CHAP. XXI.

The Twentieth General Conference assembled, agreeably to appointment, in the New Jerusalem Church, Hanover Street, Long Acre, London, on Tuesday, the l4th day of August, 1827=71, and afterwards adjourned to the Chapel in Cross Street, Hatton Garden, where it continued its sittings, by daily adjournments, to Saturday, the 18th day of August aforesaid. The meeting being opened by repeating the Lord’s prayer, the verifications (required by one of the Rules of Conference) were presented by the Representatives of the various Societies; when it appeared, that nine Ministers and eighteen Representatives were present, who were declared to constitute the Twentieth General Conference. {459} As usual, a number of other friends to the growing cause of the New Church attended to witness the proceedings.
The Ministers and Representatives having signed the Conference Roll, Mr. ROBERT HINDMARSH was unanimously chosen President, and Mr. J. S. HODSON, Secretary. Mr. JAMES KNIGHT, the legal friend, who had so often and so ably assisted former Conferences, though not a member of this Conference, was requested to consider himself at full liberty to address the Chair whenever he found it necessary.
The most important business which occupied the attention of this Conference, was the long-contemplated New Liturgy. All the parts of it having been most maturely considered and digested by the Committee in London, and the most important services having also been partially revised by the Committee in Manchester, the Conference, after hearing the whole read, was of opinion that it might be definitively settled before the members separated. A Committee was accordingly appointed for this purpose, consisting of all the Ministers present in Conference, and six other gentlemen. This Committee commenced its sittings on the Monday after the conclusion of Conference: it continued unremittingly engaged in the duty confided to it, from early in the morning till late at night, during the whole week, and brought the business to a close on the Monday following. Every thing was finally determined, except the services for Ordination of Ministers, Consecration of Places of Worship, and Visitation of the Sick, with the Catechism; which, being generally known and approved by all parties, were left to be considered by the members of the Committee residing in London, and then by those at Manchester, during the printing of the remainder. Though, as was to be expected, there was no member of the Committee who had not some points determined contrary to his wishes, all were of opinion, that, taken as a whole, this Liturgy will form a most valuable acquisition to the Church.
The various Reports of the New Church Institutions, which had been prepared in the course of the preceding year, having been laid before the Conference, were received with much satisfaction.
On revising the list of Ministers, the name of the Rev. Samuel Noble was added to the list of Ordaining Ministers; and the name of the Rev. James Bradley was, for reasons stated in the Minutes, erased from that of Ordained Ministers, recognized by the Conference. {460}
The Secretary laid upon the table the original lease from the Earl of Derby, of the Ratcliffe Temple, dated the 3d of December, 1802, together with the ingrossment of a new lease, proposed to be granted with a view of vesting the same in the Trustees of Conference (but which investment was found to be insufficient); also the transfer from the surviving Lessees of the premises to the Secretary of Conference; likewise the transfer from the Secretary to the Trustees of the General Conference; which latter Deeds, it appears, were enrolled in the high Court of Chancery on the 9th day of May, 1827.
Resolutions were entered into for regulating the distribution of the dividends arising from the legacy of the late Mr. Chester, of Dover, for the education of poor children, part of which was apportioned to the London Free School, and the remainder to the Salford and Manchester Free School.
The Rules for regulating the Ministry, passed by former’ Conferences, having been found not sufficiently strict, were rescinded, and new Rules adopted in their stead; and it was ordered, that such new Rules, as well as others which may be hereafter adopted, be from time to time printed in the Appendix to the Minutes of Conference.
Numerous letters, descriptive of the present state of the Church, were received from different Societies, the substance of which was ordered to be inserted in the Appendix.
After some other regulations tending to consolidate the Church, and to promote its welfare, the next General Conference was appointed to be field at Birmingham, on the second Tuesday in August, 1828=72.

It has been frequently remarked, that the removal of individuals, either members of the Church, or in some way connected with it, from their former places of residence to some other part of the country, where heretofore the new doctrines had been wholly unknown, has been the means, under Divine Providence, of introducing them to many, whose minds were fully prepared for their reception. This was particularly the case with a gentleman, who recently left Norwich to reside at a place called Framlingham, in Suffolk, and to whom the proprietors of the Norwich library were in the habit of sending books, he having been presented, by a member of the Church, with a share ticket of the library. These books fell into the hands of an intelligent member of the Methodist Connexion, who was at the same time an enemy both to Socinians and Swedenborgians, by which latter name the members of the New Church are sometimes called: but having seen the Socinian tenets so completely overthrown by Hindmarsh’s Letters to Dr. Priestley, he was so rejoiced thereat, that he was induced to read further, to see what could be said in favour of the New Church doctrines. The result has been his thorough conviction of their truth, and an earnest endeavour to make others also acquainted with them. {461} This brought upon him the heavy displeasure of the Methodist Minister, who, in the afternoon of Sunday, the 23d of September, 1827, held our new friend up to the contempt of a large congregation; and finally he was expelled from the Society, as one totally unworthy of holding any office or place among them. He has therefore opened his house for public worship; and thus the foundation of a New Church Society is likely to be laid in this place. The London Missionary and Tract Society has furnished them with a variety of its publications.
The New Jerusalem Church, in Cross Street, Hatton Garden, London, lately purchased by the Hanover Street Society, was opened for public worship, and consecrated, on Sunday, the 30th of December, 1827. Three services were performed in the course of the day. In the forenoon, instead of the regular morning service, the consecration service was performed in a
solemn, impressive manner, by the Rev. Samuel Noble, the Rev. Robert Hindmarsh, and the Rev. David Howarth, all standing within the communion rail, and each taking his respective part in the ceremony. All present seemed to feel a consciousness of the Divine Presence; and many were affected to a degree almost beyond what they could sustain. The discourse delivered in the morning was by Mr. Noble; that in the afternoon by Mr. Hindmarsh; and that in the evening by Mr. Howarth. At each time the place was crowded; the utmost attention was paid by the several congregations; and all departed, highly gratified with the services of the day.
Of the Society now meeting in Cross Street, Hatton Garden, and originally collected together in the same place by the Ministry of the late Rev. J. Proud, an account has already been given in this History, (p. 173, and 174,) after its removal to York Street, St. James’s Square, where it remained during a period of fourteen years. It may now be proper to state, that in the year 1813 the Society relinquished this latter place, being unable to obtain another renewal of the lease for less than L200 per annum, which was thought to be a most unreasonable rent. Thus, but a short time after it had refused to entertain the proposal for the purchase of the commodious and sufficiently capacious Chapel in Cross Street, it found itself compelled to take refuge in a small and inconvenient room in Lisle Street, near Leicester Fields; for which the extravagant rent was exacted of L105 per annum, beside an expense of about L200 being incurred in fitting it up. Here the diminution of numbers and of income becoming more than commensurate with the diminution of expenditure, difficulties arose, which occasioned Mr. Proud’s determination to retire to Birmingham.
Dr. Churchill, who, on the death of Dr. Hodson, had succeeded to the Ministry at Dudley Court Chapel, was now invited to become the Minister at Lisle Street. {462} This occasioned the re-union of the two Societies; an advantage, however, which was compensated by the secession of thirty or forty other persons, who, disapproving of the new arrangement, engaged a place near the Obelisk in St. George’s Fields. This place was opened on Easter Sunday, the 26th of March, 1815, by the Rev. J. Proud, who came from Birmingham for the purpose, and preached two sermons to crowded congregations. This little Society chose for their Minister Mr. T. Vaughan, a gentleman well known in London for his long and steady attachment to the cause of the New Church. He was, however, speedily succeeded by Mr. T. Goyder, another member of the same Society; after which they built a Chapel for themselves in Waterloo Road.
On the retirement of Dr. Churchill from the performance of the Ministerial duties, in the year 1819, he was succeeded by Mr. Noble. The room in Lisle Street had only been engaged, originally, as a temporary accommodation for four years: yet here was the Society obliged to remain for nearly ten; though, after Mr. Noble’s acceptance of the Ministerial office, the most diligent efforts were made to obtain either a more convenient Chapel, or a suitable piece of ground on which to build one. At length the Chapel in Hanover Street, Long Acre, was procured at the moderate rent of L80 per annum, but at an expense, in the purchase of the lease, (having ten years and a half to run,) in fixtures, and in fitting it up, of L495. For this improved accommodation the Society was very thankful, and experienced in it, at first, a considerable increase. Yet many were but indifferently satisfied with it; and all hoped, that the New Church in London would one day be enabled to assume a more inviting exterior; though this was a day which few expected to have the pleasure of beholding.
Such was the state of things for several years. None thought of any removal from Hanover Street before the expiration of the lease; and the Chapel in Cross Street being in the hands of a Corporate Body, its return within any period of human calculation into the hands of the New Church was regarded as impossible. A new Chapel, indeed, it was known, was building for Mr. Irving; but as that in Cross Street was the property, not of him or his immediate supporters, but of the Caledonian Asylum, it was expected that it would continue a Scotch Church as before. When lo! the owners of the Caledonian Asylum resolved to enlarge their establishment, and to build far more extensive premises; whereupon, in the month of May, 1826, they advertised their house and chapel for sale. A few individuals felt a wish, far indeed from amounting to a hope, that the New Church might make the purchase: and if there had been any hope, it would have been immediately extinguished, when, on inquiring the terms, it was found that the sum demanded was L6000. Nothing more was thought about it for many months; and it was even concluded, that it was disposed of. {463} However, when in the October following it was known, that this was not the case, another application was made by an individual, who ascertained that the demand was lowered to L5000. About the end of January, 1827, however, circumstances transpired which led to the expectation, that L4000, or four thousand guineas, would not be rejected. This was stated, in the beginning of February, to the Hanover Street Committee; but the possibility of raising such a sum was looked upon as almost too visionary to fix any serious attention; and it was barely resolved to mention it at the approaching General Meeting of the Society on the 26th. A statement was afterwards printed and circulated, which demonstrated that the purchase was not beyond the ability of the Society; that with the L1000 which the Society had at command, (the amount of a fund formed from the bequest of the late Mr. Mansfield, and of a fund commenced when at York Street, for the express purpose of aiding in the building or purchasing of a freehold place of worship,) and such donations as might be expected, the interest of the money necessary to be borrowed, reduced by the probable rent of the house, might be paid by the Society without difficulty. A considerable ardour for the object was now excited in many. A private meeting, to try what was likely to be obtained by donations, was held at the house of a friend, when the sum of L440 was subscribed by about seventeen persons. A special meeting of the Committee and other members was held a few days afterwards; at which time it was resolved to recommend the object to a General Meeting. At the General Meeting it was unanimously, and with great zeal, determined to enter into a negotiation for the purchase; and the subscription previously commenced, was raised to the amount, in free donations, of L818, which afterwards rose to above L1200, besides some annual subscriptions for the payment of the interest of the money to be borrowed. A negotiation was entered into accordingly, and was finally concluded on the 22nd of March, 1827; by which it was agreed to pay for the estate L3800, and to allow the Caledonian Asylum to retain possession of the house till Christmas, 1828, free of rent. The value thus given up in rent, and the law expenses, make the whole cost about L4000, besides repairs, painting and fitting up, amounting to about L700 more. A deposit of L700 was paid on signing the agreement, and possession of the place was given on the 6th of September, 1827, when the remainder of the purchase-money was paid. {464}
Thus, by a remarkable concurrence of circumstances, this convenient, handsome, and freehold place of worship, fifty-four feet and eight inches square, which is unexceptionably situated, near the centre of the metropolis, has returned into the possession of the New Church, and that in a manner in which it was never held before; since it has now become the absolute property of the Church, and will be vested in Trustees for the use of the New Church for ever.
Altogether, the sudden change, which has taken place in the state and prospects of the New Church in London, is so great, that they who look at it seriously cannot help exclaiming, with devout acknowledgment, “This is the Lord’s doing; and it is marvellous in our eyes.”

GENERAL NEW CHURCH EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT, CALLED WOODFORD SCHOOL.

During the time of the sitting of the last Conference, an arrangement was made to give the members of the Church, from the country, an opportunity of meeting some of those of London, for social intercourse and useful conversation. On the evening, therefore, of the l6th of August upwards of a hundred ladies and gentlemen assembled to tea at the Freemason’s Tavern, near Lincoln’s Inn Fields. A much esteemed member of the Church, Mr. W. Malins, took this opportunity to deliver an Address on the Subject of forming a General Education- Establishment for the New Church – a measure which has long and deeply engaged that gentleman’s thoughts. Though the Address occupied a full hour in the delivery, such was the interest of its subject and manner, that it was listened to with the most riveted attention throughout; and its effect was greater than could have been anticipated. The desirableness of such an Institution as was contemplated was acknowledged by all; and all felt convinced that its formation was practicable. Mr. Malins was requested to complete the details of his plan, and to publish it, with his Address, as the best means of communicating the impulse which was felt by the meeting, to the Church at large; and a subscription was entered into to defray the cost of printing. This has been since done in a highly interesting pamphlet of forty pages, containing Mr. Malins’s Address to the meeting, and the full details of the plan for carrying the design into execution. The following extracts shew the necessity of such an establishment on entirely New Church principles.

“It must be a matter of the deepest regret to consider, that, out of the number of these children, [children born of the professing members of the New Church,] many have not remained steadfast in our faith. In some of these cases, it is to be feared, the fault has lain with the parents but in part, without such an Institution as I wish to see formed, the evil is unavoidable few having the opportunity of entirely conducting the education of their offspring themselves. All must wish to see their children grow up to be ornaments of the Church, which themselves are convinced is the true Church of the Lord but where the plant of her heavenly life and doctrines is left to spring up spontaneously, there is little room for surprise if it never makes its appearance. The Lord calls our innocent offspring to come unto him but we deliver them over to the stranger, and the enemies of our faith. This is a crying and a grievous evil, which appears to weaken us in the most vital part. {465} I say the most vital part: for we have reason to expect, that the children of those members, who have been some years readers of the writings of our heaven-taught Author, who have taken his precepts as the rule of their lives, and thereby made some progress in the regenerate life; we have reason, I say, to expect, that the children of such members should become pillars in the Church; and even the children of all who come to an acknowledgment of these truths, we hope to see grow up in the love and practice of them. But experience has brought us bitter disappointment. Some, indeed, there are, who fulfil all our hopes; but their number falls very short of what might reasonably have been expected. Others, we know, after running through the theories or vanities of the day, return to us with joy: but this sometimes does not happen until many valuable years have been lost. To know that such an evil exists, and to have it in our power to remedy it, and not to do so, may surely be considered an omission of an important duty.”

Again:-

“That the writings of the New Church unfold the nature of the human soul beyond all former illustrations of the Holy Word given to mankind, no person at all acquainted with them will deny. They open to us the human soul from the period of its entrance into the natural world, through the years of infancy to adult age, thence through manhood to old age, and its entrance into the spiritual world. They teach us the peculiar states of reception and instruction adapted to each of these periods or states. Why then should we so long neglect to avail ourselves of this light for the instruction of our infant race? Why should we give them over to those, w who, whatever they may profess in theory, really in practice train them up as though the life in this world were the only object for which man was born? Why should we give our children to be educated in the paths of error, by persons who are ignorant of the nature of the human soul; who are capable of doubting whether it is the galvanic or electric fluid; and whether man has life in himself, or whether it is the accidental concatenation of matter, – the mere result of organization? If we wished them to be brought up in the acknowledgment and worship of a plurality of gods, what surer method could we devise, than to send them to a seminary where that doctrine is taught? Or if we desired to bring them up without any religious principle, what mode could be better calculated for such a purpose, than to send them where no religious instruction is imparted? Or, where we have early stored their understanding with a knowledge of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem, what more probable method could we adopt to weaken their reliance on those doctrines, than to send them to a school where they are held in derision? where the master, to whom they ought to look up with respect as an authority to be relied on, denounces them as false and fantastic; and their play-fellows, as frequently happens, make them a theme for mirth? But I will not follow this point further; conceiving that little argument can be necessary to shew, that the practice is pregnant with consequences detrimental to the interests of your children. There are, indeed, very estimable members of the New Church, who conduct private seminaries for education: but these cannot, without hazarding the ruin of their establishments, avow and teach the doctrines they cherish in their hearts; from which circumstance, doubtless, it is that they have not more decidedly obtained the preference of New Church parents.
“Admitting, then, that this practice is bad and ruinous to the vital interests of the Church for which we profess and feel so much concern, it must be deemed expedient by this meeting – nay, most essential, that a remedy should be provided. That remedy can only consist in the establishment of a New Church School. This, also, to be extensively useful, must be on a large scale; and, to be within the reach of the majority of our members, the education must be afforded on very moderate terms. I have, therefore, great satisfaction in stating, – which I do after the most attentive consideration, the most minute, careful, and candid investigation that I can give it, – that these objects can be combined: and I state, without fear of contradiction, that the New Church has it in her power forthwith to establish an Institution, wherein shall be given the best and the cheapest education that can any where be obtained.”

The Address then proceeds to enlarge upon the proper principles on which education should be conducted, as developed in the writings of the New Church, and to contrast them with the actual practice of schools in general; and after justly observing, that “were education conducted in its right order, and by the proper persons, all who undertake the care of children would discharge the office from a sort of spiritual parental love,” Mr. Malins concludes this part of his subject in the following manner. {466}

“Every person of any observation must immediately assent to the proposition, that such a love of children, and a spiritual desire for their eternal welfare, ought to be the first qualification of those who take charge of them. That there are persons of both sexes, thus qualified, to be met with, cannot be doubted: nay, I hope we leave, each of us, some such within our acquaintance. But the occupation of teaching has been universally looked upon as an office of such drudgery, toil, and anxiety, that the strong inducement of necessity, or the desire of gain, has hitherto been requisite to drive persons to it. It is evident, that, under such circumstances, the affection for the children, and delight in the office, which are most essential for the proper fulfilment of the duty must be wanting; and teachers, generally, have gone into it therefore with the intellectual faculty only, and with a conviction that nothing but strict discipline is adapted for children. But how ill suited such a treatment must be to the tender nature of children, and how destructive to the finer energies of the soul, must be obvious. The members of the New Church, who have a clear view laid before them of the voluntary and intellectual faculties of man, and the relative culture which each requires, are alone capable of conducting education as it ought to be carried through the varied states and years; and can they devote their attention to a more delightful or more important duty? –a duty which is felt to be irksome and degrading only when, like any other occupation or business, it has been undertaken from selfish and degrading motives. But henceforth we may expect, that those who go into the duty with delight, will carry it on with delight, if they will take the benefit of the information laid before them in the New Church writings, not only as regards the first training of the infant mind, but upon the whole duties of man in every age and station. And it appears to me, that the time has arrived, when the New Church is loudly called upon to arise to the activities which are due from her in regard to this subject.
“I wish, therefore, to see established a school for not less than 150 boys and 150 girls, where they shall receive the best of educations, by a most careful adaptation of its different branches for the future man’s eternal welfare; whereby his mind shall be amply stored with those principles of goodness and truth, so often spoken of in the Word, under the name of the Remains, or, according to the common translation, the Remnant which, it is declared, shall be saved; being the ground from which the salvation of men is possible, and from which, according to the testimony of our Author, he draws, in all the dangers and tribulations of after days, the most powerful aids. Of this storehouse of treasures, the world in general knows but little: how therefore can they provide materials to fill it? To lead the minds of the children, as much as may be practicable, after the heavenly order we have been contemplating, is really the grand object in education; and not to coerce and beat dry knowledge into them, -whereby the mind is closed and brutalized; whilst all knowledge, even, that is ever to become a man’s own, and to be truly useful to him, must be introduced by affection. That this may be done, no one can doubt who has carefully marked the state of the infant mind, and its agreement with what is taught us respecting it in the writings of the New Church. It appears to me, that, with the principles thus communicated before us, which, the more we compare them with experience, the more we shall be convinced of their truth, a wonderful revolution may be made in the minds and habits of children, and thence of men: and by availing ourselves of all the advantages held out by the improved principles of mutual instruction, which appears to be the most powerful engine yet brought into operation for the benefit of youth, and may be compared to the steam-engine in mechanics, though its advantages have hitherto been confined to the poor, we may impart to the rising generation a better education than any period of the world has yet afforded. It must be obvious, indeed, that this may be done: otherwise the New Dispensation, in which we all rejoice, would fall short of our reasonable expectations.”

The necessity of combining cheapness with a good education and the most liberal treatment of the pupils, is then stated; after which, as it is part of the plan to communicate an experimental and practical knowledge of farming, gardening, and the most useful mechanical arts and employments, some observations of a highly satisfactory nature are offered on this subject and on the means of making the whole course of instruction most beneficial and delightful. {467}
The Address was so warmly hailed by the meeting at which was delivered, that Mr. Malins was encouraged to proceed mediately to the purchase, at the price of L10,000, of an estate at Woodford, in Essex, a village about seven or eight miles from London, which seemed providentially to come in his day, for the establishment of the school.
The estate consists of a noble mansion, in the erection of which, at different periods, but all within the last forty years, a sum exceeding L22,000 has been expended; spacious and convenient domestic offices; numerous outbuildings; gardens substantially walled in, and stocked with fruit-trees of every description; also six excellent hot-houses, well planted with vines in full bearing; three cottages on the grounds; and land amounting to fifty-one acres, part of which is freehold and part copyhold, beautifully ornamented with timber of the value of at least L1500.
The whole expense of setting the Institution fairly on foot, is estimated at L12,000; of which L8000 remain on mortgage, and the remainder is to be raised by loans and donations. If the undertaking succeeds, it is Mr. Malins’s intention to secure the property and profits for the benefit of the New Church for ever, by executing a deed securing the reversion of it to the Trustees of the General Conference.
The gentleman engaged to conduct the classical department is Mr. Smithson, who some years ago embraced the doctrines the New Church while at college at Basle, in Switzerland, where he was studying with a view of going as a Missionary to the East. He has visited some of the principal establishments for education on the Continent, including that of Pestalozzi; and has been for some time engaged in it himself. Besides the languages commonly called classical, he is well acquainted with the Hebrew and some of the Oriental tongues: he is master, also, of the principle languages of modern Europe; and, what is of the utmost importance in the present case, he is a man of sincere piety, animated by an ardent desire to be useful in the cause of the Lord’s New Church.*
* Mr. Smithson was ordained in 1833, and became an Ordaining Minister in 1851. He is now the Editor of the Intellectual Repository.- ED.
The school was opened on the 4th of February, 1828, for boys and girls; the prospect of success becomes daily more and more apparent; and the blessings of Divine Providence evidently smiles upon the whole undertaking.*
* The school was found not to fulfil the object intended. In 1829 the part devoted to the education of girls was relinquished; and in March 1832, the school was entirely given up.- ED. {468}
The Ninth General Convention of the receivers of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem, in the United States, was held at Baltimore, on the 7th of June, 1827=71, and continued, by daily adjournments, to the 9th of the same month. The Journal of its proceedings is a satisfactory document, as shewing how widely the reception of the heavenly doctrines is diffused through that extensive country, and the united zeal and prudence with which the external affairs of the New Church are conducted. The ordering of the Ministry continues to occupy much of their attention, and their conduct respecting it appears to be marked by sound discretion. The Appendix contains, in the form of a Report of a Committee of the Convention, an admirably written document on the use of Ordination, and on the most orderly form of the Ministry, occasioned by some novel suggestions from the Society at Cincinnati. Extracts are given from twenty-one letters from Societies, or from persons in connexion with Societies; from which it appears, that in most places where the doctrines have been introduced, they maintain their ground, and that in several places they are much extending their influence. A list is also appended, mentioning upwards of seventy places in which there are receivers, with the name of a person in each to whom communications may be addressed.
A new periodical work has made its appearance in Boston North America, under the title of The New Jerusalem Magazine. Judging by the Numbers already published, which are written with great ability, it promises to be a work of distinguished merit, and must, if continued in the same manner as that in which it has hitherto been conducted, be a powerful instrument both in spreading and in defending the heavenly doctrines of divine truth.*
* This Magazine is still continued; and is now published by the General Convention.- ED.
The capability of supporting a periodical work may perhaps be considered a fair criterion, by which to judge of the advancement of a Church in any country. Such has certainly been the case with the New Church, both in England and in America. In this country, from 1790 to 1801, four separate attempts were made to establish a Magazine, which did not succeed; but the fifth, made in 1812, under the title of The Intellectual Repository for the New Church, has continued to the present time, with every prospect of increasing success. So with the New Church in America: the first effort was made in New York, under the title of The Halcyon Luminary; which was discontinued in two years, after completing two volumes. The next attempt appeared in the publication of a Quarterly Magazine, at Philadelphia, called The New Jerusalem Church Repository; which also continued only two years, forming a single volume. The third, called The New Jerusalem Church Missionary, and Intellectual Repository, was published at New York, in 1823. {469} The fourth, called The Herald of Truth, was published at Cincinnati, it 1825. Each of these two last continued only one year, and each formed only one volume. The fifth was published at Boston, in 1827, and called The New Jerusalem Magazine: this work, which was commenced under the full expectation, that the growing interest that was felt in the doctrines of the New Church, would warrant its publication, meets with increasing support, and bids fair to obtain a permanent establishment. If, then, the criterion stated above be a correct one, it may be inferred, that the New Church in America has greatly advanced in externals, as the members are sufficiently numerous and consolidated to continue the support of a Periodical work.
According to intelligence from France, received in a letter out M. Parraud, dated Paris, the 28th of November, 1827, and from other sources, it appears, that the New Church is gradually extending itself in that country. Readers of the writings are to be found in Paris, Versailles, Pontoise, Nantes, Angers, Blois, Besancon, Bourdeaux, Tarbes, Bayonne, Toulouse, Milhaud, Aveiron, Sisteron in the department of the lower Alps, Verberie near Compiegne, and other places. Among these disciples there are well-informed men, who are capable of serving the Church usefully. They all read the translations already published, for which they are very thankful, knowing to whom they owe this benefit, and they anxiously wait the printing of he Arcana Coelestia. There is, however, a restriction, that more than nineteen* persons are not permitted anywhere in France to assemble for reading or religious conversation, or for worship; and even as it is, not without surveillance, so that all that passes is reported. It is expedient, therefore, to rely upon the Lord, who alone knows the times and the means to propagate his Church.
* This is not now the case.- ED.
In the mean while there can be no doubt, that there actually exists in France, upon the subject of religion, a fermentation of mind, which leads to some amelioration. The Atheists are shaken; the Deists begin to believe that a Revelation is possible; the Protestants are not agreed among themselves upon certain of their fundamental dogmas, which they have always regarded as the anchor of salvation; for instance, that concerning faith alone, which has lately been opposed with great power in one of their own journals. Many Catholics have already thrown off the yoke of Ultra-montanism, and renounced belief in Papal infallibility, suspecting that Christianity may somewhat have degenerated from its primitive and evangelical purity. Thus all, more or less, appear to be favourably disposed to receive the divine influx now descending from the New Heaven upon earth, and to profit by the writings of the new Messenger raised up by the Lord, in which divine truths shine in all their glory. {470} These writings have already produced the most salutary effects, and will, no doubt, produce greater results when they are more spread and better known.
Later information has been received from France by a member of the New Church in London, who states, that he had recently had an interview with a gentleman from Paris, from whom he learned, that, through the activity of an affectionate reader of the heavenly doctrines, an officer in the French army, several persons had been brought to the acknowledgment of the truth, in various parts of France, particularly at Besancon, where a not inconsiderable Society had been formed, chiefly among the officers of the garrison. The active promoter of the good work had, however, died about six months ago. At Paris little increase had been experienced. This, it is thought, was owing to the want of a Chapel, in which the doctrines might be preached: for in that case, were the measure legalized, the attention of the public might probably be roused, and a considerable accession made to the Church.

THE NEW CHURCH READING AND SPELLING BOOK.

Among the various publications which have issued from the press under the sanction of the General Conference, a small elementary work, calculated in an eminent degree to facilitate the progress of young persons in the first rudiments of knowledge, is particularly worthy of notice. Its title is A Reading and Spelling Book for the Use of the Sunday and Day Schools of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation: Drawn up by Direction of the General Conference. The work is arranged upon an entirely new and original plan, by which dissyllables may be learned as easily as monosyllables can upon any other system; and it is particularly adapted for the instruction of very young children. The Committee appointed to prepare this Spelling Book make the following observations upon it.

“The want of elementary books in accordance with the doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church, having been long felt and regretted, the attention of the Eighteenth General Conference was directed to the subject by communications from some of the Societies, and from individual members of the Church. That body, being fully impressed with the importance and utility of such works in aiding the dissemina- tion of the heavenly doctrines, appointed a Committee to prepare a Spelling-Book and a Class-Book. This Committee, after some time, finding that the task could be better performed by an individual, engaged a friend to prepare the Spelling- Book, whose experience in the business of education, and knowledge of the heavenly doctrines, well qualified him for the undertaking. The work was submitted, during its progress, to the Committee, by whom it was carefully examined; it was then referred to the Rev. T. Pilkington, of Haslingden, as directed by the General Conference, who, on returning it, writes, ‘I altogether approve of the plan of the work; it is got up with ability. It will form a very superior book for day-schools.’
“Although in the most popular Spelling Books the reading lessons are, for the most part, extracted from the Scriptures, the Committee have thought it more useful to occupy the pages of this book with other matters. {471} For lessons of this kind, reference may be had to the Bible itself.
“The Spelling-Book Committee here offer to the Church the following work as the result of their labours. On its utility, experience alone can decide; but this is certain, that it contains nothing that can operate as a stumbling-block to children in their approach to their Saviour as the only God,- nothing that violates the spirit of the command, ‘Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.'”

This useful little book is considered a valuable addition to the excellent standard works, which the New Church is gradually producing for its own use.* An edition is also published for the use of schools in general, where its New Church title would otherwise prevent its introduction, under the title of Gradations in Reading and Spelling; in which the reading lessons of a doctrinal nature are omitted. This edition has been reviewed in terms of high commendation by the Periodicals of the day. The author is Mr. Henry Butter, Master of the Academy in Rawstorne Street, Goswell Road, London.
* This work did not meet with much encouragement from the Church; but was well received by the public under its title of Gradations, &c. Mr. Butter, the author, as stated above, afterwards published a Gradual Primer and The Etymological Spelling Book and Expositor; and the three are now standard school books.- Mr. Butter is now the Secretary of the General Conference.- ED.

The Seventh Annual Meeting of the London Missionary and Tract Society was held at Friars Street Chapel, Doctors’ Commons, on the 26th of May, 1828. Their Report is highly interesting, and evinces that this Society continues to make highly beneficial exertions for the extension of the boundaries of the New Church. The friends at Norwich have been encouraged by a Missionary visit from the Rev. T. Goyder; who also called at Rede, a small village near Bury St. Edmunds, where several persons have been brought acquainted with the heavenly doctrines. Derby and Melbourne have been visited by the Rev. S. Noble, and the Rev. E. Madeley, of Birmingham; and the latter gentleman has also preached at Loughborough, Nottingham, and Chellaston.
The following is extracted from Mr. Goyder’s letter to the Secretary of the Committee:

“I left London on Friday morning, the 13th of July, and arrived at Norwich in the evening of the same day. The friends had obtained (gratuitously) the loan of a small Church in the centre of the town, known by the name of the French Church.* Accordingly the subjects upon which I was about to lecture, were made known to the inhabitants by printed bills circulated about the city. On Sunday, the 15th, I preached three times upon the following subjects, viz:-Morning, An Answer to the Question, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Afternoon, ‘What is Man?’ Evening, ‘What is Truth?’ The congregation in the morning consisted of about 250 persons; in the afternoon, upwards of 300 were present; and in the evening more than 400. The congregations were respectable, and I was heard with the most marked and profound attention.
* This Church has been the place of worship of the Norwich Society since 1830, to the present time.- ED.
“On Sunday the 22nd, I again preached three times. The place was found to be too small to accommodate the numbers who came to hear. In the afternoon the gentleman who lent the Church, came to the worship, and upon Mr. Woolterton asking him how he liked the doctrines of the New Church, he expressed himself in the following manner:- {472} ‘Sir, I thank you for your kindness in making me acquainted with your services this day: I assure you I have been highly gratified. I repeat it, I have been highly gratified; and if the gentleman will publish the lecture, I shall be glad to have it.’ After the service was over in the evening, an elderly gentleman came to me, and while shaking me by the hand, he thus expressed himself: ‘Well, dear Sir, as King Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,’ so I say to thee, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Swedenborgian.’ Many other observations were made both by strangers and friends to the cause, which were expressive of the most decided approbation.”

Mr. Madeley, in a letter dated Birmingham, Oct. 29, 1827, transmitted the following account of his journey:

“In conformity with a resolution of your Committee, I have taken the first opportunity of paying a Missionary visit to Melbourne, Loughborough, Nottingham, and Chellaston, the detail of which I transmit for your information. Having left Birmingham on Saturday, the 20th of October, I arrived the same afternoon at the residence of our very worthy and affectionate friend Mr. Haimes, by whom and his family, I was most kindly received and entertained. On Sunday the 21st, I preached three times according to previous arrangement, in the convenient little Chapel fitted up by Mr. H., and adjoining his premises. The Chapel is capable of accommodating 150 people, and in the evening it was completely filled.
On Monday the 22nd, I proceeded to Loughborough, where I was agreeably surprised to find a small place belonging to our esteemed and zealous friend Mr. Dean, fitted up for regular worship, and calculated to accommodate about 70 or 80 persons. The Sabbath services are performed by Mr. D. Here I preached on the same evening; and notwithstanding a heavy and incessant rain during the whole evening, the place was filled.- I left Loughborough for Nottingham on the morning of the 23rd; and in the evening delivered a lecture on the Exclusive Divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.- On Wednesday I went to Derby, and from thence to Chellaston, accompanied by about 30 of the Derby friends. Here I preached in the evening to a congregation of upwards of 120. It will doubtless gratify you to learn, that my own Society in Birmingham has experienced a very considerable increase since the Conference.”

On the death of the Rev. E. Madeley, senior, which happened on Sunday, Nov. 25, 1827, the Society at Derby made an affectionate appeal to the Committee, soliciting the presence of the Rev. S. Noble to preach the funeral sermon of their deceased Pastor. Accordingly Mr. Noble, in compliance with the wishes of the Society, as well as of the Missionary Committee, proceeded to Derby in order to discharge this mournful duty. The following is the interesting account of his mission on that occasion.

“In compliance with the request of the Committee, and with the desire of the Society of the New Church at Derby, I have visited that place to discharge the painful duty of delivering the funeral discourse for our late much-beloved friend and brother, the Rev. E. Madeley. I preached in the morning of Sunday, December 9, in the pulpit which our friend was wont to occupy, to the customary congregation. In the evening I delivered the discourse on the severe bereavement, which the Society and the New Church in general had sustained, to such a congregation as had never before been assembled within those walls. No measures had been taken to give publicity to my expected arrival for the solemn purpose, beyond mentioning it from the desk on the preceding Lord’s day: yet the place was, to appearance, quite filled, almost as soon as the doors were opened, about half-past five o’clock,- three quarters of an hour before the time for commencing. On my arrival in the main street, towards six o’clock, I was surprised to see it so thronged with people, as I had never seen any part of Derby, except about the market on market days; but as many were going in the direction from the ‘Temple’ as towards it, I did not suppose that the expected delivery of the sermon was the cause. Such, however, on drawing near to the place, I found was the fact; those going in the same direction as myself consisting almost entirely of persons who were going to try to get in; and those whom I met, consisting of those who had made the attempt, and were returning disappointed. I had considerable difficulty in getting in myself at the school-room door, and should hardly have succeeded, but for the exertions of a friend, who told the besieging multitude who I was, and induced them to make way. {473} The pulpit stairs, and all the standing room, as well as the pews, were crowded to excess; and I was assured by a friend, who, before the commencement of the service, actually counted the people on one side of the building, that not fewer than 1100 persons were squeezed within it. My own conviction was, that the number of those who went away, unable to get in, was far greater still. I mention these particulars as evidences of the estimation in which our valued friend was held in the town, and as affording room for the hope, that the excitement occasioned by his unexpected removal may be productive of permanent good impressions. Numerous as the congregation was, and uncomfortably as they were crowded together, I never had more attentive hearers. I endeavoured to do justice to the amiable character of the friend who is gone, to explain our views of the state and world into which he has entered, and to enforce the weighty lessons thus taught us, on the hearts and minds of those whom I was addressing; and in many of those hearts, I am very certain, I found a responsive chord. We heard afterwards of testimonies of high satisfaction, even from quarters where we little expected them.*
* A considerable portion of this Discourse was printed in the Intellectual Repository for 1828, p. 63.- ED.
“On the Monday evening I attended a business meeting of the Society, at which about 100 members were present; and I had the satisfaction of seeing, that, while they felt deeply their loss, there was no disposition towards despondency; but that every one, on this trying emergency, seemed to feel, more than ever, the cause of the Church as his own.
“On the Tuesday, at the request of our respected friend, Mr. Haimes, I went to re-deliver the funeral discourse (but with great alterations) at Melbourne, where the loss of Mr. Madeley is not less felt than at Derby; and I had a very serious auditory of near 200 persons in the place of worship, which Mr. Haimes has lately fitted up; being also a very crowded congregation.
“I was kindly entertained at Derby by the estimable widow of our departed friend. I saw that she felt acutely, but received the dispensation with entire resignation.
“On the whole, I trust the visit has been productive of some degree of real good, and has been among the means by which the Lord is providing for the support and increase of his Church in that vicinity.”

Since Mr. Madeley’s death, Mr. Knight, of Burton-upon- Trent, the well known and estimable “legal friend,” who has so unremittingly and disinterestedly assisted the Conference with his advice on many weighty occasions, has become their leader; and the Society seems’ to be animated with a spirit, which promises to ensure the stability and welfare of the cause in Derby. He has, for some time back, been engaged in delivering lectures on the Last Judgment, the Resurrection, and similar subjects; and the attention which he has succeeded in exciting, is beyond all precedent. The following extract from a letter, dated December 13, 1828, will shew the great sensation which has been produced in that town.

“Our gospel, legal, and worthy friend, Mr. Knight, continues his subject on Sunday evening next. We have had, since you were here, the Temple completely filled every Sunday evening: indeed, many went away, unable to get in. In addition to the seats, we take up the forms of the school, and place them in the aisles: they alone seat about 300 persons. We admit no children on Sunday evenings. I think last Sunday evening we had the most respectable congregation I ever saw there, through our friend’s exertions, for he gives sermons an hour and forty minutes long. Rigid Calvinists, Baptists, Socinians, and Methodists, who could get no seat, have declared to me, they never stood so long before to hear any sermon; but such was the interest excited in their minds by the truths he brought from the Word, that they were not at all fatigued, and would have stood patiently another half hour to have heard him. The Unitarian Minister says, his proofs of the erroneous opinions of the Last Judgment are incontrovertible. However, if no other object is gained, this, I am certain, is the fact: our doctrines, which were treated by other sects with sarcasm, are now treated with becoming respect by all intellectual individuals who have heard them. {474} A Methodist Preacher meeting, last Sunday evening, the crowds going to our Temple, and very likely feeling rather sore, dealt out from his pulpit some anathemas against our friend, as a false prophet who was preaching a damnable doctrine.    However, this was its use: a portion of his then hearers are determined at all events to hear this prophet, if they are spared till Sunday.”*
* Mr. Knight took up his residence in London in 1848, and departed to the Spiritual World, on the 2nd of October, 1858, in the 69th year of his age. Although he had for some time relinquished preaching, he occasionally delivered lectures on the doctrines- ED.

On that branch of the institution, which relates to the circulation of Tracts, the Committee, in their Report, make the following just remarks.

“Tracts have been called ‘silent messengers of the truth,’ whose influence is in a great degree hid from us. This has been hitherto generally the case, and will continue to be so, perhaps, for a considerable time to come. Nevertheless, occasionally, even now, so much of their effect becomes known to your Committee, as to convince them, that their use alone is of sufficient weight to entitle this Society to the support of every one who takes an interest in the diffusion of New Church knowledge. Their use, also, is not solely of that indefinite and undetermined nature, which they suppose, who imagine that they are merely thrown abroad amongst the multitude for the chance of finding a single friend amidst a thousand enemies. They have definite and peculiar advantages, which, render them capable of being applied more effectively. They are a means by which the poorest and meanest of the supporters of the Church may become her champions, and may stand up successfully against the majority of her enemies: they are the means, or may become so, of perpetuating impressions received from the pulpit, especially when this can be seldom occupied: they are a species of publication peculiarly adapted for the uneducated and simple minds; being generally written in plain language, and having the subjects which they treat of explained in the most familiar language possible; and, finally, they have become popular vehicles for the dissemination of religious and moral doctrine, and consequently are amongst the best means which we possess of gaining the attention of the religious world. An interesting instance of this last qualification your Committee are enabled to exhibit to you; and they think you will agree with them in the opinion, that, while such proofs of their usefulness continue to be afforded, they should attain much estimation in the minds of all, and render this department of your Committee’s labours valuable and interesting.”

The Committee then mention the case of a gentleman, (already noticed in p. 460,) who removed from Norwich to Framlingham, a considerable market town in Suffolk, by whose means some tracts and other writings fell into the hands of an intelligent Methodist, who, though formerly an enemy to the New Church, has now become a very zealous and cordial receiver of its sublime truths.
The number of tracts distributed in the course of the last year, by this Society alone, is stated to be about six thousand.
The Committee conclude their interesting Report with the following reflections, worthy of minds imbued with genuine New Church principles.

“Your Committee have now presented to you the transactions of the past year; and they trust, that the promise of that future success, which all look to with so much interest, has been seen in their little history. How pleasant is it to have to record even the gift of a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple!- to have to tell even of the breaking down of one erroneous opinion, and of the saving from destruction of one good affection, by the application of pure truth! How much more to be desired is such success, than the loftiest triumphs of human opinion! What are such triumphs, but a mere secession from one variety of erroneous notions to other varieties, each of which is called, by those who support it, the best! The New Church looks calmly from her seat of light, and perceives that it is easy indeed to wander about amongst these. {475} They are only separate standards of the great army of the false; and change amongst them only adds to, or takes from, the importance of some of its leaders. But the triumphs of the New Church are the triumphs of eternal truth and those who faithfully unite themselves with her army, whose sole Leader is the Lord, are won from the service of evil and error, and restored to that of pure goodness and truth.
“How truly valuable on the one side is even small success, the winning a single friend, or disarming a single enemy, when compared with the greatest on the other, the withdrawing multitudes from the support of one false thing to the support of another! And how dear should we esteem the means by which we attain it! Let us not, then, be dissatisfied with the apparent slowness of our progress, but content ourselves with its value. Let us consider no efforts which it demands, too great, and more than is wanted; but regard it as a sufficient reward for the exertion of our utmost ability; and our Divine Master will, according to his merciful promise, ‘be with us, even to the end’ (Matt. xxviii. 20). When, according also to his gracious assurance, ‘They that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.'” (Dan. xii. 3.)

The Nineteenth Report of the London Printing Society is, in many respects, a very pleasing document. It evinces, that this Society is very active in promoting, within its sphere, the great object for which it was originally instituted. It has done much in the course of last year, in the way of making the writings of Swedenborg known by means of advertisements. It has printed, in conjunction with the Manchester Society, a descriptive Catalogue of the Author’s works, to the amount of 19,000 copies.* It has made liberal donations of books in quarters where they might be expected to be useful; among the parties receiving which, are the Royal Arctic Society, and the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. And it has taken measures for proceeding with revised new editions of the writings, with greater activity than at any former period. The Report states the addition made to its means of being useful by the bequest, now realized, of the late Mr. Arbouin, of which mention has before been made in this work; and it appears that the sale of books during the last year has been greater than in any preceding year.
* This Catalogue was printed at the expense of the London Printing Society, the Manchester Printing Society, and Mr. J. S. Hodson, in proportions according to the space occupied by the books of each respectively: the London Society’s proportion was, L13.2s. 6d.; the Manchester’s, L15.; and Mr. Hodson’s, L16. 17s. 6d.; together L45.- ED.
The Sixth Annual Report of the London Free-School Society gives the pleasing information, that every thing relating to the schools of this institution proceeds as satisfactorily as possible.
The number of children in the boy’s school is stated to be 220; and that in the girls’ school, which had been opened but just a year, 140.
The First Report of the Manchester and Salford Free-School Society is equally satisfactory. In conformity with Resolutions passed at a General Public Meeting, held in the Lecture Room, Peter Street, Manchester, on the 27th of March, 1827, the Committee opened the School in Bolton Street, Salford, on the 25th of June in the same year, and have, since that period, admitted 116 boys, of whom there now remain 88 boys; 28 having left the school at different times, for various reasons. {476}
Two public half-yearly examinations have taken place, and the progress made by the scholars in different branches of education, and particularly in the knowledge of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church, was highly satisfactory to the friends present on those occasions; and afforded gratifying anticipations of the great benefit the Institution may be the means of effecting, by extending the knowledge of the doctrines of the Church to the rising generation.
Some months ago the Trustees of the Church in Peter Street offered the free use of the large schools adjoining that place of worship. The Committee were desirous of having some experience of the support they were likely to receive, before they extended their plans; and after having carefully considered the matter, they submitted the proposal of opening an additional school to a public meeting of the two Societies, held on the 1st of July. This proposal was unanimously adopted; and as these Schools are admirably adapted for the purpose of teaching both boys and girls, in separate apartments, but under the eye of one master, it is probable that at least 200 scholars may be instructed, and by the addition of an upper room, full 300 scholars. These considerations had great weight in deciding the meeting on the undertaking; but as, under any circumstances, heavy charges will be incurred, the Committee rely on the liberality of the friends to the cause of education, and those of the New Church in particular, for enabling them to carry into full effect their benevolent plans.
The Fourth Report of the North British Missionary and Tract Society affords pleasing evidence, that, though our brethren in Scotland are not very numerous, they are behind none in zeal and activity. With small means the Society appears to have accomplished a great deal. Under its auspices, Mr. Rendell, of Newcastle, has preached in Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Auchterarder, Crieff, and Perth, to respectable congregations. In conjunction with an individual member of the Society, they have procured and put in circulation a variety of tracts in a great number of channels, which they trust will in due time produce their legitimate effects.
The Twelfth Report of the Manchester and Salford Missionary Society contains, as usual, much gratifying information, and evinces the great value of the exertions of the various gentlemen in those parts, who execute the important duties of Missionary labourers. Some newly-formed Societies, as those at Over Darwen and Barnton, seem to be full of life; and several of the older ones are making new progress. The following anecdote is deeply interesting. {477}

“A young man, a native of Holywell, in Wales, of respectable connections, having received the doctrines of the New Church, while residing at Northwich, became a strong advocate of them. His mother, who resided at Holywell, having been made acquainted with the change of her son’s religious sentiments, became alarmed for his eternal welfare; and with the affection of a parent, wrote to him, soliciting that he would not depart from the path of true religion, but continue in the sentiments he had been taught to believe in earlier life, and to go to heaven in the same way his friends were going. He answered the letter of his mother, assuring her, that he was not departing from ‘the path of true religion,’ but making it his most important pursuit; and that he had met with works which, he conceived, would greatly assist him in his design; at the same time explaining to her his reasons for acknowledging the doctrines of the New Church. This letter was put into the hands of a Dissenting Minister at Holywell, who was in the habit of visiting at her house; and he wrote an answer in her name, pointing out the danger which she conceived beset her son, and beseeching him to return to the good way. The young man knew that the letter was neither the diction nor writing of his mother; and having formed a correct idea whence it originated, he immediately selected from the Scriptures the various names by which the Divine Being is designated, and forwarded them to his mother: requesting that she would desire the Minister to inform him, how many, and which, of the names belonged to distinct Persons in the Godhead, and whether to two, three, or any other given number. The Minister happening to be present when the letter arrived, it was, of course, handed to him. After perusing it, he said it would not require many minutes to answer the questions, and asked for pens, ink, and paper; but on these being furnished, he observed, that it would perhaps be better to take the letter home, and return an answer the following day. The mother waited day after day, anxiously expecting the promised answer, till about ten days had expired; when she received a message, requesting her attendance at the Minister’s house. She went accordingly, and found him seriously ill. He stated, that he had sent for her respecting the letter from her son, which he had attentively considered; and as he expected to live only a few hours, he thought it his duty to inform her, that he felt a satisfactory conviction, that all the names mentioned applied to the Lord Jesus Christ alone, and that he now acknowledged him to be the only God. He died in a very short time after making this declaration. The young friend alluded to has since gone to reside at Holywell; and these circumstances having been related to some of his acquaintance, they have made inquiry respecting the doctrines, and there is one or two already convinced of their superior excellence.”

Another young man, having received the doctrines, and knowing his employer (with whom he lived) to be strongly prejudiced against the New Church, did not think it prudent openly to join the Society. Being also dependent upon his guardian, who resided some short distance from Northwich, and fearing lest the change in his religious sentiments might operate unfavourably with him, especially if he thought of the New Church as many of its opposers had represented it, he therefore determined for a time to make the writings his private study, and not to mention them to either his employer or guardian. One day, however, the guardian unexpectedly entered the young man’s room, and found him at his favourite study; and, as is natural to suppose, asked him what he was reading. This question somewhat alarmed him; but finding he could no longer keep the secret, consistently with truth, he answered, that he was perusing a work written by the Hon. Emanuel Swedenborg. Expecting to receive a reproof in return, how great was his surprise to hear his guardian say, “That is right – read his works, my lad, and they will do you good; I was acquainted with them before you, were born.” These words conveyed joyful sensations to his mind, and seemed to set it at liberty, as from a prison house; and he felt a new incitement to his heavenly purposes, in having thus so unexpectedly gained the approbation of his guardian. {478}
Many young men of respectability, in the neighbourhood of Northwich and Barnton, have openly avowed their attachment to the New Church doctrines, and are reading them with considerable pleasure and delight. This appears to be the result of opposition manifested by various parties, who are now astounded at the spreading of the contagion, as they call it; especially on its appearing in the midst of their own families, which, in some instances, is actually the case. Others are reading the writings in private, in consequence of the prejudices of their friends, who would not submit, on any terms, to their belonging to the New Church. Thus, notwithstanding the efforts of those who have attempted to weaken the cause of divine truth, it is, by the operation of Providence, continually acquiring strength.
At a large meeting of the Members and Friends of the New Church in Birmingham, held 1st January, 1828, a handsome silver cup was presented to their Minister, the Rev. E. Madeley. The inscription records that it was given “as a testimony to his worth, and as a small tribute of gratitude for his valuable and gratuitous services to the Church.”

Token of Affection and Esteem, to the Rev. James Bradley.-

Mr. Bradley being about to remove from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Leeds, his friends resolved to present him with some memorial of their affection and esteem. The idea of a RING was first entertained, but was relinquished for a SILVER SNUFF Box, as it would afford space on which might be engraved a suitable inscription. This latter was accordingly prepared, and presented to Mr. Bradley on the 29th of July, 1828, by Mr. James Johnson, in behalf of the friends then assembled. On presenting the Box, Mr. Johnson delivered an affectionate Address to Mr. Bradley, from which the following passages are extracted:

“To me is assigned the presentation to you of this Box, as a small token of the regard, the great affection and esteem of your friends in this place. As it respects myself, I have reason to be thankful that Divine Providence directed you to this town, for to your instrumentality, under Divine Providence, I am indebted for the reception of the doctrines of the New Church. Though I was piously educated as a Methodist, and till I was acquainted with you, and some time afterwards, was seriously devoted to the cause of Methodism, and made myself well acquainted with its doctrines, yet I may say, till I received your instructions, I knew, as it were, nothing. Others present are ready to make similar acknowledgments, and to express their thankfulness to the Almighty for the benefit of your instructions in things of a spiritual nature. Let this Box, then, Sir, after you have left us, as often as you use it, or read the inscription thereon, remind you that you have left in Newcastle some who appreciate your worth, are sincerely attached to you on that account, and who hope that wherever you go the Divine blessing may accompany you, and make you useful to others. Carry this little present with you as an evidence of our sincere affection to you, acknowledgment of your worth, and best wishes for your usefulness and happiness.”

Mr. Bradley’s feelings, on receiving the Box, were powerfully excited; and he assured the company, that the token of regard with which they had honoured him, and the affectionate manner in which it was presented, were highly gratifying to him. {479}

“The praises which had been given to him, he could not for a moment allow to apply to himself, but to that Divine fountain of all good, from whom was derived every good affection, every pure thought, and all ability to perform a good action. Whatever advantage they had derived from him, as an humble instrument in the Lord’s hands, he felt grateful for; and he was truly happy to find, that some good had been produced by his labours among them. But (continued he) let the Lord have all the glory, and let it be accounted our highest honour to be admitted to co-operate with him in any degree in promoting the knowledge, extension, and establishment of his new kingdom among men.”

Mr. Stewart, Mr. Wilkinson, and Mr. Peter Smith, afterwards addressed the meeting, in succession. Each expressed his gratitude for the past services of Mr. Bradley, and concluded by wishing him happiness and prosperity, here and hereafter.
The inscription on the Box is as follows:

“Presented by his Friends
To the REV. JAMES BRADLEY,
Founder and late Minister of
The New Jerusalem Temple in this Town,
As a Token of their Admiration of his Moral Worth, as a
Christian, his Independent Principles as a Man, and his
Great Talents as an Advocate of the Doctrines of the
New Church. Newcastle-on-Tyne, 29th July, 1828.”