CHAP. XVII.

 

THE Fourteenth General Conference of the New Church, assembled in the New Jerusalem Temple, London Terrace, Derby, on Tuesday, the 14th of August, 1821=65, and continued its meetings, by daily adjournments, until Friday, the 17th of the same month. Seven Ministers, nineteen Representatives from different Societies, and other individuals belonging to Derby and its neighbourhood, were present. The meeting being opened by one of the Ministers repeating the Lord’s prayer, the Rev. ROBERT HINDMARSH was unanimously appointed President, and the Rev. SAMUEL NOBLE, Secretary.
The President then addressed the Conference in a short speech, mentioning the principal business which was likely to engage their attention, and exhorting the members to enter upon their deliberations with hearts elevated to the Lord, and to guard, in all their proceedings, against the seductive influence of the love of self, and an undue leaning to the suggestions of their own understandings.
The Minutes of the last Conference being read, thirty-one letters from various Societies and individuals, containing information concerning the state of the Church in general, were presented; and a Committee was appointed to examine the same, with the view of framing an abstract of their contents, to be published in the Appendix to the Minutes.
On reading the 7th Resolution of the last Conference, by which Messrs. Jones and Hindmarsh were desired to prepare a draft of a Liturgy, to be laid before the present Conference; Mr. Hindmarsh reported, that Mr. Jones, in consequence of the pressure of his other avocations, had been unable to take an active part in the drawing up of the proposed Liturgy, but had expressed a readiness to join with the other Ministers in revising and deciding on any form of Liturgy which might be proposed. It was then, after some discussion, agreed that, in consequence of the absence of some Ministers and others, whose advice it was desirable to obtain, the further consideration of this subject be deferred until the next Conference. {346}
The Resolutions in the last Minutes, respecting the Conference and Trustees Appointment Deeds, were then read, when Mr. Madeley reported, that the amendment drafts had been transmitted to Mr. Henry Hindmarsh, Solicitor, of London, as directed by the last Conference, and had been by him submitted to Counsel, who had stated his opinion thereon to be, that they were well adapted to effect the objects designed. Mr. Madeley further reported, that Mr. Henry Hindmarsh had returned the drafts with the Counsel’s opinion, having also sent copies of them to the Societies of London and Manchester.
The amended drafts, with the Counsel’s opinion, being laid upon the table, the General Conference Deed was then read and carefully considered, clause by clause, with the assistance of a legal friend present, when several alterations were made, chiefly with a design to render the Deed more simple: After which it was Resolved unanimously, That the Deed, as corrected, be agreed to.
The Deed of appointment of Trustees was then read and agreed to, with such alterations as were necessary to make it agree with the Conference Deed.
The Conference then proceeded to consider, whether the Deeds should be immediately executed, or be deferred till a future period: and after mature deliberation it was Resolved nemine contradicente, That the Deeds, as agreed to, be executed by the present Conference.
The Conference next took into consideration the appointment of the Trustees; when it was Resolved unanimously, That the number of Trustees be twelve.
It being suggested by all the Ministers present, that it would be much more agreeable to them to be excused from serving the Church in any situation which would involve them in the management of pecuniary affairs, it was Resolved unanimously, That the Ministers be considered as not eligible to be appointed Trustees, and that in case any Trustee should afterwards become a Minister, he shall thereby vacate his situation as Trustee.

“Resolved unanimously, That it is the opinion of this Conference, that in addition to the qualifications of strict integrity and a most devoted attachment to the cause of the New Church, the gentlemen to be appointed Trustees should also be such as are considered in the eyes of the world as substantial persons; since there is a sort of congruity between the circumstance of a person’s holding considerable property in trust, and that of possessing some of his own; and it is certain, that friends of the Church disposed to give or bequeath property to the Conference, must be much influenced by the opinion they may entertain of the responsibility of the Trustees.
“Resolved unanimously, That, on account of the inconvenience that would arise, and the expense which must frequently be incurred, should the Trustees appointed reside in several parts of the kingdom, the whole number be selected from London and Manchester, and that seven of them be residents of London or its vicinity, and five of Manchester or its vicinity. {347}
“Resolved unanimously, That no person be eligible as a Trustee, whose age is below twenty-three years, or beyond fifty-five, at the time of his appointment.”

A number of gentlemen, resident in London and Manchester, were then put in nomination by the Representatives of London and Manchester, as proper persons to be appointed Trustees: upon which the Conference proceeded to determine the election by ballot; when the majority of votes was found to be in favour of the following gentlemen:

For London.

Mr. John Presland,
”   Thomas Jones, (Long Acre,)
”   Joseph Clover,
”   Thomas Jones, (Camden Town,)
”   William Malins,
”   John Oliver French,
”   John Grayson.

For Manchester.

Mr. Francis Goadsby,
”   William Lockett,
”   John Barge,
”   Joseph Lockett,
”   Robert Ashworth.

“Resolved unanimously, That the above-named gentlemen are duly elected, and that their names be inserted in the Deed, as the Trustees thereby to be appointed.”

The Deeds having been engrossed, and duly examined, the Conference proceeded to execute them. The Conference Deed was signed, on the one part, by Mr. Robert Hindmarsh, as the only person present of the four survivors of those by whom the first Conference was called; and, on the other part, by all the other members of the Conference then assembled. The Trustees-Appointment Deed was also signed at the same time, by all the members of the Conference.

“Resolved unanimously, That the following Declaration of Faith be signed by the Trustees on their accepting the Trust.

“TRUSTEES’ DECLARATION.

“I do firmly believe, that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Only God of heaven and earth, and that in Him is the Divine Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: and I believe in the Word of God or Holy Scriptures; and in the Heavenly Doctrines of the New Jerusalem, as contained in the Writings of the Honourable Emanuel Swedenborg, particularly in the Works entitled,

1.    “De Nova Hierosolyma et ejus Doctrina Coelesti, &c. Londini, 1758.
2.    Doctrina Novae Hierosolymae de Domino. Amstelodami, 1763.
3.    Doctrina Novae Hierosolymae de Scriptura Sacra. Amstelodami, 1763.
4.    Doctrina Vitae pro Nova Hierosolyma, ex Praeceptis Decalogi. Amstelodami, 1763.”

A majority of the Trustees appointed being present, signed the above-recited declaration accordingly.

“Resolved unanimously, That to the title of the Minutes of the present Conference there be added the words, ‘Being the First Conference under the General Conference Deed.’
“It was further Resolved unanimously, That the General Conference Deed, and the Deed of Appointment of Trustees, be forwarded to Mr. Henry Hindmarsh, in order that the same be completed and enrolled in the Court of Chancery as early as convenient.”

The thanks of the Conference were then voted to Mr. Henry Hindmarsh, for having so effectually executed the task of preparing, and taking the opinion of Counsel on the Conference and Trust Deeds, and for having caused copies to be made for the use of the Conference and of several Societies: and the Secretary was directed to convey the same to him. {348}

It was also Resolved unanimously, That the form of a Bequest by will be drawn up, for the direction of persons disposed to bequeath money, &c., for the benefit of the New Church; and that the same be submitted to the opinion of Counsel, and afterwards annexed to the Minutes.”

A new Missionary Committee for the ensuing year was then appointed: and a proposal having been made for the formation of a distinct Missionary Society in London, as a measure likely to promote the increase of the New Church, particularly in the southern parts of the kingdom,

“It was Resolved, That it be recommended by this Conference, that a General Meeting of the friends of the New Church in London, be convened as soon as possible, for the purpose of establishing a Missionary Society in that metropolis; and that such Society do appoint their own Committee and Treasurer, and report their proceedings every year to the General Conference.”

On reading the Minute and Resolution, No. 21, of the last Minutes, whereby Mr. Robert Hindmarsh was requested to draw up an answer to the calumnious attack upon the New Church, entitled Swedenborgianism Depicted in its True Colours, Mr. Hindmarsh reported, that he had, in agreement with the above Resolution, published a work, entitled, A Vindication of the Character and Writings of the Honourable Emanuel Swedenborg, &c.”* Mr. Hindmarsh further reported, that such had been the zeal with which the subscription for the above work had been filled up, on its being made known that it could not otherwise be published, that fifty or sixty copies had been subscribed for more than the number printed; so that, although the members of the Church must be pretty generally supplied, and would no doubt be active in handing the work about among their friends, no copies were left for the supply of the general public.
* See page 332, above.- ED.

“It was therefore Resolved unanimously, That this Conference is highly gratified by Mr. Hindmarsh’s compliance with their wishes, and by the promptitude with which the subscription was filled up, on that mode of publication being resorted to; but that they earnestly wish that means could be found for the publication of a second edition, in a cheap form, to be diligently circulated among the public at large.”*
* A second edition in a cheaper form was immediately published.- ED.

The 22nd Minute and Resolution of the last Conference, concerning the propriety of furnishing newly ordained Ministers with a certificate of their having passed through that ceremony in a regular and orderly manner, Mr. Hindmarsh informed the Conference, that he had turned his attention to the subject, and had drawn up a sketch, not only of the certificate recommended to be given to every Minister on his Ordination, but also certain other forms connected with the same subject. Mr. Hindmarsh accordingly read the forms, the titles of which were as follows:

1. “A Form of Invitation to the office of a Minister in the New Church, to be signed either by the Committee of a Society, or by a Secretary in behalf of a Society, and to be addressed to the person whom they are desirous of recommending for Ordination.
2. “Form of the Recommendation of a Candidate for the Ministry of the New Church, to be signed either by the Committee of a Society, or by a Secretary in their behalf, and to be addressed to one or more of the Ordaining Ministers. {349}
3. “Form of the Recommendation of a Candidate for the Ministry of the New Church, to be signed by at least one regularly Ordained Minister, and to be addressed to one or more of the Ordaining Ministers.
4. “Form of a Certificate of Ordination, to be given by the Ordaining Minister to the person Ordained.”
“Resolved unanimously, That the above Forms are approved by this Conference, and that they be introduced into the Code of Laws, to be formed for the regulation of the proceedings of the Conference.”

After passing some other Resolutions of minor importance, and on reading No. 28 of the Minutes of last Conference, concerning the Form of the Ordination of Ministers, the consideration of that subject was postponed till the next General Conference, which was appointed to be held in the New Jerusalem Temple, Salford, Manchester, on the second Tuesday in August, 1822=66.
The Minutes of this Conference, the proceedings of which are of the utmost importance to the New Church, concluded with the following appropriate remarks.

“In looking back upon the transactions of the present Conference, there seems every reason to congratulate the Church at large upon the important measure of the execution of the General Conference Deed and Trustees-Appointment Deed, which has thus happily been brought to a conclusion. Means are now provided, by which the intentions of benevolent individuals, desirous of contributing, by the donation or bequest of property, to the secure and permanent establishment of the Church, may be carried into effect; and all danger of such intentions being defeated, by negligence or want of probity in Executors or Trustees, is entirely precluded. A body of Trustees is appointed, consisting of gentlemen, whose integrity, coupled with the most ardent desire to see and promote the prosperity of our Jerusalem, is well known among their brethren; so that even if the deeds had been so framed as to leave to the Trustees the application of the property which may come into the possession of the Church, not the smallest doubt could be entertained of its faithful and prudent appropriation. This however has not been done. To guard against the remotest possibility, which might at any time arise, of improper persons obtaining a place in the Trust, who might be disposed to misapply the funds in their hands, not the smallest power, as to the disposal of any property, is confided to the Trustees; and to render it impossible for any of them ever to attempt to assume such a power, the right of displacing them at pleasure, and of appointing others in their place, is reserved by the Conference. The Trustees are thus merely a legal hand to take possession of property, which individuals may design for the use of the Church, and which the Church, unless constituted into a regular body, which the law of the land can recognize, and possessed of such hands, would be incapable of touching; and the Conference will always be the presiding mind, by which the actions of the hands must be directed. A double security has thus been provided for the due appropriation of the funds of the Church. In the framing of the Deeds, on the one hand, such caution has been used, that even if, at any future period, improper persons should obtain a place in the Trust, it will not be in their power to do any injury: and on the other hand, in the selection of persons to fill the office, such discretion has been exercised, (and no doubt will be observed in all future instances,) that no harm could be feared, even if the disposal of the property, instead of being retained by the Conference, were relinquished to the Trustees.
“So long as the Church remained not organized into such a body as the law of the land could take cognizance of, persons disposed to give or bequeath property for its use, could have no other security for the fulfilment of their intentions, than such as might be afforded by the integrity of the persons whom they might appoint Trustees or Executors. This might be sufficient in cases where the property was given to be immediately applied to some specific purpose; as the donor might be expected to use due care in the choice of the persons to whom he left the execution of his intention; but in cases where any permanent trust was designed to be created, or where a bequest was to take effect at a future period, no caution on the part of the person bequeathing the property could insure the application of it to the use designed. {350} For admitting that the Trustees first appointed by him should be faithful to their charge, who could engage that this would be the case with their successors? According to law, the Executors and legal Representatives of any person holding property in trust, stand, on his decease, in his place, and have the same command over the funds deposited in his hands as he himself had while living. Admitting then that the Trustee appointed by the Donor himself, being a men of integrity, and well-disposed to the cause of the New Church, should make a faithful application of the property as long as he lived; how often must it be expected to happen, that his legal representatives, succeeding in his place by no other rule but nearness of kindred, would be men of different character,- perhaps decided enemies to the New Church,- persons who might even think it a meritorious act to divert the funds designed for her support into other channels! And this abuse, so likely to happen, could neither be prevented nor remedied, as there would be no persons or body of persons, recognized by law, to call such delinquents to account. Should such private Trustees even determine to put the money confided to their care into their own pockets, there would be no means of compelling them to refund. But by the Conference and Trustees-Appointment Deeds, these inconveniences are remedied. It is expressly provided, that, on the decease of a Trustee, the trust shall not pass to his legal representatives, but shall revert to the Conference, who shall at their next meeting appoint a successor; and the actual disposal of the property will in all cases remain with the Conference, which will possess an entire control over the Trustees, and will be so constituted as always to consist of such individuals as are believed by their brethren to be sincerely attached to the cause of the New Jerusalem. It will still remain in the power of persons giving or bequeathing property, to direct, if they think proper, the specific use to which they may wish their donations to be applied; but by ordering the property to be paid to the Trustees appointed by the Conference, instead of any private Trustees, they will leave the execution of their intentions to a body of men, who, in a legal point of view, can never die, and who must always be animated by the sincerest disposition to bring into effect every measure, and faithfully to discharge every trust, which has the welfare of the New Church, in any of its branches, for its object.
“But while the Conference rejoice that, under the guidance, as they confidently trust, of the Divine Providence, they have been enabled to complete a measure so well calculated to lay a firm basis for the establishment of the Church in its ultimate form, they, in the anticipations of the future prosperity of our Zion, are far from placing their chief dependence on this or any other outward ground of hope. They are aware, that the main strength of the Church must ever depend on its internal advancement in the sacred principles of charity and faith. Unless these form the reigning motives in the hearts of those of whom the Church in the aggregate consists, it is in vain to hope, by measures of an external kind, however promising and judicious, to gain any accession of strength to our cause. It is right – and Divine Truth inculcates it upon us as a duty – to employ in our conduct the prudence of the serpent, – to avail ourselves, for securing the Church from injury, of such suggestions as the acuteness and circumspection of even the sensual principle can offer: but this will not be of the least avail, unless connected with its proper internal, the harmlessness of the dove. Be it then the supreme object of concern, with every individual who acknowledges the Lord Jesus Christ as his only God, to grow in the inward graces which that acknowledgment is calculated to generate in the bosom. Thus will our external forms possess an internal essence, and, by the sacred union, the Church will be invested with a power, which shall eventually subdue the nations to her sway.”

To the Minutes are added an Appendix, and a Supplement, containing copies of the Conference and Trustees-Appointment Deeds, with observations on them; a catalogue of letters received by the Conference, with an abstract of their contents; the form of a clause to be inserted in the will or codicil of a person desirous of giving money for the benefit of the New Church; a list of Societies in Great Britain, in connexion with the General Conference, to the 1st of September, 1821; the Treasurer’s statement of his accounts; legal information, designed for the direction of persons desirous of giving property for the use of the New Church, either by will or by deed of gift; and remarks explanatory of the description of property named in the statute of Mortmain. {351}
As the Conference and Trust Deeds, executed at the present Conference, and afterwards enrolled in the high Court of Chancery, may be said to form the civil basis, upon which the New Church stands in this country, and the natural tie, by which her members are united, in subordination to those higher principles of the true Christian life, which first collected them into one body, and still continue to cement them together in the bonds of spiritual consociation; correct copies of those Deeds are well worthy of being preserved, and are therefore here given.

CONFERENCE DEED.

“Deed declaring what is meant by, and the Persons composing, the General Conference of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation.

“I. TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, We the undersigned send greeting. Whereas in or about the year 1788, certain persons, to wit, Thomas Wright, Robert Hindmarsh, John Augustus Tulk, Thomas Willdon, Richard Thompson, Isaac Hawkins, Manoah Sibly, Samuel Smith, and James Hindmarsh, being persons composing a Committee of members of the first established Society in London of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Apocalypse, or Revelation of John, appointed a General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, to be held in London in the following year, among other purposes for disseminating the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem, as contained in the Word of God or Holy Scriptures, and elucidated in the Writings of the Honourable Emanuel Swedenborg; which Conference was held accordingly in the month of April, in the year of our Lord 1789:-
“II. And whereas a like General Conference has been continued from time to time for the purposes for which the said First General Conference was appointed to be held:
“III. And whereas divers buildings, called Temples, Churches, Chapels, Schools, or Rooms, with various appurtenances to each of the same belonging, have been given, conveyed, or otherwise assured, by the builders, owners, or other persons, to certain persons in the said gifts, conveyances, or assurances named, and their successors, to be chosen in manner therein prescribed, for the support, establishment, and maintenance, of the said New Church:
“IV. And whereas several persons being desirous, and it being expected that other persons may hereafter become desirous, of giving, conveying, or assuring, lands and hereditaments, or interest arising out of lands or hereditaments; or of giving, bequeathing, assigning, or assuring, monies, chattels, and effects, for the like support and establishment of the said New Church; to be used, employed, and disposed of by, and to be under the control and direction of, the General Conference, and for the benefit of the said New Church:-
“V. And in order that no doubt or litigation may hereafter arise with respect to the persons who do now, or who shall henceforth, constitute the said General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation; it has been found expedient to explain and describe what is meant by the words, ‘General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation,’ contained, or to be contained, in all and each of the said Trust Deeds, or in any will, conveyance, or other assurance; and to declare what persons are and shall be members of the said General Conference, and how the succession and identity thereof are to be continued for ever:-
“VI. Now therefore these presents witness, that for accomplishing the purposes aforesaid, the said Robert Hindmarsh, John Augustus Talk, Richard Thompson, and Manoah Sibly, being the only survivors of the aforesaid Committee who convened the said First General Conference in London, do hereby declare, that the said General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, ever since there hath been any such General Conference, hath hitherto consisted of such persons as have professed and do profess to believe, that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Only God of heaven and earth, and that in him is the Divine Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and to believe in the Word or Holy Scriptures, and in the Heavenly Doctrines of the New Jerusalem, as contained in the Writings of the Honourable Emanuel Swedenborg, particularly in the following works, viz. {352}

“1. De Nova Hierosolyma et ejus Doctrina Coelesti, &c. Londini, 1758.
“2. Doctrina Novae Hierosolymae de Domino. Amstelodami, 1763.
“3. Doctrina Novae Hierosolymae de Scriptura Sacra. Amstelodami, 1763.
4. Doctrina Vitae pro Nova Hierosolyma, ex Praeceptis Decalogi. Amstelodami, 1763.

“VII. And these presents further witness, and the said Robert Hindmarsh, John Augustus Tulk, Richard Thompson, and Manoah Sibly, with the concurrence of the several other parties hereto, do hereby declare, that such of the parties hereto as are assembled in Conference on the day of the date hereof, and who have signed their names to these presents, do constitute the General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, according to the intention of the persons who convened the First General Conference as aforesaid:-
“VIII. And further, that the several persons parties hereto, composing the said General Conference and every future General Conference to be chosen and appointed as hereinafter mentioned, are, and shall be, and be construed and taken to be, the General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, in regular and orderly succession from the said First General Conference:-
“IX. And in order that the succession and identity of the General Conference may be continued and maintained, it is further declared, that every Minister for the time being, who shall have been regularly ordained and admitted into the Ministry of the said New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, by some one or more of the Ordaining Ministers thereof for the time being, (such Ordaining Ministers being recognized in that capacity by any General Conference,) shall, by virtue of such his Ordination, be entitled to a seat in, and be considered as a member of, every General Conference that shall hereafter be held during the term of his natural life, unless he shall be declared by any General Conference to be an improper person to be continued such member; in which case, and from the time of such declaration being made, he shall cease to be a member of the said Conference.
“X. And further, that every Society of the said New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, in Great Britain, Ireland, or elsewhere, consisting of twelve members or upwards; or several Societies in conjunction, whose united numbers shall amount to twelve or upwards; shall (until the circumstances and condition of the said New Church, in the judgment of some future General Conference, otherwise require) be entitled to send to the General Conference, one or more Representative or Representatives, not exceeding the numbers hereinafter limited, to be annually chosen and appointed by each Society from among themselves: and such Representative or Representatives shall, on verifying his or their respective appointment, be admitted as members of the General Conference, and continue such members until the assembling of the next General Conference; and shall, equally with the Ministers present, have the right of voting on all questions whatsoever that shall come before such General Conference; that, previous to every General Conference, each Society shall choose its Representative or Representatives for the next General Conference, but so that no Society send more representatives than hereinafter limited: and such several Representatives, when assembled, or such of them as shall attend at the time appointed for holding the General Conference, shall, together with the regularly Ordained Ministers present, from time to time and at all times, constitute, for the time being, the General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation.
“XI. Provided nevertheless, that no Society shall be entitled to send any greater number of Representatives to the General Conference, than the number herein specified for each Society; (that is to say) every Society consisting of twelve members and not exceeding fifty, or several Societies in conjunction, whose united numbers shall amount to twelve or upwards, shall be entitled to send one Representative: every Society, consisting of more than fifty members and not exceeding one hundred, shall be entitled to send two Representatives; and every Society, consisting of more than one hundred members, shall be entitled to send three Representatives.
“XII. And it is hereby especially declared, that the said General Conference shall be subject to the further regulations hereinafter prescribed; (that is to say,) {353}

“1. That the acts of the majority in number of the said General Conference assembled as aforesaid, shall be deemed and taken to be the acts of the whole General Conference, to all intents, purposes, and constructions whatsoever.
“2. That all acts of the General Conference, carried by a majority of votes as aforesaid, shall be written and entered in the Journals or Minutes of the same, which shall be kept for that purpose, publicly read, and then subscribed by the President and Secretary for the time being, during the time such General Conference shall be assembled; and when so entered and subscribed, shall be deemed and taken to be the acts of the General Conference; and such entry and subscription as aforesaid, shall be received and taken as evidence of all and every such acts of the General Conference; and whatsoever shall not be so entered and subscribed as aforesaid, shall not be deemed or taken to be the act of the General Conference.
“3. That the said General Conference shall at all times hereafter have the right and power of making such alterations or additions to the Rules and Regulations herein prescribed, and of adopting such measures, and making such Rules and Regulations, as may be deemed necessary: and also the right and power of appointing select Committees, and doing all other things for the more orderly and effectual establishing of the said General Conference, and the welfare of the said New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation.
“And, lastly, it is hereby agreed, that the said General Conference, from time to time, as and when occasion shall require, shall nominate and appoint fit and proper persons to be Trustees, in whom may be vested any Lands, Tenements, or Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, and Effects, for the benefit of the said New Church, and when necessary may remove any such Trustee or Trustees, and may nominate and appoint other fit and proper persons to fill up any vacancies in the said Trust arising from any such removal, or by death, neglect, or refusal, or by becoming incapable to act in such Trust, residing beyond the seas, and on every other occasion where the said General Conference, or any future General Conference, shall think the same expedient. Subject, nevertheless, to all such Clauses, Provisoes, Stipulations, and Agreements, Rules, Orders, and Declarations, as the said General Conference shall think proper, and shall from time to time adopt, or carry by a majority of votes as aforesaid. In witness whereof, &c.

Dated “August 17, 1821.”
[Signed, on the one part, by “ROBERT HINDMARSH,” as the only person present of the four Survivors of those by whom the First Conference was called*; and, on the other part, by the remainder of the persons composing the Fourteenth General Conference of the New Church, whose names are as follow:]
* The Deed was afterwards signed by RICHARD THOMPSON and MANOAH SIBLY. JOHN AUGUSTUS TULK, the other of the four Survivors, was then abroad, and did not sign the Deed.

JOSEPH PROUD,        THOMAS BEAUMONT,
RICHARD JONES,        JEREMIAH LAMBE,
THOMAS GOYDER,        JOHN PRESLAND,
EDWARD MADELEY,        WILLIAM MALINS,
SAMUEL NOBLE,        WILLIAM STURGEON,
JAMES ROBINSON,        JOSEPH CLOVER,
WILLIAM SMITH,        JERVOISE BUGBY,
JOHN BENTON,        WILLIAM DEAN,
EDWARD TURNER,        WILLAM LOCKETT,
WILLIAM JOLLIFFE,        JOHN BARGE,
JEREMIAH TATLOW,        JOSEPH LOCKETT,
JONATHAN GILBERT,        ROBERT ASHWORTH.
EDWARD TUTING,

TRUSTEES-APPOINTMENT DEED.

“Deed of Appointment, by the General Conference of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, of Trustees, to receive Lands, &c., for the Benefit of the said New Church. {354}

“TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, We the undersigned send greeting. Whereas by a General Conference Deed or Instrument and Deed of Rules and Regulations, under our hands and seals, being the members, or the majority of the members, of the General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, held this day, and hearing even date herewith, after reciting that in or about the year 1788 certain persons therein particularly named, being persons composing a Committee of members of the first established Society in London of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Apocalypse or Revelation of John, appointed a General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, to be held in London in the following year, among other purposes for disseminating the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem, as contained in the Word of God or Holy Scriptures, and elucidated in the Writings of the Honourable Emanuel Swedenborg; and which said General Conference is therein slated to have been accordingly held, in the month of April, 1789, and that a like General Conference had been continued from time to time for the purposes for which the said First General Conference was appointed to be held; and that divers buildings, called Temples, Churches, Chapels, Schools, or Rooms, with various appurtenances to each of the same belonging, had been given, conveyed, or otherwise assured, by the builders, owners, or other persons, to certain persons in the said gifts, conveyances, or assurances named, and their successors, to be chosen in manner therein prescribed, for the support, establishment, and maintenance of the said New Church; also that several persons being desirous, and it being expected that other persons might become desirous, of giving, bequeathing, conveying, or assuring divers lands, tenements and hereditaments, chattels and effects, for the like support and establishment of the said New Church, to be used, employed, and disposed of by, and to be under the control and direction of, the General Conference of the said New Church; and that in order that no doubt or litigation might thereafter arise with respect to the persons who did then, or should thenceforth, constitute the said General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation; it had been found expedient to explain and describe what was meant by the words, ‘General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation,’ then contained, or to be contained, in such Trust Deeds, or in any will, conveyance, or other assurance, and to declare what persons were and should be members of the said General Conference, and how the succession and identity thereof were to be continued for ever: It was witnessed, that for accomplishing the purposes aforesaid, the several persons, parties thereto, being the only survivors of the aforesaid Committee who convened the said First General Conference in London, did thereby, with the concurrence of the said other parties thereto and hereto, declare, that the General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, ever since there had been any such General Conference, had theretofore consisted of such persons as professed to believe, that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was the only God of heaven and earth, and that in him was the Divine Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and to believe in the Word of God or Holy Scriptures, and in the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem, as contained in the Writings of the Honourable Emanuel Swedenborg, particularly in the works therein-after mentioned: And it was by the now reciting Deed further declared, that such of the parties thereto as were assembled in Conference on the day of the date thereof and hereof, did constitute the General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, according to the intention of the persons who convened the First General Conference as aforesaid; and it was thereby further declared, that the several persons, parties thereto, composing the said present General Conference, and every future General Conference to be chosen and appointed as therein-after mentioned, were, and should be, and be construed and taken to be, the General Conference of the Ministers and other members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation, in regular and orderly succession from the said First General Conference, and in order that the succession and identity of the General Conference might be continued and maintained, such Declarations, Rules, and Regulations, were entered into and agreed upon as therein mentioned and fully stated; and amongst others it was thereby declared and agreed, that the said General Conference, from time to time, as and when occasion should require, should nominate and appoint fit and proper persons to be Trustees, in whom might be vested any Lands, Tenements, or Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, and Effects, for the benefit of the said New Church, and, when necessary, might remove such Trustees, and appoint others, and might also nominate and appoint fit and proper persons to fill up any vacancies in the said Trust, arising from such removal, or by death, neglect, refusal, or becoming incapable to act in such Trust, or residing beyond the seas, and on every other occasion where the said General Conference or any future General Conference should think the same expidient: subject nevertheless to all such Clauses, Provisoes, Stipulations, and Agreements, Rule, Orders, and Declarations, as the said General Conference should think proper; as by the said in part recited Deed, reference being had thereto, will appear:- {355}
“Now know ye, that we the undersigned, being the persons composing the said present General Conference, do by these presents, and in pursuance of the said recited power or declaration for this purpose contained in the said in part recited Deed, nominate and appoint Thomas Jones, of Long Acre, London, Lace Manufacturer; Thomas Jones, of Camden Town, near London, Merchant; Joseph Clover, of Newman Street, London, gentleman; John Oliver French, of Cotton Garden, Whitehall, gentleman; John Presland, of King Street, St. James’s, Hatter; John Grayson, of Featherstone Buildings, Holborn, Tailor; William Malins, of Kennington, near London, Maltster; John Barge, of Broughton, near Manchester, Calico Printer; Francis Goadsby, of Salford, Manchester, Druggist; Robert Ashworth, of Manchester, Linen Manufacturer; William Locket, of Manchester, Linen Draper; and Joseph Lockett, of Salford, Manchester, Engraver, to be Trustees for the time being of all Lands, Tenements or Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, and Effects, which now belong to, or which may hereafter, during so long as they shall continue Trustees, be given, granted, or bequeathed, or settled, to or for the benefit of the said New Church: subject nevertheless to all such clauses, provisoes, stipulations and agreements, rules, orders, and declarations, including the power of removal, and of appointing new Trustees upon such removal, and upon all such other occasions as are comprised in the said in part recited Deed, or as the present or any future General Conference shall from time to time think proper, for the regulation and government of the said Trustees and of the Trust estates and effects.”

Dated “August 17, 1821”
[Signed by all the Members of the Conference, whose Names are as follows:]

“ROBERT HINDMARSH, President,
JOSEPH PROUD,
RICHARD JONES,
THOMAS GOYDER,
EDWARD MADELEY,
SAMUEL NOBLE,
JAMES ROBINSON,
WILLIAM SMITH,
JOHN BENTON,
EDWARD TURNER,
WILLIAM JOLLIFFE,
JEREMIAH TATLOW,
JONATHAN GILBERT,

EDWARD TUTING,
THOMAS BEAUMONT,
JEREMIAH LAMBE,
JOHN PRESLAND,
WILLIAM MALINS,
WILLIAM STURGEON,
JOSEPH CLOVER,
JERVIS BUGBY,
WILLIAM DEAN,
WILLIAM LOCKETT,
JOHN BARGE,
JOSEPH LOCKETT,
ROBERT ASHWORTH.”

In order to remove any misunderstanding that might arise from the preceding Deeds, the Conference judged it expedient to make a few observations on their nature and effect.
First, they observe, that “the nature of the Conference Deed is principally to declare what persons have heretofore constituted the General Conference of the New Church:”- And secondly, that the legal effect of the Deed is to form Members of the New Church into a distinct Body, under the title of “The General Conference of the Ministers and other Members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Apocalypse or Revelation of John;” whereby alone they will be able to conduct such of the affairs of the New Church as may come under their superintendance.

“Future Conferences will be composed of Ministers ordained and admitted into the Ministry of the New Church by any Minister recognized as an Ordaining Minister by the present Conference, and of the Representatives of the New Church Societies.
“The Conference do not claim authority over any Society, neither will any act of Conference be binding upon the Societies that do not acknowledge its authority. And even with Societies acknowledging the authority of Conference, some acts may only be recommended for adoption; as has been proposed, for instance, in the case of a Liturgy. The object of the Conference is the welfare of the New Church, and this object can only be accomplished by Societies co-operating with Conference. {356} Of course the Conference* will be disposed to assist the Societies connected with it, previous to extending its aid to Societies not acknowledging its authority.
* The several societies in Scotland are, however, in connection with the Conference.- ED
“With respect to the Trust Deed, the object of appointing Trustees is, that persons may vest property in them, whereby the same will be protected by law, and also be under the control and direction of Conference.
“Thus it is expected, that the Conference will hereafter possess pecuniary means of benefiting the Church. But of course the Conference cannot have controul over any property, except that voluntarily vested by the owners in the Trustees, for the express purpose of being subject to the controul and direction of Conference.”

On the day after the execution of the Trust Deed, the Rev. Joseph Proud and Mr. Joseph Clover, with the concurrence of the latter gentleman’s brother, Mr. John Wright Clover, presented to the Conference L300 Three per Cent Consols, being a sum vested in them, as Trustees, for the benefit of the New Church, by the late Mrs. Berry, of Aylesham, in Norfolk. And Mr. Joseph Clover generously engaged to defray all the expenses attending the Transfer and Conveyance of the said Stock.
Of the letters addressed to this Conference, several suggested useful hints respecting the Deeds, which were properly attended to; while others, under the present circumstances of the Church, were deemed impracticable. The opinion of the friends at large, on the measures proposed for adoption, and the necessity of coming to a speedy decision upon them, were very manifest.
A letter from the Society at Edinburgh, signed by George Dichmont, their Secretary, states, that while the New Church in Scotland approve the object contemplated by their brethren in England, of giving the Church a legal establishment by the execution of a Conference Deed, they doubt whether the Church in Scotland, as living under a different code of laws from those of England, can participate in the advantages of the proposed measure. They therefore submit, “whether it would not be better for the Church in England to go on as a body by herself, and bring into active use the Deeds in question; and that the Church in Scotland do give herself a like establishment by the registration of a similar Deed in the Register House, at Edinburgh: And that each Society in both kingdoms, where the law admits, do get themselves enrolled or registered in their respective local Courts, where they are situated.” This suggestion had weight with the Conference, but it was not thought necessary to make any alteration in the form adopted.
Another letter, from Mr. Samuel Walter, states, that in May, 1813, Mr. Thomas Gill, of Liverpool, since deceased, by Deed of Gift, made over to twelve gentlemen, a certain warehouse, houses, and land, situate in Tythebarn Street, Liverpool, for the use of the New Church, but which property had never come into the hands of the persons appointed as Trustees. Mr. Walter adds, that he had lately searched the Enrolment Office in Chancery Lane, London, where he had found the Deed duly enrolled, and had read it over. {357} A legal friend present at the Conference observed, on this letter being read, that a gift of this kind was void in law, unless the giver yield up possession of the property to the Trustees immediately upon the execution of the Deed. This not having been done, the property was therefore lost to the Church, and the good intentions of the donor were frustrated.
A letter from Reading communicates the gratifying intelligence, that the late Mr. John Mansfield, of that place, has, by his last will and testament, bequeathed the sum of L3000 for the benefit of the Societies established for public worship in London and Manchester.*
* See page 342, above.- ED.
In looking over the letters, thirty-one in number, the Conference was much struck by observing the agreement which prevailed through them on the subject of the Conference and Trust Deeds. Out of the whole number only one stated any objection to the measure: all the rest recommended their execution either more or less strongly. On the whole, then, it may be affirmed, that the unanimity with which the important step has been taken, was truly extraordinary, and affords the happiest reason to conclude, that it will tend, as was hoped, to cement the Church more closely together in the bond of union;
and by such union, as well as by its external influence in securing property, to communicate a degree of strength to the united whole, which will powerfully advance its progress in the world.*
* These observations on the nature, object, and effect of the Conference Deed, are of the greatest importance, and should, with the Deed itself, be strongly impressed upon the mind of every member who takes an interest in the external order of the Church, and its stability. Members attending Conference, and especially the ministers, who, although not elective, are entitled under the Deed, to be members of every Conference which they may please to attend- ED.
It may be further remarked, on the gifts or bequests intended for the benefit of the New Church, that, for want of legal delivery, on the part of our respected and worthy friend, Mr. Thomas Gill, late of Liverpool, (to whose zeal in the cause of divine truth I can bear personal testimony,) and of a legal hand to receive the proffered gift, which he so generously intended to bestow, the New Church has actually lost, in this instance, property to the amount of at least L1000. In another instance, that of Mr. James Arbouin, late of London, a sum of perhaps equal magnitude, according to the intention of the donor, has been also lost, though providentially the remainder of his bequest was legally secured, and has, after a long and precarious suit in Chancery, been awarded to the New Church. A third instance of similar loss arising from a legal defect in the form of the legacy, has been experienced in the case of Mr. Samuel Mottram, late of Manchester. {358} But in the two cases of Mr. John Mansfield, late of Reading, in Berkshire, and Mr. Thomas Chester, late of Dover, in the county of Kent, their legacies, to the amount of L3000 each, in consequence of the regularity and legality of their respective bequests, have been received by the proper persons, and are now producing the very effects to which they were consecrated; the former in promoting the public worship of the New Church, and the latter in educating the children of the poor in the most useful branches of knowledge, and especially in the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem.
After much deliberation, and the best legal advice that could be procured, to keep clear of the prohibitions contained in the 9th George II. c. 36, commonly called the statute of Mortmain, the following was adopted as the most correct FORM OF A CLAUSE, to be inserted in the Will or Codicil of a person desirous of giving money for the benefit of the New Church.

“I give and bequeath unto the Trustees appointed by ‘The General Conference of the Ministers and other Members of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation,’ the sum of      to be raised and paid out of such parts of my personal Estate and Effects, as by law I am enabled to charge therewith, and as shall not consist of Estates, or Interests in, or arising out of, or from, any Messuages, Lands, or Hereditaments; UPON TRUST, and to the intent, that they, the said Trustees, may stand possessed thereof, and pay, apply, and dispose of the same, and all interests, Dividends, and Proceeds thereof, as the General Conference for the time being of the said New Church shall at any time, and from time to time, direct or appoint, for or towards the support thereof, and carrying on the charitable designs of the said New Church; and I do desire, that the said sum of      may be paid to the said Trustees as soon after my decease as may be, and may take precedence of any other Legacy payable out of my personal Estate.”

The preceding Form of Bequest is recommended to be used in cases where the property, out of which the Legacy is to be paid, is in ENGLAND, and not when the property is in Scotland, Ireland, or elsewhere. And although such Form of Bequest is given in the shape of a Money Legacy, it must not be supposed, that persons are prohibited by the above Act from giving other personal Estate to the Trustees, to be sold or otherwise, as the persons making the disposition may think proper; for such may be given, provided that the Executors or Trustees are not obliged to lay it out in the purchase of land, &c., in ENGLAND, by virtue of any direction of the Testator for that purpose. But where other personal Estate is to be given, the Form of the Bequest must of course be varied, to correspond with the description of the property, as well as to the Trusts upon which it is to be settled.
The Act of Parliament being merely of local operation, and not extending to any other part of the dominions of the Crown than ENGLAND, persons, whose property is in Scotland, Ireland, or elsewhere, may, if there is not any law of the country where the property is situate, to the contrary, dispose of it by will or otherwise, for charitable uses, and consequently for the benefit of the New Church. {359}
In general, it may be observed, that a person desirous of disposing of property by will, for the benefit of the New Church, must see, First, the necessity of having the will made, in all respects, agreeable to the law of the country where the property intended to be disposed of is situated: Secondly, of directing the distribution of such property, in agreement with the law of the country wherein the same is to be applied: Thirdly, of expressing in writing the Trusts upon which the disposition is made: Fourthly, of pointing out the charitable object or purpose, to which the donation is to be applied: Fifthly, of ascertaining how far changes in the description of the property, subsequent to the making of the will, may tend to frustrate the intention: And, Sixthly, how far any change in the situation of the persons intrusted with the execution of such will, either by death, lunacy, or otherwise, will render an alteration necessary.
The Conference close these and other important observations with remarking, that, as on many occasions legal assistance is absolutely necessary, they hope the members of the Church will obtain the best advice, and use every means to have their intentions, legally effected, and thereby prevent loss to the Church, which must otherwise be inevitably sustained.
The legal friend, Mr. James Knight, of Burton-upon-Trent* who supplied the valuable information contained in the Appendix and Supplement to the Minutes of the Fourteenth General Conference, from which the above are extracted, makes the following remarks in his accompanying letter to the Secretary:
* Mr. Knight was removed to the spiritual world, on the 2nd of October, 1858, aged 68.- ED.

“I think there is great reason to believe, that considerable benefit will result from thus circulating [with the printed Minutes] this branch of the law, so materially affecting the New Church, inasmuch as every member will thereby be able (if necessary) to instruct his professional adviser. This is an anomaly, but experience proves the necessity of taking sure means to prevent similar losses to those already sustained by the Church. I have bestowed great labour upon this production, as is apparent from the many points noticed; and though convinced it might have been performed much better, I nevertheless feel confident, that it will in a great measure answer the end proposed. The language is of necessity familiar. I have therefore been compelled to mark under many words, &c., to inform lawyers, that the rules laid down in some places are to be confined to this subject, &c. &c; and the sentences are constructed in a peculiar way to exclude the conclusions that Lawyers would otherwise draw, when applying General Rules of Law to a subject to which they are not applicable, and yet so as not to exclude the proper legal inferences. In other words, the sentences are constructed in a manner not to mislead professional men, and at the same time to give sufficient information to persons who have not received a professional education. In thus framing sentences, there was great difficulty, having to clothe the legal ideas, as it were, in all unprofessional dress; and repetition became necessary. There is not, however, any thing so difficult, but that by diligence it may be overcome; and I hope in this instance the attempt is successful.
“You will observe, an advantage is gained by printing the Act, [which is done in the Supplement to the Minutes,] as it not only introduces the prohibitory law respecting dispositions by will, but at the same time discloses the mode by which Lands, Tenements, or Hereditaments, may be given to the Trustees, to be under the control of the Conference;- in short, how Lands, &c., may be given on all occasions for the benefit of the Church. {360} Some valuable observations are added by way of note, so as to shew the law upon the subject of Gifts of Land by Deed. The whole forms, in my opinion, the necessary information to professional men, and enough to acquaint the members of the New Church, that if their intentions, in respect to these matters, are henceforth disappointed, the fault will principally rest with themselves.”

The Appendix contains a list of fifty-two Societies belonging to the New Church in Great Britain, which were supposed to be the whole number existing at the time when the Fourteenth General Conference was held at Derby, in the year 1821. But it is now known, that there were several others not included in the list, and that the number has since increased; not to mention those which have been formed in Ireland.

In Sweden, the avowed receivers of the new doctrines cannot as yet escape persecution. The Rev. Mr. Tybeck, literally a martyr in the cause of the New Church, has been repeatedly prosecuted for his attachment to its doctrines; and though acquitted before a civil tribunal, his ecclesiastical superiors, less liberal than those of this country, have stripped him of the preferment which he held in the Church, and have thrown him, at the age of seventy, and with a large family, destitute into the world.
Mr. Geyer, also, a Professor in the University of Upsala, a man enjoying a high degree of celebrity for his attainments in literature and science, and who has embraced with great cordiality the doctrines of the New Church, and advocated them in some of his public discourses, has been equally exposed to the same harsh treatment. He has sustained a persecution from some of the Clergy of the diocese, similar to that of which Drs. Beyer and Rosen were made the objects during the lifetime of Swedenborg. A suit was instituted against him, with the view of depriving him of his preferments; and he was opposed by one of the most powerful upholders of the old system: but on the day of trial the cause of truth triumphed, and sentence was given in his favour. The consequences have been the direct countenance and friendship of the Crown Prince Oscar, and the patronage of the King.* The whole transaction, it is said, caused a great sensation throughout Sweden.
* This king was Charles John XIV., the famous Bernadotte, who was removed into the spiritual world in 1844, and was succeeded by the Crown Prince Oscar, mentioned above, who also departed to the spiritual world in 1859.- ED.
A Calvinistic Minister, in the neighbourhood of Boston, North America, Mr. Holland Weeks, has been tried and dismissed, for his adherence to the doctrines of the New Church. This has caused many persons to inquire after the books, who might otherwise have been content to remain ignorant of them. {361} Mr. Weeks has since been ordained in the New Church; and being a man of good talent and education, is deservedly considered as a most valuable acquisition to the cause of divine truth. He has lately travelled about 500 miles through the State of Virginia, and, availing himself of every opportunity to proclaim the truths of the new dispensation, has excited an interest in their favour that cannot fail to be productive of much good.*
A Baptist Minister, also, who having, with the greater part of his flock, embraced the principles of the New Church, is stated to be diligent in visiting and forming Societies in different places, and to have gained the favourable attention of at least a thousand hearers. And at Cincinnati, in the State of Ohio, the New Church is said to be rapidly increasing.
The Society at New York have purchased a house for public worship, that will contain from eight hundred to a thousand persons. It was consecrated on the 1st of July, 1821, the day previous to the meeting of the General Convention at New York.
A very satisfactory account has likewise been received of the progress, which the heavenly doctrines are making in the Settlement of Demarara, in South America, several new affectionate readers having been lately added to the number of those who were already members of the New Church.
An application has been made by some gentlemen at Potsdam, in Prussia, to the London Printing Society, to print in England, for the benefit of Continental readers a new edition of the True Christian Religion in the German language; and they promise “to do all in their power to contribute as much as their means allow, to the accomplishment of so salutary and beneficial a work.” The letter is dated April 28,1821, and signed “VORPAHL, Pastor Primarius; FRANK, Apothecary of his Majesty; and REYMANN, Capitaine.” But, it appears, the funds of the Society would not enable them to comply with this request; though it is certain, their good wishes to promote the circulation of the Writings, in this and every other possible way, would lead them to exert all their strength in efforts to make known to the world at large the saving truths of the new dispensation.
In the early part of 1822, a place of worship for the New Church was opened in the island of Jersey. Although the readers in that island are not numerous, consisting of five in the capital, St. Heliers, and six or seven in the country, they have engaged a room for public worship, which is neatly fitted up, and capable of containing 120 or 130 persons. They had previously begun to assemble together for the devotions of the Sabbath, a Mr. Le Cras*, who had some time since espoused the cause with much ardour, performing the Ministerial duties. {362} This gentleman, however, being indisposed at the time appointed for the opening of their little Chapel, Captain Gomm, of the Royal Navy, the first promoter of the New Church in the island, consented to officiate in his stead.** The place was most respectably attended, and the impression produced on the audience by the discourse, was strikingly visible. A newspaper, printed in the island, contains the following very candid account and remarks:
* Mr. Le Cras is still living in Jersey. He is the author of The Theological Contrast, and The Philosophy of a Divine Revelation.- ED.
** Captain Gomm was removed to the spiritual world, on the 22 Nov., 1838, aged 77, and appears to have been a receiver above 50 years. He was personally known to several of the gentlemen who held their first meetings in the Temple, London, to whom he was introduced by his father, brother-in- law to the then late Lord Malmsbury. This Society has had some difficulties to contend with, but is now progressing, and consists of twenty-four members.

“New Jerusalem Church in New Street, March 5th, 1822.”

“Last Sunday afternoon, the Members of this Church, and several respectable visitants, were highly edified from a most excellent discourse delivered by Captain. Gomm, R. N. The subjects were, the Essence of the Divine Maker, and the Orthodox Principles of Faith; which were ably expounded, and impressed on the auditors with a reverence truly devout. It has been maintained, and will not be disputed by any sound or experienced politician, that they who really deserve the appellation of True Christians, are always most important members of the community. Zeal is required in the cause of religion, – they only can feel it. The charge of singularity must be incurred – they only will dare to encounter it. Uniformity of conduct, and perseverance in exertion, will be requisite – among no others can we look for those qualities. Christians should cultivate a catholic spirit of universal good-will and amicable friendship towards all those, of whatever sect or denomination, who, differing from them in non-essentials, agree with them in the fundamentals of religion. Let them countenance men of real piety wherever they are to be found, and encourage in others every attempt to repress the progress of vice, and to revive and diffuse the influence of religion and virtue.”

A new Society is said to have been formed in France. The information on this subject is brief; but as far as it goes, it is very agreeable. It is, that a Society of the New Church, of from fourteen to sixteen members, at present exists at Coutanches, in Normandy.
Other proofs of the progress of divine truth in foreign countries, beyond those which are here noticed, are not wanting to fill up our astonishment and gratitude, for the divine mercies now blessing all lands with the dawning light of the New Jerusalem; and to convince us, that the darkness and superstition of former times are gradually yielding to the bright glories of the Sun of Righteousness. This is a consummation much to be desired; and we rejoice in the prospect that is opening before us. But we pass on to the detail of those occurrences, which have taken place in our own country since the publication of the Fifth Missionary Report.

In the Sixth Report of the Manchester Missionary Society, the Committee, after taking a review of the proceedings of the last year, congratulate the members of the New Church generally on the progress, which the heavenly doctrines are making in this kingdom. {363} Nearly three hundred visits have been made to different places at short distances from Manchester, by the persons engaged in teaching and preaching; new Societies are forming in various directions; and there is reason to believe, that were there an increase of labourers duly qualified to work in the vineyard, and were the funds of the institution sufficient to defray the necessary charges, the harvest and in-gathering would be still more abundant. But the Committee regret to state, that it has not been in their power to send Missionaries to remote Societies, as well because it is inconvenient for those who officiate in that capacity, to be absent from their homes more than one day at a time, as because the present funds are scarcely adequate to the expense of visiting the different Societies situate within a day’s ride from Manchester. They trust, however, that these impediments to the more extensive dissemination of divine truth will in due time be overcome, and that every member of the New Jerusalem will feel it his privilege, as well is his duty, to exert himself, according to his ability, in providing means for the accomplishment of so desirable an end.
The reader is already apprized of the opposition to the New Church, (see p. 330-332), which has lately been made by a Mr. Pike, of Derby, a Baptist Minister, who thought it his duty not only to misrepresent and condemn the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem, but also to abuse and vilify the character of that great man, whom the Divine Providence had honoured by making him the instrument of publishing them. In consequence of this attack, it was thought expedient, that a public answer should be given to it; which has accordingly been done by Mr. Robert Hindmarsh, much to the satisfaction of the Church, and discomfiture of an opponent more remarkable for his illiberality and want of candour, than for a Christian spirit and the love of truth. He was not, however, long without a colleague to second his attempts. A Calvinist Minister in the neighbourhood of Ramsbottom, probably under the influence of envy at the success of the New Church in that quarter, with Mr. Pike’s pamphlet in his hand, announced from the pulpit, that he was now in possession of proof, that the character of that Church had been infamous from the beginning, that its doctrines were all grounded in falsehood, and that they furnished incentives to every species of vice and immorality. He therefore cautioned his hearers against reading the Writings of Baron Swedenborg, and took great pains in spreading the above iniquitous charges. In consequence of these proceedings, and the unusual inquiries which they occasioned concerning the New Church, it was thought expedient by the friends at Ramsbottom to invite Mr. Hindmarsh to visit them, and to explain to the people at large the true nature of those doctrines, of which they had heard so many false and groundless reports. {364} The use of a large room, capable of containing a thousand persons, was promised them for the 9th of December, 1821, notice of which was very extensively circulated. But it so happened, that on the day before the time appointed for the meeting, the permission, which had been given to preach in the said room, was suddenly withdrawn, and there was not sufficient time to procure another suitable place. Under these circumstances it was found necessary, on the day of meeting, to direct the people, who were arriving in great numbers from all quarters, to a large yard in the neighbourhood, where Mr. Hindmarsh twice addressed a congregation of at least two thousand persons, in the open air. The Manchester Printing Society had kindly sent a number of useful tracts, to be distributed gratis among the people, at the conclusion of the afternoon service. These were received with an avidity, which plainly shewed the interest which was excited: and from the numerous observations and reports, which have reached the Missionary Committee since the above meeting was held, there is every reason to conclude, that the cause of the New Church triumphed on that day, over the hostile but impotent efforts of its avowed enemies. Several of the members of the Calvinistic and other Societies, after a full investigation of the whole case between those who have assaulted, and those who have defended the New Church, have expressed their entire conviction, that the truth is on her side. They have accordingly withdrawn themselves from their former religious associations, and desire henceforth to be ranked as citizens of the New Jerusalem.
A new place of worship was opened at Tildesley Banks*, in Lancashire, on the 14th of February, 1822, by the Rev. Richard Jones. The attendance was numerous, and the people were highly gratified by the clear and able manner, in which the doctrines of the new Church were laid down. Mr. Birchwood and others had frequently visited this place before, in consequence of the desire expressed by many to hear the truth; and there now appears to be a good prospect of success in that quarter.
* The name of this Society has not been in the Conference List since 1852.- ED.
On the 28th of April the place of worship belonging to the Society at Hull was, after the termination of a long suit in Chancery, re-opened by the Rev. J. Proud, who, though far advanced in years, preached twice on that day, (morning and evening,) with great spirit and animation. The afternoon service was performed by Mr. Hindmarsh, who on the Monday evening following, delivered a lecture on the principal doctrines of the New Church. {365} These discourses were well received on the part of the people, many of whom acknowledged, that they had imbibed strong prejudices against the very name of the New Church, conceiving it to be altogether opposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and of dangerous tendency: but when they understood what were the real doctrines which were intended to be advanced and maintained in that place, they declared themselves to be well pleased and highly gratified with what they had heard. Mr. Proud continued in Hull till the following Sunday, when he again addressed an attentive and respectable congregation both morning and afternoon. At six in the evening he met the society in the vestry, and gave them his advice and directions how to proceed in their present circumstances, until by the Divine Providence they should be supplied with a regular and permanent Minister. Much good, it appears, has been effected by these visits, and the prospect of the New Church in Hull encourages the expectation of still further success.
At Newcastle, in Northumberland, the first stone of an edifice, for the use of the New Church, was laid by the Rev. James Bradley, on the 7th of May, 1822, in Percy Street. After suitable introductory remarks, stating the object for which the building about to be erected was designed, he gave a brief view of the essential doctrines intended to be preached in it when finished. The stone being then laid, he stood upon it, and offered up a prayer for the Lord’s blessing on the undertaking, in which he introduced the chief topics that the occasion was calculated to suggest. Simple as this process was, Mr. B. states, that it had a general good effect, the strangers present paying great attention to all that passed.
A room having been engaged for public worship by the Society in West Houghton, the same was opened by Mr. Hindmarsh on the l2th of May. The service in the morning was attended by about two hundred persons: but as the room was found incapable of holding more, and as a greater number was expected in the afternoon, a large barn in the neighbourhood was procured, in and around which from eight hundred to a thousand had in opportunity of hearing some of the great truths of the Word laid down in the clearest and most satisfactory manner. Professors of various denominations were present, several of whom, particularly of the Unitarian persuasion, were desirous of entering into conversation with Mr. Hindmarsh after the service of the afternoon. One was an attorney, another a surgeon; and the subject of their inquiries was the nature of the human soul, whether it was a substance distinct from the body, or merely the result of the organization of matter. This latter opinion was insisted upon by the attorney, who appealed to his friend the surgeon, asking him whether in all his anatomical dissections he could ever detect or discover such a thing as a soul. {366} The surgeon acknowledged, that he could not; and though both the surgeon and the attorney must have been aware, that the subjects, on which the anatomical operations were performed, were mere carcases, or dead bodies, already deserted by their respective souls or spirits, they still insisted that, as the soul was not discoverable by the dissecting knife, it could not possibly have any existence. The absurdity of this conclusion is self-evident; and yet this is the kind of reasoning, which appears to be satisfactory to men, who in many other respects are by no means defective in good sense and intelligence. If they wish in future to prove the existence of a soul, let them attempt the dissection of a living body, or one in which the soul is actually present, and we much mistake if they will not rouse it to a state of indignant activity, that will immediately convince them of their error and folly.
By advice from Scotland the Committee learn, that a new Society has been formed at Dundee*; which, after undergoing great persecution from the Clergy of the town, has come to the resolution of building a place of worship for themselves; for which purpose they are desirous of receiving the assistance of their brethren in other parts of the united kingdom.
* The name of this Society first appears on the Conference List in 1822. In 1824 Mr. Bruce became the Leader; but was obliged to relinquish it in 1827, on account of failure of health.- ED.
In general it may be observed, that in many parts of Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, the new doctrines are received with avidity, because it is perceived, that in their nature they are more liberal, more rational, and more scriptural, than any other doctrines heretofore made known to the world.
The cause of the New Church may therefore be regarded as flourishing; and there cannot be a doubt but it will gradually spread, and be a blessing in the land.
The following are extracts from the letters contained in this Report:-

From Mr. George Haworth, Accrington, Nov. 22, 1821 =65.

“The agitation caused in the religious part of the community in this district by Mr. Partington’s blasphemous attack upon Swedenborg, is far beyond what the Committee can conceive. He had gone on for several weeks, when I went over to Ramsbottom, and answered his objections. This answer, together with the loss of five members of his Church, has roused him up to make a last effort to redeem himself. In this effort he has outraged all decency: he took Pike’s pamphlet with him into the pulpit, and made the worst possible use he could of it. Among many other observations, he said, ‘The New Church has been infamous from the beginning, and remains so to this day.’ I need say no more. The particulars you will find in a summary drawn up by our friend Mr. Pilkington, who heard the discourse of Mr. Partington.
“It is the universal wish of the friends in this neighbourhood, that Mr. Hindmarsh would come over. I feel sorry to urge him, seeing I know from experience the inconvenience of such journeys, especially in this season of the year. But if ever there was a time when his services were likely to be eminently useful, I think this one; it is universally believed, that his presence in Ramsbottom would restore the good opinion of people concerning the tendency of the Baron’s Writings.

“I have this day received a letter from Ramsbottom, informing me that they have applied to Messrs. G. for a place for Mr. Hindmarsh to speak in. Messrs. G. having no command over the Chapel in which Mr. Partington preached, they very obligingly offered a large room in their works, which will hold more than a thousand people, at the same time wishing to know when Mr. Hindmarsh would be there, that the room might be got ready for him. {367} If Mr. H. comes, I will meet him there. There is a good inn at Ramsbottom, so that he may come either on Saturday night or Sunday morning. He will be expected to lecture both forenoon and afternoon.
“We have gained a few in Accrington since the affray began; one of them a school-master, a very intelligent young man, and a man of considerable learning. This, I hope, will be the case generally.
“An Independent Minister, of Blackburn, has been preaching against the Baron’s doctrine a fortnight since. I have not yet heard the particulars of his discourse; but I have sent word, that he shall not go on long before I am there.
“I have now only to beg, that the Committee will second our request with Mr. Hindmarsh, and let me have as early an answer as possible.”

From Mr. Charles Whitefield, and seventeen others, members of the Society at Dundee, Jan. 23, 1822=66; addressed to Mr. Hindmarsh.

“We the undersigned have, by the divine mercy of the Lord, been favoured with the doctrine of the New Jerusalem Church for nearly three years, through the medium of Mr. Charles Whitefield. But, as might have been expected, his tenets were no sooner known by the town’s Clergy, and their adherents, than we were assailed by persecution from that quarter under various forms; which has at length, in their view, terminated in our destruction, they having made a purchase of our place of worship as the most effectual means of our dispersion. Our Chapel belonged to Mr. Haldon, and was one of those built by him as a missionary place of worship on a very extensive scale, capable of containing between three and four thousand people; and to convince you what progress these truths were making in the minds of men in this place, notwithstanding the many aspersions thrown out against them by our enemies, the house was generally almost filled twice every Sabbath day, and frequently crowded: but being now deprived of that accommodation, we are content for the present to assemble in a large room, which is far from commodious, till by the Divine Providence of the Lord, we maybe provided with a place more adapted for our purpose.
“We have just now commenced a subscription, in order to build a Chapel, which we think might be done at a sum not exceeding five hundred pounds; but as our Society is almost wholly composed of the labouring class of people, it is not in our power to raise so large a sum among ourselves: we must therefore appeal to a generous public, and more especially to our fellow-Christians. We trust, therefore, that you will have the goodness to become our medium to those over whom you preside, who we hope by this time are well grounded in the faith, and inclined to succour us in our present embarrassments, and willing to manifest that charity so much recommended in the heavenly doctrine which you teach; and we in our turn, by the divine mercy of the Lord, may have it in our power, and shall be willing, to contribute to the advancement of the Lord’s Church.
“It being our earnest desire to open a correspondence with the Lord’s Church already established, we understand, in various places, we humbly trust that you will condescend to communicate every necessary information, which your wisdom may dictate we stand in need of, as means of confirming us more and more in the ‘faith once delivered to the saints.’ For this purpose we beg of you, Sir, to take the earliest opportunity of sending us a few tracts of the most approved kind, by way of initiating us more into the truth and the love of goodness; and as we have now commenced a reading society, you will also have the goodness to recommend such of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, as will be most useful to us in this our infant state. Mr. Whitefield has favoured us with such of them as he has already; and our plan is to devote an evening once a- week in reading them, at which time we collect a penny each, which will enable us to purchase more books, by which means we hope to make progress in every Christian knowledge and virtue.”

From Mr. George Haworth, Accrington, March 14, 1822=66.

“I have been requested by the friends at Ramsbottom to thank the Manchester printing Society for the pamphlets which were sent them; they are also exceedingly thankful for the exertions both of Mr. Hindmarsh and the Missionary Committee. As to myself, I feel and always shall feel, myself under the highest obligation for the favour, inasmuch as I know nothing of the kind that I think has ever done so much good. All that I had heard I summarily expressed to the Printing Society, and have only to add, that the application for the Writings continues unabated. {368} Nevertheless I do not look for any immediate visible effects: but I am decidedly of opinion, that every congregation in this neighbourhood is most seriously shaken; those who are sincere, cannot dabble in the doctrines as they do, without receiving something which will, I hope, at some future time break out. The preachers, deacons, class-leaders, local-preachers, &c., possess such influence, that it is hard work for a mind to thrive in any thing true. Those characters are as hard at work as ever, but more clandestinely. I know one preacher, who has just got a dozen of Pike’s pamphlets, and busy distributing them. If they go on in this manner, it appears to me they will by their opposition work themselves into Unitarianism or Deism.”

From the same, Accrington, June 4, 1822=66.

“I went to Lough-clough on the day I mentioned to you, after I had concluded service here in the forenoon; and on my arrival there found the parcel of pamphlet, which you sent. I preached in the room provided by my friend, to about eight hundred people, mostly Calvinists, from the latter part of the 7th chapter of Luke, verse 47 to 50, on the forgiveness of sins. I did not meddle directly with the Calvinistic tenets; but it was easily seen by the adepts, that if our notion of forgiveness of sins were adopted, their’s must perish, together with their whole system. The discourse has consequently been assailed in every possible manner by some, and as strenuously defended by others. It has been my practice, on visits of this kind, to select something of a pointed nature, which can easily be confirmed, and by sticking steadily to it, draw all the arguments and confirmations I can, to prove one single thing; because I think when a man says much on a variety of things, one thing drives out another, and at last all is dissipated. On this occasion I endeavoured to shew, that the forgiveness of sins is effected by love, and not by faith, as demonstrated by the passage before me, and by way of contrast challenged them to produce a single passage which ascribes the forgiveness of sins to faith separate from charity; and yet they heard this asserted almost every Sunday, but never proved. I have since heard, there has been much seeking for a passage of this kind, but none has been found, nor ever will be. I place little reliance, however, upon any effect being produced by what I advanced; but I place a great deal on the pamphlets you sent, and I never can sufficiently express my acknowledgments. I was the more affected, because I have for many years been of opinion, that this is the most effectual method of propagating the doctrines of the New Church, and that no man ought to preach in a strange place unless this be done, for this plain reason, on all occasions that I have witnessed, (and these have not been a few,) a number of local preachers and class-leaders, deacons and heads of congregations, attend; and as their heads are filled with falses, the best and the truest discourse will be by them misrepresented and belied; and further, those who think and speak favourably, are assailed with all kinds of abuse and misrepresentation, in order to intimidate them from making a further inquiry, and having nothing firmly fixed in the mind, the poor creatures are terrified, and all is dissipated. But when a few pamphlets are distributed, there is something left to appeal to, something that can be examined in private, and considered in solitude; and if there be any affection, what is thus examined and considered, strikes deep, sticks firmly, and a barrier is raised against the opposing party, which cannot be beaten down. This is the case on the present occasion; the pamphlets have been read (some of them) with diligence, care, and affection, and by a few cordially received. Thus you will see the labour and expense have not been in vain, and those who have ability will be encouraged to prosecute so glorious an undertaking. We want only a few active and intelligent preachers, and some money to buy books with, to put this whole kingdom into a state of religious fermentation. You will perhaps tell me, this is an enthusiastic assertion. It may be; but I believe it from the bottom of my heart, and all my experience tends to confirm me in this belief.
“There has just taken place a division in a society of Methodists at Maughton-tower, about nine miles from here. I do not learn any particular cause, more than that many of them are tired of Methodism, and want something with more substance in it. They have applied to one of our members for the loan of some of Swedenborg’s Writings, and he is sending off a parcel to them this day, I believe. He has had a good deal of conversation with some of them, and is of opinion, that the books will be well received.”

From Mr. John Birchwood, Manchester, June 18, 1822=66.

“On Sunday, the l6th instant, I visited the societies of Haslingden and Ramsbottom. Mr. Pilkington, the much- esteemed leader of the Haslingden Society, visited the Heywood Society on the same day. You are doubtless aware, that the Society at Haslingden is not very numerous. The members of whom it consists, live chiefly at a considerable distance from each other. {369} The attendance in the morning was, however, very fair; and in the afternoon the place was crowded, in consequence of the arrival of Mr. George Haworth, of Accrington, accompanied by many members of his society.
“At Ramsbottom, I preached to all assembly as numerous as the room could possibly contain. The doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church have evidently gained the ascendancy here. Opposition to them never fails to add to the number of recipients. To our opponents we are much indebted for many valuable members of society. He who attempts to prove, that the Lord our God is not one Lord, has the common sense of mankind, and the whole of the Sacred Scriptures, against him. Those who imagine, that the doctrines of the New Church are hard to be understood, would doubtless be surprised to find this Society, consisting of those only who are confined to close and active labours, well acquainted with the truths of the New Jerusalem. They despise the tenet, which teaches to believe what they are ‘forbidden to say.’ Freed from that confusion of thought, and obscurity of mind, which the doctrine of a Trinity of Persons in the Deity never fails to generate, they worship and adore Him, in whom ‘dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily;’ Him, who ‘hath all power in heaven and on earth.’ Conscious of the great blessings they enjoy, they are very desirous that the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem should be circulated throughout the earth.”

The whole Report gives satisfactory information concerning the progress of the New Church; besides which many oral accounts have been received to the same effect, from Missionaries and others who did not transmit any written documents to the Committee. Lectures have been delivered at Bolton, Radcliffe, Stockport, and Hindley, as well as in other places, which, from all appearances, have been productive of much good. Considerable opposition, however, and in some places even persecution, has been experienced by those who have been actively engaged in spreading the truth. But there is abundant reason to be assured, from the testimony of the Sacred Scriptures, that “no weapon, that is formed against the true Church of the Lord, shall prosper; and that every tongue that shall rise against her in judgment, shall be condemned,” Isa. liv. 17. It is only requisite, that all who have embraced, and make a profession of, the Heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem be sincere, upright, zealous, and discreet in all their conduct. Let them demonstrate the truth and superiority of their religion more by their actions, than by their words; they will then compel their adversaries, to pay homage and respect to the very name, by which they are distinguished in the world; though now “a little one,” they shall become “a thousand;” though now “a small one,” they shall become “a strong nation;” and in due time “Jerusalem shall be established, and be made a praise in the earth,” Isa. lxii. 7.

The Missionary and Tract Society of London published its First Report this year, the contents of which are replete with interest. It gives an account of “a Vindication of the Hon. E. Swedenborg from the attacks of the Quarterly Review, Antijacobin Review, Gospel Magazine, and other publications,” in a series of Lectures delivered by the Rev. S. Noble at the Chapel in Lisle Street; of a Missionary visit by the Rev. T. Goyder to Brightlingsea and St. Osyth; of another by the same gentleman to Bristol; of a Missionary visit by the Rev. R. Hindmarsh to Dover; of another by the Rev. S. Noble to the same place; of another by Mr. Crook to Ramsgate; of a series of Lectures by the Rev. S. Noble, followed by some meetings for reading and discussion, at Kennington; of a Missionary visit by the Rev. T. Goyder to Northampton, with a notice of the commencement of his labours at Edinburgh; and of another by the Rev. M. Sibly to Brightlingsea. The Committee have also circulated a considerable number of Tracts; between six and seven hundred were distributed at the Lectures at Kennington alone. {370} Of the proceedings at Kennington Mr. Noble gives the following account:
“It having been determined by the Missionary Committee, that some Lectures should be delivered in the Assembly Room at Kennington, near London, in the months of February and March last, the intention was made known to the inhabitants of that part of the suburbs of the metropolis, by the distribution of hand-bills at every house, and by large posting-bills affixed in the most conspicuous situations in the vicinity. In these it was announced, that four Lectures would be delivered on the following subjects:- viz. The true Nature of the Divine Being:- The Unity of the Godhead, and the Divine Trinity:- The Word of God, and what constitutes it a Divine Revelation: The Nature of Heaven, and the Conditions of Admission into it.

“It not appearing eligible to introduce the Lectures by any regular divine service, both because the parties, who might attend, could not be expected to be prepared to unite with us in worshipping the Lord as the only God, and because the place in which we were assembled was not, as we then thought, (though we have since been informed otherwise,) licensed as a place of worship;- and as it, nevertheless, was necessary to induce something like a proper state of mind for attending to what was to be offered, by giving a religious character to the meeting;- I began with reading a chapter of the Holy Word. I then made a prefatory address to the persons assembled, in which I expressly avowed that I stood there to advocate the doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church; but I accompanied this avowal with such remarks as, I hoped, might obtain for what I had to offer, a favourable hearing,- particularly soliciting those, whose minds might have previously imbibed unfavourable prepossessions, to suspend their judgment till they had candidly considered all that I should offer. I then read the Lord’s prayer, and proceeded with the Lecture; which was listened to with the most fixed attention by all present, who were about 400 persons. After it was over, some of the auditors shook hands with me, and expressed much satisfaction with what they had heard. Several of our friends, also, who were dispersed through the meeting, heard remarks from different persons, which were generally of a favourable kind, though some, as was to be expected, were otherwise. The numbers at the succeeding Lectures were generally greater. I pursued at each Lecture nearly the same course as at the first, and we always had testimonies of approbation. At the conclusion of the Lecture on the Word, a gentleman who sat near one of our friends, who had been observed to listen throughout the whole (though it lasted an hour and a half) with the most eager attention, gave vent to his satisfaction by exclaiming, ‘Bravo, bravo, bravo!’ Our friend then asked him if he had ever heard any thing of these views before: his answer was, ‘Never:- I wish I had:’ to which he added, ‘If the Scriptures were explained in this manner in the churches, we should not see people take up a Bible, as they do, and throw it down again with indifference or contempt.’ After the Lecture on the nature of heaven and the life after death, as I was descending from the desk, an elderly and infirm man took me by the hand, and said to me, ‘I came to this part of the country to consult a physician for the body, and I have found one for the soul: and convinced I am, that if ever I go to heaven, it must be to such a heaven, and on such conditions as you have described.’ Several other anecdotes of a similar kind might be related.
“As the Lectures obtained so many hearers, and seemed in general to give so much satisfaction, it was thought that an attempt should be made to render the result more decisive, by announcing expressly our views of the nature of the Lord’s Second Advent, and of the character of E. S. as the enlightened Herald of that event. {371} Accordingly I stated, after the fourth Lecture, that I should deliver a supplementary Lecture on those subjects: and fresh posting-bills were issued, to give it additional publicity. We succeeded, by these means, in obtaining a greater audience than had yet attended us, consisting of between 500 and 600 persons. When I endeavoured to shew the futility of supposing, that the Lord’s second coming was to be accompanied by the end of the world, and to prove that it was to consist in a new development of the glories of the Holy Word, and in raising up a New Church in lieu of the former perverted one; and I concluded by defending, at considerable length, the character of E. S. as a most credible and unexceptionable witness of these things. We were aware, that this open avowal might have its inconveniences; but these, we were satisfied, would be over-balanced by its advantages. It might repel some, who were disposed to favour part of what they had previously heard; but it must prevent any from mixing the truths of the New Church with the falses of the Old, and from applying the former to confirm the latter; of which there is always some danger, where the distinction between the one and the other is not made too broad to admit of their being confounded together. Many also, who had never before heard the name of Swedenborg unaccompanied by terms of reproach, must be led to doubt the justice of the prejudices against him, on finding how much may be offered in his favour, and on hearing doctrines, which they must allow to be at least rational and consistent, connected with his name, as the first person enlightened to discover them in the Word.
“To give an opportunity for those who might be favourably impressed, to judge for themselves of the nature of the writings, from which the doctrines defended in the Lectures were avowed to be taken, it was determined to hold a few meetings for reading and conversation, in a small room adjoining the large one in which the Lectures were given. This I stated after the last Lecture, and invited the attendance of those who might feel desirous to know more exactly what the nature of the writings of E. S. really is. Three such reading meetings were held accordingly, and were attended by from 60 to 90 persons. At the first meeting I read the chief part of the chapter in the Universal Theology on the Lord the Redeemer; at the second, that on the Divine Trinity; and at the last, that on Imputation; purposely selecting such subjects as, if received at all, must give the mind a strong sense of the falsehood of doctrines which usually prevail. I accompanied the reading with observations, in which I was assisted by some intelligent friends. On the first evening, several persons proposed questions, and some made objections; but we were enabled to answer them in a manner which all present seemed to regard as satisfactory. The principal of the objectors was a man of remarkable appearance, having in his countenance an expression of something that was quite unearthly, without being in any degree heavenly. He seemed to be well acquainted with the letter of the Word, which he quoted with amazing fluency; and there was in all his manner the air of one who regards himself as being the subject of extraordinary illumination. The tendency of his remarks seemed to be, to deny that a full redemption, by the subjugation of the infernal powers, was wrought by the Lord Jesus Christ. He was not, however, on this evening very obtrusive. Another person, of better appearance, but whom we afterwards found to be connected with the former, expressed, after the meeting was over, so much satisfaction at what he had heard, that we began to hope he would be fully convinced. But at the second meeting, the first objector, with another person who spoke with great vehemence, occasioned so much interruption, that the great majority of the persons present became quite weary of it, and a wish was strongly expressed that such interruptions should not be allowed;- a satisfactory proof that the objections were not thought to carry any weight, and that the meeting generally approved of what had been read. Indeed we none of us could see distinctly what the objectors were aiming at. They dwelt, much upon the plural form used in reference to the creation of man, when ‘God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness;’ and it is added, ‘So God made man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female, created he them:’ and they seemed to wish it to be understood, that man’s likeness to God consists in his being made male and female; but how this rendered him an image of God, they seemed unwilling to state. But after the meeting was over, on entering into conversation with them, we learned what the mystery was, and found that they were disciples of Joanna Southcott: of which discovery I determined to make use. Accordingly at the next and last meeting, after the reading was over, I made an address to the audience, informing them that the meetings had been held for the purpose of giving the inhabitants of Kennington an opportunity of judging for themselves of the nature and tendency of the doctrines of the New Church, and of the character and writings of the much calumniated Emanuel Swedenborg. {372} After expatiating a little upon the excellence of those writings, and putting it to the common sense of those present, whether writings so consistent with themselves and with the Word of God, composed with the most orderly arrangement, and everywhere exhibiting views in the highest degree rational and edifying, could possibly have proceeded from any but a most orderly, rational, highly cultivated, and enlightened mind; I observed, that it nevertheless was well known, that the common impressions respecting E. S. and his writings, were of a directly opposite description, insomuch that in some late publications his name had been coupled with that of Joanna Southcott. Now, I added, of the degree of communion between his sentiments and character and those of Mrs. Southcott, that meeting had had an opportunity of judging. They had all witnessed the interruption that was experienced at the preceding meeting, from persons who were very desirous to obtrude their sentiments in opposition to what we were reading; and I had since learned, that those objectors were the disciples of Joanna Southcott. What was the object to which their remarks tended, I then was unable to discover. The whole meeting had perceived, that they were futile and unworthy of attention: but what was their real drift remained unperceived. I had, however, learned what it was, by conversation with the parties afterwards. They had insisted much on man’s likeness to God, consisting in his being created male and female. What they meant was, that God was male and female also; and the female part of the divine nature they conceived was manifested in the person of Joanna Southcott! This they had acknowledged in conversation after the meeting. Now I put it to the sense of the persons there assembled to determine, whether there was any affinity between such blasphemous absurdity as this, and the clear, coherent, and truly edifying views of divine truth, which fill the pages of the works of Swedenborg. This was received with very great applause; encouraged by which, I proceeded to exhort those from whom it proceeded, not to suffer the interest which had been excited in their minds by those Lectures and Readings, to pass unimproved away, but that they would continue their attention to the same subjects, till they arrived at the conviction which must follow, that the doctrines of the New Church are the doctrines of heaven, and that they open the road to heaven more clearly than any others which the world has ever seen. All this appeared to meet universal approbation, which was very unequivocally expressed; as did also an address which Mr. Crook afterwards made to the meeting, carrying on the same subjects. And after all was over, many persons pressed forward to take me by the hand, with strong expressions of gratitude for the superior views of divine truth which I had been made the instrument of bringing to their knowledge. Others expressed similar feelings to Mr. Crook.
“On the whole, this effort confirmed the conclusion which former experience, of myself and others, had led me to draw; that there are every where receptive minds, which are daily becoming more numerous, who would embrace the doctrines of the New Church, if presented to their acceptance in a form which they can comprehend; and that there are few places, in which a Society of the New Church might not be raised, if there were labourers on the spot to gather the sheep into the fold. And even if no other beneficial effect should result from the operations at Kennington, I am at least certain, that the prejudices against the name of Swedenborg have in many minds been destroyed, and that thus preparation has been made for the full reception, at a future period, of the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem.”

Some discourses having been delivered, by Messrs. Madeley and Robinson, of Derby, in a school-room obtained for that purpose in Northampton, the friends of the Church residing in that town expressed a wish, that the Missionary Society would send a Minister to improve the impression that had thus been made. The Rev. T. Goyder, being about to proceed on a journey to Scotland, was therefore requested to take Northampton in his way. To this he assented; and he gives the following account of his journey:

“Three or four days previous to my leaving London, I received information that the friends of the Church at Northampton had obtained the loan of the old Methodist Chapel in that town, in which I was to preach two Lectures. Upon receiving this information, I immediately printed bills, and sent them down to Northampton, announcing my intention of preaching on Thursday and Friday evenings, the 4th and 5th of July; stating also the subjects upon which I intended to lecture. {373} The bills were posted about the town, and placed in shop windows. I accordingly left London on Thursday, July the 4th, and arrived at Northampton about 4 o’clock in the afternoon. I was kindly received by the friends there, and in the evening, according to appointment, preached in the Methodist Chapel to a congregation of nearly 300 persons. The utmost attention was paid to the Lecture, which was on the Unity of God and the Divine Trinity. Several ministers and leading men of different denominations were present; and I believe, that, generally speaking, the congregation were much pleased and delighted with the heavenly doctrines. Just before the sermon commenced, one of the Ministers present asked one of the congregation (as I was afterwards informed) who I was, and what were my religious principles; and on being informed that I was a Minister of the New Jerusalem, he exclaimed ‘Oh! then we shall have a sermon of mysteries to-night.’ But I believe, from the explanation that was given of the Divine Unity and Trinity, it would appear to that gentleman, that mysteries belong to Trinitarians of all denominations, and not to the New Jerusalem Church.
“The next evening (Friday) I again preached in the same Chapel, when the congregation was much larger than the preceding evening. I suppose there were present upwards of 400 persons. The subject was the Second Coming of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. The opening of this according to the doctrines of the New Jerusalem, seemed to strike the attention of all present; and from the marked and extreme silence which prevailed, I concluded that the subject made a deep impression upon the minds of the congregation. After the Lecture was over, I stated my intention of remaining in the Chapel for some time, for the purpose of giving any person an opportunity of asking me any question relative to the doctrines of the New Jerusalem; but no one came forward to make any inquiry; and I afterwards returned to my friend’s house, where the remainder of the evening was spent in conversing on the doctrines.”

Mr. Goyder then proceeded to Derby, and from thence to Edinburgh, where he preached on the 14th of July three times, to most attentive and crowded congregations. After the evening service, about 100 persons stopped, and several questions were asked by strangers relative to the doctrines; when a most spirited discussion took place, which ended in a complete triumph of the New Church over the dark views of the Old. Mr. Goyder states, that it was observed by an aged pilgrim of the Old Church, that he “thought the preacher was a good man, but all wrong in doctrine: what he has brought forward is very wonderful: youth should not go to hear him, for he almost staggers an old man like me.”
With respect to Tracts, the publication and distribution of which form one of the leading objects of the London Missionary Society, the Committee appointed several gentlemen of their number to select and arrange some of the most approved, to be adopted for the Society’s use. A selection of a few, for immediate purposes, was accordingly made, among which were, Mr. Noble’s Lecture, delivered at Dover in June, 1821, on the Divine Trinity, Regeneration, and Salvation; and Dr. Beyer’s Letter to the King of Sweden, which contains an excellent vindication of the character and writings of the illustrious Swedenborg. It may not be uninteresting to remark, as a proof of the success of these measures, that several highly respectable and intelligent gentlemen, one of them of great learning, have become full receivers of the new doctrines, in consequence of having perused Mr. Noble’s Lecture. Nor can it be otherwise than satisfactory to learn, that whilst the bigotted part of the public press endeavoured to cry down the doctrines contained in this pamphlet, one highly respectable publication had sufficient candour to speak of it with strong commendation. {374} The New Monthly Magazine, for October, 1821, gives the following account of it:

“This discourse is written in that conciliating tone of benevolence and modesty, which distinguish the doctrines of Swedenborg, which it professes to illustrate. That love and wisdom, goodness and truth, life and doctrine, ought ever to be found together in inseparable union, are truths which no rational Christian will deny, and which are ably set forth in this sermon, in order to controvert alike the errors of those soi-disant Evangelical Ministers who preach the doctrines of faith alone, and the torpid moralists who inculcate the scarcely less palatable doctrine of works alone.”*
* This notice was written by Mrs. Elizabeth Strutt, author of The Feminine Soul, at the time was one of the writers in the Magazine- ED.

The Report concludes with the following remarks:

“The transmission of the literal truth of the Divine Word is a work, in which thousands are at the present day engaged. By this means the Lord is establishing in the earth, a boundless knowledge of the letter of his Word, by the possession of which, a basis is formed in the mind of every human being who seriously attends to it, for the gradual reception of its spirit and life. To shew this spirit and life of the Lord’s Holy Word, by unfolding the genuine doctrines it contains,- this is the honourable and distinguished task which is confided to us as members of h is New Jerusalem Church – a task not indeed of worldly glory, but of a glory which cannot fade, – a glory of love to the Lord – to the good and truth of his kingdom;- and tending to the eternal happiness and salvation of our fellow-creatures. While, therefore, others are busied in scattering the Bible over the face of the globe, let us not deem our first exertions contemptible, because of their comparative diminutiveness: let us rather rejoice, that the Lord has already established, in the commencement of his New Church, a center, which, like a morning star, is destined to usher in the spiritual light and glory of his Word in a more resplendent and more universal day. And let us individually remember, that the Lord will shine forth in us as mediums for the propagation of these heavenly truths in the same proportion as we ourselves become practical believers of them. In the same proportion as they are manifested in our lives and conduct, our influence will be extended, and our powers of ministering to the spiritual wants of others increased; until, in the end, the light which is in us will ‘so shine before men,’ that they will see in our doctrines ‘the glory of the Father which is in heaven;’ our exertions for the spiritual good of others will be elevated from the condition of cold and obligatory duty, and will become actuated by the pure and heavenly fire of that new and spiritual love which the Lord himself alludes to, when he says,- ‘A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another;- by this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.'”

A North British Missionary and Tract Society has recently been commenced at Edinburgh, which forms a gratifying proof of the determination of the members of the New Church in that part of the kingdom, not to be behind their brethren in the South in their exertions to promote the good cause. They consider “the prudent promulgation of the sublime truths of the New Church as at once their privilege and their duty.” They feel “a strong desire to become instruments in the hands of the Divine Sower, and under his guidance, to scatter the seed abroad, trusting its springing up to his paternal care, who knoweth the hearts of all men; and, as Lord of all, will preside over, and gather in, the celestial harvest.” The first of the Tracts printed by this Society is a Lecture “on the Unity of the Godhead and the Divine Trinity,” delivered at Edinburgh, on the 14th of July, 1822, by the Rev. T. Goyder; with abstracts of two other Lectures, on the Atonement, and on the Coming of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. {375}