How immense then must be its value to the human race; and yet, with few exceptions, what little use do we find men making of it? "Some having had, as I said before, their old convictions disturbed, take to what they call free thought, which with them is simply the abandonment of all thought that concerns a spiritual and religious life. Others take to seeking excitement by means of spiritism, or having recourse to converse with the dead with a view to obtain a knowledge of God's ways; quite ignoring that He has told them that if they believe not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead. Others, (again, try to stifle all thought, and by attention to such forms and formulas as they have been taught hope for salvation without effort of their own. "How deeply do I wish that words of mine could rouse all such men from their dreadful apathy into untiring prayerful efforts to obtain spiritual light. They would obtain it if they sincerely sought it; for they would ask of One who never deceives, and has promised to fulfil the desires of those who ask of Him what He sees right to grant. Now the reason I am a New Churchman is because I believe that through its doctrines-viz., the doctrines of the word expounded in Swedenborg's writings-God is giving this light to those that seek for it. By these writings the doubts and difficulties that have arisen through the apparent differences between science and the Bible are solved. By them, I believe, my own people, the Jews, will be brought to know Jehovah, not only as they now know him, but also as Christ their PERSONAL Saviour, as He always told them, Lord and Saviour; but which knowledge the belief in the tripersonality of the Deity-a dogma they were bound to oppose-has hitherto prevented. By them a true and intelligible interpretation is put upon the grand old Book, which renders it consistent in all its details from Genesis to Revelation, and thus the guide by which our lives should be regulated." The remainder of the evening, interspersed with musical selections, was occupied by a series of short and interesting addresses, and closed with the national anthem. ALLOA. We cut the following from the Alloa Circular of March 14th :"The principles of Christianity are at present being expounded in Alloa by Mr. Gunton of London. Last Sabbath this gentleman delivered an excellent exposition of Scripture in the New Church, Greenfield Place, which was well filled. To-night he will lecture in the Corn Exchange; and on Friday night, and Sabbath, in the New Church, upon subjects of importance. All thoughtful and reflecting minds would do well to give the gentleman a hearing, as they are likely to get much food for reflection from his expositions." BIRMINGHAM.-The Manual of this Society for the months of February and March, gives many pleasing evidences of the interest and success which has followed the opening of the New Church; one of which has been The Sunday Evening Lectures, by the minister, "which have been exceedingly well attended and received with much satisfaction. Strangers and friends alike have been warm in their commendation of the Christian spirit manifested, and the clear and impressive way in which the doctrines have been set forth. Although the subjects could not be treated in an exhaustive manner-each lecture occupying only about forty minutes in delivery— yet the leading arguments for, and objections to, our views have been always forcibly presented. Above all, they have been shown to be eminently practical, and thus to have a human interest and value, which of itself commends them to every sincere mind. The series will be continued." BRIGHTLINGSEA.- -As a sign that there really is a good time coming, we may mention that recently arrangements were made for the holding of united evangelistic services in Brightlingsea, Mr. Deans being invited to take a part. There was an arrangement that the services should, as far as possible, be unsectarian in their tone, the main object being the promotion of vital religion. Accordingly, on Monday, Feb. 26th, Mr. Deans found himself in the Wesleyan Chapel preaching on "The Christian Warfare." On the 27th, Rev. J. Blackburn (Congregationalist) preached on "The Serpent in the Wilderness." On Wednesday addresses were given by lay representatives of the various con- prepared themselves for the one place or gregations, Mr. James Ward being the the other. The vast majority go into New Church speaker. On March 1st the other world with characters unRev. G. Terry, B.A. (Wesleyan), took finished and unformed, and cannot go for his subject "Jesus in the Midst," directly either into heaven or hell. It and on the 2nd Rev. J. E. Shepherd, was, therefore, reasonable that for them U.M.F.C., took for his text "Wicked- there should be an intermediate state. ness burneth as a Fire." Large congre- The little street arab, who had been gations were present each evening. In taught from his earliest infancy to pick addition to these evening preaching pockets, was not fit for heaven, but it services, meetings for devotional Bible surely would not be just to send him to reading were held in the U.M.F.C. hell. Light was beginning to dawn from 1.30 to 2.30. The subjects of upon the world, and our views were Faith, Repentance, Conversion, Holi- brightening and expanding with regard ness, Heaven, being introduced for con- to the destinies of our fellow-men. This sideration by Messrs. Terry, Shepherd, world was but the threshold of existence. Blackburn, Folkard, and Deans in the Man was a denizen of more worlds than order named. The attendance ranged one, and his destinies must be considered from eighteen at the first meeting to as relating to the mighty ages of the forty at the last. The plan adopted was future. Character in this life decided for the president of the meeting briefly our destiny in the next. The 'respectto open the subject, after which any per- able villain,' when he went into the son present was at liberty to offer remarks world of spirits, might gravitate into or ask questions. Every subject was ex- hell, while he whose aspirations were amined in the light of Scripture, and some pure and good would ascend to heaven. people were astonished at the unanimity With these views the prospects of huarrived at. These meetings were found manity brightened, and we could look so very pleasant and useful, that a very more hopefully upon society." general wish was expressed that they should be continued. We may mention that after each service a prayer meeting was held, in which members of the New Church took part. There was an entire absence of that noise and rant which are often found in connection with services of this character, and it is believed that much good has been done in a quiet way, that members of all the churches have been led to cherish kindlier feelings towards each other, and have been stimulated to renewed diligence in the work of the Master. LIVERPOOL.-The Rev. R. Goldsack, minister of this Society, has just concluded a course of lectures and sermons on special subjects, which was commenced on the first Sunday in the year. The subjects of the lectures were as follows:-"St. Paul and Swedenborg, "Luther and Swedenborg," "Wesley and Swedenborg," "Spiritualism in the Light of the New Church" ") 'Rationalism in the Light of the New Church;" and of the sermons, "The Maiden," addressed to young women, "Husbands and Fathers 99.66 their duties and delights," "Wives and Mothers-their joys and cares, "The LEEDS.-An interesting and appar- Children, Happy Homes, and how to ently very useful course of lectures has make them. These subjects Mr. Goldbeen given in a temperance hall in the sack treated in a very able manner, and suburbs of this town by the Rev. W. it is pleasing and satisfactory to be able O'Mant. A brief report of one of these, to report that they have been much apon the "Intermediate State," and the preciated. Although only one or two discussion which followed, has reached of the lectures were advertised, a conus, from which we give the following siderable number of strangers attended brief extract :-"The lecturer said, of them, in spite of weather, which was necessity, in a discussion of this kind, some things must be assumed. Life after death was one of those things. God, in his dealings with mankind, was just and impartial, and did not send people to heaven or to hell from favouritism or caprice, but because they had anything but favourable. The subjects worthy of note that he has been requested to have the two last named published. A lady, who is a stranger to the Society, has offered to bear the whole expense of the printing, publishing, etc., of that on "Spiritualism in the Light of the New Church," and probably Mr. Goldsack will accept the offer. It is interesting to note that Mr. Goldsack has, in these lectures, forestalled Mr. Gladstone by a couple of months, in comparing or contrasting Luther, Wesley, and Swedenborg. Mr. Gladstone, in the first number of the Nineteenth Century, couples those three names together, and could Mr. Goldsack's three lectures be published, they would be of great interest and use as a series. Mr. Goldsack purposes giving a short course of lectures on "Some Divine Prophecies, and Modern Expectations," which will no doubt equal in interest the series before alluded to. LONDON (Argyle Square).-The important subject of the restoration of this church occupied the attention of the quarterly meeting of the Society in January last. A complete renovation of both the exterior and interior of the building was recommended, and extensive alterations and improvements suggested. These include a rearrange ment of the sittings, a change in the mode of lighting, increased light and air, etc. etc. The accomplishment of all that is proposed will incur a considerable cost. From the March number of the Argyle Square Manual we learn that £320 has been contributed or promised for this work; but from this sum must be deducted £115 already paid for repairing the organ, roof, etc. LONDON (Palace Gardens Church). The Old People's Treat.-The Palace Gardens Friends were determined that the treat to poor old people in the back neighbourhoods of Kensington, which was inaugurated two years ago, should be repeated, and it took place accordingly the day after New Year's Day. One hundred and sixty-five were assembled at the dinner table, and were served by the ladies and gentlemen of the congregation to an abundant meal of roast beef, vegetables, plum-pudding, and dessert. A few kind speeches were made, chiefly by Mr. J. C. Bayley and Dr. Bayley, on the uses, the weaknesses and blessings of age; two appropriate hymns printed for the purpose were sung, in which the old people heartily joined, and all separated thoroughly well pleased. These aged people are gathered by application first to the relieving officers. Then they are visited at their homes and invited to come, and if they accept, a ticket is given to each containing the information as to time and place, with a direction that they bring their own plate, knife, and fork. The only conditions are that they should be over seventy, very poor, and desirous to take part. No matter what religion, country, or what else they may be, they are thoroughly welcome. One of the most interesting features on this occasion was towards the close of the meeting. An old blind gentleman arose-a fine old man with flowing beard, and of most venerable presence. He said he was impelled by this interesting and happy occasion to offer a few words if it would not be considered an intrusion. God, he observed, had been pleased to suffer him to be deprived of sight, and thus of many blessings that others enjoyed. But, he said, He has left me still a far greater blessing than sight-a humble and grateful heart that can love Him for His goodness, and is filled to overflowing for the kindness, and the kind words and the blessing we have had this day, and for every effort that is made to impart happiness to others. He stated how much he had appreciated all he had heard, and urged upon his other aged friends to lay them to heart, and not forget them. And he ended by proposing a hearty and re spectful vote of thanks to those who had provided this very happy occasion. His manner, his appearance, and his words were so in keeping with the scene, that all who had taken part felt that they were amply repaid by this very interesting circumstance alone for all that had been done. NOTTINGHAM. On Monday, Feb. 19th, a social party was held in the school-room of Bluecoat Street Church, to celebrate the septennary of the Rev. C. H. Wilkins' ministry in this town, and also for the purpose of giving the New Church Society and its minister an opportunity of openly congratulating themselves and each other on the event of Mr. Wilkins' re-engagement and agreement with the Nottingham Society to remain as its pastor at a considerably augmented salary. At tea-time the tables presented a very agreeable and lively appearance. Later in the evening the room was as full as was consistent with any degree of comfort. The presence of the Rev. Mr. Hayden from America, and of Mr. Haywood and two or three other friends from Accrington, greatly added to the interest, earnestness, and consequent benefit of the evening's proceedings, which consisted of speeches, interspersed with choice music, a charade, and other circumspect amusements. Topics of interest to the Society were dwelt upon, among which the most immediately inspiring were the idea of Mr. Wilkins permanence in Nottingham, and the fact that the Society was never more in earnest and of united heart than now, as is practically demonstrated in the increased amount of its minister's salary. Birth. January 31st, at Queen Street, Exeter, the wife of Frank M. Eyles of a daughter (Rosa Alice). Marriages. On Tuesday, February 27th, at the New Church, Preston, by the Rev. R. Storry of Heywood, James Robson Rendell, minister of the New Church, Bradford, son of the late Rev. E. D. Rendell, to Ann, daughter of the late James Bannister of Tarleton. Married, on the 8th March, at the New Jerusalem church, Blackburn Road, Haslingden, by the Rev. Isaiah Tansley, of Clayton-le-Moors, Mr. Robert Isherwood, second son of Mr. James Isherwood, to Miss Susan Ann Brierley, eldest daughter of Mr. James Brierley, both of Haslingden. Obituary. Mrs. M'Causland, aged 57, known and loved by a wide circle of New Church friends, departed into the eternal world, after a short illness, at Castle Rock, County Derry, Ireland. She had resided in Ireland, her native land, with occasional visits to London, after the 25th of January, aged 68 years, Mr. Departed this life on Thursday, the Shelah Haggas, of Keighley, Yorkshire. He was trained in the doctrines of the New Church, and, so long as health permitted, was one of the most regular attenders on its worship. Although of a retiring disposition, he was interested in everything that concerned the welfare of the Church, and for many years fulfilled the duties of secretary, and in other ways rendered valuable services to the Society. In his business relations he was highly esteemed. an afflicted wife and family, who, with He has left unwearied attention, ministered to his wants during a somewhat long and trying affliction. This affliction our friend bore with patient, and even cheerful resignation; looking forward with assurant hope to an eternal union with the Church of the firstborn which are written in heaven. We who are left behind feel as though another link of the chain had been taken in from the natural to the spiritual world, whence the influence of departed friends is still with us, and is wisely striving to raise us above the fleeting shadows of this changeful life, to the glorious and sub stantial realities of a brighter future. A. L. On Monday, January 29th, Thomas William Arthur Barnes passed suddenly, in his 16th year, into the eternal world. The deceased, who was the eldest son of Mr. Thomas Barnes, of 137 Marylebone Road, London, a respected member of the Argyle Square Society, was returning in the schooner " Unity" from his first voyage to Brazil, and had safely reached Falmouth. There, however, the vessel was caught in a heavy gale; and while engaged in loosing the jib, he fell overboard, and no effort could be made to save him. His parents, deeply mourning their bereavement, seek consolation in the truth that the Lord in His Divine Providence always regards eternal ends, and that He doeth all things sible for the health and comfort of his well. Such is the brief notice of the departure of this esteemed member of the New Church, which appeared in the Times newspaper; and such is all the notice he would himself have desired. Members of the Church who knew him only by report will be glad, however, to have a fuller notice of one whose life was an example of wisely-directed charity and good works. Mr. Hook's affection for the Church and interest in its services, was shown by the cheerful self-denial with which he fitted up a portion of his house as a neat little chapel, and provided for the orderly conducting of religious services and the public preaching of the Word of God. With the genuine perception of true charity he did not undertake the exclusive support of the church, but encouraged the little flock in their efforts, while himself sustaining almost the entire charge. As a member of the Church, he was punctual in his attendance on public worship, and never absent from the Table of the Lord except in sickness. As a deacon he discharged the duties of his office with a happy genius and rare prudence; ever seeking that all things in the Church should be done decently and in order. But his benevolent activity and love of use was not confined to the Church he so dearly loved. It extended to all social improvement and orderly progress in the town in which he lived. It is truly said of him, in a notice of his departure published in a local paper, that "by the most untiring energy and perseverance, combined with the most perfect uprightness and ability as a manufacturer, he was able to increase his mills, and to add to his valuable plant, until at present there are 250 persons employed in the works, and had his life been spared this number would have been greatly increased with the completion of the new premises. Mr. Hook was not, however, a selfish manufacturer; he cared as far as pos workmen, and was ever the friend of all in distress. He purchased and entirely supported the now flourishing British school in the village, and also erected about sixty houses for the accommodation of his work people." But his public spirit gave him an enterprising interest in affairs beyond his own neighbourhood, and his love of progress led him to encourage new inventions, and lend a helping hand to those of foreign lands. So much was this the case that it was said, "the world can ill afford to lose such a citizen." The esteem in which Mr. Hook was held was shown by the notices respecting him in the public press, the general feeling of sorrow in his immediate neighbourhood, and the large assembly at his funeral. The editor of the Paper Makers' Monthly Journal, in a notice of his departure, says :-"Mr. Hook was more than ordinarily endeared to many of those who, though they knew him chiefly in business relations, ever recognised his kindly disposition and warmth of heart. The editor of this journal desires to express, both personally and on behalf of the trade, the deep regret that a loss, which human weakness calls untimely,' has occasioned to a very large circle of attached friends." In the place where he resided it was remarked that it appeared as if every family had lost a member, and that the dearest. At the funeral, which took place at the Maidstone Cemetery, the shops throughout Snodland, and many in Maidstone and Rochester, were closed, and not fewer than 3000 persons were present. An unselfish and truly Christian life was closed on earth with a serene and peaceful departure to a brighter and more enduring home. Our departed brother bore with remarkable patience the intense suffering of a very painful disorder; and, when the pain departed, expressed his sense of relief in thanksgiving to the "Father of Mercies." The relief was deceptive. It was not the cheerful hope of anxiously watching relatives and friends, but the knell of departure. He became no longer able to converse with those around him, and, with a long last look of unutterable affection, closed his eyes on all terrestrial objects. He rests from his labours, and his works do follow him. |