrived at the Hall, I found it completely filled, and a great crowd standing at the door unable to obtain entrance. It was computed, that a thousand persons were assembled, o one half of whom were within the building, and the other half without, all most anxious to hear the Holy Scriptures read and explained, and many of them as yet total strangers to the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem. The question was, How were so many sheep to be watered from the same well at one and the same time, while they were in two separate flocks? How could the people be all addressed at once? It was suggested, as the only remedy for the difficulty in which we were placed, the weather being favourable, that they should all be invited to assemble in the farm yard, and that I should mount a flight of steps, from which I could command a view of the whole company. This proposal was immediately adopted; and after reading and briefly explaining the 24th chapter of Matthew, from verse I to 28, I addressed them more particularly from the 29th and 30th verses, shewing what is truly signified by the sun being darkened, the moon refusing to give her light, the stars failing from heaven, and the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. I have reason to believe, that all present were highly gratified with the Scriptural and rational views that were taken of these sublime subjects; and I trust, that the labours of that day will not have been in vain. After the service I was waited upon by a few persons from West Houghton, at that time members of a Society of Independent Methodists, who expressed a strong desire that the doctrines of the New Church might be preached in their village, and that either I or some other Minister would pay them a visit as early as possible. I told them I would lay the case before the Missionary Committee in Manchester, who I was confident would do all in their power to meet their wishes, and supply their wants.”

From Mr. John Birchwood, Manchester, Nov. 3, 1820=64.

“Having been repeatedly requested to visit the Society at Ringley, I embraced the opportunity on Sunday, the 17th of September. Their morning service was conducted in their usual manner, which is probably peculiar to them. After singing and prayer, a chapter from the Word was read by one of the Society, and the members at large were invited to deliver their sentiments upon it. Several important doctrines were deduced from the chapter, and illustrated and confirmed in the most clear and simple manner. Though this was to me a scene to which I had not been accustomed, I was edified and delighted. The simplicity of their language, the sublimity of their thoughts, and the cogency of their arguments, were to me a convincing proof of that superiority of mind, which the doctrines of the New Church are calculated to give. I saw a practical illustration of that remark in the writings of our Church, – ‘Now it is allowable to enter intellectually, into the mysteries of faith.’ This Society, consisting solely of persons confined to the humble walks of life, discussed with clearness the important doctrine concerning the Divine Trinity. What has hitherto been deemed incomprehensible by the learned, was shewn by them, from very many parts of Sacred Scripture, to be within the comprehension of the meanest capacity. One general wish seemed to animate every breast, that all might know the Lord, and live according to his holy laws. Their meeting was thronged, and many of them had come a considerable distance. They have preaching in the afternoon only. I delivered a discourse to them, and I was afterwards very kindly invited to visit them again. A strong general wish was expressed, that our friends, who are engaged by the Missionary Committee, would visit them as often as they could.” {339}

From Mr. William Cordin, Manchester, March 1, 1821=65.

“Agreeably to the wishes of our friends, and the appointment of the Missionary Committee, Mr. John Barge, Mr. R. P. Livingston and myself, as members of the same, attended Mr. Birchwood to West Houghton, on the 25th of February. When we arrived within about half a mile of the town, we found the road lined with individuals waiting our approach; and when we reached the town, we observed a general welcome expressed in every countenance. We proceeded to the inn, and were there met by a number of the friends; but as it was meeting time, we went on to the place of worship, (being the same that Mr. John Wesley used formerly to preach in,) and found it comfortably filled. Mr. Birchwood spoke from the first chapter of John’s Gospel, 11th, 12th, and 13th verses: ‘He came unto his own, and his own received him not: but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.’ The explanation of this passage appeared to astonish and delight all present. After service we returned to the inn to dine, and were again joined by a number of the friends, who expressed a strong desire to form themselves into a Society, and to build a Chapel. One said he would give them a piece of ground to build upon, and another that he would lend money to build with. But we advised them to defer building for the present, and to exert themselves as much as possible in their present place, to form themselves into a regular Society, to appoint a committee and a corresponding member, and particularly to establish a library; all which they readily agreed to. We then gave them some copies of the works, which the London Printing Society had kindly sent to us, with which, together with some other books previously sent them, they purposed forming a small library.
“It appears, that, with one or two exceptions, the doctrines of the New Church were entirely unknown to them. One friend observed, that about twelve years ago he heard them preached at Bolton: but such was the disinclination of his mind towards them, that he stood up in the place of worship, and said he would not stay to hear such abominable doctrines preached. (He was then a leader in the Methodist connexion.) He said he had been much perplexed of late with regard to the doctrines of the Old Church, particularly that on the atonement: but when he heard Mr. R. Hindmarsh preach at Leigh, he said he found himself fully released from the trammels of the Old Church, and esteemed that day the happiest of his existence.
“In the afternoon we again proceeded to the place of worship; but to our delight and astonishment, we found the place crowded to excess, there being upwards of fifty persons that could not gain admittance, although every bench and seat had been removed for the purpose of making more room. It was with great difficulty that Mr. Birchwood, who was to preach, could get to his place: the rest of our company remained out of doors. When the service was over, and the congregation moving towards their respective homes, it appeared as if the whole town was in motion; which brought to my mind those words of the Lord to his disciples, ‘Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to the harvest,’ John iv. 35. ‘The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few,’ Matt. ix. 37. We returned to the inn, and, after taking some refreshment, began to prepare for our departure, when we were earnestly requested to use all the means in our power to supply them with Ministers, which we promised to do. We then left the town, and proceeded homewards, accompanied (as was evident from the appearance of every countenance,) by the warm affections of a great portion of the inhabitants.”

From Mr. John Birchwood, Manchester, April 6, 1821=65.

“I visited Leigh on the 25th of March, and performed service morning and afternoon. The attendance was numerous and respectable. The cheerful manner with which they joined in singing, and the close attention shewn during the whole service, seemed a manifest proof of that interest in the doctrines of the Lord’s New Church, which pervades a great portion of this district. Every fresh visit to this place seems to give new life and spirit to the old recipients; and a strong disposition is manifest to have public worship regularly. The chief obstacle to so desirable a state of things, is the want of a resident leader.
“On the 1st instant I visited West Houghton. The interest excited in favour of the New Jerusalem Church appears not only undiminished, but to be on the increase. Methodism has lost its popularity in that neighbourhood; and nothing appears to be wanting to establish the New Church permanently among them, but regular support from an active and vigilant Missionary Committee. {340} This support they anxiously look for, and trust the time will come when they shall be able to return with interest the pecuniary assistance they have received.”

From Mr. Robert Hindmarsh, Salford, June 1, 1821==65.

“Since the publication of Your last Report, I have made seven visits to different Societies in the neighbourhood of Manchester, viz., two to Bolton, two to Stockport, and one each to Leigh, Middleton, and Warrington. The Stockport Society having come to the resolution of making themselves more publicly known in the town, and having in consequence thereof taken and fitted up a more commodious room, than that which they had heretofore occupied, invited me to open their new place of worship, which I accordingly did on the 22nd of October last. The meeting was well attended; and the Society is likely to increase, under the care of Mr. Richard Gill, their Leader, who is one of the earliest readers of E. S. in this part of the country, and universally esteemed by all who have the happiness of being acquainted with him. I again visited this Society on the l3th of last month, when I found them still zealous in the cause of truth, and anxious to promote its success, not merely by extending the knowledge of divine things among their neighbours, but, what is of much greater importance, by the regularity of their lives, and the spirit of love and Christian charity.”

From Mr. John Pownall, Hulme, July 7, 1821=65.

“West Houghton I have visited once, and found a numerous and attentive company of hearers. The people here appear to be in a state of great simplicity, and very desirous of growing in a knowledge of the genuine sense of the Sacred Scriptures. Most of them have been members of the Methodist Independent Church, the leaders of which, in a lately published Report, complain, “that the mysterious doctrines of Baron Swedenborg have been introduced into their neighbourhood, and have drawn many of their members from the simplicity of the gospel.” They then proceed to “thank God, that all are not gone, and that a few are left, who desire to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified;” having no idea whatever of Christ glorified. It is expected, that a commodious place of worship will shortly be taken in West Houghton, so that the friends will be enabled to assemble under their own vine, and under their own fig-tree, none daring to make them afraid. The Committee will do well to attend to them, by supplying them with visiting Ministers at regular and stated periods.”

From Mr. David Howarth*, Middleton, July 25, 1821–65.
* Mr. D. Howarth was at this time leader of the Society at Middleton. He was ordained on the 12th August, 1824, at the Conference at Birmingham, as the successor to Mr. Hindmarsh, as Minister of the Bolton Street Society, Salford, where he remained, highly respected by all who knew him, till his decease, on the 25th Dec. 1856, in the 67th year of his age. He was consecrated an ordaining Minister at Birmingham, during the Conference, on 17th August, 1832.- ED.

“The following is a brief account of my Missionary journey to Birmingham. I set out from this town on the 5th instant, and arrived at Birmingham the next evening about eight o’clock. A porter conducted me to the house of Mr. Benton, (the place appointed for my residence,) where I was received in the most friendly and hospitable manner by Mr. and Mrs. B. who are both cordial recipients of our doctrines. On Sunday the 8th I delivered two discourses in the Temple in New Hall Street. The audiences were respectable, paid great attention, and were (as I was afterwards told) highly gratified.
“By desire of the friends, I announced for Sunday evening the 15th, a discourse on the true nature of the Holy Word, and the Lord’s Second Advent. On this occasion, as also in the morning, our attendance was more numerous than on the preceding Sunday. Some strangers were present, several of whom expressed much surprise and delight to hear the Word spoken of with reference to its internal sense. We had service again on Tuesday evening the 17th; and it was intended that I should deliver a discourse also on the 19th, but on account of the coronation, this was thought to be inexpedient.
“On the 22nd I preached morning and evening: the hearers were pretty numerous remarkably attentive, and apparently well satisfied. In the afternoon I visited the Sunday School belonging to the Temple, when I was desired to give a short address to the teachers and the children; which I did; endeavouring to show the relative duties of parents, teachers, and children, and the necessity of continuing those duties, to give full effect to such charitable institutions.- {341} I returned home on the 24th.”

That part of the Report, which relates to the Southern District of the kingdom, states, that one of the first steps taken after the formation of the London Committee, was the circulation of the following Address.

Committee Room, 5, King Street, Portman Square, London, Oct. 19, 1820.

“An earnest desire having long prevailed in the hearts of many of the recipients of the heavenly doctrines of the Lord’s New Church, that efforts should be made to disseminate the divine truths of the new dispensation more extensively than has hitherto been done; it is with much satisfaction we inform you, that agreeably to the Resolutions of the General Conference, held at Derby in the month of August last, a Missionary Committee has been established in London, to concert, and pursue, the most effectual measures for promoting this important and glorious design, in that part of Great Britain, south of the Trent.
“That this truly Christian duty of love and charity may be accomplished, it is hoped, that all who hold the truth in affection will favour us with their kind and zealous co-operation; that they will endeavour to kindle the sacred fire in the bosom of others; assist with their advice and pecuniary aid; and also by humble and fervent prayer, that the great Disposer of all will hasten the completion of his spiritual and glorious Church, against which ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail.’
“The Committee are conscious that many and great difficulties are to be encountered, ere much fruit can be gathered into the garner. The powers of darkness will not easily relinquish their hold; nor is it to be doubted, but that those who altogether deny the Lord who redeemed them, on the one hand, and those who have perverted the truths of his most Holy Word on the other, will vigorously strive to maintain their empire;
but, armed with ‘the sword of the Lord and of Gideon,’ we may fearlessly confide the events of the struggle to our Heavenly Captain. Let none therefore say, ‘The time is not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built;’ but rather, endeavouring to fulfil the prophetic command, let each member of his true Church ‘go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord of Hosts.’ ‘Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence; give him no rest till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.’
“Signed in behalf of the Committee,
“WILLIAM CROOK, Secretary.”

The Committee notice a pleasing instance of liberality, as an effect of the preceding Circular, on the part of a lady previously unknown to the Church. Some time ago she called upon the Secretary, and inquiring into the views of the Committee, gave a donation of L5 in furtherance of its objects, and again, some months afterwards, the same lady forwarded a further sum of L20, to be appropriated, at the discretion of the Secretary, either to the Missionary Institution, or to the dissemination of tracts, as suggested in No. 38 of the Intellectual Repository.
Soon after the organization of the Committee it was suggested, that Reading would be a fit place to commence their operations; and some measures were taken, which terminated in procuring, through the instrumentality of the late Mr. John Mansfield, a Chapel in that town for the delivery of some Missionary lectures. It was accordingly arranged, that the Rev. T. Goyder should preach there on Sunday, Sept. 10, 1820. The Society, who were Baptists, occupying the Chapel in the morning, Mr. Goyder conceived that he could not employ the time more profitably, than in performing divine worship in Mr. Mansfield’s house. {342} In the evening he preached in the Chapel, from Ps. xxiv. 9, 10; and in explaining what is spiritually signified by doors and gates, he pointed out the great necessity of lifting them up, “that the King of glory may come in.” After the service Mr. Goyder shook hands with the Minister and several of the people, who at that time appeared to entertain no objection to what had been delivered. It was therefore agreed that a second lecture should take place on the Tuesday evening following; and, as much exertion was used to make the inhabitants of the town acquainted with it, there was every reason to expect a crowded audience. But to the great surprise and disappointment of the friends of the Church, on Tuesday morning Mr. Goyder received a note, stating, that as his opinions were opposite to those of the Minister of the place, he could not be permitted to preach in the Chapel any more. Thus shut out from further attempts in the town of Reading, Mr. Goyder proceeded to Henley-upon-Thames, in the hopes of procuring the use of a Chapel there; but being unable to do so, he returned to London.
After this unsuccessful effort the late Mr. Mansfield, of Reading, finding his health rapidly decline, expressed his desire to perfect an arrangement, which he had long contemplated, of leaving a considerable sum of money for the benefit of the New Church. This he accordingly accomplished; and in a short time afterwards he quitted his earthly tabernacle, in full assurance that the reception and practice of the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem in this life, are introductory to a never-ending state of felicity in the next.*
* Mr. Mansfield, wine merchant, Market Place, Reading, departed this life on the 3rd of April, 1821, in the 39th year of his age. He had been acquainted with the doctrines about ten years, and was a very worthy man, and zealous for the cause. He left by his will a sum of L3,000 to be divided among the Societies established for public worship in London and Manchester, according to their wants and necessities, which were to be determined by persons named in his will. A further sum of L1000 was left, in the hope of establishing a Society and building a Church at Reading, the plans for which were drawn by Mr. Mansfield himself; and also of opening a School there. But although many visits were paid to the place by the Rev. T. Goyder, and great exertions made, they were not successful. It was from the same source that the sum of L300 placed in the hands of the Conference by the late Joseph Clover, Esq., to be applied to Missions North of Trent, and called the “Mansfield Gift,” was derived.- ED.
The use of a large and commodious Chapel in Dover, belonging to a society of General Baptists, having been obtained for any day of the week, except Sunday and Wednesday, the Rev. S. Noble* was requested to undertake a Missionary journey to that place. The following particulars of this expedition are given by Mr. Noble, in a letter to the Secretary, dated June 28,1821.
* Who was ordained May 21, 1820.- ED.

“Accompanied by a friend, who was kind enough to accommodate me with a seat in his gig, I set out, on Monday the 11th instant, to deliver two lectures at Dover, on the doctrines of the New Church. {343} Bills had previously been sent down to be posted and circulated in the town, announcing the time and subjects of the lectures. As we approached Dover on the Tuesday, on the evening of which day the first lecture was to be delivered, we found that the time was rather inauspiciously chosen. A fair was held at a village in the neigh- bourhood; and whilst the gay part of the population was attracted thither, the religious part was going to attend divine service at various Chapels in the vicinity. The crowds that we met, drawn by these attractions, pouring out of the town, were so considerable, that we anticipated a thin attendance at our lecture. And so it proved: the Chapel, which is a neat structure, capable of accommodating from five to six hundred persons, was not more than a third full. The subject of the lecture was the true nature of the Word of God; and we heard of several who expressed a good deal of approbation, and of none who took offence at any thing advanced.
“Previous to the delivery of the second lecture, we took every means in our power to secure a more numerous auditory. We had printed, and distributed at most of the houses in the town, a bill, announcing the lecture, and the subject of it. We also had printed for distribution in the Chapel two hymns, selected for the occasion, with a notice subjoined respecting the works, and the place where they might be purchased. (For it is to be observed, that the London Printing Society, desirous to second the effort, had sent down a selection of books, which were deposited for sale at the principal booksellers. Our good friend Mrs. W.* also sent a parcel of tracts for gratuitous distribution.) Divine Providence seconded these efforts; and on entering the pulpit on Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of seeing the Chapel well filled. Not only were all the seats occupied, but by the time the first hymn was sung, the greater part of the aisles was filled with standers. The lecture was upon the true doctrine of the Scriptures, respecting the Divine Trinity, regeneration, and good works, and it was listened to with the greatest attention, and received, as far as we were able to learn, with approbation. Except the instance of dissent, which I shall mention presently, we heard of no sentiments expressed by any present but those of entire satisfaction; and these were expressed in numerous instances, and in superlative terms. The greatest astonishment appears to have been felt on hearing such rational sentiments from the lips of a disciple of E. S. and avowed to be drawn from his writings: for after the conclusion of the lecture I made a short address to the congregation on the character and writings of Swedenborg,
observing on the unfounded nature of the misconceptions usually attached to his name, and directing attention to the notice respecting the works deposited at the booksellers for sale. One person said to one of our friends, “Am I really to believe, that the doctrines I have just heard are those of Swedenborg?” and on receiving all affirmative answer, he said, “Then I must have been greatly mistaken in the notion I had formed of them.” Indeed there seems reason to believe, that the prejudice against the name of Swedenborg was destroyed with all who were present. It really seemed as if the hearers were spell-bound (for the moment at least) by the power of truth, and compelled to do it homage: how far the will concurred herein, must be decided by time. A gentleman walked from the Chapel with me, and stated his entire conviction, not only that all I had advanced was unanswerable, but also that it was felt to be so by all present. Another gentleman, highly respected in the town for his superior talents and acquirements, and who was observed endeavouring to take down the lecture in short-hand, expressed his satisfaction, and his determination to obtain a perusal of some of the writings. As a proof that the auditory were not at all tired, though the lecture lasted about all hour and a half, a lady said to one of our friends, that she could gladly have sat to hear two hours longer. Two or three gentlemen came into the vestry to me, and expressed a great desire to see the lecture in print; others expressed the same wish to our friends.**
* Watson.- ED.
** This Lecture was published in 1821, under the title – The Divine Trinity, Regeneration, and Good Works; and has been extensively useful. Two Tracts in the London List – The True Object of Worship, and on Regeneration and Good Works, were formed out of it.- ED.
“The conductors of the Chapel, though they retain the name of Baptists, are Unitarians; and I in consequence anticipated, that I should not be allowed to come away without having to defend the sentiments I had offered respecting the sole Divinity of Jesus Christ. Accordingly as soon as the service was over, a stout young man came to me in the vestry, and was followed by three others; so that I began to fear, that I should be oppressed by numbers, as well as by the superior natural powers of the leader. {344} He began with paying me some compliments respecting what he called the moral parts of the lecture; but immediately proceeded, with much fluency and confidence, to reason against the Divinity of the Lord. Having no confidence in my talents for oral discussion, I would gladly have avoided the contest: but as several others gathered round us, who might have lost what good impression the lecture might have made on them, had I appeared afraid of the result, I felt it my duty to endeavour to make a stand. I accordingly did so, in the hope that He, whose name I wished to defend, would not suffer me to be confounded; and I could not but think of the case of David and Goliath, when, after three or four observations had been offered and replied to on both sides, my opponent signified a wish to withdraw from the discussion, acknowledging himself to be unprepared with an answer to the argument drawn from the Lord’s being called (Jer. xxiii. 8.) JEHOVAH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Upon this I shook hands with him, and summed up the debate with observing, that in our interpretations of Scripture we were not to place any passages in irreconcilable opposition to others, but to reduce them to agreement: that to this end, we were not to explain clear declarations by obscure ones, but obscure by clear; and that nothing could be so clear as the language, in which the supreme Divinity of Jesus Christ was affirmed throughout the Scriptures. I then retired, followed by most of the by-standers, who appeared pleased with the manner in which the debate had ended. Afterwards another of the Unitarian leaders came into the vestry, and said respecting me to his friends, in the hearing of one of our’s, ‘Well, he has shaken us a little;- but he has shaken the Trinitarians more.’
“On the whole, there seems reason to conclude, that the visit has proved as beneficial as could be expected, and that a respectable society might be formed in Dover, if there were means to cultivate the field which lies open.
“I must not omit to add, which I do with feelings of gratitude, that we received every attention and support from our friends.”

The London Committee state, that they cannot conclude their part of the General Report without noticing, that

“Extraordinary indications are appearing, that the time for strenuous exertions is arrived. According to divine prediction ‘wars and rumours of wars’ have gone through the kingdoms of Christendom; and now the vast empire of Mahomet is trembling in all its borders. On the other hand, the Holy Word has been translated, and distributed, in almost every language, dialect, and nation of the world; and the interior truths and heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem are exciting increasing interest both in the Old and New Continents. In Sweden they have lately resounded from the halls of the metropolitan university to the throne itself. O let not our beloved country be without its full share of praise! As we have been blessed with so early a knowledge of the divine truths of love and wisdom, may we never cease to implore, that as of old ‘the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, and the spirit of Joshua, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came, and did work in the house of the Lord of Hosts, their God,’ so that now he will again pour forth his spirit, that ‘ye may be strong, and work, O all ye people of the land;’ that it may no more be asked, ‘Is the seed yet in the barn? Yea as yet the vine, and the fig-tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive-tree, hath not brought forth;’ but that the day may speedily come, ‘when living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day there shall be ONE LORD, and his name ONE.”‘

Such is the substance of the information contained in the Fifth Missionary Report, relative to the state of the Church, and the exertions of the different Ministers, since the publication of the last Report. The zeal and ability which have been displayed by the several Missionaries, who have gone forth, in the name of their Divine Master, either to sow, plant, or water, in the great field of the Church, demand and have received the grateful acknowledgments of its members, who, it appears, have needed no other stimulus than a sense of duty, and a love of the truth, to excite them to give their support to the best of causes. Much has already been done, considering the scantiness of the means possessed by the New Church as a body; but infinitely more remains to be achieved, in comparison with which all that has been effected is only as “a drop of a bucket,” or as “the small dust of the balance,” Isa. xl. 15. {345} The divine words of our Lord are therefore constantly to be kept in view, where he says, ” The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest,” Luke x. 2.