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![REVIEW!.
ment, &c., but include & great number that are of' DO creed, but are
devotional in the widest sense. Out of the 726, which the volume
eontains, the Committee now engaged in compiling an Appendix to the
Conference Hymn Book might make some excellent selections.
THE NEW YEAR.
[From" The Augustine Hymn Book," slightly altered.]
"God bless this opening year !
Make all its duties clear ;
God bless this year I
Our time rolls swiftly on,
Our days will soon be gone,
With Thee make us at-one:
God bless this year !
God of the ages, Thou
To whom all angels bow,
God bless this year !
Let all we love agree,
This year to honour Thee,
And from all vices flee:
God bless this year !
God of the nations, shine,
And make all peoples Thine,
God bless this year I
Grant Britain grace Divine
Rightly to use her time,
And feel that all is Thine:
God bless this year 1
o Lord our God arise,
And make us truly wise,
God bless this year!
In last year millions died,
Death b~ars us on its tide,
And none can here abide:
God bless this year.
Vouchsafe, 0 God, Thy 10"8;
Train us for realms above;
God bless this year !
<>, let the wave of Time,
Bear us to shores sublime,
With saints of every clime:
God bless this year! "](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-30-320.jpg)
![68 'WHEAT AND TARES.
we should he troubled with no more of the mysteries and contradictions
which at present repel rational minds from the theology of the profess-
ing New Chureh,-no more self-forgetfulness on the part of Infinite
Wisdom-no more despair on the part of the Omnipotent-no more
glorifications of the Infinitely Glorious-no more creating and perfecting
of any additional part of Himself by Him who was always Infinite-no
more importation of evil into either the Divine or Human nature of the
AIl-Perfect, &c.; since all the changes predicated of the Lord, whether
in the letter of the Word or the writings of Swedenborg, will be seen to
be predicated according to the appearance to man, precisely as the SUD
appears to us t<> be clouded by the clouds which arise from and envelope
the earth. The advantage, moreover, of this view of the doctrine of
the Lord is, that it explains not merely the manifestation of our Lord
in the l1esh as Jesus Christ, but all other manifestations recorded,
whether in Scripture, from the beginning of Genesis to the end of
Revelation, or in the varied experience of Mankind. "The Divine
Essence .cannot appear to anyone in any other way than in agreement
with the state of his life." (A. O. 878.)
X. I should be glad, having DD other object in view but 'the Lord'·s
truth, if the reviewer will favour me with the passages he regards as
affording Scripture warrant for the doctrine of an endless hell. He is,
of course, aware that the words rendered in our version" everlasting"
and " eternal," &c., simply mean in the original "for ages," "ages of
ages," &0.; the idea of endless duration being nowhere presented. I
know it has been objected that this translation destroys the foundation
of our hope in the eternity of happiness. Even were this the case, we
must not falsify Scriptur.e; but the truth is, that the foundation of our
belief in eternal happiness rests on our belief in the Eternal Goodne.ss
of the Lord.-I am, &c.,
8, Richmond-terrace, WM... HUME ROTHEBY.
Middleton, Manchester.
[The reviewer will have a few words to say on some of these points
next month.]
INQUIRIES WITH ANSWERS.
To the EditQr.
Dear Sir,-In the August number you say that in Swedenborg, in
the translation of the Bible and in the original Hebrew and Greek, the
word desire or its equivalent is used to express" eagerness to obtain or
enjoy, whether the object be good or evil." Before seeing yow'" reply,](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-71-320.jpg)
![INQUIBIES WITH ANSWEBS. 69
I had discovered that Swedenborg uses it in both senses. Before
writing I saw that it was so used in the English Bible; but the
translators not beg acquainted with the spiritual sense, have often to
be corrected, and I did not attaeh much importance to the double sense
there. But it appears to me that the term used in the original Hebrew
and Greek of the Word for which our word desire is the equivalent, must
decide its proper meaning. Your statement, that it means eagemess to
obtain or enjoy an object either good or evil, presents & difficulty when
. compared with the definition given by Swedenborg in A.C. n. 8910-
" Covetousness (or concupiscenee) is what is continous of love, in this
ease of the love of self and of the world, and is as it were the life of
its respiration; for what an evil love respires is called covetousness (or
concupiscence), but what a good lot'e respires is called desire:' Here
you Bee that desire is confined to a good love, and concupiscence to its
opposite. Also that the basis of the definition is from the Word. If I
am not trespassing too much, I should like to see a reply.-Yours, &c.
J. L.
[The distinction which Swedenborg makes between desire and con-
cupiscence is a true and important one; but this does not affect the
correctness of what we said about the meaning and use of the English
word desire, nor of our statement that he himself uses its equivalent in
both senses. Nor is it correct to say, in the writer's sense, that the
author's" definition" in A. C. 8910, has its bcuis here (exclusive of the
opposite meaning) in the Word. The same Hebrew term (chamad)
which Swedenborg translates covet (concupiseere) in the Decalogue, he
renders desire (desiderare) elsewhere; as in Psalm lxviii. 16,-" This is
the hill which God rhsi1°etlt to dwell in;" (A. E. 405.) and in Psalm
xix. 10-" More to be desired are they than gold." (A.C.5620.)
The word translated desire in the passage quoted from the New
Testament, in· J. L.'s former letter, affords another example of a
double meaning, or of opposite senses. What could be more ex-
pressive of the activity of the purest love than the Lord's words t
"With desire have I desired (epethumesa) to eat this passover with
you before I suffer?" (Luke xxii. 15.) And yet the same word i~
used by the same Divine Speaker to express the activity of one of
the impurest loves that can inllame the heart of man :-" Whosoever
looketh on a woman to lust after (epithumesai) her hath committed
.adultery with her already in his heart." (Matt. v. 28.) Other instances
of the same kind occur in the Word, but more we are sure our intel-
ligent correspondent does not require.-ED.]
.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-72-320.jpg)
![The Intellectual Repository t Febr1lary It 1866.
70 INQUIRIES WITH ANSWERS.
To the Editor. •
Dear Sir,-): should be glad if you or some of your intelligent
readers would help me, and so help others, to obtain a definite under-
standing of the following question:-Is there any difference in the
mode by which the Lord now manifests Himself in person to His
creatures to that by which He made Himself manifest before the
incarnation? There are two classes of passages in Swedenborg,
equally express, which appear to be at variance; in one of which
he says-
" The Lord sometimes presents Himself to the sight out of His BUD, but in such
ease He veils Himself, and so presents Himself to their sight, which is done by means
of an angel, as He also did in the world 'to Abraham and others."-A. R. 938, 465.
In the other, he says-
"When the Lord manifests Himself to the angels in person He manifests
Himself as a man sometimes in the sun t and sometimes out ofit."-D.L. W.97.
He says, further, that the Lord has appeared to him as a Divine
man; (H. H. 121.) and in his letter to Hartley he says-
"I have been ea1led to. a holy office by the Lord Himself, who most graciously
manifested Himself in person to me His servant."-Prefixed to H. H.
A soluti~n of the difficulty will oblige yours sincerely,
INQUIRER.
[Having already answered 8 private inquiry on the subject by the
same writer, we now leave the question in the hands of our readers,
some one of whom will, no doubt, give the desired explanation.-ED.]
DA VID AND PAUL.
IN the last number of the Repository we endeavoured to show, and
hope we succeeded in showing, that whatever appearance Swedenborg's
Spiritual Diary may present, in favour of the opinion that David and
Paul are among the lost, his later writings not only lend no countenance
to such an idea, but afford also testimony to their being among the
blest in heaven. Such being the case, how, it may be asked, are we to
understand the statements in the Diary from which even friendly and
·intelligent readers have been led to adopt the opposite conclusion?
The author himself has left no explanation that might enable us to
reconcile the apparent discrepancy. Nor is it likely that he should.
What reason could he have to explain in his published works what he
bad enter~ in his private Diary, never intended for publication? The
principles of doctrine and the laws and facts of the spiritual world,](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-73-320.jpg)
![The Intellectual Repository. February ], 1866.
DAVID AND PAUL. 75
Now David, and Paul till he was at least thirty years of age, belonged
to the dispensation in which religion enjoined this love and sanctioned
this hatred. How singularly do their lives illustrate the character of the
dispensation to which they belonged !
David united in himself more, perhaps, than any other man we read
of in the Old Testament, the virtues and vices of his age, besides
carrying to its utmost extent the law of hatred against those whom he
regarded 8S his enemies. His adultery with Bathsheba, and the dell- .
berate duplicity he practised, even to the murder of the injured husband,
to eoneeal his crime, evince how little he possessed of true conscience.
It is true that he repented and was forgiven, but his repentance and
forgiveness were such as could exist only under a dispensation of laws
without principles. We are not to imagine that such legal repentance
and forgiveness could eradicate the disposition from which the double
crime proceeded. Besides these crimes, he manifested a most settled
hatred of enemies under extraordinary circumstances. On his death-
bed, he laid an injunction upon Solomon to bring down the hoar. head
of J oab to the grave with blood, and to see that the forgiveness and
asylum he had granted to Shimei should end with his own life, and that
the crime he had committed twenty years before should be bloodily
expiated. The king had not the slightest idea that in laying upon his
son and successor this bloody command he was acting contrary to his
religion. He was acting in perfect consistency with it--he was only
hating his enemies.
But what we have here to attend to is the character of mind, that
required such an adaptation of religion. For while God has ever acted
on the wise and necessary principle of adapting His laws to the states
of His people at the time at which they were given, He has never
given a less perfect law when a more perfect would be received. The
character of the law is a mirror of the character of the people who lived
under it. The guilt of such crimes is not so great as it would be under
a more perfect system of religion. But this does not make the character
of those who live under such a system better in itself, but only capable
of being brought under subjection to a higher law and purer principle.
The character of Paul as a Jew was, so far as regarded the hatred of
enemies, no better than that of David, if not even worse. He was
the first and fiercest persecutor of the Christian Chureh; and the per-
secution was at the period of its infancy when it was least able to
endure it. He was the He;rod of the illfant church. He was the
scourge and terror of the first Christians. "Entering into every house,](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-78-320.jpg)
![cc WHEAT AND TABES. ,. 119
To prove his views to be those of Swedenborg, Mr. Tulk proposed to
improve the translation of his writings. One of these improvements
consisted in sUbstituting the word state, in some instances at least, for
the word th,ing, as employed by others, in translating the Latin neuter
adjectives. In conformity with this rule, Mr. Rothery (p. 64:) makes
.'our author say, that--
"From the Divine Essence are celestial ,tatt, of good, and from these spiritual
state. of truth, and from both of them conjointly, natural objectl."
Thus are worlds made through the mental statea of their inhabitants.
The ordinary translation reads thus : -
" From the Divine [principle] proceed the celestial things appertaining to good,
and from those celestial things the spiritual thing, appertaining to truth, and from
both the former and the latter proceed natural things."
One other remark. In his "Wheat and Tares," the author asserts that
there is no Scripture warrant for the doctrine of an endless hell. To
this we demunoed. He now admits that there is the same Scriptur~
warranl for the doctrine of an endless hell as for that of an endless
heaven. And yet he asks to be favoured with the passages which we
regard ss affording Scripture warrant for the doctrine of an endless hell I
'Te may ask him in return, why he did not, on this point as on others,
appeal to the testimony of Swedenborg ? His teaching on this subject,
as an expositor and a seer, is most explicit; and we know of no one
who is more entitled to be called in to decide upon the subject.
It is much to be regretted that after so short an acquaintance with
the writings, Mr. Rothery should have appeared in print as an expounder
of their principles, when he was aware tha~ with one exception (perhaps
two), he was opposed to every writer and teacher in the Church, from
its commencement to the present time. Yet the very circumstance of
his recent reception of the doctrines makes. his mistake more excusable,
and his condition more hopeful; and we have the happy assurance
that, so far as intellectual vigour, and excellence and independence of
character are concerned, a reconsideration,· of his views may bring him
over to what we believe to be the truth. For Mr. Rothery personally,
we entertain a sincere and profound respect, and fervently hope that we
may yet meet him not only as a brother in the bond of charity, but as
a member of the household of faith.
Tt) the Editor oj the Intellectual RejJOsitol"y..
Dear Sir,-I beg you to ~llow m~ to point. out what. I have·;good '.
reason Cor calling a mistake, in Mr. Rothery's letter, inserted in the
last number.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-122-320.jpg)
![122
SWEDENBORG AND ms MODERN CRITICS.
SOME time since a little work on "The Bihle and its Interpreters"
was published by Dr. Irons, containing a very laudatory notice of
Swedenborg personally, but setting aside his Theology as contrary to
Catholic tradition, and being a dead literature and not a living power.
Mter this work appeared" The Catholic Doctrine ql the Atonement," by
Mr. Oxenham; in·which he notices the writings -of Swedenborg, and
condemns them on the same ground as Mohler in his "Symholum."
This work was reviewed very favourably in the Guardian; but as it
was calculated to leave a most erroneous impression on the mind of the
reader with regard to the writings of Swedenborg, Mr. Cllssold for-
_ warded a letter to the Gua1'dian on the subject, which was inserted•
. This led to a reply by Mr. Oxenham, and a correspondence ensued in
the columns of the Guardian between both writers. The result was,
that Mr. Oxenham, appealing to ·some extracts from the True Chmtian
Religion in Mr. Clissold's End of the Ohurch, charged Swedenborg with
Sabellianism; but Mr. Cllssold had. already written to the Guardian,
anticipating this objection. This letter the Guardian did not insert,
principally because it would have led to a discussion too long and too
important for the columns of a newspaper. In about a forttright after
the close of this controversy, another article appeared in another
periodical entitled "The Englishlnan's ~[agazine" (Rivington's), under
the head of Swede1lborgianiS'ln, arising not improbably from the corres- .
pondence in the Guardian. This article or a portion of it seems to
have been copied into the Public Opinion, where it led to further cor-
respondence, and the theology of Swedenborg was ably advocated by
some zealous and intelligent readers.
As the remarks in The Engluh1nan's Magazine were sure to attract
the attention of many of the clergy of the Church of England, and to be
very injurious to the cause of the New Church, especially among those
who knew nothing of Swedenborg's writings, it was considered desirable
that the article should receive a lengthened reply, the .publication of
which, by Longmans and Co., we now announce under the title of
" SU'edenbo'rg and his ]'fode.,.n Critics,. with SOlne 1'ernarks upon The I~ast
Times:" by the Rev. A. Clissold, ~I.A. It is a pamphlet consisting of
above 90 pages, and, as an exposition of the present state of theology,](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-125-320.jpg)
![152 KEEPING THE COHHANDKENTS 01' GOD.
certainly not in any other sense against M. C. H. R., whom I beg to
assure that, for others of her valuable writings and uses in the church,
she is only esteemed and respected by, yours sincerely,
THE COMPILER 01' "BIBLE PHOTOGRAPHS."
[Note by the Editor.-The remarks which gave rise to this article
should not, and but for the indisposition of the Editor would not, have
appeared in the pages of the Repository. Variety of views is charming,
for such views are like the beautiful colours which are modifications of
the one pure white light; d(fference of opinion is allowable and useful,
, because we are all more or less affiicted iwith intellectual colour-blind-
ness, and require the testimony of other eyes to enable us to correct
. the misperceptions of our own. But difference of opinion should be
limited to particulars included in and held under the common acknow-
ledgment of the s~e general truth. In essentials there must be unity,
or the Church ceases to be one. On no principles is unity more neces-
sary than on the doctrine of the Lord and the doctrine of life-the
one inclu~ng the acknowledgment of the Divinity of the Lord's Huma-
nity, the other the acknowledgment of the Ten Commandments. In the
writings of the Church the Decalogne is shown to be of perpetual obli-
gation even in the literal sense, according to which sense every one of the
commandments is explained and enforced. There is one slight excep-
tion to this in regard to the third commandment, an exception which
but proves the rnle. The author of the Arcana divides it into two
parts. The first part, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy,"
is among those laws that are "altogether to be observed and done;"
the other half, prohibiting all manner of work, is not abolished, but
left to human freedom and discretion. If anything could mitigate the
regret that a New Church publieation should have circulated, with the
apparent concurrence of its editor, a paper questioning the practical
use, in their literal sense, of some of the Divine commandments, it is
the able manner in which their authority has been vindicated.]
To the Editor.
Dear Bir,-If I interpret rightly the initials of the reviewer of Bible
Photographs, in your February number, I am led to believe the reviewer
to be a lady. If such be the case, I beg leave most respectfully to
inform her that, some years since, I found myself in th~ very state' she
so minutely describes by her doubts, questions, and queries; and that
I have, happily, been delivered from them "by a careful and serious
reading of the late Mr. Noble's sermons on " The Divine Law;" and,](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-155-320.jpg)
![156 SALVATION.
statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye
may learn them, and keep and do them."* This is the opening
proclamation, preparatory to the utterance of .the Ten Commandments.
It is here declared that those commandments are to be "learned, and
kept, and done." And, in the New Testament, what was the Lord;s
answer to the young man who inquired of Him what he should do to
inherit eternal life ? "If thou wilt enter into life," said the Saviour,
"keep the commandments."t And again he said-cc He that hath my
commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me."t "If ye
keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love."§ " H a man love
me, he will keep my words."11 Now, would not all these declarations
be a mockery, if man could not keep the commandments? Man can
keep the commandments,-not, indeed, in his own strengh, but in the
Lord's strength ;-not, indeed, all at once, nor perfectly, but more and
more perfectly as he advances in the regeneration; and every instance
in which he does keep them-nay, every effort to keep them-goes to
strengthen and establish in him the kingdom of God.
It is chiefly a single passage in the Epistle of James, misunderstood,
which is rest~ llpon as a support for the notio~ that man cannot keep
the commandments. "For whosoever," says he, "shall keep the
whole law, and yet offend in one [commandment], is guilty of all."~
On this declaration, it is argued that it is vain to seek to keep the
commandments, for no weak -mortal ean expect to be perfect in his
observance of them, and yet, if not perfect, he must be regarded as
altogether guilty; for "whosoever offends in one, is guilty of all."
But hear Swedenborg's comment on this passage:-
., It is frequently urged," he remarks, cc that no one can fulfil the law, especially
1Jinee he who offends against one precept of the Deca10gue offends against all. But
this form of speaking is not to be taken just &8 it sounds; for it is to be thus
understood-that he who, from confirmed purpose, breaks one commandment,
breaks the rest, since to act thus from confirmed purpose is utterly to deny that it
is sin, and, when it is declared to be sin, to pay no regard to such teaching. He
who thus denies and rejects, makes light of everything that is called sin. But, on
the other hand, those who by repentance have removed some particular evils,
which are sins, come into the settled purpose of believing in the Lord and loving
their neighbour; and these are kept by the Lord in the pUl-POse of abstaining from
more sins."-True Christian Religion, 523.
• Dent. v.l. t Matt. xix. 17. t John xiv. 21. § John xv. 10. 11 John xiv. 23.
~ James ii. 10. In the common translation it reads-" Whosoever offends in one
point ,." but the word " point" is an insertion of the translators. One command-
ment more correctly eXllresses the apostle's meaning, as is plain from the verse
following•
•](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-159-320.jpg)
![170
sure your correspondents have no wish to force this iesue, these tew
remarks may perhaps not be unacceptable to them" And had Mr. Mac·
pherson informed his Cambridge authorities that Swedenborg lays down
the above as a fundamental principle, it might sensibly have influenced
theh- opinion on the 811bjeet. Being well aware, however, of, the plas..
ticity of Latin. especially as used in theological works, I should n&ver
rest upon a mere verbal expression as proof, though it may be useful
i
in illustration. of an author's true meaning, which, in such a ease as
this, can only be fairly judged of from the broad principles which he
himself lays down.-Yours, &c",
WK. HUJrIE RoTBEBY.
8, Richmond-terrace, MiddletoD. Manchester,
March 6th, 1866.
[We have to express our Unfeigned regret for having wronged Mr.
Rothery, even though ignorantly.]
ANECDOTE OF SWEDENBORG.
BARON Bernhard Von Beskow, in his Memoir of Swedenborg, published
in the Transactions of the Swedish Academy for 1859, gives in a note
the following anecdote, related to him by Anders Fryxell, the well·
known Swedish historian : -
"My maternal grandmother, Sara Greta Askbom, who married the
Councillor of Commerce and Burgomaster Anders Ekman; grew up in
the neighbourhood of Bjomgardsgatan (literally; the Bearyatd-street), in
the suburb of Sodermalm, Stockho!II1. where her father lived not far from
Swedenborg, with whom he was on terms of intimacy. She, then a
pretty girl of :fifteen or sixteen, often asked 'Unele Swedenborg,' as he
was familiarly ealled, to show her ,a spirit or an angel. At last he pro-
tnised to gratify her wish. He took her with hiIQ. ,one day. into the
Slimmer-honse in his garden, and placed her before a curtain. Then
8aying to her, 'Now you shaJI see an angel,' he drew the curtain aside,
and the maiden beheld in a mirror the image of herself." F.L.O.
[This little anec~ote tells more of Swedenborg's oharaoter than a
hundred pages of laboured description-, It shows the vigorously
healthy state of his miDd, and admirably exemplifies what he has 80
eloquently described--the innocenee of wisdoDl" Had he been the
sickly visionary which many have supposed him, this is just 8U~ a
case as would have led him to betray his weakness. Instead of this it
serves to exhibit his strength. Considered by the side of other oases
of a similar kind, it shows a moo discrimination and ap easy adaptation](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-173-320.jpg)
![ANEODOTE 01' SWBDBNBOBG. 171
to states and circumstances, indicative of well-balanced faculties and a
well-regulated mind. To one more advanced in years, who asked the
same favour, he gravely answered that this was a privilege which the
Lord only could grant. Here he had to deal with one comparatively a
child, prompted by an innocent curiosity. And how wisely does he .
deal with her I It might not have been eonsidered inconsistent with
his character to have awed her into silence. But the affectionate play-
fulness and practical wit by which he relieved himself of the innocent
importunity of his yoUng "niece," displays the thorough humanity of
the man-his sympathy with whatever was simple and pure, even when •
tinged with the failings of our common nature.]
PROPOSED BUILDING FUND.
" February 12th, 1866.
le My dear Bir,-You are already aware how much I deplore, on the
one hand, to see so many appeals made by different societies of the
Church, through 'the medium of the Intellectual Repository and in other
ways, and, on the other hand, to observe how very coldly these appeals
are usually responded to. I think that our Church, like other religious
bodies, should have a General Building Fund, to help new and weak
societies; and I cannot but think that had such a helping hand been
held out in times gone by, as mcb an institution wottld afford, many
societies would ha,ve been very much strengthened; and some societies,
I fear, through the want of it, have now ceased to enst_
" Without a building of their own, 8 society has nothing to fall back
upon, in ease of adversity, and like a house without a foundation, eannot
bear up against the storm. But how can a society where all the members
are in humble circumstances, erect a place of worship '} And there are
such societies.
,c I can refrain no longer, and therefore enclose you a check for £50.,
towards commencing a Conference Building Fund. I am fully aware
how absurdly inadequate is this amount for the purpose designed; but
to make a beginning I am bent upon, and many a noble institution has
had a very humble commencement. It is to be hoped that other friends
may, by and bye, rally round the cause, and I myself hope to add to
the fund, from time to time, if the Lord grant me 'the means. If it be
asked why I do not .wait until I can do something grander for the cause,
I reply that there is no time like the present, and that before such ft
time come my soul may be required of me.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-174-320.jpg)
![172 PBOPOSBD BUILDING FUND.
C'My idea of a Oo~erenee Building Fund is, that the interest ~
. should be given to such societies, from time to time, as the Oonferenee
may direct, either for the purpose of building or enla.rging plaees of
worship; or for paying off debts which have been previously incurred
for these purposes. Should the Conference prefer to lend the principal,
I would not object to this modification of my plan. I should prefer the
former system, but am willing to leave it to be settled by Conference;
my only limitation being that the principal should never be given away,
or entirely lost.-I &ID, yours sincerely,
" To Richard Gunton, Esq., "A FBIBND.
Treasurer of Conference."
[The Treasurer has placed the sum received at interest in ·the London
and Westminster Bank, and will be glad to receive the names of other
gentlemen who desire to aid this laudable movement. At the nen
meeting of the Conference measures will doubtless be taken to make
the "Building Fund" one of the institutions of the Church, and
destined to be of incalculable service.]
THOUGHTS BY THE WAY.
Into what disrepute has WISDOM: fallen in these days, so that the very
words wUB and wisdom, in their best ~nse, are almost disused r Exten-'
sive knowledge attains respect, but wisdom is nowhere eommen~ed.
We have clever men, learned .men, knowing men, astute men, witty
men; but where shall we find one :whom the people delight to call lJ
wUe man! Yet let 118 not suppose that there are none who are worthy
to bear that honourable epithet; but the world either has no appreci-
ation of them or has forgotten 'lihe title proper to apply to them.
Christianity is by no means a religion of selftshness, and therefore it
is a.tnistake to suppose that a Christian's first duty is to secure salva-
tion for himself. The truest Christian is he who labours most for the
salvation of others, with the least thonght for himself, and his reward
will be the certainty of his own 8alvation in the very highest degree.
--'-
Most persons are too persistent in asserting their rights to be con-
stantly in the endeavour to perform their duties: the former they find
mnch the simpler and easier business, because it has man's sell-love
on its side.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-175-320.jpg)
![REVIEW, 177
c' Elijah, before· he begins his ' Bible Christianity, t is warned in these words [of
the' Englishman's Magazine ']-' It will be a fatal day for education in England.
if ever the chaotic vagueness of what is called Bible Christianity be substituted for
creed and catechism.' Elijah, then, mUlt keep in view both creed and catechism ;
and as such be tolerably well versed in ' Petavius on the IncarnatioD,' 'PearsoD on
the Creed,' the ' Catechism of the Council of Trent t and that of the Church of
England, the 'Westminster Confession,' and so forth. To explain the Scriptures
apart from these creeds and catechisms, or in any respect contrary to them, would
be to convict himself of being a false prophet, and to be guilty of 'the chaotio
vagueness of what is called Bible Christianity.' As to Swedenborg, 'he discarded
even the help of commentaries.' Let Elijah beware of the same fatal mistake; let
him remember that, &s to the Church of Rome, the Vicar of Christ may grant him
his commission; but that, as the decrees of the Vicar of Christ are equally divine
with those of the Word of God, it is understood, as a matter of course, that the
Papal system cannot be the subject of the prophet's denunciation, ~cu1arly as
this might invalidate his commission, and he might be silenced in these words :---
, Are we not warned against false Christs and false prophets? You are of yester-
day, we from the beginning: you are an individual, we the church: we are authority
itself, apart from us you have no authority: if you are a prophet, show yourself to
be a prophet; go forth and preach in our name: if not, Paul we know t and Silas
we know t but who are you 1' "
Those assailants of the New Church who betray such a shallow and
perverse understanding of the doctrines they presume to condemn, who
afford auch opportunities for the satisfactory refutation of their misre-
pr~sentations, and such excellent occasions for the discussion of weighty
truths much more important than their ephemeral calumnies, and who
elicit from our friends such vindications as the one before us, may one
day discover that they have unintentionally done our sacred cause
inestimable service. IN LUMINE LUCEH.
MISCELLANEOUS.
CHURCH MISCELLANEA. Branch Establishments from London,
WE have had forwarded to us an "Ad- Manchester, and New York." The
dress to the General Conferences of the address, of which this is the title page,
New Jerusalem Churches of Europe and extends over fifty folio foolscap pages.
America, as well as to the Members and Of course it is written to advocate the
Friends of the New Church in both views thus set forth, and this is done
Hemispheres, on a Mission to China, with intelligence and an earnest love of
India, and Tartary, by the New Church the church. The subjects, we believe,
Soeieties of Europe and America; its were spoken of in some of the early
immediate importance, ~th interesting conferences; and, from· time to time,
particulars, of the Ancient Word in Mo- they have been taken up in some of our
gul, Tartary, and Thibet; tenets, also, of periodicals. All that has been publicly
the New Christians of China, and visions done by these means seem to be collected
of the Heavenly Peace Ruler, a Mission- in this Cl Address;" and it is thus
ary of the Old Church, and its fore- rendered a very interesting document.
ahadowings of the future of the New No doubt every New Churchman would
Church in Eastern Asia; a'.so the im- heartily rejoice if he could see his way
portance of Books, Tracts, and Printing sufficiently clear to attempt so large
12](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-180-320.jpg)
![186 . mSCELLANBOUS.
New Churoh. My brother has indeed tion among ourselves, and from the pro-
finished the translation of 'Heaven and ceeds we purohase New Church books to
Hell,' of whioh a good deal is printed, give away. Besides the Life of Jesus,
but for want of means he cannot get it by Dr. Talel, just mentioned, we have
finished." }'. had printed another book, by Professor
[We are happy to be able to state, that Pf., which is very excellent aDd oppor-
since this letter was written the Sweden· tune; it is called 'The Revival ana
borg Society has sent the Norwegian Renewal of the Christian Church' (Die
friends £ 15. This Bum was voted at the Wiederbelebung und Emeuerung der
last annual meeting, and intended to be Christlichen Kirche). " Ph. de S."
paid on the pllblioation of the work, but
is advanced to enable them to carry it SWEDEN.-From Sweden I have not
through the press.] muoh news, but the little is on the whole
cheering. The Reform Bill mentioned
SWITZEBLAND.-I do not think that I in my letter in September last year has
shall commit an indisoretion in giving now passed, and the clergy will in con·
the following extract of a letter, not sequenoe oease to exist politiea11y as a
addressed to me, but placed in my separate class. Church questions will
hands some time ago. It is written by hereafter be decided by synods, to which
a Swiss lady living near Zurich, who laymen will also be admitted; and it
with some lady friends, not quite un· is to be hoped that. sounder and more
known I believe to some members of the liberal views will oome to prevail. Many
New Church in London, is zealously of the Swedish clergy lean secretly to-
striving tq make known the doctrines in wards the New Church, and some even
Switzerland. F. L. C. preaoh the new doctrines openly. Among
" Our greatest desire is to find persons these I must mention Arvid .August
.to whom we can communioate our trea- Afzelius, the rector of Enkoping, who
sures. Mdlle. Julie de C. seconds me, has now during forty-five years preached
or rather I second her, in this our aim. ihe doctrines of ·the New Jerusalem to
We have, through the grace of the Lord, his Hock, without ever having been
8ueceeded in finding a bookseller and thought sohismatic. He is a venerable
publisher (Balmer und Riehm, Verlag's and lovely old man, the restorer of the
Buchhandler in Basel) who manifelts a ballad literature of Sweden·, and himself
warm. interest in our works, and is will- a poet of no mean order. On his 80th
ing to publish all the translations and birthday, a short time ago, he was waited
writings of the New Church. He has tlpon .by deputations from all the public
also sent to Tubingen for such works, bodies in the county, and saluted' with
and placed them in the reach of the songs from the youths of the public
public. Mdlle. de C. has found among sohools in the environs. Another clergy·
the manuscripts left by the lamented Dr. man, holding and preaching the dootrines
Talel a Lite of Jesus, written to confute of the New Church, has lately been
Strauss, and transoribed by Professor appointed rector of a parish in the pro-
Pf. This work is now in the press at vinoe of Westergothland, and many New
Basel, and we hope for much blessing Church friends from the environs go to
from it. The Strausses and Renans hear him. Many of the yeoman class
multiply so as to almost compete with in the provinces of Westergothland and
each other; but Dr. Talel fights against Westmanland are readers of Swedenborg,
them with altogether different weapons and from the former province a requisi-
than those we are accustomed to see tion for thirteen oopies of Areana Ore'le,-
employed against the inoredUlity of the tia was lately reoeived by the secretary
age. A pastor of S. leans towards our of the printing society in Christianstad.
faith, to our great joy. We have given These are hopeful signs..
him some of our books, and we go to I am sorry to find in the Swedish papers
hear him sometimes. May he beoome that the ruthless hand of the destroyer
here another Clowes ! We earnestly de- is going to fall upon Swedenborg's house
sire that a society could be fonned here in Stookholm. It is to be converted into
having a fund for the service of the New 8 bathing establishment. Photographs
Churoh; but those who desire it, and of it were, however, taken a short time
. who are true disoiples, are not in a posi- ago, and will, I am told, be reproduced
tion to make any great pecuniary sacri· in the forthcoming life by Hr. White.
fices. We have, therefore, only a colleo- F. L. C.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-189-320.jpg)
![". Rl1KANt111 IN 8B. t t ill
Thirdly: We read that " c Humanum in se,' C Divinum in se,' &0••
are expressions which he [Swedenborg] uses to denote that which is in
itself, of its own very nature, Human, Divine, &0. Thus he says
that the Divine Esse is C Esse in se t and C Existere in se,' with the
indisputable meaning that It is self-essent [sic] and self-existent-
intrinsically, of Its very own nature, Esse and Existere. tt If in this
remark it is implied that such collocations of words do always, inde-
pendentlyof the rest of the sentence in which they occur, require or
even tolerate the same rendering, we must condemn the opinion. The
instances here adduced are all plain, presenting the words in the
nominative case. In our first communication we ourselves furnished
an example in which the pronoun S6 refers to Divinum, namely, Di1Jinum
in 8s Bst Infinitum, (-d. O. 8760.) and we showed that it is in thil
grammatical connection, i.e., with the given noun (here Divinum) in the
nominative, that such words as Humanum in '6 would have to be
rendered, cc the humanity in itself." In such passages the same simple
law is at work, and the '8 stilI. represents its nominative. Yet these
are the instances, probably, that have mislead Mr. Tulk and Mr.
Rothery, who have taken such fragments of sentences as DitJinum in
8, . . . , Humanum in 8, .... ,and without inquiring whether the
context shows the nouns to be objects or subjects in the sentences in
which they occur, have regarded and treated them as rigid, ankylosed,
and inseparable combinations, to be handled as one piece, wheresoever
and whensoever they are found, though in fact, as we· have seen, the
noun and pronoun have often absolutely no other bond of union than
this,-that they happen to stand very near to one another I
The passage contributed by the Rev. C. G. Macpherson (whose
unexpected removal we now deplore) is 8 singularly clear and satis-
factory one, the words in Ipso referring, by every principle of interpre-
tation, to Domini. The construction put on this passage by Mr.
Rothery affords a striking instance of the tendency of the mind to see
what it believes, rather than to believe what it sees. Here is the
phrase Mr. Rothery wants-in Ipso. Let us see how he deals with it.
When dealing with the words in S8, in the phrase we first discnssed:-
Dominus Humanum in 8, gwrificavit-we were told that it meant
in itself, and that in Ipso was' wanted to justify us in translating the
expression in Himself (the Lord). Here ·in Ipso does occur; but in
spite of the doctrine just put forth, the phrase is not, forsooth, to be
referred to the Lord, but to the humanity, and is to be rendered in itself.
The truth is that Ipso is here given because, though it refers to the Lord,](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-214-320.jpg)
![264 PAUL AND SWEDENBORG.
with spiritual.>:~ For, while the natural man or merely animal prineiple
of the soul rejects everything spiritual, (ver. 14.) the spiritual man or
higher principle of the soul discerns in a universal form all things, and
discerns them spiritually, (ver. 15.) and in accordance with the heavens,
which are its native region; consequently it can see· only the spiritual
things of this wisdom, "in the Scriptures of truth 1 " which are its visible
record; and its proper faculty is in proportion to its development, to
"compare" or bring them under one view.
Now that the Apostle was instructed in this wisdom when caught np
to the third heaven, there is no room to doubt; it was without question
the substance and theme of his" visions and revelations" on that won-
derful occasion. But the state of the church in his day did not admit
of more particular instruction, for while there may have been 8 few
" spiritual" with the apostle who could receive it, the great majority
were incapable. "And I, brethren, could not speak ~nto you as unto
spiritual but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. . I have fed
you with -milk, and not with lneat, for hitherto ye were not able to
bear it, neither yet now are ye able." (iii. 1, 2.)
Precisely the same reason is. alleged .in the Epistle to the Hebrew~
where, speaking of the 'representative character of ][elchizedec, the writer
adds, "of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered,
seeing ye are dull of hearing; for, when for the time ye ought to be
teachers, ye have need that one teach ye again, which be the first prin-
ciples of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk
.and not of strong 1neat. For every oneethat useth milk is unskilful in
the word of righteousness, for he is a babe,. but st'rong 1l1,6at belongeth
unto them who are of full age, even those who by reason of nse have
their senses exercised to discern good and evil." (v. 10-14.) These last
are evidently identical with the "perfect" and the" spiritual" of 'the
manifestly parallel portion in Corinthians, and accordingly the Hebrew8
are exhorted to leave first principles and go on to pm:fection, (vi. 1.)
which perfection it is no less evident is the "hidden wisdom" concealed
beneath the external facts and letter of "the word of righteousness;"
and that the writer had some hope of accomplishing this at a future
period, is clear from his own wor<1,s a .little after-" And this will we do
if God permit." (ver. 8.) But this" consummation so devoutly to be
wished" never took place in the apostolic age. The great apostacy
foretold by Paul, "the mystery. of iniquity," had "already begun to
. * See in particular 1 Cor. x. 3, 4, where it appears that the Apostle saw things
spiritual in the Old Testament history.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-267-320.jpg)
![275
THOUGHTS BY THE WAY.
The tendency to disbelieve everything new and strange, merely
because" of its novelty, is no less a mark of a superstitious mind than
the disposition at once to believe everything that savours of the mar-
vellous: in both cases, reason and true judgment are set aside by
prejudice.
H<>w many there are whose desire (if, indeed, it can be so called) for
the knowledge of truth resembles that of Pilate, who certainly put the
question to our Saviour, "What is truth?" but waiting not for the
reply, immediately went out.
Conjugial love is a means furnished by the Lord for overcoming our
innate self-love. He therein provides each of us with an object of
affection, whom not merely duty, but our very inclinations and wills,
dispose us to love better than ourselves. J. T. P.
MISCELLANEOUS.
AMONG
ECCLESIASTICAL NOTES.
the numerous doctrines which
Father and ~ on ; that the saints are more
ready to intercede with Jesus thun Jesus
,
that branch of the fallen church calling with the Father; that 1'1 ary is the only
herself catholic has adopted, there are refuge of those with whom God is angry;
fe' more l'evolting than those which that ~lary alone can obtain a Protestant's
have been developed through her modern convel'sion; that it would have sufficed
invention concerning the "Imnlaculate for the salvation of men if our Lord had
Conception." ~fariolatry, especially upon died, not to obey His }'ather, hut to
the Continent, has assumed forms of ex- defer to the decree of His mother; that
pression which it seems impossible to she rivals onr Lord in being God~s
reconcile with any sane views of Christian daughter, not by adoption, but by 0.
truth. The phrase "~l other of Goll," kind of nature; that Christ fulfilled the
in reference to tho Virgin, is irrational ofiice of the ~ayiour by imitating her
enough, aniI it is wonderful how it can virtues; that as the incurnate God bore
be employed with any serious idea by any the image of His Father, so He bore the
sensible mind. But it nppears frOlll Dr. image of Ilis 1 I other; that redemption
Pusey's "Eirenicon," that it is now a derived from Christ, indeed, its suffici-
settled thing in the Catholic Chnrch, as ency, but frOlu 11 ar:r its beauty and
it now exists on the Continent, to ascribe loveliness; tha.t as we are clothed with
Divine honours and attributes to the the merits of Christ, so we are clothed
Virgin, He calls attention to foreign with the merits of 11 ary; that as He is
authorities who employ such phrases and priest, in like manner is she priesteFs;
sentiments as these-" that the nlCrcy that His body and hlood in the euc]uuist
of Mary is infinite; that God llas re- are truly hers, and appertain _.la. hol';
signed into her hanels His omnipotence; that as I-Ie is preselltandl'eceive~rein,
that (unconditionally) it is safer to seek so is she present and received thcl'dn;
her than her Son; that the Blessed that priestH are Ininisters of Cl11i8t, RO of
Virgin is superior to God; that He is 11 ary; that elect souls are born of God
(simply) suhject to hm' comma.nd; that alHl ~~ ary; Umt the Holy Ghost brings
our Loru is now of the same tlispo:-;ition into fruitfnlneHs IIis actionf> hy her, pro-
as His Father towards sinners, viz., a ducing in her and by her Jesus Christ
disposition to reject thelu, while 11 ary in His menlbers; that the kingdom of
takes His place as an advocate with the God in our souls, as our Lord speaks, is](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-278-320.jpg)
![MISOELLANEOUS. 881
charaeter, asserting that we can only Bayley's lecture on the Tuesday evening,
attain true perfection when the various on "the Glory of the Second Temple."
parts of our complex nature are harmo- The strangers who were present mostly
niously developed. His peroration on expressed a warm approval of the im-
the value of time and its relation to provements made in the church. The
eternity, was especially expressive and collections and private subscriptions are
sublime. Mr. Fowler consented on the nearly equal to half the expense mcurred,
present occasion to aid -the funds of the and th~ ut~ost effort of the society is
Sunday-school held at the People's Hall, now bemg directed to the Bazaa,r which
and the collection was liberal. Mr. Thos. will open on the 25 th of July, in the hope
Stevenson conducted the devotional part of thereby providing for the removal of
of the service. the remaining indebtedness. We hope
that these efforts may be crowned with
RE-OPENING OF TilE NEW JERUSALEM ~uc~ess, and that the society may possess
CHURCH, HEYWooD.-The public services Its Improved house of worship clear of
connected with this opening took place debt. To accomplish this will require
on Whit Sunday, May 20th, and the fol- their own best efforts and also those of
lowing Tuesday evening. The officiating their friends.
ministers were the Revs. Dr. Bayley and
R. Storry. The attendance, which was NORTH SUIELDs.-On the last Sab·
}arge at all the services, was most nume- bath in May the Rev. W. Woodman
rous on the Sunday morning and evening. preached two eloquent and interesting
Appropriate hymns, chants, and anthems discourses, in the Oddfellows' Hall,
No~th Shields, to very attentive congre-
were published for the occasion, and sung
by an efficient choir. The collections gatIons, many persons present being
amounted to upwards of £154. The strangers, who were evidently much
present is the fourth enlargement of this impressed with the enlightened views
church which has taken place since the of spiritual truth ~resented to them.
first building on this spot in the year 1832. On the following evening Mr_W oodman
The first enlargement was an extension delivered a lecture, in the same place,.
of about one-third in length. The seeond on-" Heaven: Where and What is
consisted of the outer walls and gallery it? " He spoke for nearly an hour and
of the present church,-the front of the a half on this attractive subject, showing:
gallery resting on the outer walls of the clearly, both from reason and Holy
. :first temple. This enlargement took Scripture, that the kingdom of God is-
place in the year 1838. In the year 1854 within us and around UB in a world o~'
the walls beneath the front of the gallery spiritual realities, not perceivable by the
were ~emoved and the entire space in the bodily senses, &Ild independent of the
floor of the building added to the church. laws of space and time, though pre-
The improvements just completed consist, senting to its inhabitants all the appear-
in the exterior, of an elegant stone front, ances of space and time. In ihe second'
boundary wall, palisade, and gates. ~hese part of the lecture, Mr. Woodman °also'
are an addition to the architectural im- proved that heaven is pure ].(we and>
provements of the town. The windows charity, and concluded by affectionately
are also new. In the interior, the pulpit, urging on his hearers the absolute ne-·
gas fittings, fittings of the dome, pews in cessity of a life of repentance, obedience'
the front gallery, and gallery for the !o.ve, an~ charity on ea~th, as the only
accommodation of the choir and organ preparatlon for eterna~ life and happiness
are new. The interior has also been ID heaven. The Shields, Society have
entirely renovated and exten~vely deco- enjoyed this visit through the kindness.
rated, all the work being done in an of th~ National l{issionary Institution,.
elegant and artistic manner. The work,! to which they are much indebted for it~
which is not yet quite completed, has fostering care. The proceeds of these
been in progress during the last six discourses and lecture are to. be added
months. The extensions have added .to the harmonium fund. '
about fifty sittings to the church, which NEWCASTLE - UPON - T-YNE.-The New
will now seat about five hundred persons. Church society in this town has issued a
Notices of the opening services appeared memorial to the various societies of the
in most of the local papers, and in one a Church to aid in the speedy liquidation
report of a considerable portion of Dr. of a debt of £120., whioh has for som~](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-334-320.jpg)
![982 MISOELLANEOUS.
time crippled its operations. The memo- taken, and notices issued for the opening
rial gives some interesting particulars as services to be held on Sunday, the 20th
to the history and present state df the of May last.
society, for the insertion of which we The attendance was most satisfactory,
regret that our space is too limited. At and has continued so up to the present
the annual meeting on Easter Monday, time. Upwards of one hundred sittingli
the treasurer (Mr. R. Catcheside) ex· have been taken, and the attendance of
plained the state of the society's finances, strangers has been particularly noticed.
whereupon the following resolution was Many who never had sittings in the New
nnanimouslyadopted :-" It is the opinion Church before, have taken them here;
of this meeting that the debt of£120. on and it is, indeed, pleasing to observe the
this building ought to be paid off without warm and affectionate spirit that animates
delay, and hereby pledges itself to do its th, whole society, and the minister is
utmost during the ensuing year to liqui- thereby encouraged in his efforts to be
date one-half of that sum; and appeal to of the utmost use to those who have
the chureh at large for the remaining patiently supported him in his hour of
half, as advised by the treasurer of Con- trial and distress. Upwards of forty of
ference." (Upwards of £30. was sub- our number have signed an address to the
scribed at the meeting.) Appeal is made Secretary of the Summer -lane Society,
to the various "members, friends, and requesting him to withdraw their names
well-wishers of the New Church in the from its roll of membership; and as many'
United Kingdom," and U one special of these are heads of families, having
collection" at a convenient time, is sug- sons and daughters eligible for member·
gested. Contributions may be sent to ship, we are at once placed in a good
Richard Gunton, Esq., treasurer of Con- position amongst New Church societies.
ference 26, Lamb's Conduit-street, Lon- With these hopeful and cheering prospects
don, W.C.; or to Mr. R. Catcheside, 20, before us, we are encouraged to persevere,
East Parade, Newcastle-upon- Tyne, who and by earnestly striving u to do the will
will acknowledge the same. of our Lord" in all meekness and purity
WILLLUI COUCHMAN, Chairman. of heart, so may we hope that He will
ROBERT CATCBESIDE, Treasurer. bless our efforts, and the nucleus of a
F.A.RADAY SPENCE, Secretary. new society will be formed, by means of
WILLLUI fuY, Minister. which the "glad tidings of great joy"
BIRMINGHAM.-To the Editor.-My may be more extensively made known.
dear Sir, - As I feel assured that the All communications may be a4dressed
unhappy differences which have existed to the Secretary to t;he Cannon-street New
for so long a period in the Birmingham Church Society, Mr. Alfred Haywood,
New Church society (much, it is to be 24, Braithwaite-road, Birmingham.
feared, to the spiritual injury, and calm, [Copy.]
, charitable frame of mind and conduct Address from the subscribers to a testi-
~hat should so eminently distinguish monial purse presented to the Rev.
members of our church) have become E. Madeley, on the occasi&n of bis
widely known, it will doubtless be highly retiring from the ministry of the
gratifying to many of your readers to Summer-lane Society of the New
know that a solution (though involving Church :-
separation) has been arrived at. " Rev. and dear Sir,-It is with mingled
The division of a society is at all times feelings of pleasure and of pain, that we
a very painful event, in this case parti- now approach you in the performance of
cularly so; but when unity of purpose this~the last act of the work committed
and harmonious action are found to be to' Our charge.
impossible, then separation becomes a " Herewith you will be pleased to accept
necessity. The Rev. E. Madeley's friends a pliTse containing one hundred and fifty
finding this to be the case, resolved, pounds, subscribed by the' members and
after long and earnest attempts at recon- friends of the society over which, for a
ciliation, to form themselves into a sepa- period of upwards of forty years, you pre-
rate society, under his ministry. Two sided 8.S teacher and pastor.
inflnential andnumerously attended meet- U We call to remembrance, with feelings'
ings were held, a committee and officers of gratitude, the many opportunites we
appointed, and a suitable room having have enjoyed of profiting by your in-
been met with, measures were at once tellectual attainments, and your extensive](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-335-320.jpg)
![HISCELLANEOUS. 338
knowledge of the doctrines of our Church; Mr. Brueton .•••••.••• £1 0 0
and we earnestly desire that your labours " Glasgow.......... 1 0 0
in her cause may not be diminished by " W. H. Johnstone •• 0 10 0
your retiring from our midst, but that for " J ames .• • . • . • • . • • • 0 10 0
many years to come your voice may be Miss Simkiss........ . . 0 10 0
heard through the land, teaching the A Friend, per J. W.
truth, edifying the Church, and pro- • Rolason ••••••• e.... 0 10 0
moting the general good of mankind. Mr. O. Simkiss . . • . . • • • 0 10 0
"We gladly avail ourSelves of this Mrs. and Miss Buckley. . 0 5 0
opportunity of expressing a prayerful " Howard... . . . •• •• 0 5 0
hope that it may be in the order of Pro- :Miss Rowley • • • • • • • • • • 0 5 0
vidence to spare you yet many years of Mr. Shakespeare •••••. 0 5 0
healthful nat~ life, that it may be well " Giles ••••••••• • . • 0 5 0
with you and your family, and that your Miss Lawrence........ 0 2 6
declining years may be years of peace. Mrs. Lawrence • • • • • • • • 0 2 6
Miss Peters •••••••.•. 0 6 2
" Signed, " Mary Peters. . . • • • 0 6 2
"THOMAS HUMPHREYS,
" JOHN SANDERS, NEW CHURCH COLLEGE. - To the
"G. C. HASELER, Editor.- Rev. and dear Sir,-Be so
"JAMES Snnuss, good as to inform your readers in the
U .Sub-Committee. Intellectual Repository for July, that,
" Birmingham, April 28th, 1866."· owing to the munificence of the New
Church Peabody, John Finnie, Esq.,
List of Subscribers. of Cheshire, we shall be enabled to
Mr. W. Rolason •••..• £10 0 0 prosecute our college undertaking with-
u Jno. Sanders •••••• 10 0 0 out much further delay. That gentle-
" Geo. Benton .••••• 10 0 0 man has kindly promised us £2,000.,
" T. Humphries • • •• 10 0 0 and we Qxpect to receive it prior to the
" Rd. Cooper 10 0 0 appearance of your next. number. I
" Chas. Sanders • • •• 10 0 0 have also been authorised to address a
" Wilkinson ••••••.. 10 0 0 circular to all the societies, and to all
" and Mrs. Negus •••• 10 0 0 who minister in them for aid in the
" A. Batler • • . • • • • • 5 0 0 way of collections for this college. It
" J. Simkiss •••.•••• 5 0 0 ought to be a matter of general interest
" A. Haywoo'd •••••• 5 0 0 with us to see it in full work and per-
" G. C. Haseler.. ..•• 5 0 0 forming all the uses for which it was
" H. Powell ••••..•• 5 5 0 designed. Our character as a· church
" J. Rabone, jnn. •.•• 5 0 0 will, in some degree, be measured by
" J. W. Rolason •.•• 2 10 0 that of our institutions, and the New
" Buncher.......... 2 10 0 Church College will be either a groun~
" W. H. Haseler ••.• 2 10 0 of rejoicing or a means of reproach.
" E. Jones.......... 2 2 0 Let us all then unite to make it what
" J. H. Stone •.• • • . 2 2 0 we could wish, and in a short time we
" J. Newby .•••..•• 2 0 0 shall have the pleasure of rejoicing in
" T. Faraday.... .. •• 2 0 0 its prosperity. We "need about £1.400.
" Chater and Family. • 2 0 0 more than we now have either in hand
., Saml. Barnett • • . • 2 0 0 or in promises, and we should be glad
" Horner ..• • • • .. . 2 0 0 to have as much of this &s possible
" G. H. Johnstone •• 1 1 0 without further trenching on the capital
" Ed. Haseler. ...•• •• 1 1 0 of the Crompton Legacy. - Faithfully
". Molyneaux •• •••• •• 1 1 -0 yours, HENRY BATE:MAN.
" W. Humphries •••• 1 1 0 June 15th, 1866.
" Lee ••..•.••.••.•• 1 1 0
" . J. Butler. . • • • . • • . • 1 1 0 SA.NCTITY OF THE SABBATH. - Mr.
" T. Anderson ••..•. 2 0 0 Thomas Stevenson, of Nottingham, has
" A. Butler, jun. ••••. 1 1 0 recently done good service to the cause
" T. C. Lowe. . • • • • • . 1 0 0 of the due observance of the Lord's Day,
Mrs. Weetman ••..•••• 1 0 0 by calling attention to a most improper
]dr. llayell, jun.•.•.•• 1 0 0 advertisement which recently appeared
Miss !(assey •• • • • • • • . . 1 0 0 in the local papers, for "navvies" on the](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-336-320.jpg)
![OF THE NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH. 40S
]lew life thence, is the New Jerusalem. Is it not the stone "which the
builders of olden time" have rejected; but which, nevertheless, has
become the head-stone of the corner? And is not this "the Lord's
doings," and should it not be "marvellous in our eyes"? While this
Society shall unde~ Divine Providence exist, notwithstanding into whose
.hands its snperintendenc.e shall be permitted for the passing moment of
years even to rest, the doctrine of the "Divine Humanity" will be'
upheld. We with our founder can say-We believe and we adore.
Either the Lord's Body is Infinite or finite, Divine or human. If the
former of either couplet, it is ever so; if the latter, where is our Lord
and Saviour? Where the testimony of the letter of the Divine Word,
from which Swedenborg assures us genuine doctrine can alone be
drawn ? We may be reminded that this can only be done by one
,~ illuminated for the purpose." But who is to illuminate, and who
has so been illuminated? Has not Emanuel Swedenborg? And does
not he declare that the Lord rose again with the body which He had
in the world, and this different from any man? Let finite minds bow
before an Infinite Redeeming Saviour, and worship.
But we may be reminded that this is not a vital point, only a mere
minor speculation of peculiarity. Why,- then, resist any and every
view that may be propounded by human reflection concerning it ? It
either is vital or it is not. If the former, all that can elucidate it is
valuable; if the latter, all that can be advanced is futile, and need only
to be named to be. exploded. Notwithstanding, however, Jesus is
Jehovah in a Glorified Human Form, "begotten, not made," of one
substance with the Father, and ever will so be, ~atever we may think
and believe, or deny. The how may to finite minds be inexplicable
because Infinite; but the fact is revealed, and endorsed by the" Lord's
servant, Emanuel Swedenborg," and was the means of inciting, under
Divine Provision, the classic mind of the venerable Clowes to give to
the world what had so deeply impressed his own mind. We, at least,
are and ever will be true to our standard, now unfurled for more than
eighty years in new light, and for nearly nineteen hundred in gospel
truth.
Next to this central sun is the nwon of faith, A rational, affectionate,
and intelligent understanding of our nature, the Divine Influences upon
it, and our cooperation with or opposition to those ever-present and
ever-active spheres of Divine Love and Wisdom for our soul's good..
The want of genuine faith, or faith too little, is a sad evil in this our .
day. The mustard-seed of the Gospel may ~e here-who shall. say it.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-406-320.jpg)
![REYIE"o. 411
of his function as a teacher, though he never asserted it alTogantly;
his biographer, too, puts forth lofty claims in his behalf, ranks him as a
" prophet," and affirms of him,-" He had a message to give, and he
gave it." Nay, still further reasons are assigned why he "never became
the leader of a sect, never founded a schooL" It thus becomes an
interesting subject of inquiry : -What were his principles? What did
he teach?
His principles of religious belief, presented under a general expres-
sion, may be described as a graft from the transcendental philosophy
inserted on the original stock of Church of England doctrine, after its
Calvinism had been eradicated. His own statement on the subject is
the following : -
" The principles on which I have taught :-First, The establishment of positive
troth, instead of the negative destruction of error. Secondly, That truth is made
up of two opposite propositions [separately untrue], and Dot found in a via· media
between the two. Thirdly, That spiritual truth is discerned by the spirit, instead
of intellectually in propositions; and, therefore, truth should be taught suggestively',
not dogmatically. Fourthly, That belief in the human character of Christ's
humanity must be antecedent to belief in His Divine origin. Fifthly, That
Christianity, as' its teachers should, works from the inward to the outward, and not
vice versa. Sixthly, The soul of goodness in things evil."
. To examine fully all these "principles," would extend this review to
an inconvenient length; but neither is it desirable to leave them wholly
without comment. A few remarks in elucidation of their real signi-
ficance may be permitted. "
The second principle, that truth is made up of two opposite proposi-
tions, suggests an inquiry whether there are t~ths which stand in
opposition to each other, and the observation that great truths are
evolved, not by combining propositions separately untrue, but by har..
monising and bringing into unity, truths distinctly and separately
apprehended. In relation to the third principle, that spiritual truth is
not seen intellectually in propositions, the correct statement appears to
be this: Spiritual ,truth is discemible only by the spiritual mind; but
w hen it descends into the natural mind, the region of logical forms and
sharp definitions, it necessarily puts on such forms of expression, or
remains altogether unseen and inoperative. And, indeed, one of the
higher exercises of thought is to bring this purer truth into those lower
but corresponding forms that adapt it to the apprehension of the natural
mind. Robertson" believed that the highest truths were poetry " -
"Religion is poetry, all or most poetry is the half-way house to
religion "-" to be felt, not provec1; resting ultin~ately, not on the](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-414-320.jpg)
![NORWA.Y, SWEDEN, FINLAND, AN]) RUSSIA.
is a cheap land. All the arrangements are made on a very simple.,
moderate, and modest scale, 80 -that travelling there is easy and beauti~
ful, without being costly.
The religion of the people is Lutheran. This is the Protestant
1'eligion, with that kind of addition to it which the Pnseyites aim at in
this country. They use crucifixes in the churches, they have the
emcifix affixed above the altar. And the clergy have changes of dress,
rather showy, particularly for the administration of the Holy Supper..
In other. respects theJ are quite as Protestant --as the people of this
eountry. They have a starling regard for the Bible; they preach from
the Bible, and encourage the reading and cultivation of a knowledge of
the Bible as much as they possibly can. They regard with great
favour the operations of our Bible Society, and receive with great
earnestness the cheap editions that have been sent out to every part of
their country from the Bible Society. I occasionally met the clergy
there, and lbnnd them friendly, social, kind, and cheerful, ready to
enter into conversation; and I had much delightful intercourse with.
some of them. But it was to me a special advantage that I was aware
that many of these people had begun to think very highly of the doc-
trines of the New Church, and at least a few thoronghly to embmce
them. I have had communications with Captain Boyesen, of Hovind,
near Christiania., for some years, and knew of the earnest desire of
lUmself and his three excellent brothers for '~he spread of Divine Truth..
Throngh them some other Norwegians had become acquainted with the
principles of the New Church, and had earnestly commenced to make
them more widely known" They commenced their labow-s by trans-
lating the beautiful lit~le book called "TIle New Jerusalem and its
Heavenly. Doctrines." The translation was made by Captain A..
Boyesen, who is equally competent and earnest. By the assistance of
the Swedenborg Society it was published more than a year ago. When
I was over there I had the pleasure of learning that the person who
bought the first copy ,vas the chief clergyman in Christiania. Others
have been. sold to the number of 100; allU I was glau to hear that 100
copies of this excellent translation, well printeu on good pe.per, ill "neit
pocket fonn, of that exceedingly valu$blo boo~ 4Ad be~n 9is$~IQ.iJlit~d
in th~t very interesting cQuntry. The publication of "The :New Jeru-
salem and its Heavenly Doctrines" was followed up by a determinatiQB
~ translate and print the treatise on "Heaven and Hell." This wQrk
has alsp been translated, and a third part about printed. I had the
opportunity of reading it over an4 of seeing about one-third of it in](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-442-320.jpg)
![47.1 MISCELLANEOUS.
nally obtained by this noble legacy. This obtain from other friends subscriptiona
would be a proper tribute to Mr. Cromp- to pay the other half." The" Hiram"
ton's memory t and a source of permanent mentioned above is the celebrated sculptor
income to the institution. For the pre- of the:' Greek Slave," Hiram Power, Esq.,
sent, however, we shall have enongh to a member of the New Church, now re..
do to obtain the requisite sums to com- siding, we believe, at Florence. He
plete the buildings, and furnish them would enter into the work con amore,
suita.bly for students and scholars. and would execute it with a skilful hand
In addition to the education of the and an intelligent appreciatio~ of his
students adopted as Crompton scholars, subject. I do not know what Mr. Power
we shall look forward to obtaining others would require for a bust of Swedenborg,
who will, by the fees they pay, assist in but can truly say that it would form an
defraying the stipends of the teachers. appropriate ornament to our new college
Young gentlemen of the New Church library if placed there. Whilst requesting
will need a collegiate education and money for more pressing wants in rela-
collegiate discipline, and we tmst our tion to the college, I cannot urge this so
institution will be an .Alma Mater to warmly upon our friends as I should
them. gladly do were those wants fully supplied;
Our Collegiate School must, however, yet I think Mr. Finnie's liberality in
be our grand aim. During the time that promising half the expense deserves reci-
the buildings are being erected and procation, and I shall, therefore, be happy
altered, New Church parents will have to receive any money which may be
an opportunity of making arrangements offered for the purpose of obtaining a
for the future education of their sons bust of the "great Swedenborg."-Faith-
with us. The contractors have engaged fully yours, HENRY BATEMAN.
to complete the work they have under- NOTTINGHAM (Old Society) BAZAAR.-
taken next May. Many interior fittings As the building will cost £1,000., in
will then have to be added; and we addition to the cost of land-£204.,
have no doubt these will be completed, and the society's means are not ample,
and the school ready to be opened, for it has been decided to hold a bazaar in
the. Michaelmas. te~m of. 1867. I am aid of the funds, contributions to which
deslrous of menti?nlng thIS no,,:, because are respectfully solicited. The following
I know ~y expenence that notices have members of the Bazaar Committee will
to be gIv~n, and .other arr~gements. very thankfully acknowledge any assist-
made, which req.mre bot~ time and ance in the shape of saleable articles.
th~ught: For tlns there IS ab~nd.ant Any frietMs desirous of aiding the funds
leIsure ID the course of the ensIDug 11 pecuniarily will please address them-
or 12 months; and I tr~st .we. shall be selves to :-l{r. Jno. A. Clarke, Addison
able to r.e-open our InstItution ne.x t Villas, Nottingham; Mrs. Jno. A. Clarke,
autumn, WIth a goodly number of pupils Addison Villas; Mrs. Wm. Clarke, jun.,
for our school, as well as of students for Addison Villas; Ml'S. J. D. Beilby,
our college. . HENRY BATEMAN. Mansfield-road; Mrs. Wm. Thornto~
[T~e foundatlo~-stone of the ~ollege Alpha _terrace, Arhoretum - approach;
at Islmgton was lrod on the 18th Instant. Mrs Gilson Forest-road· the Misses
A report of the interesting ceremony will Cas~ell, For~st-road; Mrs: Jno. Hani-
appear next month. ] son, Sherwood-street, South; Mrs. J ames
BusT OF SWEDENBORG.-To the Editor, Clarke, Euston..cottages, Portland-road;
Dear Sir,-In a letter written to me by Miss Pegg, Platt-street; Miss Towle,
John Finnie, Esq., on the 29th August, Sherwood-street, North; Miss Dennis,
in reference to the New Church College, Canning - street, Alfreton - road. Trea-
is the following passage, which I tran- surer, Mr. Jno. A. Clarke; Secretary, Mr.
scribe for the information of your readers: W. Clarke, jun., Addison-villas.
- " I hope you will make a respectable J.A.MES CHESTER, Secretary.
building of it, and do credit to the New The following SUInS, received since our
Church. I cannot but think a well- last, are thankfully acknowledged : -
executed bust of the' great Swedenborg , William Pickstone, Esq. • ••• £5 0 0
would be a very proper ornament to it. Mr. L. Stead, Batley.. . . • . .. 1 0 0
I notice the friends in the United States A Friend, per Rev. W.Woodman 1 0 0
are proposing to have one by 'Hiram,' Messrs. Clarke, Leicester •••• 0 10 0
and I offer to rny half the cost if :you can Mr.J. V. Gardner~Birmingbam 0 "10 0](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-479-320.jpg)
![MISCELLANEOUS. 477
presence of a large number of spectators, AnGYLE-SQUARE SOCIETy.-The annual
who manifested great interest in the meeting of this society was held on the
ceremony. The site is on the south 11th July, Mr. Butler in the chair. From
side of Blue Coat-street, immediately the Report which was read, it appeared
opposite the Blue Coat School, and the that the society pursued its even course,
plan decided upon is that of a neat brick fulfilling the intentions for which it was
building, Gothic in character, with stone instituted. The total collected for the
dressings and faeings. The architect is schools and classes during the year
Mr. J. S. Noms, and Mr. J. Acton is amounted to £68. 2s. 5d. Penny read-
the contractor-the estimated cost being ings have been held, and 21 adults and
about £1,000. It is to be a two-storied 21 ~fants have been baptized, and seven
edifice, with school-rooms on the base- marriages solemnized. The school build-
ment, and a meeting-room or chapel ings have been completed, and were
above, calculated to seat upwards of 200 opened on the 9th of October last. The
persons, all on the floor, as there will be attendance has been good, showing a
no gallery. The proceedings connected total of 351; and the report of the Go-
with the laying of the first stone com- vernment Examiner most satisfactory.
menced shortly after five o'clock by Mr. The progress of the Sunday Morning
W. Pegg reading portions of the ] at and Classes, the Junior Members' Society,
2nd chapters of the book of Haggai, the Conversational Meetings, and the
which have reference to the rebuilding Theological and Elocution Classes, and
of the temple at Jerusalem. A psalm the Library department, is satisfactory.
was then chanted, after which an appro-
priate extempore prayer was offered up BIBMINGHAlI.-The first annual meet-
by the Rev. W. Woodman. A glass ing of the Birmingham New Church
vessel, containing a written document, Missionary and Tract Association was
was placed in a cavity in the bed pre- held at the Hockley school-room, on
pared for the stone, and Mr. J. D. Beilby Monday evening, September 17th, Mr.
read a copy of the document. The Hev. R. R. Rodgers in the chair. The com-
W. Woodman WOos then presented with mittee's report was read by the secretary,
a trowel and mallet, and the stone having Mr. S. R. Lee; the storekeeper's report
been lowered and adjusted, he declared by Mr. E. Wellson; and the treasurer's
it duly laid in the name of the Lord and by Mr. John Bragg. From these reports
Saviour Jesus Christ, the foundation an(l it appeared that at present there are two
chief corner-stone of His kingdom. (The mission stati'Ons-one at Ashted, where
reverend gentleman then delivered an im- service is held every Sunday evening,
pressive and appropriate address, which and a reading meeting on a week even-
has been fully noticed in the local papers, . ing-and one at West Bromwich, where
but for which we have not room.)· He there is a comfortable preaching room,
concluded by congratulating his fliends and service held in it every Snnday
there on having, through much evil and morning and evening. At the latter
perhaps not much good report, steadily place, during the past year, lectures have
pursued their way. They first met, like been delivered, under the auspices of
the Lord and His disciples, in an upper the National Missionary Society, by the
room, and though they afterwards erected Reverends R. Storry, W. Woodman, J.
a superior place, it was not to be compared Hyde, and other ministers and. gentle-
with the building about to be commenced, men; and mapy hundreds of tracts dis-
which would not only suit their purposes tributed. A number of persons are
much better, but be worthy of the town actively engaged, Sabbath after Sab-
in which they lived. He prayed that the bath, in conducting religious services at
Divine blessing might rest upon them, these two places, and the mission is
and sincerely offered to them his best ealling forth the talents and energies of
wishes. A hymn was then sung, and the several of our young friends, who pro-
Rev. W. Woodman having pronounced mise fair to become useful in preaching
the benediction, the assembly dispersed. the glorious truths of the New Church.
A social tea meeting was held in the chapel The amount expended by the association
in Shakespeare-street, which was well in renting rooms, printing, advertising,
attend.ed, and the proceedings assumed announcing lectures, tracts, &c., dUling
a conversational cho.racter.-Abridgecl the/ear, has been £25. 188. 6d. A wide
from tM Nottingham Daily E~re". fiel far usefulness presentl itllelf iD the](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-482-320.jpg)
![502 THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL.
A qnestion might here be asked, in regard to this new doctrine of
equilibrium,-" If man's free-will is dependent on an equal influx from
heaven and hell, then would it not seem to follow that hell must be
continually increased, in order to keep up with heaven, and consequently
that some must be lost for the sake of preserving the equilibrium?"
We answer, Not at all. An equilibrium may be made between a giant
and a .small boy: the former has only to accommodate himself to the
latter,-the boy putting forth his whole strength, and to counterbalance
it, the giant perhaps needing only to use one finger. So the influx of
heaven may be continually tempered by the Lord just in the degree
necessary to counterbalance that of hell, however great or small the
latter may be.* Whence it follows, that it is "by no means necessary
that there should be any increase of hell, in order to keep up the
equilibrium.
Nor, indeed, was it necessary that hell should exist at all, in order to
create an equilibrium. There was a time when hell did not exist; and
yet there was an equilibrium, and man possessed free-will. That
primary condition of man is described in the Word, allegorically, by the
Garden of Eden. That garden represented the state of wisdom in
which the human race was before the Fall. The counterbalancing
forces, which produced the equilibrium at the time, were represented
by the Tree of Life on the one hand and the -Tree of Knowleqge on ,the
other,-the Tree of Life signifying the perception from within that the
Lord alone was life, and that man was perpetually dependent upon Him
for it, as also for wisdom, happiness, and every good; the Tree of
Knowledge, on the other hand, signifying the appea'rance that man has
life in himself, and that he may acquire knowledge and wisdom of
himself from without. Between this truth and this appearance, or, in
other words, between per~e]Jtion and sense, the first equilibrium existed,
and produced man's freedom of will, in consequence of which he pos-
sessed the power to turn either to God or from God, ----either to listen
to the" still small voice" of perception from within, or to the enticings
of the serpent, of the sensual principl~, from without. Yet the sensual
principle was in itself good, and necessary to man's completeness as a
human being. We may thus perceive that equilibrium, and consequent
free-will, existed before there was any evil, so its continued existence is
not depondent on the increase or even continuance of evil.
London. O. P. H.
* That there actually is snch a restraining and tempering of the heavenly inllux,
see the Apocalypse Rev.ealed, n. 343; see also, Hea.ven and Hell, D. 594.
(To be continued.)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-507-320.jpg)
![MISCELLA~EOUS.
necpSlal-Y for effecting the ~ntrnnc,e ~f think it useful to notice and preserve. "
genuine tmth anlong mankind. 'rh.ell" "One of the inevitable results of the
iillal ten,leul·y is to urge the unselfish pa.rochial ol·ganitsai.ion of our church is,
Rud the thoug"htCul to consult the Divine that Inany clergynlCn among us must
'Vord for they must have observed how spen(l the greater p~rt ?f their life in .one
much'that haH l)cen ignored in all the place. I heartily WIsh It were otherwISe;
cOlltrover~ies w Lich prevail. for to be emptied from vessel to vessel
is often a most useful discipline, 80 that
TUE nI:J.. IGIOUS A~PECT OF EunoPE
we do not l:iettle down upon our lees;
is Rn intcrestiug snLject of ~nqniry at and everyone who has done well and
the pre~eut time. The sUu·tliug events purchased to hinlself a good degree
"hich haye 80 rapidly mId recently trans-
ought, in his time-twn, to move .on-
pirea upon the ~ontinent, do not sirupl.y wards 811(1 upwards. So, however, m 8
involve political c01l8eqll~~Cel:J, but r~li church like ours, offering such poor and
gious pl'oLlerns. The politIcs ~f 8 n~t~on scanty rewards to the great Lody of its
are DOt f,0 far separated from Its religIon
working cler::,'Y, it JUllst cOllsequently be.
as the superficial mlY sUl>llOse; u.nd, Beware of the de.adening effects of a long
therefore, we caunot "iscly contemplate contuullUlce in one sllOt, and of la.bouring
any great political challge~.' ~11)(1 lc~ve for lOll r:r years illllong the 8~Ulle people;
out of tho que~tioll thllt religIon ~Ll~h watch i11~t they do lot 8ct illjUliously on
is 8.D10Ug the most l)O,,:erful motIve 1U
your 8pirit ~d (wltich ~1!st pt'esently
the life of luen Hud llatiOns. The late follow ou" tlll~) yow· lUlDlstry. And,
'War ,vas not wholly COllllllcted Ly the deal' brethren, let lue say to yon all,
arnues; the l>ric;-,thootl have been whether YOlU stay in one spot, be it of
arrayed agaillst each other, and the months or of years, or of a life, see to it
result has been a tCl'riLle Llow to the
that your people 8hall never f<:el that
Romiflh Church. TIle conqnest of
they have COlue to an end of W liat you
Austria, the cession of Venetia, the eva-
have to oive them. Silll: new and even
cuation of UOlllC Ly F'l'ance, caullot be
deeper shafts into the inexhaustible mine
oLLcl",vise t.lmu fUVOlll'Hhle to the caltse
of God's ,VonI. Lay to heart the moni-
of reli(J'iou~ lilJcl'ty. Pl'oteRtn.utiRu1, in
tion of Christ our J ,oru, that the scribe
the tri~lmphs of iJrussia, bn.s achieved
instructed for the kingdom shall bring
anoUlCl'stel> in the march of frcedOlu,
forth fi'Oill his treasure- house things llew
and the power of spiritual tyranny has
ana olJ; and, whether now or olu, seek
received a check, wltich is evel'ywhere
to present it in the most attractive form
anrtril y resellteJ Ly its upholders. It
that you can. The l>reacher who ' sought
ml~st be for the advo.ntnge of liberty 811(1 to unO. acceptaule words' did not take at
truth that there shonld be a great Pro-
ranclolll those which came uppermost.
• testant nation on the contillent, Eke
The truth of God may well claim for us
En rrland, free froIn tl le dictation of the
the fairest setting Im1h which we can give
l)a~c)· and the n1achinaiions of the it-apples of gold in a network of silver."
J esuils. The Prussian successes carry
with them an open Bible in the language
Bp.ITI~H Af;SOCIATION. - Among the
of the people, aud also provl:;ioll for the
transactions of this body we find two
public education, more cOluplete, per-
cOlltriLuLions which cannot but engage
haps, than that which is a<lopted in this
our interest. One concerns the topo-
~OUlltry. For these reasons., we feel
graphy of the Holy Land, the ot~er
satisfied with the conrse wInch event9
touches upon a tract of Ceutl'al Afn.ca
have taken; they are interesting to us as
which has Rpecial claulls u1)on the atten-
the lovers of that spiritual freedom tion of New Churchlnell. The Palestine
which we are assured is now struggling
EXI)loratioll ]?u~d is devo.ted ~o th.e in-
to make it8elf felt a.mong the nations,
vestigation, l)y hlghly-qualified~nq~ers,
to the end that spiritual truth from the of tho physical aspects and antlqultles of
Word may be more clearly seen, and the the Holy Land. The secretary, Mr.
intelligent charity which it inculcates be G. Grove, states that it is the intention
more extensively adopted. of the Association to persevere until
CLERICAL RESIDENcE.-Dr. Trench, every square mile in Palestine has been
in his recent charge to the clergy at properly ·and accurately surveyed and
Kildare, made the following discreet mapped; till every mound of mins has
remarks upon this subject, which we been examined and sifted; the name of](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-527-320.jpg)
![520 MISCELLANEOUS.
speeches, and an anthem was nicely of one hundred members and friends
sung by the Sunday scholars. The partook. There was likewise present a
meetin~ sepamteu at nine o'clock, and large number of the juveniles who attend
all were unanimous in their enjoyment the Sunday classes. The pleasure of the
of the proceedings. Valious allusions evening was much enhanced by music
were IDnde in the speeches to the munifi- an(l singing, by nlembers of the choir and
cent gift of two tllOusand ]lOnn<1s to the other fdends. The chair was tQken by
college by John Finnie, Esq, and his the Rev. J ames Keene, who addressed
unavoic1able nhsence was the OlllJr subject the meeting in eloquent and earnest
of re~ret connected with n happy aud terms; after which, the secretary read
triuIDllhant occasion. the report, shewing the society at the
OLDHAJrI. - BUILDING FUND. - The present time to he in a very satisfactory
Committee beg to nckuowle(lge, with stnte of progress. DIuing the evening
thanks, the following contributions : - addresses were delivered by MessTS. M.
Goldsack, Beattie, and Withy, who at-
Amount brought forward .•• £110 11 7 tended the meeting, with otller friends
Messrs. BelTY lln(l Uiley..•••• :£ 1 0 0 frOll1 the society of Bristol. The meeting
" A. and J. lIiuille ••.• 1 0 0 terminateu at half-past nine, and all
Mr. William Archer .••....•• 2 0 0 present appeared much pleased with the
" Robert Holt ••••.••••••. 1 0 0 evening's entertainment.
" Ell Smith.. • • • • • • . • • • •• 1 0 0
" J. Priestley •••••••.•••• 1 0 0 ADVEUTISING.-A SUGGESTION.-To
H lsunc Gee. • • • . . • • • • • • •• 0 10 0 the Editor.-Dear Sir,-For some time
John Platt, Esq., M.P. •..•.• 2 2 0 past our society has adopted an excellent
Willinm Knott, Esq., llayor •• 1 0 0 method of placing Swedenborg's works
Mr. Ju.u)e~ Berry •.•..•••••• 1 0 0 before, the public by giving weekly, in
" J oseph nickel,tou.. . . • • .. 3 3 0 the leading local newspaper, a quotation
" 'Villitun StalldJ'in~ •••••• 0 10 0 frOm one of them, bearing upon the sub-
Per Miss Hibbert, Failswortb.. 1 2 6 ject of discourse announced for the fol·
Mr. John AUtln'w, Oldhaul •• 1 0 0 lowing Sunday, and appending the name,
" l~vfin Glitllths •••• , ...•• 3 0 0 thus :-" Science is not of Man, but of
" VillilUn HOtlgROU •••••••• 0 10 0 the Lord in him."-Swellenborg'8Al'cana
John }'inuie, Esq.••.•••••.. 10 0 0 Co'lestia, 124. This plan has not only
Opelliu~ services an(l tea party. 28 16 10 been found serviceable in keeping our
Sundry subscriptions . . • • • • •• 3 11 6 author's name well before the Christian
A "Christmas Tree," in aid of the world, but of attracting as many as
fmul, is to bo 0llen to the public on twenty strangers night after night, and
January 3rd nnll 4th, 1867. We make we ore anticipating much good thereby.
the following extract from the Circular If other societies~illtry the experiment,
anll()llncill~ the saUle :-" The bllil<ling I feel 8Ul'e they will not begrudge the
and school furniture have cost about smoll weeld,. cost.
£400., towUJ.'tl~ which about £170. has THOH. STEVENSON.
been raised, by subscriptions suel other Nottingham, Oct. 9, 1866.
means. The society is desirous to remove PAllIS ExnmITloN, 1867. - To the
the tlebt fronl the Luilding as soon as Ell i lor.-~Denr Sir,-As the 8ugCT ester
possible, and Inakc this appeal to their
niends for assistance. Donations will
of the "Illternationnl Congress ot New
Chnrchnlen at Paris" dUling the great
he gratefully received llud nclrnowledged Exhibition of 18G7, referred to in the
in a future numher. All conunlmications President's Rellort on p:tge 71 of t118
in connection with the above to be ad- Minutes of the 59th Conference, I trust
dresse,l to Mr. Dan Hodgson, 19, Water- the idea will not be lost sight of. The
loo-street, to whose address parcels, &c. ex-President nnnolillced to the Confer·
may Le sent." ence that he inten<led to move a resolu-
BATH.-On Tuesday evening, October tion on the subject; but from some
2nd, the lllembers and friends of the New cause or other it was omitted. Hence
Church in this city held their annual this letter, As the next Conference will
meeting, to celebrate the thirty-seventh be held at Brightllngsea, on the coast of
anniversary of this society. Tea was Essex, it will afford an admirable ol'por-
provided at six o'clock, in the library tunity to nn'ftnge for the " International
lLitached to the church, of which upwards Congress" to take place on the Frida1](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-531-320.jpg)
![1IISCELLANEOUS. 527
or Saturday previous to Conf~rence week, Derby and Birmingham. The replies of
and thence proceed to Brightlingsea. the can(lidate were given with firlnness
An international service might also be and feeling. After the completion of
arranged, to be held in Paris on the the ser"ice, Dr. Bayley pr~ached an
following Sunday. The projected Ex- exhol·tatory discom'se from Matt. xx. 28,
hibition will no doubt surpass in every ill which he showed the Llesseulles8 of
way all t·hat have yet been 11e1<l; and ministering to the hapllmess of others.
so excellent an opportunity of exchanging He said he had known the newly-
friendly greetings with the world·s New ordained llllnister from the time when he
Churchmen ought 110t to be nllowed to . was" a little curly-headed Loy," al1(l he
pass Imimproved. I shall wait with believed he had entered upon his present
anriety to learn that the President of work in a sincere and earnest spirit.
Conference has taken such tinlely steps The uuties of the lluni8ter, he dedu.l'ed,
as will secure so desirable an object. involved con'esllonding duties of the
Yours, THOS. STEVENSON. people. Icebergs could never conunu-
N o tttingh am, Oct. 9, 1866. nieate warmth and encrgy to his minis-
trations. The connection 1.etween the
NO'l'TINGHAM (HJt~DDER'LY STnF.ET).-
miuister and llis flock must be one of
On Sunday, 23rd September, the seventh
rcciproeal uCl1efit nl1<110ve.
anniversary sermons of the society as- In the evening a tea nleeting was held
sembling at the People's Hall were in the chm·ch. After an agreeaule social
preached by the Rev. Dr. Goyder, of nlCal, the Hev. E. Matlcley was calle(l to
London. The subjects were attractive, the chair, and the nlceting was nadressed
and embraced the declarations of the by Dr. Bayley and Messrs. Potts, 're
Lord-·'Aprophet is notwithont honour, ~fadeley, Wa.rtl. Cook, Wab;on, mal
except in his own country," and" To the Bcuton. A pleasnnt moonlight ride
believer all things are possible." The awaited the retm"ll of the kind friends
attendance was good, and there was fron1 a distallce, whose !lreSence and
marked attention throughout the dis- cheering sphere had so much enhanced
courses. On the following Monday a
the hapI)iness of the day.
social ten meeting was held, and the
evening devoted to a lecture by Dr. INQUIRER. - '1'0 the Editor. - Dear
Goyder, on "The Influence of M nsic." Sir,-Could you, or any of the readers
On the Tuesday evening, "Miracles not of the Intellectual Rep08itory, infonn
the Test of Truth" formed the subject me of a passage in Swe(lenborg, and I
of a most elaborate lecture. think it is in the Arcana Ca.~lc8tia, in
~rEI.BOURNE.-The orc1inntioll of Mr.
reference to children being born with
J. F. Potts took place on Tuesday, Oct. hereditary ten<lencies to good, - their
16th, 1866. The officiating Ininisters pm-ents hnving had the same telldencies ?
were the nev. Dr. Bayley and the Rev. It wus lnelltiolletl in the" New J erllsalem
E. Madele~y" On the previous S1lllday lfesscuger," some fom· or five years ago.
lir. Madeley prenched monling Rnd Yours sincerely, H.
eveniug to attentive and numerous con- Birminghalu, Oct. 13, 1866.
gregations. The 8ubject of his nlorning [A. O. 3460; 8~e also, 3304.]
discow-se was "The Highway to Zion,"
(Isa. xxxv. 8-10.) and that of the even- EMA~UEL SWEDENDOnG':;; RULES OP
ing, "The Divine Parable of the Seed cast LIFE.-Rules that contributed to form
into the G'round," (llro']i iv. 26-28.) In such a character, and that were exelnpli-
the afternoon he adluinir:;tere(l the Holy fled in such a life ns Swedenborg's, must
Supper to about thirty comlnllnicants. deserve to be engraven on the 11cart.
Dming his stay Mr. Madeleyalso bap- But before they can be in the heart,
tise(l one adult and two infants. they must first be in the memory, and
'I'he ordination service was held at they must pass into the 111emory through
half-past ten on Tuesday morning, and the ear or the eye. Swedenuorg's Rules
was felt b)" all to he n 1l10st iJnIJ1'e~~si ve of Life have been pIinted at different
ceremony. Mr. Potts was supported by times, and in various styles. A neW'
Messrs. T. Adcock, W. Dexter, W. Suls- edition of them has just been published,
bury, and Timlns, as representatives of by l'lr. Pulsford, of Lon(lon, 'which seems
the society. The service was honoured by to us to bear a favourable cOlllparison
the attendance of numerous friends from with any others that we have seen. ThQ](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-532-320.jpg)
![NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND, AND RUSSIA. 581
90. 100. Miscellanea Observata. Pars Prima.
91. Brief Exposition. Printed by Penny, Printed at Lipsia, 1722.
in 1769. Penny, No. 1, Paternoster- 101. Carmina Borea. Printed.
row. Swedenborg's account ef him- 102. A French copy of the New Jeru-
self and family appears in English in salem and its Heavenly Doctrine.
that copy, thus while he was alive. Printed in London, 1782, by Ha"es,
92. Daedalus Hyperboreas.1719. Printed. 40, Dorset-street, Spital Fields.
Polhem and Swedenborg. 103. Index to Apocalypsis Revelata.
93. MSS.
94. De Infinito. Printed 1734. 104. Clam Hieroglyphica. Printed by
95. R. Hindmarsh in 1784.
96. Ebb ock Flod. Swedish,1719. Ebb 105. Summario Expositio. Printed at
and ]'low of the Tide. Amsterdam, 1769.
97. Another copy. Printed. 106. Prodromus. De Inftnito. Printed
98. ProdTomus. Printed, 1727. and not bound. Dresden and Lipsia,
99. The Smelting of Ores in Sweden. 1734.
1719. MSS.
In the catalogue signed byJac Ber~elius there is, after No. 102, this declaration:-
" Berghauptman Nordenskjold has also borrowed Complete Index of Arcana Coolestia,
part 1; ditto of first volume, part 2; Register of Apocalypse Explicata and other
Sentences. Moreover will Mr. Nerdenskjold be responsible for whatever is found
wanting."
The deposit of Swedenborg's MSS. was examined and compared with this cata-
logue, October 27th, 1841, by the undersigned, with the assistance of the Assessor
Lagerhjelm; and all the books and MSS. in the catalogue were found to be there,
except the following numbers :-2, 3, 49, 50, 52, 63, 95. From these, which are
marked as having been lent to Nordenskjold or Wadstrom, there have been none
returned.
In respect to the many works which are wanting, when we compare the works
themselves with the printed and original written catalogues, the true account s~ems
to be, that the Academy or the Secretary, in consequence of the request of Berg-
bauptman Nordenskjold, had allowed him to bind the books at his own expense. (See
the statement in the heading of the Catalogue No. 2.) But when these works were
returned from the binders to him, he retained a portion of them, and the works
thus retained were not so marked in the catalogue; but Wilke, the secretary, has
written .in his own hand, that for all which were wanting must Nordenskjold be
responsible. J AC .BEBZELIUS.
HERB NORDENSKJOLD.
Otto Nordenskjold p: Fmg:rd i Finland. This gentleman is grandson of a
brother of that A. E. Nordenskjold to whom wany of Swedenborg's MSS. were
lent, and from whom they were not again received. There is another brother here
in the Academy as Professor, and he has lately inquired at Frug~rd and among the
family in Finland, but cannot find any trace of these MSS. He says his great
uncle, to whom the books were lent, was Augustus Nordenskjold, who was much
concerned with the anti.-sla'·eI'Y movement, and died at POli Logo, near Sierra
Leone, 1792. There was another brother, Carl, concenled wi.th. polttical move-
ments, an~ in that year was an exile in Pomerania, where he died at Rostock, or](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-536-320.jpg)
![~
l'u lI'BUDOK 0.. TD WILL. 149
t c tree," in the old theological sense of that term. Cl Free grace," in
the old theology, means unconditional grace-arbitrary, particular grace)
:flowing in suddenly upon this or that individual, irresistibly converting
him without any co.operation of his own~ The Lord's grace is universal,
8S before said, given to every man, and to all alike. It is indeed
c, free" on God's part-it is freely given; btJt it is not fJ"eely received
unless man is willing to cooperate.. Nor i$" it irresistible: ~hat would
destroy man's freedom, and make him a mere machine,. Man can
resist the in1lu if he will, and turn away to sin; but if he ,ope;n his heart
to its influence, which the Lord gives every man the power to do, and
.if at the same time he cooperate by keeping 'the Divine commandments,
then he is regenerated and saved.
There is one important view of the subject which m,ay be bere pre-
sented, as it is closely connected with what h~s just been said. It is a
point which Swedenborg much insists upon, namely: That tbe Lord
is most careful to preserve man's freedo~, because without it ~an can
not be regenerated (a view, it may be observed, precisely the opposite of
the doctrine of irresistible grace, with which that of predestination is
~onjoined).. "Everything spiritual," says Swedenborg, "which enters
in freedom and is received in a stStte of freedoIQ, rema.ins: .but DO.t the
reverse.. ~he reason that that remains with man which is receive,d by
him ill a state of freedoD;l, js beca:use freedom belongs to Jn8U'S will;
.and since it belongs to his ,vill, it also belongs to his love, for the will
is the receptacle of love. That all that belongs to the love is free, .and
th~t this also belongs to the will, every one ~derstands, when it is
;said-' I will this because I love it ;' and the reverse, 'Because I love
this, I also will it.' .All that a man loves, and fro7p. ]pve wills, appears
,as free; ;for whatever proce~ds from the love Df his ,will is the delight
.of his life; ,and since it is also ,the v~ry essence of his life, it constitutes
,his proprium (or self-hood); and this is the reason why that which is
.received in a free state of Ule will remains, for what is so received .adds
.itself to his .propriu~. The .contrary is the case with anything intro-
.duced not in a state of freeElom, for this is not received.. That what is
..received in a st~te of freedom remains, is because ~n's will adopts.and
appropriates it to itself, and because it enters 'into his love, and the love
,acknowledges it as its own, and forms itself by it."*
-To understand this clearly, we are to keep i~mind the great prineipl.
·that the love, or (what is the same) the will, makes the man; it is the
• Tnu CW'tia.n Religion, D. 498, 496,](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-554-320.jpg)
![THE FREEDOM OP THE WILL. 551
problem how man is dependent upon God for all things, and yet is
possessed of moral and spiritual freedom in such manner 8S to be
responsible for his own conduct, and to become the arbiter' of his
own destiny.*
London. o. P. H.
(To be COftCluded in tM nezt No.)
THE DISTINCTIVE NAMES OF THE LORD IN ms WORD,
AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING THEM, AS
FAR AS PRACTICABLE, IN A TRANSLATION.
[This paper has been written at the request of the last Conference, Minute 176.]
WnoEVEB has read the sacred pages with ordinary attention, cannot
have overlooked the fact of the great number and variety of the names
applied to the Divine Being. Whilst, however, those unaequainted
with the light thrown upon the subject in the writings of the New
Church, will probably feel themselves at a loss to account for the
circumstance, to ·those who have availed themselves of the aid thus
furnished the subject is fraught with a beauty and importance of no ,.
ordinary kind; and, being enabled intelligibly to appreciate the instrnc-
tion couched beneath, they will find proportionate pleasure and profit
when reading the inspired volume.
According to 8wedenborg, the Names which occur in the Scriptures
in general are expressive of qualities, and, in the internal sense of the
Word, signify things arranged in a beautiful and connected order.
• If some metaphysical inquirer, anxious to get to the very bottom of the sub-
ject, raises here the question-cc But, after all, if everything comes from God-if
even the will to do right comes from Him-how can it be that man has free-will,
or that man is anything but a machine? where will you draw the line between
God's operagon and man's coOPeration? tt_to this I reply, You are sooking to
enter the very Penetralia of man's spirit, where even angels fear to tread. The
plaee where God meets man, where the Divine ends, as it were, and the human
begins-God's eye alone beholds. "It is permitted," says Swedenborg, "to relate
a certain arcaUUlD, namely, that with every angel, and likewise with every man,
tbere is a certain most interior or !Supreme part, into which the Divine of the Lord
:first or inmostly flows, and from which it disposes interior things in their order.
Thie inmost or supreme part may be called the entrance of the Lord into angel
and man, and His veriest dwelling-place with them. By this, man is man, and is
distinguished from the brute animals, for those have it not. Hence it islthat man,
otherwise than animals, can be elevated by the Lord to Himself, can believe in Him,
be in1luenced by love to Him, and thus see Him; and also that man can receive
intelligence and wisdom; and thence also it is that he lives to eternity. But what
is disposed and provided by the Lord, in that inmost pari, does not flow distinctly
into the Perception of any angel, because it is above his thought and exceeds his
willdom."-H~av,n and "r.11, n. 89.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-556-320.jpg)
![664 REVIEWS.
as upon some of the most interesting problems of the Lord's history
and teaching. Something is said, and frequlntly said with instructive
pertinence, upon nearly every verse of the four Evangelists. The
commentaries are ienerally brief and clear if not always conclusive;
some important points, however, are treated at much length and with
great skill. They are no commonplace annotations, but have about
them, especially for the English reader, an instructive freshness and
literary air which cannot fail to be of service to the cause of Biblical
Hermeneutics.
The criticisms on the original text, 80 far as we have examined them,
appear careful and candid. They display a considerable amount of
research, very suggestive to the student, and sufficiently clear to be of
great use to the general reader, who, without any knowledge of Greek,
is enabled to understand the results which, up to the present time,
have been arrived at by the many attempts made, during the last cen-
tury, to present to the English reader a revised and corrected version
of the sacred text. The basis of the work is Bengel's " Gnomon of the
New Testament," of which a translation is furnished, without abridg-
ment or omission, except of arguments based npon readings which,
since its publication a century ago, have been proved corrupt, and
abandoned by the general consent of theological scholars; and these,
we are told in thee preface, do not exceed one page in a hundred of the
original Latin work. B~ it has received considerable enrichment by
the incorporation into it of the learning of others. Some of the most
eminent who have written upon Biblical subjects since Bengel's time
have been laid under contributions, and in all cases duly acknowledged.
Among these are Alford, Ebrard, Ford, Hengstenberg, Huther, De
Wette, Domer, Briickner, Liick9, Meyer, Neander, Olshausen, Quesnel,
Tholuck, Tischendorf, Trench, Winer, &c. The work is scarcely one
from which passages may be quoted as a fair example of its style and
contents; still one selection may not be without its use or interest.-
John xiv. 6, "Tlw 'way, the truth, and the life :"-
" Augustine calls him the tnu way of life,' but the text is more forcible than
this, and comprises a summary of all Christian doctrine; for the words I am tM
way answer the question as to what the way was; I am the truth answers as to
how they can know the way; and I am the Ufe answers to the question whither.
[The more literal expression, I am the truth and the life, is added in explanation
of the figurative one, I am the way. He and he only who walks in this way, uses
the right path in truth; and he who remains steadfastly in that way has life for
evermore.-V. G., i.e., Versio Germania.] At the same time three statemeDU
war,
are made, (oompare the thre, "in ohap. xvi. 8.) whereof th~ first, as to the is](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-569-320.jpg)
![•
UVIEWS.
bandied immediately in this verse; that as to tM tro.th, in vert 7, ete., 17; ana
that as to the life, in vert ] 8, 19, 20. Unto the Father-This replies agaln to the
1],uestion, Whither goeBt thou 1 But-This replies again to the question as to
howing the way. There is but one sure way. By me -This l·eplies to the
.question-What is the way'" ,
From this something of the nature of the criticisms and their sugges-
tive nature may be gleaned; but our purpose is rather to give a notic8
of what appears to us to be the character of the work than a review
of its contents; and as we regard it to be among the best and most
useful of its class ,vhicft has come within our reach, we have no
hesitation in recommending it to the attention of students, and to all
such general readers of the Divine Word as feel an interest in being
well informed respecting the critical results which have been .arrived at
by the leamin8 of our time. a
THE CHILD'S FIRST CATEcmSlL
EXCELLENT as the Conference Catechism undoubtedly is, it has been
felt that a simpler one was required for very young children. A .com-
mittee was appointed by the Confer~nce to prepare one.; .and, after
.careful pr~paration and revisio~ it has been printed, and .is- ·now ready
for use. It seems to us to be admirably adapted -to ,the purpose it was
intended for. The answers ·are, as they ought to be for little children,
short and simple. They are Quintillian's " one drop ata time for narrow-
necked bottles." To go to a higher authority, they ,are the "line upon
line, precept upon precept, ;here a little and there .0, little," which the
true teacher communicates to the dawning intellect of an immortal
being. Every question .and answer 81·e intended to :fix some single
truth in the child's memory, as the basis of instruction ·and the means
of thought.
The little book is the- .parent's .and the teacher's friend. It is not
intended to su.persede oral instruction, but to suggest and aid it. Each
answer is to be a s~arting point from which to set out on an intellectual
and moral excursion, the nucleus of a set of new and useful ideas.
Unless a catechism be used in this way it will be of comparatively little
service. It will be a labour to learn and an effort to remember it; and
its words and sentences will lie like so many dead forms in the memory.
H these forms of thought are animated by the affection and intelligence
of the teacher, they will become objects of beauty and delight to their
.young possessors, and raise their minds to their Father in heaven and
.to their angels, that do always· behold their Father's face. Some do
not approve of catechisms. Mere dry catechism is indeed a thing of](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-570-320.jpg)
![MISCELLANEOUS. 577
that we have lived and laboured in those were then brought to a close by Mr.
relationships which we publicly assume Rodgers pronouncing the benediction.
to-night.
I thank you for your kind wel- GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE.
come. I am young, and very inex- NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-The build-
perienced, and no doubt you have ing is now rapidly advancing, and we
had many raw, crude, untrained, and ha ve good hopes of getting it roofed in
inartistic flourishes of personal cha- by Christmas Day. Several additional
racter to wink at. In conling here governors for life have been added to
I settled in my own mind two great our numbers, and a present of engra-
things, - I settled what my l>robable vings of Swedenborg, the Rev. R. Hind-
difficulties would be, and what my nlal'sh, the Rev. John Clowes, M.A., and
object should be. I knew that I was the Rev. David Howarth, handsomely
coming amongst men of strong charac- framed and glazed, has been received
ters-with big heads-with critical, from IIr. and Mrs. Crompton Roberts.
sharp, and business-like judgments,- Several books have been kindly given to
and worst of all, with the character of the library by Dr. Goyder, Mr. Elliott,
being grumblers, hard-to-please, severe, and 111'. Sheldon: and wood of unusually
and dangerous. Those were my assumed durable character has been promised for
difficulties. My object was to improve the whole of the interior by Hr. Pick-
character, and that by teaching the truth; stone. Our brethren of the Melbourne
and if I could not gain your friendship Society, Victoria, have sent us contribu-
and confidence in that way, then neither tions to the amount of £81., accompanied
your friendship nor your confidence was by a letter. It is worthy of publication,
worth the having. I have faithfully kept as an illustration of "the unity of the
to my plan, and so far from being dis- brethren" at the antipodes with our-
couraged by it, I am more determined selves in this important work. I would
than ever to stand by it, both now and again take this opportunity of stating
in the future. That I have found you that one great object of the institu-
men of strong characters, critical, and tion is to educate the children of the
de:fi.nite, I am delighted to own to your members of the New Church in litera-
faces; but that I have found you either ture and science, and that we pro-
grumblers, hard-to-please, or dangerous, pose to open a school for boys next
I am bound to deny. There will always September. Our students will (D.V.)
be something to forgive on both sides. find acconlmodation in the College at
That we all need "rasping down" a little the commencement of the Michaelmas
now and again, as one of our well-known term, 1867. HENRY BATEMAN.
friends has very aptly remarked, none [The unusual pressure of matter in this
will deny, and I trust, with all my heart, the last number of the year, compels the
that I shall be here for many a year to postponement of the letter referred to
come, that I may get a friendly "rasping above to the January number.-En.]
down" occasionally from your gentle
hands, and t:qat you may get another in NOTTINGHAM BAZAAR.-The committee
return from mine. gratefully acknowledge the following
The address was received with great sums in aid of the church and school
attention, and at its conclusion Mr. now in course of erection : -
Rodgers resunled his seat amidst long- A Fliend, London •••• £1 0 0
continued applause. Mr. Salamons, London.. 1 1 0
Mr. T. BR.A.GG, Mr. LOWE, and Mr. Mr. Swann, Nottingham.. 0 5 0
W. H. HASELER spoke in terms of high Mr. Miller, Nottingham.. 0 5 0
admiration of the address, and a vote of The committee beg to assure the sooie-
thanks to Mr. Rodgers for it was canied ties generally that a new IWce of worship
unanimously. in N ottulgham is, for many forcible
The Rev. Dr. BAYLEY.at considerable reasons, an nrgent necessity. All desi~
length then addressed tho meeting. rous of aiding the above work will please
Mr. G. C. HASELER, 111'. J. R. LEE, address the bazaar secretary, W. CLARD,
and several other speakers followed, each jun., Addison Villas.
expressing the pleasure he had felt in . BRISToL.-The twenty-first amUver-
the proceedings of the evening, which sary of this society was celebrated on
t 87](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theintellectualrepositoryperiodical1866-101231130306-phpapp02/85/The-intellectual-repository_periodical_1866-582-320.jpg)
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The intellectual repository_periodical_1866
This document discusses the topic of inspiration and the divine authorship of scripture. It argues that: 1) As human intellect and rationality have developed, people now demand evidence and proofs of the divine inspiration of scripture, rather than just accepting religious authority. 2) The New Church doctrine provides a theory of inspiration that maintains scripture's consistency and purity while allowing its literal sense to remain, addressing modern rational inquiry. 3) The scriptures contain infinite wisdom and truth at every level to fully regenerate people into God's image, not just a few general ideas, so its inspiration must be plenary.
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The intellectual repository_periodical_1866
- 1. .THE INTELLECTUAL REPOSITOR~', AND NEW JERUSAL'kM MAGAZINE. VOL.XIII.-ENLARGED SERIES. 1866. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURe If. SIONI.IED BY THB NEW JERUSALEM IN THE REVELATION: AND IOLD BY C. P. ALVEY, 36, BLOOMSBURY S"fREET, V.C.
- 3.
- 4. THE INTELLECTUAL REPOSITORY AND NEW JERUSALEM MAG.JZINE. No. 145. JANUARY 1ST, 1866. VOL. XIII. INSPIRATION. THERE is no serious believer in the superiority of man's nature and destiny to that. of the beasts which perish, t~ whom this subject is not one of paramount interest. That it is widely felt to be so is not more manifest in the readiness with which the Christian Church from its earliest ages has held the Scriptures to be God's gift for guiding men to heaven, than in the earnestness with which numbers in the present day are asking for evidences of the Divine authorship of the received Scriptures. It was well, perhaps, while the human intellect lay slumbering under the mesmeric manipulations of priestly domination, that the human heart could to any extent be bronght into rapport with the inner life-the spiritual realities of the written Word, so that althongh its letter was little understood, the inflow of its spirit could avail to turn men from evil courses to some love for righteousness. The full purpose bf the Lord, however, in sending His Word to men is to enlighten their understandings, and by means of the light received to renew their hearts that so they may excel in goodness and be prepared for the higher degrees of heavenly life. For this reason we are now living under a new outpouring of divine truth from heaven. And it is this new light which is flowing into men's minds and awakening their rational powers into new activity, causing them to ask of their teachers satisfactory evidence for the truth of their doctrines; and when referred to the Scriptures, to ask again for proofs of the authority of the sacred writings. Thus awakened to serious inquiry, they cannot be satisfied 1
- 5. 2 INSPIRATION. with the assertion that the Bible is God's own word communicated by inspiration to those who wrote it. Even with a sense of much instruc- tion to be found in it for the guidance of their spirits upward, and the right direction of their conduct, they fear to receive it as the unmixed truth sent from God, for the reason that riot only in its pages is there much that appears irrelevant to the purpose of a revelation of God's will to men, but many things also seemingly opposed to goodness and to truth. No wonder that in their anxiety to exonerate inspired truth of all duplicity, they ignore the decision of ecclesiastical authority upon the plenary inspiration of the Bible, and set about to discriminate therein its inspired from its non-inspired parts, and that the kind of in- spiration which they allow to its better parts they equally attribute to many other writings that make no pretension to Divine authorship. For if nothing higher than the sensually conceived appearances of truth with which the Word has clothed itself in its literal sense be presented to their opening rationality, and they hear of no diviner kind of in- spilation than suffices to produce excellence in human compositions, how can they subscribe to 'the divinity of the entire Scriptures? Are not the wisdo~ and mercy of the Lord manifest in the delightful fact that the rational inquirer can now be met with a theory of Divine inspiration that-sans all priestly or scholastic authority-he may prove to be the true Qne,-a theory which, while it maintains all the beautiful consistency and purity that must distinguish all diVine truths, calls for no expulsion of a single passage from the literal sense which, clothes them, however numerous may be the instances in which that literal sense may seem to contradict spiritual or scientific verities. Is it not a mercy that, however valuable or interesting an extensive Biblical know- ledge may be, or the ability to muster on the battle-field of criticism a whole host of versions in their various languages~ still that understand- ing of, and faith in, a Divine revelation with which the rational mind can be satisfied, may be'obtained by ascending above all the din :and obscurity of that battle-neld, and looking for truth in that new light which the opened heaven is now shedding upon the human mind? In this new light, or this light of the New Dispensation, the written Word of God discloses the transparency of its outer covering, and directs the spiritual eye to the living truths within, where the Divine inspiration of all that is written is no longer a dogma of the church, but a clearly revealed fact. How accordant with the wisdom, as well as with the mercy, of our Heavenly Father that it should be thus I-that His in- spired Word should be adapted to that common faculty of our humanity,
- 6. INSPIRATIOl-i • the understanding,rather than to the rare acquirement of prodigiouS' learning ;-that it is sent, not to make scholars but men wise unto salvation. But although scholarship is not necessary to a rational understanding of inspired truth, and the simplest mind's appreciation of it may lead to heaven, yet whoever wishes to be as wise as God would have him be, must make the best use of his rational and perceptive powers. Every piece of Divine workmanship in outward nature, is a unity of innumerable particulars most wisely formed and arranged for contri- buting to the perfection of the entire thing. H a plant, a 1l0wer, or an insect exhibit so much wisdom in its Creator, is it rational to think that in the regeneration of man into His own image and likeness, Divine Wisdom will satisfy itself with just a few new formations, and the impartation of a few general virtues? Can there be a lcss amount of wondrous reconstructi<?ns and arrangements in reorganising the spiritual heart and mind than in the creation of a lily or a sparrow? Is it unreasonable, then, to look into God's Word for innumerable varieties of truths, for wonderful organizations of them,-indeed for Truth's description of every particle, so to speak,-of every portion, of every member in the constitution of the regenerated human spirit? Who can count up the innumerable particulars comprehended in the great work of redemption? and are not the things concerning this treated of in all the Scripture, or through the entire Word? Can a revelation given to build up the souls of men into living forms of righteousness and truth, that as the workmanship of God, He may regard them as worthy to be called His sons and daughters,-can such a revelation contain less than infinite wisdom, or can its things of wisdom be fewer than infinite? But this is not the character of the Scriptures regarded in their literal sense alone. The wisdom of God by its inspirations has selected from among such knowledges, ideas, sentiments, imaginations, and perceptions as the sensually limited Batural mind could express in the outward forms of human speech,not the divine truths themselves, for the plane of the natural mind was neither high enough nor pure enough to express t~em, but their representatives or symbols, by means of which the intermediate degrees of truth between the divine and the natm·al might descend, and find reception" into the spiritual degrees of men's understandings, to develop their inner, their immortal faculties, and to furnish them with all truths requisite to fit them for the life of heaven. Divine truth coming down by inspiration into the lowest plane of human thought, there to construct a representative of itself, selected
- 7. 4 ·INSPIRATION. its materials from the things there existing. Now these, owing to the general corruption of human nature, had become such as to necessitate those features in the character of this representative of divine truth which they who only know of the literal sense of Scripture are ready, in their sceptical moods, to stigmatise as marks of non-inspiration. It is well when the mere letter fails to satisfy inquiring minds of its divinity, if, in the confidence that all should feel of the Universal Father's providing care for the wants of His immortal creatures, preju- dices are cast aside, and serious attention is given to such new views of divine inspiration as Providence brings to their doors, especially when they come professing to meet the wants that are felt, and, as is some· times the case, recommended by those who have felt the same wants, and found in them adequate relief. Some of us who have experienced these wants and this relief can testify to the rational and satisfactory nature of the New Church doctrine that the written Word of God is plenarily inspired. We do not boast that by using the rnle of interpretation given to us we are able to elicit with ease the spiritual insttuction contained within any passage of the Word on which our attention may at any time happen to alight. The weakness of our finite powers cannot grasp the infinity of divine truth; but this we can say, that so far as we can perceive the correspondence of natural things to things spiritual, the letter of the Word opens to us spiritual truths excelling in number, variety, beauty, and use, all that can be drawn from it when only its literal sense is regarded ;-that whenever, under the belief and consciousness that all spiritual illumination must come from the Lord, we have been able to apply the given rnle of interpretation either for the purposes of our own progress in the way of life or for the instruction of others, we have discemed the unfoldings of spiritual truth revealing divine and heavenly things to our understandings, adding to our perceptions of the glorious attributes of our God, showing us something more of the nature of heaven, affording us new discoveries of our own deficiencies and instruc- ting us how to remove them, awakening into renewed energy the best feelings of our hearts by the pure and wondrous goodness .that we have seen to pervade all truth's teachings, and enabling us to stand more firmly in the hour of temptation and to perform our duties with more purified motives. With all this experience of the reality and efficacy of a spiritual sense in the wri~ten Word, and an increasing discovery of the harmony and unity of the spiritual sense throughout the whole of those books in the commonly received canon of Scripture, which have
- 8. INSPIRATION. been pointed outto us as containing it, disbelief in the Divine author- ship of those books becomes to us an impossibility. The spiritual significations of the Scriptures are to us the Word of God, and their literal sense is its infallible representative, formed by infallible wisdom out of the materials that the natural degree of human thought was capable of presenting to the divine influx, and among which existed the impurities, fallacies, and incongruities of human nature's fallen condition. While, therefore, the sincere inquirer, not yet acquainted with the true character of the divine inspiration of the Word, is puzzled, bewildered, and disheartened in seeking for evidences of the Divine authorship of the Scriptures in their literal sense, and a self-sufficient and censorious criticism is exultingly trying its little artifices to ignore the spiritual sense of the Word, we who have found safety for our religious faith in the New Church doctrine of divine inspiration have reason indeed for thankfulness to the Giver of all good, and for con- tinually rememberihg our responsibility in possessing this great gift by living that life of charity to which every passage of divine inspiration points us. T. C. LITTLE THINGS. IN our Bojourn through life, whatever may be our position or statiOD, we shall find that "little things" bring about great results, and that it is only by taking heed to "little things" that we shall eventually be able to grasp at and to understand some of those greater things ! We have much need to be more watchful-to see if in " little things" we cannot mor~ strictly glorify our Father-that our thoughts ever may be in accordance with His mind. A thought is indeed a minute thing, but if encouraged within the human heart, it grows and enlarges until at last it becomes yery p~rt of man himself! How important I then, is it that our thoughts should be for good, and how very mueh cause have we to pray.........." Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, 0 God I "--and when our thoughts are pure, our actions will testify of them, and we shall 'then bear witness of that light which shineth more and more into our hearts as we yield ourselves to its holy in1luence ! The things of God are revealed and disclosed to us as we are able to bear them. o let 1UI see, then, that we refuse not to prepare and strengthen our souls for deeper insight into "the secret of the Lord!" We need to give ourselves up more fully to the Lord-going to Him just as we are, in childlike simplicity and confidence. Thus, and thus only, shall we consciously experience and realise our Father's care for us, and be able
- 9. 6 LITTLE THINGS. to hear and. widerstand the " still small voice" that is ever speaking to us and exercising a holy influence over us. The fresh infiowing of trutho,s it proceeds will have various effects upon different minds, according to the' conditions it encounters in its way-commencing as the voice of Divine instruction addressed to the mental ear, and accom- mC'dating itself to circumstances. In all things we must take the Lord as our example, and see if, in daily life, we cannot, as He did, draw lessons for our profit and encouragement from' what is around us. We may be .quite sure that if we do not accustom ourselves to recognise the Divine, hand in" little things," we shall fail to do so in those which are great, and we shall not understand what confidence in God is ;-it is only when' we "wait on the Lord," that we can enter into that confidence which can leave everything in His hands.. In our converse with others; let us be sincere and open as the day-putting far from us the unkind thought or word, and endeavouring, as much as we can, to let the peace of God reign in our hearts; we shall then find that "nothing will greatly move us," and that instead of darkness on all sides a great light is shining, and that our eyes, though not creative, are receptive of those noble truths which will lead us on more and more to know the Divine Teacher; we shall then find that there is a direct coriununioation' between the interiors and the exteriors of the 'mind, and that in all the wondrous events around us, religious and secular, we can niark· ,the hand of Divine Providence overruling all things for good! Let eaoh olie of us, then, look to himself, that his little world may be produetive of good, and send out sunshirie and gladness before God and to our fellow -crea.tures in great and " little things ! " G~ J. THE LOVE OF WORK. ,VHEN I was a little boy I recollect getting hold of a strange book, in wmch,among theological matters that I did not comprehend, were interspersed, memorable marv~s which the author stated that he saw in the spiritual.world. These I read with eagerness, but in the most attractive of'them-a vision of heaven, one of the angels astounded me by the assertion that· use was the highest aim of all things there, and that everything was exalted· in heaven according as it was useful. This -seemed so common-place that I could not feel satisfied with it, and 610sed the book in disappointment. Such is probably the usual course of childish ideas; but when we grow older, and become able to fill up ,,1.th thought the magnificent
- 10. THE LOVE OPWOBlt. 7 outline in which spiritual things are defined in the Word of God, we, find that marvels of a higher kind await us-things far more opposed to natural feelings and frail hunian conceptions. It is a marvel of this kind which would appear to be of such practical importance that I desire to bring to your notice in this essay. There are few things in regard to which men are so much divided in opinion as that of the relative value of work. One man respects it, another despises it--all work in some way to gain their ends-few love work for its own sake. It is, therefore, to ascertain the Christianity of this subject that we should first address ourselves; and where may we 80 wisely go for our Christianity as to its meek Original ? "My Father worketh hitherto (or continually), and I work,"* were the words with which the lowly Benefactor of mankind answered those who sought to destroy Him, because He had done good OD the Sabbath' day. Many of those to whom this language was addressed were probably working people, who had previously toiled in many lands, assembled together at the feast in Jerusalem. Men they were, who, well accustomed to labour, yet expected a speedy termination of that labour. Puffed up with the vam-glorious hopes which the J ewe had gathered by a gross rendering of spiritual prophecy, they nursed the fond desire that all would be altered for them when Messiah came. He, breaking through the arch of the :fimiament, followed by His celestial army, was to trample down their enemies, to set the Jewish nation on high, to make all others tributary to it, to give to each true Israelite some three thousand slaves. No more work was then to be done by a Jew, but, lapped in ease. and luxury, he should enjoy the Sabbath of a thousand years. Their minds being filled with, these ideas, we cannot imagine the consternation, followed by anger and scorn, with which the appearance and the words of the Saviour were regarded by these Jews. Not dressed in trappings of earthly pride, followed by no visible. angelic army, the humble Teacher who came unawares to the feast. from the blue Galilean wa,ve, clad in perfect simplicity and that spirit of grace which shone most Godlike through it, attended by unlettered fishermen from that part of Palestine which the J aWl esteemed a land of dogs, unfit to eat at the Master's table,-with what contempt many must have beheld Him-with what hatredmor&-hatred,. that He. shoul4 have insulted their prejudices by such an Advent! But how must these feelings h.a.ve been increased when the Lord told those Jews that God, the Divine Father, worked continually, that He worked-and offended * John v. 17.
- 11. 8 THE LOVE OF WORK~ their love of ease by showing that good was to be done, even on the Sabbath day. For if God worked, would not His people be required to work also? Such were their thoughts; and when the lesson was repeated, and again and again some miracle was performed on the Sabbath, more and more vehemently the Jews raged against Him, with fiercer zeal they sought ~ to destroy Him. For where in the Lord's teaching was to be found anything favouring the idea of a coming reign of luxury and ease? He asserted that the Heavenly Father was incessantly active, creating new blessings for His children, watching sleepless over all, so that not a sparrow could fall to the ground without His knowledge. Unlike the gods of the old idolatries, who were believed to have set creation rolling and living, and then to have left it, only to interfere at uncertain intervals, the Lord Himself had come down on earth to save men, and to be their great example. And as that example, what gentle diligence, what constancy, is displayed throughout that life, as recorded in the Gospel! How the Divine love of doing comes forth in those words to the disciples at the Samaritan well !-" My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work." The frequent references made to work in the Gospels, especially in that of John, have always appeared to me to be of more than ordinary significance. As there is a Divine purpose in the Lord's words, and as these words-the expression of the Divine Mind-should convey the expression of ours, therefore, as the Lord is ever intent on works of good, so also should we be. We must not, as Christians, seek a heaven of the old J udaism, and sigh after a nothingness of ease, but learn to follow Him who compareth His disciple to one that putteth his hand to the plough. The whole Gospel teacheth us that nothing is so indicative of true Christianity, or more necessary to its existence, than a steady, honest love of work. The life, the love of the Saviour was that of doing good, and such should be our life, our love. He, the Light of the World, came to give that light to us; but He commanded us to let our light so shine before men that they might see our good works, and glorify (not us) our Father who if;) in heaven. Therefore, the great Judge distinguishes the faithful, not by the expressed belief of their lips, but by the inwrought faith of their hearts ;-" They shall be judged according to their works."* . A healthy Christianity, which is bom within the soul from honest ~onviction of the tJ:uth of the words of the Lord, must grow up stalwart and strong by the efforts of an active industry. These words open to • Matt. xxv.
- 12. THE LOVE OFWORK. 9 ns an immense field of labour, and appoint us our tasks therein. If we do these tasks with steadiness while they seem hard, they in time become easier, and even pleasing. We who have felt a flush of hope at the commencement of a work, feel the delight of finishing it, and we commence again with an ardour and satisfaction we had not felt before. So the love of work grows within us. H idleness is not the root of all evil, there is little doubt that in- dustry is the root of all good. All our natural desires crave indul- gence, and the ease which tends to cormpt and deaden our spiritual energies; therefore it is only by constant activity that we grow into healthy life. By this activity is not to be understood mere drudgery. All men can do the drudgery of this life when they are forced to it; but fewer do heartily work; for no labour which a man performs because it is necessary to something else which he must have, can really be called work, unless he loves it for its own sake. Unloved labour is slavish; so far as men do it they are mere hewers of wood and drawers of water, and will not be anything higher. A man must love what he does, and do what he loves, in order that his labour may attain to the dignity of work in the Christian sense of the term. And if a man does this, it is not at all necessary that the task should be what the world calls a high one to be capable of noble work. The lowliest occupations may be dignified by it, and every task will be ennobled,-every man's soul will be strengthened and elevated into a closer fellowship with the great workers who have built up the past into the present, so far as he loves to do that which it is his duty to do. All those who have done the noblest work have had the love of work within them. Who can take up a book, the production of a master mind, and not feel at every sentence that love was present through all the work of writing it, leading him on like a beautiful star? Who can look upon a great picture, and not perceive in every tender line, in every lofty conception, in every colour that bursts forth into splendour from the midst of shade, how the artist loved to paint it? All great work is great because it is loved,apart from all selfish considerations ; and all work that is loved has in it the elements of greatness. From what has been said it may be easily gathered that the happiest men who have lived have been those who have loved work. There is a freshness about them which others have not,-an alacrity in their habits which preserves them from the rust that collects on slothful tem· pers.. Each day brings its own tasks, which are fulfilled, and every fresh day rouses them to something new. By these men sorrow and
- 13. 10 THE LOVE OF WORK. misfortune are less severely felt, are more easily borne, than by others. In deepest distress, in bitterest disappointment, it is always possible to find something to do; arid the doing of that something,-the loving to do it, are often the only means which 'preserve men from despair. I once heard of a gentleman who was confined in a dungeon for many years, previous to the French revolution, and who, after he was liberated, assured his friends that he had saved himself from insanity during his solitary imprisonment by sticking pins in the back of an armchair, in every-varying devices, which was the only work he could find to do. The same truth is displayed', on the other hand, by instances of those ,who have worked, not from the love of it, .but simply for their own advantage. It ~as been the bitter experience of many a man of business who has worked to get rich and then retired, that the love of work had, in spite of himself, gained.s, hold upon him, while his selfish desires, being fulfilled, have not ,brought him happiness. He seeks pleasure for its own sake in. vain; his old business friends drop him one by one; pleasure-seekers despise him, while he is dissatisfied with them; and he ends his days a miserable man, with a vacuum in his heart, and a consciousness that his selfish toil has, undone him. We have therefore seen that work is our Christian duty,-that all work is noble and Christian; so far as it is loved fur the sake of the good it will do to our neighbour and the glory it will. lay at the feet of our Heavenly Father. Such work is·the joy of every true man's life, and it does not end on earth. It is the real happiness of all angelic life; for there "is not an angel mentioned through the whole Bible who is not spoken of a~ engaged in .some' holy office or useful work. 'And St. Paul, who says he was canght up to the third heaven,* asks, in regard to the angels-" Are they not all, ministering spirits, sent forth to minis~r for 'them who shall be heirs of salvation"? t Ministering spirits! flashing like arrows of' light along the celestial highway, to do their Master's service'; bearing up, the true Christian in their arms, lest at any time he shonId dash, his foot, against ,a stone ; guardirig him with :flaming swords in dark ·temptation" softening' the last great pangs of death. May it, then, be our blest lot· to~ love to do our duty here through the six days of .earthly toil; ·,then shall we be led into the Holy City to el'foy with our Master' and Lord; a sabbath of peace, of rest from strife, but a sabbath of doing -good. - Birmingham'. J. W. T. • 2 Cor. xii. 2. . + Bab. i. 14.
- 14. 11 MINISTERIAL SALARIES. I T is time that the attention of the Church were drawn to the general inadequacy of our ministers' salaries. We are taught, that "the labourer is worthy of his hire," and that "the Lord hath ordained that they who preach the Gospel, should live by the Gospel." (1 Cor. ix.14.) And that living should be a comfortable and respectable one. A minister, in order that he may perform his high duties properly, should have his mind free from worldly cares and anxieties. How can one who is distressed about providing for the necessities of his family, be expected to be able to lift his mind into those abstract and elevated regions of thought, in which the topics dwell on which he must speak 'I lIoreover, a minister, from his position in society, is obliged to appe~r, and have his family appear, in a respectable manner: he is obliged to have a respectable house, clothes, furniture; and his people would not be pleased, were he to appear otherwise. And yet they are too apt to forget that his means of so doing depends on them: they require more than they give. Is this just? Furthermore, a minister has expenses peculiar to his office. He has, for instance, to provide himself with expensive books of reference; he cannot do his duty without them. And, if he would not be behind the age, he has, from time to time, to -continue the purchase of important theological works, which, from their limited sale, are almost always costly. His salary should be sufficient to enable him to meet such expenses "without distressing his family. From information communicated by some late visitors to this country, we learn that our brethren in America are far out-doing us in this l-espect. We understand that there are D:0 fewer than jour New Church societies in that country who give their ministers salaries of £400. and upwards, namely, the societies of Boston, New York, Cincinnati, and Chicago. There is no such salary, or anything approaching it, given to New Church ministers in this country. The highest is £800., and there is but one such; and only one or perhaps two of £200: all the rest are below that sum, and some much below it. And yet some of the above-named American societies are not so large as several of ours, and'we presume no wealthier. The Chicago society, for instance, has, we understand, only 120 or 180 members; and the New York society is by no means a large one, yet the salary it gives its minister is upwards ·of £500. But the truth is, much more attention has been paid to this
- 15. 12 MINISTERIAL SALABIES.. subject in America than here. . The convention has from time to time, we believe, called the attention of societies to this duty.. And the Bocieties themselves have appointed special committees to gather inform- ation, and report upon it; and these reports have produced a marked effect, as appears from the facts above stated. Some of the members tax themselves, on principle, one-tenth of 'their income, for this and other church purposes. Where such zeal prevails, the Church cannot but flourish, and the ministers be adequately snpported. X. TEMPTATION. Christian! when thy foes nntiring, Mnst'ring round thee, try their power, And thou feel'st thy spirit wavering, In some dark temptation's hour, Think npon thine angel guardians, Grieved and watchful, hov'ring near, And as they behold thee falter, Trembling with a holy fear ; Think upon thy tempters whisp'ring,- How each sweet seductive wile Comes from those whose hearts are burning, Like themselves, to make thee vile. Tempted to thine own destruction,- Called to everlasting life,- E 'er thou yield, oh I pause and ponder On the issue of the strife; Cry unto thy Lord and Helper, Set thy face against the wrong; So by struggle and by conquest, He will make thy spirit strong ; - Strong to fight, and still to conquer, Till, renned and purified, Thou shalt fall asleep and waken, Angels watching by thy side. r. P. o
- 16. 18 ON THE FINAL STATE OF DAVID AND PAUL. WB believe it was in a life of Swedenborg, written by an ardent admirer, who boasted that he had said the worst that could be said of his hero, leaving it to others to say the best, that the statement first appeared that, according to the testimony of the great seer, David and Paul were among the lost. What a candid friend thought himself con- strained to admit, unfriendly and uncandid critics are naturally ready to proclaim and anxious to confirm. When friend and foe unite in propagating such an opinion as a fact, what can those do who take their information at second hand, but listen and believe'} As 'the final state of David and Paul is a subject which, apart from controversy, must be deeply interesting to the members of the New Church, and, as it is important that the question should be decided, we propose to bring it under their consideration. We hope to be able to show that the opinion which has been put forth as a statement of Bwedenborg's is nothing more than an inference drawn from partial and imperfect evidence, and that had his talented, biographer taken sufficient pains to collect and examine all the evidence on the subject, such a statement &s he has made would not have disfigured one of the most brilliant biographies ever. written, on one of the greatest men that ever lived. The notion that David and Paul are among the lost rests entirely on statements in Swedenborg's "Spiritual Diary." It is important to connect these statements with the time and circumstances in which the Diary was written. The author alleges that at a particular time he was called by the Lord to the double office of seer and expositor. His spiritual sight was opened, and, as a consequence, he was admitted to sensible intercourse wi~ the inhabitants of the spiritual world. Among those whom he saw there were David and Paul. If the records which he has left of them in his Diary were to be taken alone, or were descrip- tive of their final condition, there might be some reason to conclude that their state was bad, and their lot unhappy. But there are two facts to be considered. The place where they were seen was ihe world of spirits, the intermediate state, the region between heaven and hell, which is the temporary abode of all souls, good and bad; and the time they were seen there was previous to the Last Judgment. It is evident, therefore, that the state of David and Paul, as described in the Diary, was not their final state, whatever that state might be.
- 17. 14 ON THE FINAL STA,:I'E OF DAVID AND PAUL. In a former article we have shown, from the Diary itself, that the final state and condition of souls may be not only different from, but the reverse of, that which in the world of spirits they appear to be. If the final state of David and Paul is to be ascertained, it must of course be from testimony relating to them after the last judgment had been per· formed. The Diary affords no information respecting 'their state and condition subsequent to that event, nor for some time previous to it. We must therefore look for it elsewhere. In the author's published writings we have such testimony-testimony which will leave no room in any mind for honest doubt. The work from which we draw our testimony respecting the final state of David was published in 1758, the year after the date of the general judgment. In the treatise on "Heaven and Hell" there is a chapter entitled- "No one comes into heaven from immediate mercy." In this chapter the author declares that "if men could be saved by im~ediate mercy all would be saved, even those who are in hell;" but he shows that none can come into heaven except those who have heaven within them. He tells us that he had conversed with the angels on this subject, and he adduces their testimony : - "The angels professed that they had never seen anyone who had lived an evil life received into heaven from immediate mercy. On being questioned respecting Abraham, lSMc, Jacob, and Dav'id, and respecting the apostles, whether they were not received into heaven from immediate mercy, they replied, Not one of them; and that every one was received according to his life in the world; that they knew where they were; and that they were not in more estimation than others." 521-6. It is hardly necessary to say a single word on this statement, except to remark how decisive it is. The angels who conversed with our seer I not only knew that David was in heaven, but they knew in what par· . ticular part of heaven he was, and that, according to the impartial justice which there prevails, he was esteemed simply according to his merits. The angels mention this for the purpose of pointing out that the terms in which he and other representative characters are spoken of. in the Word, from which literalists hold them to have been the peculiar favourites of heaven, have reference to their representative and not the~personal character. If it be possible that any objection can be made to the decisiveness of this statement, on the ground that thE! " where" of David and the others is indeterminate, and may mean either heaven or hell, or both,-we need only observe, that the quee· tioI requires the" where" in the answer, nothing being stated to the contrary, to mean heaven; that the angels were not likely to know th~
- 18. ON THE FINALSTATE 9F DAVID AND PAUL. 15 whereabouts of any in hell; and that " estimation," or esteem, implies excellence, which can only exist in heaven. So much for David. The work from which we shall draw our testimony respecting the final state of Paul is the last which the author wrote, and it describes the state of that apostle more than. twenty years after the particulars respecting him in the Diary were written. In the treatise on' "True Christian Religion," n. 4, we find this statement : - " The Christian church, since the time of the Lord's coming into the world, has passed through the several periods of its existence, from infancy to extreme old age. Its infancy was in the days of the apostles, when they preached throughout the world repentance, and faith in the Lord GOd the Saviour Jesus Christ. That this was the substance of their preaching is plain from these words in the Acts of the Apostles,-' Paul testified both to the Jews aJ,ld also to the Greeks repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.' (20, 21.) It is here worth remarking, as a memorable circumstance, that not many months ago the Lord called together His twelve disciples, now angels, and sent them forth throughout the whole spiritual world, with a commission to preach the Gospel anew; inasmuch as the church which the Lord had established by their labours is at this day brought to such a state 'of consummation that scarcely any remains of it are left." Let us attend to this statement. The author first asserts that the doctrines of repentance and of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ were preached by the apostles, and in proof of this he cites a passage from the Acts of the Apostles, which relates that Paul preached these doctrines. Paul, then, is one of the apostles. He then goes on to say that a short time since the Lord called together His twelve disciples, now angels, and sent them throughout the whole spiritual 'World to preach the Gospel anew. What does this passage teach respecting Paul '} Evidently this-that Paul, one of the apostles who, as men, preached the Gospel on earth at the time of the Lord's First . Advent, is one of the apostles, now angels, who preached the Gospel anew in the spiritual world at the time of the Lord's Second Advent. We submit that the passage admits of no other reasonable or even possible construction. According to this testimony of the author of the Diary, Paul's final state is that of an angel. The circumstance of the twelve apostles being sent to preach the Gospel anew in the spiritual world is mentioned in two other places in the same work, at Nos. 108 and 791. As the two passages are substantially the same, it will be sufficient to adduce the last. It occurs as a memorandum at the end of the chapter on the Second Coming of the Lord : -
- 19. 16 ON THE FINAL STATE OF DAVID AND PAUL. u After this work was finished (says the author) the Lord called together His twelve disciples, who followed Him in the world, and the next day sent. them throughout the whole spiritual world, to preach the Gospel, that the Lord Jesus Christ reigneth, whose kingdom shall endure for ever and ever." The only possible objection that can be raised on this passage is, that not Paul, but Judas, was one of the twelve who preached the Gospel in the spiritual world, he having been one of those who followed the Lord personally in the world. To suppose that the apostles who followed the Lord in the world must mean the twelve who followed Him personally, would be to take the author's statement in a very narrow sense, and one inconsistent with others which are more precise. The general statements of all'authors are always to be understood with such specifications or limitations as more particular statements contain. For example, when the author tells us, as he repeatedly does, that man rises immediately after death, we are to understand this general state- ment as explained by the particular one, that resurrection commonly takes place on the third day after decease. The author's object in the statement we are now considering is to inform his readers that the Lord did not choose new apostles from among the angels, to send forth on this new mission, but that those who had so well performed their work on earth, were honoured with the commission to engage in a similar duty in the spiritual world. In the passages relating to this work in either ~.vorld where the apostles are particularised, the name of Judas never occurs, while Paul is mentioned more frequently than any of the others. But if the name of Paul occurs on any other occasion in such a way as to leave no doubt that he was one of the twelve disciples sent to preach the Lord's Second Advent in the other world, the general statement must be understood as including the particular one. That when 'the author speaks of the twelve apostles, as teachers of the Gospel on earth and now angels in heaven, he includes Paul in the number, is further evident from the same work in the chapter on Faith. In proving the proposition that-" a saving faith is a faith in the Lord God the Saviour Jesus Christ"-after adducing a number of pas- sages from the Gospels, he appeals to the testimony of the apostles:- "That the faith of the apostles was no other than a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, is evident from many passages in their epistles, of which I shall only adduce the following: - ' Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ li veth in Me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God! (Paul to the Galatians, li. 20.) 'Paul testified to the Jews, and also to th9 Greeks, repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.'" (Acts xx. 21.) The author continues his quotations from the Epistles to show what
- 20. ON THE FINALSTATE OF DAVID AND PAUL. 17 was the teaching of the apostles; and of the eight texts which he adduces, seven are from the writings of Paul. It is evident, therefore, that he here recognises Paul as one of the apostles. Mter further confirming his proposition by Scripture and reason, he concludes this section with this remarkable declaration- " These were written in the presence of the Lord's twelve apostles, who, whilst I was writing them, were sent to me by the Lord." (n.887-9.) That Paul was one of these twelve apostles there is no reason to doubt. The twelve apostles sent to Swedenborg are evidently the same apostles who on earth had borne witness to the great truth on which he was then writing. There is nothing in the article that can lend the least countenance to any other supposition. Indeed the whole force of the memorable fact rests upon the identity of the twelve last mentioned and the twelve previously spoken of. The apostles are :first spoken of as teachers of the Lord's sole Divinity on earth, and they are next mentioned as sent to witness Swedenborg's teaching of the same great truth which they themselves had taught. Paul is distinctly named as one of the apostles who taught the Lord's Divinity on earth, and is therefore one of the twelve who were present with the author while writing on the same subject. One other testification of the same fact that Paul is o~e of the twelve apostles who are now angels, we are enabled to draw from the snme work, where he is spoken of both as an apostle in' heaven and in heaven as an apostle. At No. 781 commences. a memorable relation, giving a singularly graphic and instructive account of several different companies of persons who had recently come from the natural world, being called together by an angel, to deliver their sentiments on the subject of heavenly joys and eternal happiness, and of their being afterwards introduced into the enjoyment of that in which they had imagined heavenly joy and eternal happiness to consist. Among them was one company consisting of such as had persuaded themselves that the happiness of heaven consisted in feasting with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, wilJl sports and pastimes, in an eternal round of enjoyment. Besides these patriarchs, there are also introduced the twelve apostles, and among them the apostle Paul. At the conclusion of the introductory feast, at which both the patriarchs and apostles were present, the novitiates, we are told- "Were again invited to feasting, but with the particular provision that on the first day they were to sit with Abraham, on the second with Isaac, on the third with Jacob, on the fourth with Peter, on the fifth with James, on the sixth with John, on the seventh with Paul, and so on with the rest." 2
- 21. 18 ON THE FINAL STATE OF DAVID AND PAUL. When these persons were surfeited with pleasure, and wished to flee from the further experience of their ideal happiness,- " Many of them were detained by the keepers of the grove, who questioned them about the days they had feasted, and whether they had yet taken their turn with Peter and Paul, representing to them the shame and indecency of departing till they had paid equal respect to all the apostles." It is true that these were not the patriarchs .and apostles themselves, but- u Were old people in feigned characters, many of them husbandmen and peasants, who, having long beards, and being exceedingly proud and arrogant, in conse- quence of their we8lth, had imbibed the phantasy that they were .old patriarchs and apostles." But the phantastic characters imply the existence of the rea;} ones; and the counterfeit implies the existence of the true Paul. That Paul was not only an apostle in heaven, but was recognised in heaven as an apostle, appears from the same memorable relation. We read that ten persons were selected out of the whole number comprising the several companies, and were introduced into an angelic society in heaven. Mter seeing many of the wonders of the place, and participating in the joys of its angelic inhabitants, they were, when the period had anived, privileged to join the angels in the solemn services of the Sabbath. Mter hearing, from the priest of the society, a sermon full of the spirit of wisdom, JtS they were departing, the attendant angel- " Requested. the pliest to speak a few words of peace with his ten oompanionB ; so he came to :them, and they communed together for the space of half an hour. He discoursed on the Divine Trinity: that it is in Jesus Christ in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, according to the declaration of the apostle Paul." Here is an angel-priest speaking of Paul as an apostle, and quoting his apostolic words in heaven. The epistles of Paul, thus honoured in heaven, are no less honoured in the writings of the apostle of the New Dispensation, who assigna them a rank and authority equal to those of Peter, James, and John, and his quotations from them are more numerous tha~ those he makes from all the other epistles together. In his dogmatic writings, h~ .. quotes the epistles of Paul and the gospels with equal freedom, and places the quotations from them together under the same designation. As an instance, take a passage in the book we have been quoting. At No. 600, he says-" That the regenerate man is renewed, or ~ade new, is confirmed by the WORD OF GOD, from these passages," among which he cites Paul's words-" Henceforth know we no man after the :flesh; therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." (2 Cor. v. 16.)
- 22. ON THE FINALSTATE OF DAVID AND PAUL. 19 In his published writings, our author bears another testimony to the soundness of Paul's teaching, on an important point of doctrine on which he had impugned it in the Diary. It is evident, indeed, that Bwedenborg's views respecting the character of Paul's writings had, between the time he wrote the early part of the Diary and that in which he wrote his doctrinal works, undergone as great a change as had his convictions of the essential character of Paul himself. In the Diary he speaks disparagingly of that apostle's writings, and accuses him of being the author of the dogma of salvation by faith alone. In his published works he admits his, with all the other epistles, as excellent and useful writings. He there says, indeed, that the whole system of modem theology is founded upon a single passage of Paul; but, he adds, upon that one passage misunderstood. It could not be misunderstood, if understood as Paul himself understood it. The fact is, ~wedenborg, when called to his holy office, though even then a man of enlarged mind and enlightened views, held some of the current theological opinions, and among them, the opinion that Paul had really taught the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, without the works of the 11loral law. It was not till he was better instructed, or illuminated, that he saw the truth, as he afterwards declared it, that Paul spoke of the law in its Jewish sense,-the law as distinguished from the Gospel, J udaism as distin- guished from Christianity,-which he proves from the writings of that apostle himself. Do we in this admission weaken the claims of S,vedenborg to Divine illumination? Nay, we strengthen them. That such a mind should, with the best light of his age, entertain such views, shows the necessity there was for one who was to be the apostle of a new dispensation having a better and more ~ertain light to guide him. The circumstance of some of the obscure notions of the school in which he was educated adhering to him after his call, only illustrates what he himself so frequently teaches-that no change of state is instantaneous, but gradual, varying according to the condition of the subject. The change with him, though supernatural, was not miraculous, and therefore not instantaneous. Unlike the prophets and evangelists, his was not verbal but mental inspiration. With them Divine light flowed into the memory and clothed itself with words; with him Divine light flowed into the understanding and clothed itself with thoughts. Such an illumination did not, and could not, change the current of his thoughts at once, but gradually. It was not, therefore, for some years after his call that he began to compose the first of his published works.
- 23. 20 ON THE FINAL STATE OF DAVID AND PAUL. Previously to this he had industriously employed himself both as a seer and expositor. He had entered in his Diary much of his expe- rience in the spiritual world, and in his" Adversaria" he had essayed an eiposition of a considerable portion of the sacred Scriptures. But the fact that he laid these writings aside, and never afterwards used them except as a storehouse of materials, out of which he selected sueh as he found would fit into the noble edifice he raised and has left behind, shows that he never intended them to be regarded as authorities. We might here close our remarks upon the subject. So far as regards the point in question we have done enough. The testimony of later documents must be allowed to decide what an earlier document had left undetermined. Yet, lest the statements in the earlier document may seem to some to be inconsistent with the testimeny of the later works, we ttink it desirable to examine them. This we propose to do in our next. "HAS THE NEW CHURCH A GOSPEL?" To the Editor. In rep~y to the question, whether the New Church has a gospel to preach to the sinner, may I venture to offer a few remarks in the affirmative?', Having for some years enjoyed the opportunity of visit- ing the female inmates of the UnioD in Louth, for the purpose of reading and conversing with them on religious subjects, and being called upon v.ery frequently to warn and instruct those who were suffering (hopelessly in some cases) from the effects of their evil lives, the New Church Gospel has been all I have had to offer them, and it has proved sufficient; I am thankful to believe in some cases, to lead, not to a "triumphant" death, but to that penitent and humble state of mind which refused to find any excuse for its own sins, and which almost seemed to loathe the mention of them, whilst it confided humbly in the Divine mercy for pardon for the past and strength to overcome their evil inclinations during the remainder of their lives. In other cases I have had the happiness of witnessing an entire renunciation of the paths of vice and a continuation in an opposite life. The truths with which it has been my effort to impress the mind have been the hatefulness of sin and the impossibility of enjoying heavenly happiness whilst loving what is evil ;-that our Heavenly Father alone could give us a new heart to enable us to hate sin and to love what is good, and that this must be earnestly sought for in prayer; whilst, at the same time, they must seek to repress every sinful inclination, and sho,v their sincerity by trying to use a good influence over others. To assist them
- 24. "HAS THE NEWCHURCH A GOSPEL?" 21 in offering up suitable prayers, I have endeavoured to impress various appropriate verses from the Psalms upon their memories, and at the same time to enfold to them the infinite love and tenderness of tho Lord &s revealed in His Word and in His dealings with us; reading to them those portions of the Holy Word which, whilst they displayed the loving mercy of the Lord, insisted also on the true conditions of for- giveness-a penitent heart.-With these brief remarks, I remain, ANOTHER ISOLATED MEMBER OF THE NEW CHUROH. MORNING. WHEN a season of temptation has been passed through, in which tho danger of losing the narrow way has held the soul in alarm ;-when thieves have been perceived prowling about and seeking to lOb it of its priceless gems-gems of heavenly virtue, and to deprive it of its treasures of truth ;-when evil lusts, like beasts of prey, have presented themselves, with glaring eyes and threatening jaws ;-when false delights and false guides, like the ignis fatuus, have been alluring the soul to draw it aside from the right way in the darkness of its night, and during which it may have repeatedly slipt aside, or felt the ferocious power of the evil beasts and the determined endeavour of the thieves to rob it, and deplored its supposed loss of some of its treasures ; - when, after such a night, the morning star of hope arises to promise the dawn of day, then a new courage is inspired, and some revival of love is felt in the chilled heart; and as the weary pilgrim, thus encouraged, proceeds on his way, looking to the east for the yet unseen Lord, heavenly light glides over his sky, first dimly, then increasing to the strength of day. The glorious Sun of Righteousness arises, and healing is felt proceeding from beneath His wings. The genial warmth of heaven's lov~ comes penetrating into his heart, and fills him with the quickening virtue of true life's restoring heat. The darkness recedes, and with it all its terrors. Humbly, thankfully, and cheerfully he sends up his morning song of praise; rejoices that he has, during the past night, learnt more truly to know himself, and now perceives with juster appreciation his entire dependence on his heavenly Father, and the ready love that comes to meet him with its blessings. He looks around on his Maker's handiworks, rejoices in them, and feels a love gushing forth from his ~ heart as from a fountain, and flowing towards all, emu- lative of that everflowing sea of goodness which from the heart of God would overwhelm the universe with blessing. This indeed is the pilgriIn's Morning. C.
- 25. PRIZE ESSAYS. The arbitrators have already appealed, without success, to "PhiIa- lethes," to know his wish respecting the prize essays; if they do not hear from him before the first of February, they will consider that he intends that they should decide on this point themselves; and they will accordingly do so, and see to the speedy publication of the essay for which the first prize was awarded. REVIEWS. THE PSYOHONOMY OF THE HAND; or, the Hand an Index of Mental Development, according to MM. D'Arpentigny and Desbarrolles; with illustrative Tracings from Living Hands. By RIOHARD BEAMISH, F.R.S., &c., Author oC the " Life of Sir Mark Isambard BruneI." Second edition. London: F. Pitman, Paternoster Row. 1865. To ALL readers interested in the significance of physical form in relation to mental characteristics, we may predict much pleasure and some profit from a perusal of this very curious and original book ;-original, that is, in respect to the subject treated of, and not as to authorship; since it is avowedly, in its leading features and principles, a reproduc- tion from the works of two French writers. But it cannot be doubted that the system has been studied and experimentally applied with a loving and believing spirit by the translator, especially in relation to ita more practical, and, we feel disposed to add, more rational portion, that which treats of the significance of the various types of hand as to form-chirognomy, as distinguished from that which treats of the mere lines of the hand- chiromancy; or to use a less dignified word, palmistry. No one who believes in the correspondence, complete and particular, of the body to the soul, can doubt that every portion of the body presents indications of the character of that soul which is the medium of its production. As the Divine Image is stamped npon every, even the smallest object of creation, in more or less distinctness and completeness according to the place held by that object in the creative scale, so, also, on every feature and member, nay, even on the D10st delicate fibre oC the human frame, is stamped an image of the spirit which rules and inhabits it. We read that in the other life, a single tone of the voice, doubtless also a single glance' of
- 26. REVIEW8. the eye,or touch of the hand, is sufficient to reveal the whole charaeter to the acute perception of angelio minds. In proportion as human perception is broadened, exalted, and refined, we may safely anticipate an increased capacity for the interpretation of physical peculiarities; and as, unquestionably, next to the "human face divine," and the head, which indicates form and capacity of brain, we may rank the hand of man, in its peculiarly human attributes, it is fitting that a science of hand-form and character, of chirognomy in fact, should anse to supple- ment, and eventually cast additional light upon, the older and already well-established sciences of physiognomy and phrenology. The first attempts to frame such a science may be but very partially correct, must necessarily be crude; but such attempts are the brave pioneers breaking ground in a new field, to whom we should always be prepared to do honour by extending to them the hearty enconrage~nt of sym- pathy. The general characteristic types of form which we find laid down in the work-as the undeveloped Elementary hand, the square or spatulous Labour hand, the impulsive intuitive Artistie hand with pointed fingers and rounded forms, &c., few will feel disposed to disputEr-any more than Mr. Beamish's modestly-expressed hope and conviction that the study of chirognomy will prove of essential value in connection with ethnological researches. When the constant relatiOD t which we cannot but infer to exist, between certain types of head and hand in combination, and correlative mental .constitutions shall have been traced out, we may also gather important additional light in respect to the philosophy of history, in respect to the mental and moral qualifications and defects which mould the external destinies of nations.. Some remarks on the form of hand prevalent among various nations at the present day are full of interest. Need we say that the useful hand-the labour hand, is the prevailing characteristic of Englishmen 'l' One ~urious fact in respect to hands is, that a large and strongly developed hand, with square or spatulous fingers (fingers broadening at the tip) is found to eharacterise the delicate manipulator, the· master of practical finish in detail; while a sttlall but well-formed hand should be the index of activity tending towards the grand and colossal. The builders of the Pyramids, and of the gigantic temples of Egypt and India, are believed to have been of the smallest-handed races on record; whereas the Greeks, it appears, esteemed large hands, as we admire small ones; their tastes inclining to beauty, grace, and finish of detail, ~her than to the grand in plastic art
- 27. REVIEWS. When Mr. Beamish, following his French authorities, proceeds to deal with details of form, with the significance of the different fingers, and different phalanges, or joints, of each finger, we feel ourselves of course on more uncertain ground; precisely as when, in phrenology, we pass from the general types of conformation, to the specific location of qualities and capacities upon the phrenologic chart. It requires long study and observation to verify, or disprove, the subdivisional signifi- cances in either case. But the various indications attributed may in this mdimentary stage of the science be considered as suggestive, and by no means as claiming authoritative weight. That the strong deve- lopment of the thumb indicates strength of will and character, logical acumen, &c.,we think seems reasonable and probable ;-because the thumb is a peculiarly human development, being found, except in man, only in the monkey tribe, which bears the nearest external resemblance to hUnlanity, though a distant and degraded one; imaging forth to our external senses the degradation to which the Divine Image in us is too often subjected. The well-marked development of the thumb may therefore reasonably indicate a corresponding development of the faculties which constitute tme humb,nity, viz., free-will and reason. The thumb in the monkey tribe is a weak and degraded one, as corre.. spondentially it should be. But on what ground this well-marked development, which in man is so.excellent an indication, should in the case of woman be considered·to inqicate " a tendency to social and domestic harshness and despotism,' t we should really like to be informed. Does Mr. Beamish, or do his French authorities, think it impossible for a woman to possess decision of character, strength of self-control, and "logical acumen"? Or are these, if possessed, such dangerous and tr~asonable qualities in woman that they cannot be recognised save as "a tendency to harshness and despotism"? We greatly fear that it is to this latter benighted view of the question Mr. Beamish inclines; inasmuch as he quotes, apparently with high approval, these lines from Milton (which, to our mind, go far to· explain the blind bard's unsatisfactory experiences in th~ married state) : - " What thou bidd'st, Unargued I obey; so God ordains; God is thy law, thou mine: to know no more Is woman's happiest knowledge and her praise." Paradile Lost, Book Il.... What sort of women must result from this profane exaltation of fallen man into God's place, and from Itnowledge of, and obedience to, no law
- 28. REVIEWS. 26 but his infirm, often evil and then always capricious, at best but im.. perfect, fallible will, we do not need here to enlarge upon. The world is full of examples; and we may safely affirm that they are quite good enough for those who desire such life-companions. .After this lit,tIe protest on behalf of our own sex,-and of all the nobler portion of the opposite sex too, who are as far, as even we can be, from desiring to cultivate this kind of pet-spaniel-wife,-we must proceed to say a few words on the Chiromantic portion of thisinterestingwork,-none the les8 interesting because we :find otu'Selves obliged to quarrel with it a little by the way. With respect to the lines of the hand, it is satisfac- tory to 00 able to trace so clearly, as the treatment of the subjeot here enables us to do, the boundary between rational inference, and the superstition which has so long attached to the subject of palmistry. We can have no doubt that- "As water falling drop by drop upon a stone, makes, in the course of time, a visible impression,-as the string, made to vibrate, influences the sand beneath to receive a certain form,-80 the mind, acting at every instant of time upon the plastic susceptibilities of the hand, leaves ultimately signs which are accepted by the chiromanist, as the visible records of the impulses emanating from the great nervous centre." This is perfectly legitimate; and we may well imagine that, in former ages, before the knowledge of correspondence was lost, it might be possible for an adept to read in the lines of the hand much of the character and past course of life of the individual. From this character, again, some general inferenoes might fairly be drawn as to future trials and struggles dependent upon such character. A man of turbulent, undisciplined nature will hardly lead a refined and peaceful life; nor a man of weak will and shallow mind perform great deeds, or heroic actions. So far might reason safely go; but once this line of safe general deduction is overstepped, and we com~ to predictions of special events, riches, health, matrimony, violent death, &c., we :find ourselves in the realm of tJuperstition, stealing the very life and truth from all that was Bound and rational in the science to begin with; since the soul's action which originally produced, must be also capable of perpetually modifying, or changing, the signs of its activity; and since moreover from spiritual and mental causes, combinations and peen.. liarities known to Him only who knows the heart, it is always absolutely impossible to predict what result, even as regards one single event, given passions, or even intentions in a man's soul, may work out either for himself or for others. We infer that Mr. Beamish is
- 29. UVIEW8. very much ofthis opinion, as he quotes a passage from TOlTebianca, discrediting such predictions; but he lays M. Desbarrolle's investiga- tions on the subject before his readers, to enable all to form their own opinion; perhaps also with a friendly intention of affording them no little innocent amusement. And we may remark in conclusion, as a strong additional recom- mendation of thi~ interesting book, that it will form no slight attraction on any table round which a cheerful, social circle may gather for winter-evening converse and merriment. The book contains beautiful tracings of the various types of hand, first in respect to form, and secondly in respect to these mystic lines-Runes, let us call them, upon the living fleshly tables whereon each soul inscribes its secret eharacters-a comparison of. which with the hands of those present . will provide no slight amusement, we venture to predict, for many a merry party, naturally emulous to discover,. each in his or her hand, a faithful reproduotion of the philosophic, or psychical, or at least artistio type. We can only hope (being benevolently disposed at this season) that others may partake of the shock we sustained when, in trying to identify the lines of our own palm with that of the Main Heureuse, or happy hand, of plate 18, we stumbled upon some of that chain-work in our "Line of the Head" which characterises the hand of the" Congenital Idiot!" (plate 6)-and further when, flat- teriIig ourselves we were about to detect clear indications of a happy combination of sound judgment with vivid powers of imagination, we were brought short up by a bifurcation, whence---.:-" self-deception and the deceiver of others,-the liar and the hypocrite I" (p. 80.) We may, cordially, therefore, commend this book both to grave and gay, and only hope that many readers may enjoy it as much as we ourselves have done, the above slight mischances notwithstanding. M. C. (H.) R. THE AUGUSTINE HYMN BOOK: a Hymnal for all Churches. Compiled by DAVID THOMAS, D.D. London: Pitman. Tms is called after Augustine, not because it contains any of his com- positions, but because the selection has been made on the Augustine principle, that "a hymn must be praise-praise to God, and this in the form. of song." The compilation seems to be earefully and judiciously made. The hymns express the common doctrines of the Trinity, Atone..
- 30. REVIEW!. ment, &c., butinclude & great number that are of' DO creed, but are devotional in the widest sense. Out of the 726, which the volume eontains, the Committee now engaged in compiling an Appendix to the Conference Hymn Book might make some excellent selections. THE NEW YEAR. [From" The Augustine Hymn Book," slightly altered.] "God bless this opening year ! Make all its duties clear ; God bless this year I Our time rolls swiftly on, Our days will soon be gone, With Thee make us at-one: God bless this year ! God of the ages, Thou To whom all angels bow, God bless this year ! Let all we love agree, This year to honour Thee, And from all vices flee: God bless this year ! God of the nations, shine, And make all peoples Thine, God bless this year I Grant Britain grace Divine Rightly to use her time, And feel that all is Thine: God bless this year 1 o Lord our God arise, And make us truly wise, God bless this year! In last year millions died, Death b~ars us on its tide, And none can here abide: God bless this year. Vouchsafe, 0 God, Thy 10"8; Train us for realms above; God bless this year ! <>, let the wave of Time, Bear us to shores sublime, With saints of every clime: God bless this year! "
- 31. 28 REVIEWS. WBBAT AND TARES; or, Christianity versus Orthodoxy. By.the Rev. ,. WILLIAM RoTHERY. London: Pitman, 20, Paternoster Row. TimBE is a work by-M. Le Cras, entitled "The Theological Contrast," printed in double columns, presenting old church views on various sub- jects of Christian doctrine on one side, and New Church views over against them on the other. Mr. Rothery's little work is on the same plan, with this difference, that, while Mr. Le Cras' work consists mainly of extracts from orthodox writers on one hand, and from Swedenborg on the other, Mr. Rothery delivers the sentiments on both sides in his own words. Regarding the corruptions of pure Christianity as tares which the enemy had sown among the wheat, he has endeavoured to separate them, and now presents the wheat on one side, and the t~res on the other. Forty different points of doctrine are thus placed before the reader, with copious Scripture references to each, so that he may, by comparison and testimony, judge between the opposite views. It is almost unnecessary to particularise the subjects; since it would be difficult to mention one which is not included. The views are often pithily and clearly expressed, as well as correctly given. We take a few as examples : - "The fa.ll of man is his fall, through disobedience, from ha.rmony with the will of God, to the love and worship of self." "The Atonement (at-one-ment), is the restoration of man to oneness with the Lord, and oneness in himself, by obedience to the Divine Truth, or Word, and reception of the Divine Life into his own." "Man is justified by the life of justice which God's Holy Spirit enables him to live." "True marriage is the spiritual, most holy, and everlasting union and communion of male and female, who together make one man, the true image and likeness of Supreme Love and Wisdom, revealed to us as one in the Lord." When we see, standing side by side with these sheaves of wheat, the bundles of tares, how striking is the contrast! Suppose the bundles of tares, like the trees that went out to choose a king, to be endowed with the power of speech, What do we hear them say ?- " One tells us that 'the fall of man is the sin pf Adam, which has been entailed upon all his posterity; this sin consisting in eating of the fruit of the forbidden tree.' Another declares that 'the Atonement was the satisfaction made to the offended justice of God, by the sufferings and death of the unoffending Christ, to as many of the human race as have power, irresistibly imposed upon them, to believe in such atonement.' A third assures us, that 'man is justified by the imputation, through faith, of the righteousness of J eSU8 Christ; which, as a robe, hides the evils of his corrupt nature from the eyes of God.' And a fourth asserts that ' mar- riage is not spiritual, and is for ever dissolved by death.'" He who hears the testimony on both sides, can he do otherwise than follow the author's concluding advice, to ,., burn the tares in the fire, and gather the wheat into the gamer "?
- 32. REVIEWS. 19 Having thus far bome testimony to the excellence of this little work, we are sorry to be obliged to express our dissent from some of its statements. The author, we think, has either not been sufficiently eareful to separate the tares from the wheat, or he has sown some of his own amongst it. That" the universe of the senses is an effect ereated by the Lord, from the fulness of His Divine Life, through the universe of created souls as its mediate cause," is an idea which seems to us more fanciful than true. The same may be said of the notion that "matter (as embodied spirit-life in form.) is perpetually flowing forth from the Divine Creator,"-if this means that the matter of the world we inhabit is being constantly created through the " finite affec- tions, thoughts, and changes of state" of its human inhabitants. In the same category we should place the idea that" heaven is a heavenly ~tate of soul, through which, as their mediate cause, the Lord creates the external heavens, the abodes of just men made perfect." If we have learnt rightly, the soul is created out of the substances of the spiritual world as the body is out of the substances of the natural world; and we cannot, therefore, think of a universe of souls existing prior to the substances out of which all souls are created. These, however, are points on which it would hardly be necessary to say anything, were it not that the same mode of thought seems to be carried into other and higher subjects. We read at No. 12 that-- "The life of Jesus Christ on earth-His birth, works, su1ferings, death, resur- reetion, &c.-as recorded in the Gospels, was an embodiment, an e:ft'ect in this natural world of God's presence in men's souls; His Divine Truth-His Word, by which He reveals Himself to men-being bom into lD.Q's soul, growing, working miracles, casting out devils, su1fering, dying, triumphing, and rising again, according &s the struggle progresses between good and evil, between the saving truth and the rebellious soul which it comes to enlighten, conquer, redeem, and save." H the author means that the visible Christ was only an appearance before men's eyes of the invisible Christ dwelling in men's souls, we think there could hardly be a greater error. But if he means that the Lord's life was an embodiment-an effect in the natural world of God's presence in men's souls, we think it is, as in the previous cases, inverting the true order. Had he said that the Lord's life in the world was the cause, instead of the effect, of God's presence in men's souls, the statement would have expressed what we believe to be the truth. It was because God's presence was not in men's souls that God assumed man's nature; it was because His Divine Truth could no longer be bom into men's souls that the Word was born of a human mother; it was because there was no longer any struggle between good and evil, truth
- 33. 80 R~VIEWS. and falsity in ments souls, that the Lord admitted temptations into Himself, and suffered and died and rose again! The Lord is indeed glorified in man's regeneration, but His glorification in regenerated man is but an image, as it is an effect, of the glorification which He once for all effected in Himself as a man. One other statement we think it necessary to dissent from-that there is no Scriptural warrant for the doctrine of an endless hell. POCABONTAS; or, the Founding of Virginia: a Poem. By the Rev. O. P. HILLER. London: Hatchard and Co. 1865. To Founding of Virginia shows that troth is stranger than fiction. What is more to our purpose, it shows that God has made of one blood all races of men, and that in no land has He left Himself without a witness to testify of His universal Fatherhood, and of His being the one Source of the good and the true. The hero of the tale, with whose unpoctie name the poet will not mar the cadence of his lines, and who is to be known by the name of Victor, after performing deeds of romantio valor in the old world, goes in searoh of fresh adven- ture in the new. Landing on the coast of what is now Virginia, he is, when reconnoitring the country alone, attacked by Indians, and after a stout resistance, taken, and carried a prisoner to the king-Powhattan. A eouncil of war BOon decides upon his fate. The princess Pooahont&s pleads with her father for the white man's life, but her prayer is not heard. Oalmly he lays his head upon the stone, and clubs are upraised to give the fatal blow, when the Indian maid springs forward and throws her arms around the victim's neck. The king relents. That attribute whioh "becomes the throned monarch better than his crown," comes into play; and savage justice gives way to heaven-born meroy. From being an enemy, Victor becomes a favourite. The king is delighted though humbled with his tales of the grandeur and glory of the kings of the eastern world. But there is one other charmed listener, whose ear is but the passage to her heart. Need we say that one is Pooahontas? Having offered to redeem his life with her own, Pocahontas now resolves upon a greater sacrifice. She seeks to deliver from captivity him to whom she herself has become captive. Loaded by the king with presents, he returns to his friends, encamped on what is now the site of Jamestown. The once light~hearted girl, sporting with her fawn, now wanders in the solitude of her native forests, nursing her secret but almost hopeless passion. "She never
- 34. REVIEW8. 81 iold her love, but let concealment, like a worm i' the bud, feed on her damask cheek." Yes, damask is the oheek suffused by the blood of luch a heart as hers. Victor, who ought now to be known by his own common-place name of John Smith, for he deserves no better, seems never to have read ,the language of that most loving heart, through love's disguises that serve but to reveal, or if he did he made no sign, gave no return. Once more they met, and onoe again they parted, she alone the lover, he the friend. Soon after this interview, a serious accident induces Smith to return to England, whence come tidings of his death. Pocahontas is disconsolate, and the intensity of her grief seals up for a time the fountain of her tears. In 'ilie wars which follow Smith's departure the maiden is the white man's friend, though she cannot do him all the service she desires. What the colony cannot secure by her they determined to try to obtain for her. By the oomplicity of a native chief they obtain possession of her person, and demand for her ransom the whole of the English prisoners. During the time of her detention, a pious English youth teaches her to read; and by reading with her in the blessed Gospel he is the means of her conversion to Christianity. Young Rolfe is enamoured of his pupil, and proposes to make her his bride. For a time she refuses to bestow her hand where she cannot give her heart; but at length she yields. This union has one happy result. Jealousy and war between the colonists and the Indians are sucoeeded by confidence and peace. Some time after this the married pair, with their blooming boy, sail on a vO~Tage to England. The fame of Pocahontas has gone before her, and she everywhere receives the homage due to her ,vorlh as well 8S to her rank. But here a new trial awaits her. He ,vhom she had mourned as dead, and with whose dead body her living heart had been entombed, appears suddenly before her. There is a tumult of passions -a conflict between love and duty; but religion enables her at last to control what it has not enabled her entirely to conquer. Wearied with a round of pleasure, Pooahontas longs to return to her native home. When about to embark, Fever lays his burning hand Upon her. In her delirium she is in the royal wigwam, acting her part in the scene already rehearsed. Softer visions succeed-visions of the time when Christian light and peace descended into her dark and troubled soul. She awakes to consciousness with the smile of joy upon her countenance and words of hope upon her lips, and passes away with the tranquillity of an infant's sleep.
- 35. • 82 BEVIEWS. Such is 8 meagre outline of the romantic tale which Mr. Hiller has turned into verse. The incidents are well connected, and the versifica- tion is on the whole smooth and flowing. We have no doubt that the poem will become a favourite, especially with those who are in the romantic season of life. One moral we may draw from this sad and tender story. Nymphs should beware of devoting their affectiODS to swains who give no sign of reciprocating love. We give, as a specimen of the poem- THE OCEAN. "A wondrous sight, the Ocean! How she gazed The livelong day upon the boundless deep, And stretched her vision far away, amazed At the horizon's vast circuitous sweep, Where met the sea and sky in peaceful sleep. And beauteous silvery clouds, in giant forms, Seemed o'er their slumbers gentle watch to keept Or lay, like fairy lands, where never storms Of nature or of man brought troubles or alarms. But soon the scene would change! A leaden cloud Among the silvery ones would slowly rise- Like demon amid angels-and would shroud, Rapidly spreading all the fair blue skies, And change the face of heaven before her eyes. Then came the breeze, the wind, the storm ; And furious foam-capped waves, of mountain size, Would rush upon the vessel's feeble form, As if to 'Crush her down, as human foot a worm. Quickly would Pocahontas flee away In terror from the deck, and grasp the arm Of her fond husband, as if he could stay The fury of the elements, or charm The winds and waves to pass them without harm. And then would he direct her thoughts to One Who erst on earth did calm the boisterous storm,- Who spake the words-' Be still!' and it was done, And who now rules the world from heaven's eternal throne. Thus gathered she experiences of life;- In the calm sunshine of the peaceful sky, Or in the frightful elemental strife, She learned to Whom she could at all times :fly,- She learned to see God's glorious majesty. By calm and storm, alternate, is the soul Prepared to dwell in mansions blest on high; But when at length attained the happy goal, The stormR shall no more come, 'rivers of peace' will roll."
- 36. 8S MISCELLANEOUS. CHURCH MATTERS. and certainly more societies to point at, Cl How is it, sir, that the New Church and more property to calculate; more- makes so little progress?" Such was the over, she has found a habitation and a question put to us the other day, by a name in every portion of the world where gentleman by no means inimical to our civilization has planted her foot, and in- news. We have heard of similar in- telligence has lifted her standard. But, quiries being made elsewhere, and think sir, notwithstanding, the New Church it may be useful to make a brief note of will bear a favourable comparison with the substance of our reply. "Your ques- the numerical condition of Christianity tion, sir, assumes as a fact, that which in its origin, yet that is not the way to we do not admit to be so; but it is, no judge of her true progress. We believe doubt, suggested by some mistaken view the New Church to be not a sectarian of what you consider the New Church to institution, but a system of Divine prin- be !" U Of course I judge of it from the ciples which have descended from God smallness of its numbers, compared with out of heaven, to widen the liberty and some of the other bodies of the Christian provide for the education of the people; church." "I thought so, but the com- a system of spiritual and intellectual parison is not just; nor is the church to teachings, having their ground in the be judged of by its numbers. Although Divine Word, the light of which is to several of 'the denominations' are com- expose the errors of dete dogmatism, paratively young, yet, with some slight and the force of which is to raise Chris- exceptions, they all profess the same tian society upon a new platform of general doctrines which have been held theological thought and religious e~ergy. for many centuries, and some of these Behind her Scriptural doctrines there is have been pressed by kings and govern- the activity of a spiritual influence. This ments upon the world for at least fifteen influence, to effect a change favourable hundred years. Thus antiquity has to the advancement of genuine Christian- created a prejudice in their favour, and ity, is felt throughout all Christendom, a material interest has grown up in their and it is only the particular forms, in connection, the attachment to which is which the doctrinal sentiments of the inimical to the adoption of any other New Church have been expressed, which religious views; and yet, with all those as yet have only found a limited accept- advantages, the Christianity of the ance, though much of her interior and ehurches has not extended very far living sentiments is everywhere felt to beyond the boundaries of Europe-the be important. The New Church is American churches are, of course, the not the New Church by virtue of her result of emigrations from Europe-and doctrines, however true or however nu- they embrace within their folds only a merous may be the people who adopt minority of the world's population; them. The Church is New, because Mahometans and Pagans are said to be there is behind those Divine doctrines, more numerous than Christians. We and contemporary with their disclosure. rejoice, however, to know that Chris- a new influence from the Lord out of tianity has made so much progress, not- heaven, having for its object the eleva- withstanding its many corruptions; still tion of Christian society out of the it is not just to compare the progress of obscurities and trammels into which it the New Church, which has been before had descended, and the giving to it a the world only about a century, with fuller and more complete enjoyment of those denominations, whose essential rational liberty in religious things than doctrines have been urged upon the it had ever before possessed. Now, Sir, nations, by lay and clerical authority, if you look at the condition of the New for fifteen hundred years I But, sir, if Church from this point of view, you will you will compare even the numerical see that the question-' How is it that progress of the New Church with that she has made so little progress?' is which was made by Christianity during founded in mistake. It is not correct the tint hundred years, you will find she to suppose that she has made but little will not suft'er by the comparison. We progress. During the hundred year! of believe she has more ~ember8 to count, her existence society has made more 8 ....
- 37. 84 MISCELLANEOUS. improvement in material, moral, and DO ineonsiderable alarm. They are the spiritual worth than in any other century authorised sources of all those Roman- of human experience. Compare 1766 ising practices which, in various parts of with 1866. Examine the history of the the country, have been introduced into interval, and it will be plain that benefi- so many churches by the High Church, cent changes have been going on through- or Puseyite clergymen. These prac- out the whole period-changes which tices are causing some of the bishops no must have had their origin in some high little trouble; they find them diflieult principles, because their ends have been to deal with so long &s the authority of some pre-eminent usefulness to the civili- the rubrics can be appealed to. Hence zation of the world. You may hesitate the Bishop of London has formally ap- to aclmowledge the connection between plied to the Government for a royal the teaching of the doctrines of the New commission to revise the rubric. of the Church and the development of those Prayer Book. No answer has yet been numerous advantages which have been given, but the general impression is that placed within the reach of Christian it will not meet with the sanction of the society during the period they have present ministry. The opposition to been taught; but you can hardly fail to such a step, it is supposed, will arise not see that they must have originated out only from decided High Churchmen, like of a new and beneficent influence pro- Mr. Gladstone, but also from other of ceeding from the Giver of all good; and Her Majesty's ministers holding dift"ersnt as those heavenly doctrines. claim to religious views. It seems a very awk- have descended from the same Divine ward thing for a church that it has to go source, and were actually first commu- to politicians to carry out the reforma- nicated to the world when those new tions which are desired, and the more 80 influences first began to work, it seems to be compelled to bear the burthens plain that there is a much more intimate which are complained of, if politicians connection between the presence of those say they must not be removed. 'doctrines in the world and the develop- It is pretty well known to those who ment of the progress adverted to than is pay any attention to ecclesiastical mat- commonly supposed; and that, therefore, ters, that the" High Church" party and the progress of the church, viewed as an the "Evangelicals" in the Establiah- institution for inseminating life and light ment have not, for a long time, regarded into society, has been eminently great." each other with the most cordial senti- The gentleman to whom these arguments ments: if we employed stronger words were addressed thought they were de- we might convey a clearer idea of their serving of attention; at all events, we repugnance to each other. Well, they believe that the friends of the church have recently carried this spirit into may be encouraged by their considera- "The Society for Promoting Christian tion-encouraged to be thankful for the Knowledge," and a collision has ensued. privileges they have been permitted to The report tells us that the society wants enjoy in the day of small things, and to publish a Latin prayer book, for whioh induced faithfully to work in the wise the Evangelicals do not see the need; .stream of that Divine Providence through but they are resolved, if it is done, that which Jerusalem is to become a praise the quotations from Scripture in it sha1l in the earth. not be taken from the Latin Vulgate "The Prayer Book" of the Estab- with its" Romanising glosses." A Latin lishment contains many sentiments and prayer book which favours the Vulgate some doctrines which are felt to be with all its errors, alike in the Psalms objectionable and untrue by a consider- and Gospels, is already announced for able number of conscientious clergymen. publication, and the High Church pu:ty Dissatisfactions ha.ve been expressed, and want the society to adopt this book. The efforts have been made with a view to struggle came on early in November, obtain some alterations that are desired; and the strength of the parties was 80 but the machinery to be moved for this equal, that the decison was adjourned. purpose is so cumbrous that nothing How is truth to be sustained by mis- effective in this direction has' yet been translations of the Bible? How is Chris- accomplished. The Rubrics, however, tian knowledge to be promoted without are felt to be producing & much greater the influence of Christian humility, for- difficulty, and causing among the laity bearance, and principle?
- 38. MISCELLANEOUS. 85 We gather from the literary journals some of the Bible teachings. He dia- that Dr. Rowland Williams is about to tinguished between the founders of those issue a new version of the Hebrew faiths and the present expounders of Prophets. Dr. Williams, it will be re- them, remarking that most had puaed. membered, is the author of the article on from their original purity, through various Bunson's writings, published in " Essays phases of idolatry or corruption; but that and Reviews," and which called forth men were now, under the Divine guid- the most important judgment of the ance, everywhere relieving themselves of judicial committee of the Privy Council. the accumulation of error which during The Prophetical Writings are to be trans- centuries had been heaped around, and lated afresh from the original tongnes, had obscured the truth. There is some- with constant reference to the Anglican thing refreshing in this information con· version_ It is proposed to distribute cerning religious progress among those the prophets chronologically, according who have not adopted Christianity, to the three or four great empires to coming as it does from an old traveller which they refer; giving, first, a trans- in those countries, and an acute observer lation ; secondly, critical variations; of men and manners. It, indirectly, thirdly, a running paraphrase, which illustrates the New Church teaching, that will, occasionally, swell into a commen- there is a new influence operating upon tary; and lastly, an introduction to the human mind through every true each prophet. We shall look forward religious sentiment which has been cher- to the ex~cution of this design with ished, in whatsoever nations it may some solicitude, because we presume it exist. may be carried out with a peculiar bias, "Noncomormity in the Greek Church." though with much critical care and There is manifest restlessness in all the historical precision. old forms of ecclesiastical errors. The "The Universality of Religious Pro- nonconformist movement in Russia has gress." Sir John Bowring, LL.D., re- served to give some publicity to many of cently delivered a lecture on this subject, the curiosities of the orthodox faith. It in the large hall of the Devonport In- is said to have been induced by the stitute, Devonport, to a large audience, patriarch Nicon, and aggravated by Peter presided over by the Rev. J. K. Applebee. the Great. Nicon i~ accused of import- This gentleman was, some time since, ing strange customs from the south, and associated wit.h the New Church: he is Peter, of borrowing other customs of the now engaged as a Unitarian minister. west. The nonconformists have separated The lecture is reported to have been from the mother church, not because of learned and historical, embracing a large any supposed cOl'!'llptions into which she and liberal view of some of the most dis- had follen, but because, under imperial tinguished religions of Asia. Sir John dictation, she bad become too progressive. remarked that there were other interests They profess to abide by the ancient in the world besides those of our nation usages of the church, and one of their and our civilization, and that we who great complaints against the orthodox is, professed Cltristianity were not the only that they use the wrong fingers in cross- possessors of knowledge or the enjoyers ing themselves, and in giving the bene- of progress. There were others on whom diction. Another offence is that, in their some of those privileges had been con- religious processions, they turn from ferred. He presented a view of primeval right to left OD leaving the church, in man, compared with his present state; direct contravention of the rule pres- and commented favourably on the prin- cribed by the course of the SUD. A third ciples of the great religious movements objection is ihe practice of pronouncing which had. filled the interval of time, the Saviour's name in two syllables, and especially as they had existed among the writing it in full, instead of employing Asiatic nations. The various religious the abbreviation I. S. Upon the same systems of the Parsees, Buddists, BI'a- principle the dissenters insist upon adopt- mins, and Mahometans, and the moral ing a cross with three transverse beams., institutes of Confucius, were then passed instead of two, and maintain that" Halle" in review, the lecturer pointing out and lujah " should be repeated only once in- elucidating those features in them which stead of thrice. Other discrepancies of he considered worthy of admiration, equal gravity exist between the noncon- becaus~ they approximated so closely to formists and the orthodox, on the use of
- 39. 36 MISCELLANEOUS. beads; on the number of loaves to be We had marked some publications of placed on the communion table; on the interest to notice, but our space will lawfulness of wearing beards; on certain only permit us to refer to the following : - corrections in the acknowledged version First, H The Catholic Doctrine of the of the Scriptures, and certain interpola- Atonement," by H. N. Oxenham, M.A., tions in the liturgy; on the reform of the former scholar of Ballol College, Ox- calendar; on the introduction of pictures ford. It is a work evincing learning by Latin artists, and tunes by Latin com- and research, but without "orthodoxy." posers; on the smoldng of tobacco, and The several views which are held upon on the eating of potatoes, which, at one the subject, and the difficulties which time, the dissenters identified with the are associated with the orthodox senti- forbidden fmit. It would seem incredible ments concerning it, are such as must that scruples of such little weight should obviously, sooner or later, demand the form the main basis of a great religious attention of authorities in "The Church." secession, if we did not remember that Mr. Oxenham has clearly shown that the secessions have taken place, in the Estab- " Evangelical" conception of this doctrine lishment of this country, on grounds cannot be found in the writings of the scarcely more substantial, such as crosses, early fathers and doctors. He says of the processionlil, flowers, candlesticks, and first three centuries there is no trace of priestly genuflections, &c. the notion of vicarious satisfaction, in the sense of our sins being imputed to Christ, In the "Statistics of Religious W or- and His obedience being imputed to us ; ship in the !vletropolis," published in a or of the notion that God was angry supplement to the Non-conformist news- with His Son for our sakes, and inflicted paper of the 15th of November, we on Him the punishment due to us. He observe that four places of worship, also says that when Christ is said to with the number of sittings, are noticed as belonging to the New Church; one suffer for us V'Tf'fp (uper) not aVTL (anti) of these, namely, that in Lambeth, is the word always used; and that the is designated "Swedenborgians :" this early patristic writers always, in con- name we presume has been picked up nection with this subject of the Atone- from the neighbourhood, and not ob- ment, spoke of our being reconciled to tained from ally official belonging to the God, not of God being reconciled to society. This is mentioned because we us. Surely this, from outside the New think it is desirable that the connection Church, is a satisfactory indication of should be publicly known by a uniform some progress being there made in the appellation accepted by ourselves; and right direction of religious thought upon that of "New Church" seems to have one eof the profoundest subjects. This naturally grown up with a large ma- work has given rise to a correspondence jority of our societies, and to have been in H The Guardian" between the author recognised by most of the leading minds and the Rev. A. Clissold, l1.A. which have appeared among us. There A Sermon; by the Rev. R. W. Dale, is, however, another society which seems M.A., on "The lIutual Relations of to have been entirely overlooked; we Physical Science and Religious Faith," allude to that in Devonshire-street, preached in Birmingham, on the occasion Islington, which does not appear under of "The British Association" having the I~lington statistics. We cannot see been held in that town; is an elegant how this oversight could have been composition, containing some well-con- occasioned in a paper intending to be sidered and valuable sentiments. The correct, unles~ it was tha.t in speaking of following will be read with interest : - the premises as a college, the idea of it " And now let me say for myself, and for being also a place of worship was over- tens of thousands who have the firmest looked by those who collected the in- faith in the Lord J esns Christ, as God formation. Statistics, to be of much manifest in the flesh, that we regard the value, should be very correct. Figures, progress of physical science with no dis- in the hands of a dexterous arithmeti- trust; we only ask that she should not cian who has a cause to serve by them, pass beyon(l the lines by which her autho- may be turned into a means of great rity is justly limited. We regard with deception; hence a distinguished states- fervent admiration, those triumphs of the man once said that bothing was 10 false scientific intellect which will invest the as figure•. last fifty years in the history of this
- 40. MISCELLANEOUS. 87 country with a splendour different in offered by a gentleman to the Free kind from that which rests upon the Library here, which appears to be the Elizabethan age, but neither less lasting property of the Town Council, or under Dor less glorious. We acknowledge that its direction and control. Objections but for the scientific discoveries which were taken to their admissihility by the present generation has seen applied several of the councillors, on the ground to the arts of life, the stability and gran- that works of a theological nature had deur of this country would be threatened not yet been allowed; and that if the with early decay, and all the moral and council. received that class of wriLings, religious sentiments which are involved they would be receiving the works of the in the prosperity and power of the English Latter-day Saints and Paine's Age of nation seriously imperilled. To us, the Reason. After a negative decision, some students of nature are ministers of God, discussion took place on the subject in and benefactors to mankind. Without a local newspaper. A writer thought the rapture of inspiration, they are pro- Alderman Baynes was particularly un- phets who interpret to us the laws by happy in comparing Swedenborg's writ- which God orders His physical creation, ings and Paine's Age of Reason. and by recovering for us the history of Though not a Swedenhorgian, he con- His providence in the ages which rolled sidered himself honoured by the friend- by, before the earliest years of which ship of many gentlemen who were tradition presents a vague and uncertain believers in the doctrines of Swe<1enborg; memory. Unconsecrated by the imposi- and if we were to judge of a religious tion of saintly hands, they are priests by profession by the fruit it produces, the whose service and mediation rich and conduct and conversation of the members innumerable blessings, which it has ever of the New Church merited commenda· been in the heart of God to grant, are tion rather than insult from one who actually obtained for the relief of human ought to be a terror to evil doers and a auJfering, the increase of human happi- reward unto them that do well. A lead· ness, and the general elevation and im- ing article in a local paper advocated provement of the condition of our race. the same view. Whether or not this As yet these brilliant triumphs over the manifestation of liberal principles had mysteries and powers of the physical the desired effect, the matter was re- universe are only just beginning; and we considered, and the books accepted. seem to be on the very edge of great dis- coveries, the ultimate influence of which SWEDENBORG'S DIARy.-To the Editor. on the thought and progress of mankind I was sorry to see a note in the October it is impossible to anticipate. . . . • number on the subject of the Diary. Physical science may tell me of the rich There are few, very few minds who can and bountiful gifts which God has be- enjoy the internal perceptions contained stowed upon His creatures, and may therein, and it will bear a severe discus- dazzle me with the pomp and splendour sion how far a private Diary (which was and power of the ministers of His wisdom perhaps not intended for publication) and love; but Christ takes me by the should be printed. In the present state hand and brings me face to face with of the church, a more extended promul- God Himself; in His presence there is gation of the truths we possess would do fulnes8 of joy. He is the Father of my more good to society at large than trans- ~t, and you leave my deepest and lating and printing the private thoughts 1Iltenseat blessings unsatisfied until you of Swedenborg. These remarks are made give me rest in His love, and direct from the note above alluded to, and the communion with His infinite and eternal sentiments expressed by Mr. Hiller at bliss." With these eloquent and truthful the meeting of the Swedenborg Society utterances every New Churchman will in June last. be pleased: they encourage him and A LOVER OF GOODNESS AND TRUTH. strengthen his faith in th~ future of his church. YORK.-On the 4th, 5tIl, and 6th of December, the Rev. J. Hyde delivered GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. three lectures in the Merchants' Hall on BUCKBURN.-THE FREE LIBRARY AND the following subjects: _ H The New SWlDENBOBG'S WOBKS.-A portion of Jerusalem, what is it, and when may the works of Swedenborg had been we expect it? "_u If God is Love, why
- 41. 88 MISCELLANEOUS. is there a Hell?" - " The Life after subject being "Admission into Heaven: Death." The lecturer ably illustrated Is it by an act of faith or a life of the subjects of his lectures to numerous charity? " About 80 persons were pre- and attentive audiences, and at their sent. On Tuesday evening, a second close a vote of thanks was proposed to lecture was delivered, the title being the lecturer, and carried without a dis- "Wha~ is man?" Mr. Rendell delighted senting voice. the friends of the church with his eluci- dation of this subject, and, as far as could BIBIDNGlLUI.-On Sunday, December be gathered, the whole of the audience. Brd, anniversary sermons were preached The society desire to express their thanks in the HookIey Schoolroom by the Rev. to the Committee of the National Mis- E. Madeley, and collections made in sionary Institution, for the opportunity 8Upport of the Sunday-schools connected thus afforded them of hearing such lucid with the HookIey Society. The attend- expositions of the Word, and edifying ance was very large, and the collections applications of its Divine truths. amounted to upwards of £7. LONDON.-The committee of the Cross BIBJIINGJU.JI LOCAL MISSIONABY As- Street society have decided upon holding 8OCIATION. - With a view of making their annual social tea meeting at the known the doctrines of the New Church Music Hall, in Store-street, on Thursday, in the populous districts about Birming- the 18th of January, to which they cor- ham, the committee contemplate the dially invite the members and friends of delivery of lectures in the principal the various societies in London, and all towna of the neighbourhood. As a com- other New Church friends who may mencement, they secured a good room happen to be in town. For further~ at West Bromwich, a few miles from ticnlars see bills, which may be had of Birmingham,which was opened for public Mr. Penn, 57, Camden-road, N.W. worship on Sundays on the 12th ult., and Ierve8 for lectures and conversation meet- ings on Monday evenings. During the .A.BOYLE-SQUAllE JUNIOR MEMBERS' So- last few weeks four lectures have been CI,ETY AND LITERARY INSTITUTE. - The delivered in the room, two by the Rev. ninth annual festival of this society took B. Storry, on-" The New Church" and place at St. George's Hall, Gray's Inn- " The Second Coming," and two by the road, on Wedneaday, the 22nd Novem- Bev. J. Hyde, on_CC The Trinity in the ber. After tea, of which upwards of Lord. "esus Christ" and "The A.tone- 200 ladies and gentlemen partook, the ment." On the whole, the lectures were chair was taken by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, well attended, about eighty being present the president of the society. The meet- each evening. At the close of each ing having been opened with a hymn lecture, four-page tracts were freely dis-and prayer, the chairman introduced tributed, and larger tracts presented to Mr. H. F. Moore, the secretary, who all who inquired for them. Great in- was followed by Mr. G. M. Pulsford, terest appears to be taken by many who who delivered addresses on the subject attended. About thirty adults regularly of the evening-" The Light of the attend the Sunday evening service, and World." (John ix. 5.) A selection from it is hoped some permanent success will the oratorio of the U Creation" (Haydn), result from the effort. U In the begi,nning," &c., was given by the church choir and other friends, HULL.-The Rev. E. D. Rendell under the leadership of Mr. C. P. Alvey, preached in the society's meeting-room assisted by Mr. Edward Bo.1y at the on November 19th: in the morning on pinanoforte, and Mr. Charles Whittington "The promise of fruitfu1D.ess to the land at the harmonium. A recitation-Ten- of the obedient;" in the evening on nyson's "May Queen," by Mr. C. H. " Sacrificial worship-its origin and sig- Moore, was followed by a pianoforte nificance in the Jewish dispensation." solo, rondo capriccioso (Mendelssohn), by All who were present seemed highly Mr. Edward BaIy, and a song_CC Look r delighted with Mr. Rendell's treatment the wonders of the Lord" (Verdi), by of these important subjects. Signor Gallico. An address, given by Mr. On Monday evening, Mr. Rendell de- E. M. Pulsford, preceded the chorus-- livered a lecture in the same room, the "The heavens are telling," &c., whioh
- 42. MISCELLANEOUS. 89 concluded the first part of the pro- several evenings since, ~vincing both gramme. The second part commenced interest and admiration. with addresses from Mr. Robert J ob80n One of the poor men stated that he and the Rev. E. D. Rendell, after which a was sure the inability to read and write duet, "Sunday on the Ocean" (F. Abt), had been a loss to him during his life of was sung by Miss Bayley and Mrs. at least ONE THOUSAND POUNDS, in situa- Whiting. Me8S1"8. 8. Sones and J. A. tions he had been compelled to forego. Bayley then delivered addresses, and a What loss in other and higher respects selection from the oratorio of U Eli" who can tellt Many of the young men (Costa) was given by Mrs. Whiting, Miss were evidently intelligent young fellows, Barth, Miss A. Barth, and Miss Bayley. but whose boyhood. had been neglected. Mr. Edward Austin then addressed the There were several married. women. meeting, and at the conclusion of his One tall youth, the son of Italian parents, address the chorus' from the "Creation," of quick intellect and gentle disposition, "Achieved is the glorious work," was did not know his letters. We intend given by the choir. A very delightful to have Sunday services, adapted to and profitable meeting was closed with the neighbourhood, in the same room, the Benediction. at least for afternoons and evenings. Our new day school has 180 scholars. MISSION WORK IN LONDON.-It will The adult evening school now numbers 40. be gratifying to the friends of the Church The following kind friends have already to know that the kind response to the ap- shown their sympathy with our labours, peal in the November number encouraged by the sums we beg hereby to acknow- the commencement of the proposed mis- ledge with best thanks : - sion work at once; and the excellent George Dibley, Esq., London. £2 0 0 missionary, Mr. Taylor, has been en- Richard Moseley, Esq., Lon- gaged since the beginning of November. don .... Don. £5., Sub. :£l. 600 Tracts have been obtained and are being James Eadie, Esq" Glasgow 500 prepared for distribution. A house-to- Mr. J abez Kay, Manchester•• 110 house visitation has been commenced, and Rev. Fras. de Soyres, Exeter o 10 6 1,000 bills been distributed announcing Mr. Thomas, Oxford •••••• o 10 0 the formation of an adult school. This Mr. Rowed, Holbrook, Isling- commenced on Tuesday, November ton, Devon. . • • • • . • • • • • • • 1 0 0 21st, at eight o'clock. Messrs. Seddon, Dr. Carr, Dalston. London . • 1 0 0 Pilkington, Taylor, and myself were Mrs. Thomas, Newry Lodge, present at the hour appointed, and Twickenham •.•••••• . . • • 1 0 0 everything was prepared for the recep- (Signed) J. BAYLEY. tion of the pupils_ Twenty-six came- the reception of two was deferred, as THE PROPOSED CONJ'EBBNOB Tun they were under the age (18 years) Boox.-To the Editor. - Dear 8ir,-I fixed for the adult school-and with have the pleasure to state that the circular twenty-four scholars we began. They issued by the committee appointed to were of various ages, from 18 years superintend this matter, has been very probably up to 55. A short address of generally and very cordially responded encouragement was given, and lessons to; and that, if the pecuniary support commenced. An hour and a half were equal in zeal that manifested in furnish- spent in a very agreeable manner, and ing materials for the work, the committee all were satisfied that a really good work will be in a position to bring out the best had been set on foot. A gentleman selection of Psalmody yet published, much engaged in benevolent efforts especially &s some three or four of the among the working classes in another principal choirs .have not yet responded, part of London, attended to watch our but no doubt will do 80. Indeed, in the initiatory efforts, and stayed to the close, abundance of the material kindly supplied promising to come again on Thursday, from diiferent sources, the greatest diffi- and to make the information he obtained culty the committee will have to contend practically useful by commencing a with will consist in the selecting from similar institution in his own sphere the tunes which possess more of a local of operations. He expressed his great than a general celebrity, those likely to astonishment at the progress made by giTe most satisfaction; since the adoption the men in one night, and has attended of all which have been received would
- 43. 1II8OBLLANBOUS. extend thepublication to a degree which bad in the past, and would ue paet would make it as inconvenient in bulk events only for their guidance in the as in price. future. Each of the lists, it may be added, Mr. ~homas Bragg seconded the mo- contains a selection of the general old tion; and as one of the congregation, standards, which of course will have a though not a member of the society, who place. Some adaptations have also been had had no voice in the election of the forwarded, many of which I consider to committee, he was bound to admit that be gems, in addition to which there are they had his fullest confidence and a few choice compositions from the pens sympathy. The election of such a com.- of professional musicians that have not mittee showed what was the feeling of yet been published. the majority of the society; and if the In conclusion, I beg to thank the parties present meeting passed the resolution who have forwarded their contributions, before them, it would. be a pledge made for the vaJ.uable aid they have so cordially that they would not only give the com- rendered, and remain, very truly, mittee their sympathy, but that they WOODVILLE WOODMAN, Sec. would also support the public worship of P.S.-I may also state that the revi- the church by their attendance and their sion of the Psalms is now completed, money. Their duty was before them; and only waiting a fair copy to be made and all present, if not able to advance to be placed in the hands of the printing the welfare of the church and her insn- committee. tutions by their money, might do so by their.attendance upon the services, and BIBMINGlLUl.-On Monday evening, by their personal and moral influence in December 11th, a meeting of the mem- other ways. bers and congregation of the Birming- Mr. W. Thompson and Mr. Farnol ham society was held for mutual counsel, supported the resolution, the latter gen- advice, and encouragement under the tleman observing that it was to the in- unusual circumstances in which the so- dividuaJ.s forming the present committee ciety is placed by the resignation of the that the society mainly owed what vigour minister, the Rev. E. Madeley, and the it had possessed. For years, their possible withdrawal of some of the mem- ability, devotedness, and perseverance in bers; also for the purpose of raising spite of all difficulties, had been conspi- funds to meet the increased expenditure cuous; and he could compare them to of the coming year, and to payoff nothing but to the crew of the lifeboat, several small sums which, for some time who would now bring the society to a past, had remained as debts owing by the position of safety. society. About 90 persons assembled at Mr. J ames Osbome remarked that the tea, and afterwards the meeting was recent differences in the society had no~ increased to the number of 130. affected the Sunday-schools at all. The Mr. Wilkinson was called to the chair, girls' school had lost only one teacher, and after the singing of the 142nd hymn and the boys' school had not lost the _'a Through all the changing scenes of services of any. This was cause for the life"-the Chairman proposed the first greatest sati~faction and congratulation. resolution-" That this meeting desires The men forming this present committee to express its warmest confidence in the had ever been the life of the society- ne.ly-elected committee under the diffi- they were always its most earnest culties which surround it; and promises workers-they it was who had always such support as that the public worship looked after the young people-who had of this place may be carried on, and the fostered the Sunday-schools, and raised valuable institutions which clusteraround them to their present condition; and it the society may be continued on in a must be to them they must look for the state of vigorous usefulness." Mr. safe and prosperous conduct of the so- Williamson expressed his fullest confi- ciety and her institutions in the future. dence in the earnestness and ability of The resolution was then put to the the committee to carry out efficiently the meeting, and carried unanimously. work which devolved upon them, which Mr. G. C. Haseler, as a member of the was to increase the prosperity and use- newly-elected committee, could not allow fulness of the society. He was convinced the adoption of such a resolution as that they would bury all that they had seeD just paseed to go by without a remark
- 44. IrDSCELLANBOUI. fromhimself. He had DO idea such a that the members of the congregation motion was about to be made; but on who were not members of the eooiety behalf of the committee and himself should speedily become such, that they pel'8Onally, he warmly thanked all the might be more active and more useful. preceding speakers, and he was deeply and that they might stand higher in their indebted to the meeting for its unanimous own estimation, if not in the estimation support of that resolution. If there were of others, and at all times be rea&dy to one thing more than another in which render better service to the cause, the the promoters of that meeting had done progress and welfare of which they had well, it was in the determination to turn so much at heart. Since the year 1850, their backs on the ugly past, and to set the society had raised, by special sub- their faces towards a brighter and more scription, upwards of £1770., for other joyous life for the society. Some of the purposes than the ordinary requirements members of the committee had had a of the society. This large sum had been clear view in all their struggles of the devoted to the repayment of mortgages, course they should take, and had per- the erection of new school-rooms in 1862, severed. in a straight line all along. and the erection of a new organ since They felt like wearied soldiers after a that date. During the past two years, long campaign, when the last battle had the committee had been compelled to been fought and victory had been won; borrow £108. This it was now proposed and now their faces were turned as it were to repay, and the current expenses of the towards home. For himself he must year being certain to be more than is confess, his course had not been so usual, the committee felt they could not straight, and the convictions which so ask for less than £200. Towards this long had been strong in the minds of sum, he was happy to say that several others, had dawned only within the past liberal promises had already been given, few days upon his own. No one, pro- and he had such confidence in the devo- bably, could ever know of the many sad tedness of those present that he was sure hours the late committee had spent in they would use every effort to make up trying various schemes of reconstruction the amount required. and reconciliation Had they been a The resolution was seconded by Mr. J. trading company, or a number of per- Rabone, who suggested that those who sons associated together for personal ob- might not be able to pay their special jects, they would have retired in utter subscriptions at once, might pay by in- hopelessness long ago. But they did stalments during the next year. This not for one moment think of doing so; recommendation was afterwards adopted for the cement-the love of truth and by several friends. 1l8efulness-had held all the living stones Mr. T. Humphreys supported the reso- of the fabric together, and no trouble lution, and expressed the great respect like that they had experienced would and affection he felt towards the whole ever separate them from the church of of the society. He could not give up his their fathers, and the associations with connection with it, endeared as it was to which their best affections had ever been him by the recollections of so many years. connected. The various institutions of the society Mr. WillSOD, treasurer of the society, were all at work, and were doing a vast moved the next resolution :-" That a amount of good; and he hoped that those special subscription be to-night com- members who had thonght proper to leave menced to provide funds ap:amst the un- the services of the church would Boon usual deficiencies that will anse in the come back again, with their families, and ensuing year, to pay the debts incurred that harmony would be restored. He during the last two years, and also to had not offered his subscription before, meet the next instalment of the school but he would willingly give £10., and if building loan due to the Manchester £100. were needed, he did not think he Sunday-school Union." He fully con- should object.to give it. The more they euned. in all the sentiments which had gave to assist good objects, they would been uttered by Mr. Haseler; and, as a find that the more they would have it in member of the committee, he felt extreme their power to give, and the more easily satisfaction at the cordiality with which it would be for them to give. He was the resolution of sympathy had been re- sure that all the money needed for good ceived and passed. It was very desirable purposes would be forthcoming, for " no
- 45. 42 MISCELLANEOUS. good thing will Goa withhold from those He has, however, aclded an accusation of that walk uprightly." the committee and trustees of our 80" Hr. Wainwright briefly addressed the ciety, to the effect that they have meeting; after which U ignored the power of the members to Mr. J ones complimented the treasurer give effect to their votes," and have for his promptness in setting to work to declared that their decision "can alone make provision for the deficiency of funds, settle the point at issue.u Therefore, arising from the withdrawal of members although we are very reluctant to bring of the society and congregation. He the dispute before the church, there is had strong evidence that a better feeling now no course left to us but to state the would shortly.prevail among them. They facts, or to permit grave misapprehen- had only to convince their absent friends sions to arIse. of their energy and unity of purpose, and The Rev. E. Madeley resigned; and all hostility would soon melt away, for gave substantial. effect to his resignation they were only divided on one point. by throwing on the committee the on," He himself felt as friendly to them as he of supplying the pulpit from the day of ever did, and having looked at the ques- resignation. In fact, then, the society tion from all sides, he was sure that was without a minister, whether the before the end of 1866, they would find trustees and committee formally accepted greatdifticulty to 'show that there had the resignation or not. They did so, ever been any disunion at all. however, and by their act they were Mr. I. B. Haseler, Mr. W. H. Haseler, bound, and the society with them, Mr. Best, and Mr. Lowe, brielly spoke; whatever vote a majority of the mem- after which the resolution was carried. bers might subsequently give; and there un~ously. The additional subscrip- W$S only one way of reinstating Mr. tiODS which had been obtained in the Madeley, namely, by a formal re-election come of the evening were then an- in accordance with the laws of the so- nOllDced, and it was resolved that a brief ciety as applicable to the appointment of reporii of the meeting, with a list of the a minister ab initio. Now, by our laws, subscriptions, be forwarded to the Intel- a minister can only be elected by a leetu8J. Repository, with a request to the majority of two-thirds; but in the vote Editor to insert it. The meeting was alluded to by Mr. Barnett, the numbers elosed by singing the 6S9th hymn, and were nineteen for the approval of the tlle pronouncing of the Benediction. oommittee's report, and twenty-one The subscription list, which want of against it. This was the only vote spaee alone would prevent us from giving, tlken. The trustees, then, could neither oontains the names of 68 persons, who " settle" nor unsettle, recognise nor subscribed during the evening for sums " ignore" anything; they could only varying from ;£ 10. to 1s., and amounting see that the laws were obeyed. to £178. 18s. Gd. To tbelate committee, however,another oourse lay open-to resign office. They did so--8Ul"ely a novel mode of ignoring To the Editor. - Dear Sir,-At the an adverse vote; and the society, voting -request of the committee of the Summer.. .lane Society, I write to you in reference by ballot, the fairest way of deciding a to Mr. S. Barnett's letter in YOUl' De- personal question, not only re-elected all .cember number. Had Mr. Barnett the men who had been most active in presenting the rejected report, bllt also ·contented himself with correcting the -error in your November number (an reinfor-eed them with others of their own mind, while it removed the most un.. -error for which, as you are aware, no yielding of their opponents. Birmingham friend is in any way re- sponsible),· he would ha.ve done well. These simple facts will amply show that the trustees and committee of the • An explanatory note on this point was In Summer-lane society have Dot been over- type for last number, but was removed to make riding their fellow members. Further we way for Mr. Barnett'l letter, received at the have ne desire to go; and we take this last moment. We had. however, In a private correspondence, stated distinctly to the parties opportunity of saying, that should new onncerned, what we publicly state now, that the points be raised, or fresh statements of mlutatement orlainated in a mistake of our one·h&f the facts be made public, the own, we having printed U a meeting of the mmabefo, and trustees," instead of "a meeting of committee will Dot permit it.elf to be the eommittM and trustees." dragged into • wearisome,. profitless
- 46. KISCELLANEOU8. and painful correspondence;but will BOOB 88 the plans have been aoeepted by simply close the matter, 80 far as it is the Metropolitan Board of Works, speci- concerned, by printing and circulating fications shall be placed in the hands of lIuch documentary evidence, including at least six builders for tenders. Mr. Madeley's resignation letter, as will An advantageous arrangement has been fully inform all persons interested of the entered into with the Islington society, real history of the case. by which that body has engaged. to pay Unless this or something like it be £250. as the purchase money for ita done, I would say most earnestly to all future rental, on entering upon the new friends at a distance-form. no jndgment, chapel, and ;£ 1. annually. As the so- still les8 express one. Regard us all, on ciety's rental, aeeording to the deed of both sides, as your brethren; and, i1 gift from Messrs. Crompton and Bate- you can, think of us aU, of whatever man, would only be £ 16. a year when party, as tryin~ to do right. the college enters upon its h1l oocmpaney, As to our friends who seem likely to this is a liberal payment, and evinces the leave us, we entertain for them every zeal of that little society, and ita hearty Christian regard. If they will still work interest in this great educational work. with us, they are welcome; if not, and We have also bad some very Jlind they engage in any task noble and good, hints of intended help from others, and whatever help we can render shall be look forward confidently to the time theirs, to the best of our power. How- when the New Church members in all ever it be, our sympathy is with them, parts will assist us to build up, mature. our love follows them; and, though ap- and extend their own college. parently disunited by the bitter circum- Subscriptions may be forwarded. to stances of the moment, we believe that, Mr. Baily, 80, Old Jewry, E.O.; Mr. in so far as we cherish a common love of Gunton, Lamb's Conduit-street, W.O.; or goodness and truth, we are united in Mr. Bateman, 82, Compton-terrace, N. spirit, and may yet again be one in the performance of uses and the service of VISIT OP THE REv. W. WOODKO' TO our common Lord.-.I am, dear sir (on KILllIABNOCK, P AISLBY, AND GLAsGOw.- behalf of the committee), yours very truly,It will be remembered that Mr. Smithson T. C. LOWE, made a missionary visit to Kilmarnook Secretary of Summer-lane Society. immediately prior to his decease. It being thought desirable to repeat the NEW CHURCH COLLBGE. - Since. our effort, it was arranged that the Rev. last communieation a very kind proposal W. Woodman should make a visit not has been made by Dr. Bayley, to devote only to Kilmarnock, but also to Paisley a portion of Friday in each week tG in- and Glasgow. He accordingly arranged stmeting the students in the public to deliver three lectures, at the former reading of the Scriptures and serviees of place, on the 20th, 21st, -.nd 22nd of the church. As this gratuitous offer has November, the subjects being, 1st- been gladly accepted by the council of H The General Charaeter of the Revela- the college, additional means of useful- tion, and the Opening of the First Four ness have thus been placed in our hods, Seals;" 2nd-" The Lord's Seoond Ad- and another teacher added to our staff. vent: its Nature, and the Sjgns atteQding The Islington society has voted the it ; " and Srd - "What think lS of sum of £80.68. 9d. consols and £4. Os. Sd. Christ -? a Vindieanan of the Supre~el,. cash as a free gift to the eollege, to be Dhine Character of the Saviour,." ~ devoted towards the erection of the the first -two lectures, about 800 were chapel. These amounts have been partly present, and although not 80 many .. the result of the bazaar held in their the last, it may be partly attributed school-room in Augnst, 1862, and partl1 to the weather, and partly to its nofj derived from the proceeds of tea meetings. being eonvenient for many persons to Additions to the library have also been attend three successive evenings. The made by the Baroness d'Arlhac and Mrs. audiences were not only most attentive, Jones. but greeted the lecturer with cordial The Building Committee has met the applause in several parts of his remarks, "architect, and arranged that the south many, on the last occasion Ut particular, side of the college shall be of good white having expressed themselves 88 quite brick with stone dressinga, and that, 80 delighted. Hr.. Woocbnan state. that
- 47. 44 MISCELLANEOUS. he was much gratified to find that an ing, and, as he believed, divinely-com- affectionate remembrance of Mr. Smith- missioned men; claiming that while son was retained by those who had Luther's mission was to open the Bible, listened to him; whilst all spoke in the previously a sealed book, and tha.t of highest terms of the broad Christian Wesley to infuse the spirit of Christianity spirit of liberality by which both courses into daily life, that of Swedenborg wa.s to of lectures were distinguished. reveal the spiritual and previously over- In the slow progress which marks the looked meaning and truths of the Word_ doctrines of the New Church, it ought An intimate acquaintance with his sub- not to be a matter of surprise ,that the ject was manifested in all the remarks of fruits of these efforts are not immedi- Mr. Woo dman, which gave more than ately seen, still less should it discourage ordinary interest to his lecture. A vote the efforts of the church in this direction. of thanks to Mr. Woodman closed the "The kingdom of God cometh not with proceedings." outward observation;" and those who During the time of Mr. Woodman's expect great immediate results from visit, Mr. Holyoake was delivering a these labours of the church must be course of weekly lectures; and as that doomed to disappointment. None save gentleman had been somewhat lavish of the eye of omniscience, can fully see the his challenges to ChristiaJ;ls,' it was beneficial effects produced by the expo- thought some good might arise from Mr. sition of genuine truth, nor the extent Woodman meeting him, and a corres- of the prepv..JJ.~hichby these means pondence was opened by Mr. David Gil... may be. 1.dade for the future growth of mour with one of Mr. Holyoake's friends, the chUrch in its visible form. It is, with the view of an arraniement for a we may be assured, impossible for per- public debate. As, however, on all sons to listen to the truth with interest former occasions, so on this, Mr. Hvly- without receiving an impression more oake, both by letter, and when the matter or less favourable. Providentially, Mr. was brought before him at one of his Craigie, from Edinburgh, and his family, lectures, evaded it, evidently, as appears have recently settled in Kilmarnock; from the printed report of the proceed- and being an active and intelligent ings, to the surprise and disappqintment member of the church, he will form a of the audience. centre of communication with any per- On Sunday, Mr. Woodman preached sons who may desire further information at Glasgow, and also lectured there on on the doctrines; being also provided the following Tuesday. The church was with a store of tracts, he will not suffer quite filled at both services on the Sab-' the interest to die out. Speaking of bath, and upwards of eighty partook of tracts, it was gratifying to see the avidity the holy supper after the morning ser- with which they were received at the vice. Mr. Woodman also baptised two lectures, some parties taking two or infants in Glasgow and one in Paisley. three copies for the purpose, as it may A great excitement at present exists be presumed, of supplying friends who throughout Scotland, and in Glasgow in could not be present. particular, on the Sabbath question. The From Kilmarnock Mr. Woodman pro- observance of the Sabbath has ever been ceeded to Paisley, where he lectured on regarded in Scotland as one of vital im- Thursday, Nov. 23rd. The subject was portance, and pastorals have from time "Luther, Wesley, and Swedenborg: their to time been issued by the Presbytery on respective missions." The following no- the subject. One of these documents ticeof the lecture appeared in the Paisley has just issued from that body; and and Renfrewshire Gazette, of November the occasion was taken by Dr. Norman 25th :-" Luther, Wesley, and Sweden.. Mc. Leod, editor of Good Words, to pro- borg.-Under the above title, the Rev. pound an altogether novel view of the Woodville Woodman, of Kersley, Lan- Sabbath and its obligations, in which the cashire, delivered a lecture in the church, Jewish strictness with which the day 12, George-street, on Thursday evening; had been very generally regarded was Mr. David Fleming occupied the chair. altogether repudiated. The feelings In the course of a very interesting lec- with which this view was receiyed by ture, Mr. Woodman dwelt on the promi- many of the members of the Presbytery nent features of the life and labours of may be readily imagined. It was, how- each of the above-mentioned world-mov.. ever, refreshing to see in the broader
- 48. MISCELLANEOUS. 45 views of several of the speakers evi- etaftulIJ. dences that the more rigid features of Died, October Srd, alter a few houn' Scotch Presbyterianism are relaxing. In illness, consequent OD an attack of conseqnence of the interest attached to Asiatic cholera, and to the great grief the subject, Mr. Woodman, at the request of his family and friends, Daniel Robert of the Glasgow friends, lectured on the Mc. Nab, of Epping, in the 75th year of Sunday evening, on U The Fourth Com- his age. Like his eldest brother, the mandment in its relatioD to the Sabbath,"late Alexander Mc. Nab, he was a most explaining the obligations under which earnest receiver and supporter of the the Israelites and Christians respectively doctrines of the Lord's New Church, lay to its observance, and expounding itsin which he carefully educated his spiritual sense. The church was quite family as much by his example as by filled, and the lecture listened to with his instruction; and the following sketch marked attention by the crowded con- by one who knew him well, will exem- gregation. plify the loss that family has sustained:- On Tuesday evening, Mr. Woodman "In his profession he was no common lectured on the "Existence of God, and man. During a practice of more than the Nature and Immortality of the Soul." fifty years, the first twenty of which he Although the weather was very unfavour- did not sleep from his post, he Dever able, the church was about half filled. failed to win and to retain the confidence An animated and interesting debate and love of all classes. With his genial, succeeded the lecture, and it was be- smile and kind word for everybody t he lieved that considerable benefit was the found ready access to all hearts. A result. reading, thinking man, he had a genuine Allusion has been made to the evi- love of science in all its branches. Above den~s furnished by the Sabbath question all', he was remarkable for gaining the of a great. religious movement having greatest of this world's victories-the begun in Scotland. A still more striking mastery of himself. In his mother, who, indication has occurred in the advanced when early left a widow, denied herself sentiments to which Principal Tulloch all non-essentials that she might educate has given utterance in his inaugural her SODS, he had an example of that self- address in St. Andrew's. It would be discipline and self-sacrifice which became out of place to attempt here any ex- the loadstar of his life. The old Gaelio tended notiee of this truly remarkable motto of his family-' Creidh, gradhaich, address; it must suffice, therefore, to sleuch' (Believe, love, obey), was in say that, in reviewing the history singular accordance with the triune prin- of the religious state of Scotland, he ciple of his religious creed, which de- shows the Confession of Faith to have manded a conjunction of Faith, love, had its origin in, and to have been the and obedience; holding it to be of the embodiment of the Calvinism of the age inTery essence of faith and love, that they should be embodied in the life, and which it was framed; but that the state of religious thought having outgrown it, it regarding as mere shadow without sub- is now received by very few, except with stance the so-called faith and love which are not actually expressed in and by greater or less mental reservation; and he contends that it will require extensive the life. 'He that bath my command- modification to bring it into accord withments and keepeth them, he it is that the present stage of religious intelli- loveth Me.' (John xiv. 21.) And in his gence and belief. Under these circum- useful and benevolent life were expressed stances, Scotland presents a favourable the faith and love of one whose thoughts field for missionary action, and we would~ere very intently Bet upon things spi- recommend the subject to the attention ritual and eternal, as if they were the of the National Missionary Institution. real things he sought to be most familiar with; and he had such a way of sharing these thonghts with his family, that he j¥tanfllJt. seems now to them as ODe who had a At the Church, Brightlingsea, Novem· peculiar foretaste of the real life he is her 20th, Mr. Jacob James, of St. Osyth, now living, and thus to have made his to Miss Matilda, elder daughter of the departure a subject for edification rather late Mr. Gees, of Brightlingsea. than for sorrow. Of him, as truly as of anyone, it may be said that the kingdom
- 49. 46 MISCELLANEOUS. of heaven was within him. On his re- fancies for a persevering study of all covery from a recent severe illness, while that is distressful and loathsome in the he expressed his submission to a higher drill of the dissecting room, learning to will that required his longer service grapple even with death. When the here, he said that, as he lay in his bed, monster whom he has 80 often driven he seemed to have possessed himself of from his prey avenges himself at last, eternity-that it was something of a we ought, I think, to honour such a disappointment to him to have to return memory, especially when adorned with to the things of time; thus was he ready the intelligence and large generosity to depart." which .have always distinguished the His death was worthy of his life. profession. These &1'e noble things to In the review that gave the details of look upon. In one respect they increase the visitation which ravaged more om grief, but after a time we shall love hearths and homes than the one in to dwell upon them, and to feel with the question, the writer says-" The last poet---- glance at the life-history of Mr. Mc. Nab , Only the actions of the just is singularly and solemnly beautiful. He Smell sweet and blossom in the dust.' " has retired from work, and indulges, as he ought, after a passage of threescore On the 7th of November, of consump- ye&1'8 and fourteen, in learned leisure. tion, Alfred William, the only SOD of Mr. But even that leisure is so toned that it N. B. Mattacks, of Colchester. Being enables him to live still for work and born of New Church parents, he was duty. If wanted, thollgh on his part it euly instructed in the doctrines of the be a break on his well-earned rest, he is church, and, though for a time his young always ready; and 80 it happens that mind was allured by the world and its Ion September 80th, 1865, a little child pleasures, the "Remains" which were with contagious disease must be visited hidden, but not lost, developed in him a by him. He gives up his ease to be her love of the beautiful truths and doctrines euccour-takes from her the death-arrow, of the church; and he fully acknowledged and follows her, still in the path of duty, that his long aftliction, of nearly three to the earth. It was a holy death, this years, was of the Divine love and mercy, of our brother! • • . Can a man do and experienced, in consequence, the more than die for his friend?" blessedness of that peace which the world The foregoing needs no addition; but cannot give. He is now gone to realise the truth and beauty of the following the substantiality of that world to which extract, written on the same occasion he was looking, and which alone is real. by another friend, will render any. apo- logy for its insertion unnecessary:- On the 16th of November, Richard "Here all is change and removal, but Lamb passed into the spiritual world, when the just and merciful are removed, aged 85 years. He was a respected it is but as the moming lark from her member of the Preston society, and had ground nest, vanishing in light. I been a receiver of the New Church doc- watched one the other morning, and trines for upwards of thirty years. His could see a sparkle of the sun-light position in society was that of humble upon her as she beat her way. Yes, life, and when a boy he had none of the morning is spread upon the moun- those advantages of education which are tains, though it has not touched the within the easy reach of a similar class valley where we dwell; and the spirit of the present day. The writings of the of a just man who has lived but to New Church in after life afforded him alleviate the pain and prolong the life very great pleasure, and he derived of bis fellow-creatures, and cheer some much comfort in conversing with his of them by his generous kindness, must friends about the truths he had been needs 'go upwards,' as the spirit of • enabled to acquire. "Heaven and Hell" beast, a churlish, selfish spirit, 'goeth was a work of great interest to him. It downwards' to the earth. Few lives will has been frequently objected to the doc- bear retrospect so well as that of a good trines of the New Church that they are physician; bis commission is divine- too deep for the unlearned to accept, and , Heal the sick'; his earliest studies are that they require for their comprehen- the varieties of human sorrow, and he sion a quality of mind which is not exchanges the versatility of youthful possessed by the masses of the people.
- 50. MISCBLLANBOUS. 47 But the cua of our departed friend behalf of the church, and openecl hiJ shows the futility of such an objection. house &8 a place of wQl'lhip for them on H the heart is concerned the mind will the Sundays. He conducted this wor- see. He married early in life, and was ship, and led the singing, so long as the father of a large family, all of whom they attended; and when they ceased, have grown lip and accepted his reli- he persevered in the same course with gious eonvictions, because they have his own household. Circumstances arose seen them to be true. He had, for a which led him to remove to Manchester, eonsiderable period, been aftIicted with where he resided for many years, well chronic rheumatism, which prevented known and highly respected. When his attendance at the church, which he there, he entered into the business uses regarded as his quiet habitation. He of the church, holding office in some of frequently spoke of his departure as her institutions for a considerable period, going mm a humble dwelling to a better and performing their duties with the care home, and always bore his suft'erings and punctuality for which he was remark- with resignation and patience. He died able. From Manehester he came to of no speci1ic disease, unless old age can Preston, and from thence be again re- 80 be oalled; possessing the disposition turned to his native village, where, how- and docility of • Christian who had long ever, he only remained a short time. formed his character upon those maxims About twelve years ago he finally settled of the Word which teach-" If thou wilt in Preston, for the purpoee of being near enter into life, keep the commandments," the church for the enjoyment of ita pri- and that everyone will be judged accord- vileges, without being far from the pro- ing to his work. R. perty which stDl required his attention. He was an earnest, thoughtful, and Dand Nuttal, Esq., departed this sincere member of the church; and, life, at his residence, in Preston, on Sun- to the las1i, a careful reader of ita day the 19th of November, 1865, in the J»81"!odioal literature. He was exceed- 90th year of his age,---an age to which mgly quiet in his demeanour; but few men arrive, and which few adom would converse on spiritual subjeda with more excellences of the Christian's with intelligence and freedom, and life and character. He was probably seldom failed in conveying to his friends the oldest receiver of the doctrines of the an idea of the clearness of his perception. New Church in the world, having ac- By a fall from a short ladder, by which cepted them when he was a boy, and he fractured his thigh, there is no doubt held them for more than 70 years. His that his life has been somewhat shor- father had become a reader before him; tened. He was confiDed to his bed by and it was through books in his posses- this accident about seven months, and sion, and others lent him by Dr. Abbott, never recovered. The time of his ill- by whom he was encouraged to study, ness was the period in which the prin- that he was finally led into his connec- ciples of his religion were brought into tion with the church. He was a native play, by the resignation which he evinced, of Longridge, a village about six miles the patience which he exercised, and the from Preston. For many years he was gratitude which he exprelsed for the engaged in the cotton trade, and thereby attentions bestowed upon him. He bore extended that fortune, the basis of which his suft'erings without repining, passivel,. had been laid by the patrimony of his accepting them 88 permissions of the father. He married early, before he was Divine Providence, intended for some twenty, and had three children, two sons wise and eternal purpose. He frequently and a daughter, all of whom have long referred to his expected departure, and since passed into the eternal world. He spoke of it with the utmost composure. became a widower more than thirty years His countenance would brighten under ago; and his name has been publicly the conversation; his quiek eye would known to the ehurch for nearly half a sparkle, and his happy lips would smile century. He was personally acquainted with a pleasure which nothing but a with some of the early patriarchs during sense of true Christianity could inspire the active periods of their lives, such as under such circumstances. He gradually the Rev. Mr. Clowes, Hindmarsh, and sunk, and finally passed from the natural others. During his residence at Long- into the spiritual world, where it is ridge, he interested a few friends OD believed that he will wake up to realise
- 51. 48 lfISCELLANEOUS. a variety of those particular scenes and New Jerusalem, which had been her rule. enjoyments about which he had so fre- of life, and were her comfort in death. quently conversed, and which, having " Blessed are the pure in heart, for the,. given him so much pleasure in the anti- shall see God." (Mat. v.8.) cipation, will hardly fail to be delightful to him as he enters into their possession November 30th, Dionysia, the beloved. and security. R. wife of the Rev. James Keene, of 16, N orfolk-buildings, ~ath. Departed into the spiritual world, on the 28th November last, Martha, second daughter of Mr. J. Green, of 126, Snar- Departed into the spiritual world, De- gate-street, Dover. Miss Green was for cember 1st, William Shepherd, aged 45 some years connected with the Argyle years. He had been a receiver of the Square society, and by her amiable dis- heavenly doctrines for upwards of 18 position endeared herself to many of the years, and had won for himself the members who feel that they have lost, in esteem of all with whom he was ac- her, a sincere and faithful friend. She quainted. A funeral sermon was preached. was supported and strengthened in her on Sunday evening, December 10th, by illness by the heavenly doctrines of the Mr. J. Clark. J. W. . INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thnrsday 7-0 National Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, ditto.- Fourth Monday ......•• . . • • • • . . . . • • . . • • . . . . . . . • • • • • . . • . •• 6-80 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.-Second Monday ••••.•• . . • • • • • • • • •• 6-50 College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Last Tuesday. • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • . . • • 8-0 MANCHESTER. Missionary Society, Schoolroom, Peter-street.-Third Friday ••••••••...• 7-0 Tract Society ditto ditto •• .• .. •• . . .. 6-80 Sunday-school Union ••.•..••••..••..•.•.••..••••..••.•••••.••••••• Yorkshire Missionary and Colportage ••••..••••..•.••......••••.•....•• Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to atte~d the National ?tlissionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BnucE, 48, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of recent meetings, lectures, &c., may appear if not later than the 18th. Too late (misdirected)-U Argyle Square." Mr. J. S. Bogg's letter cannot appear till next month. " True Beauty" is too imperfect for publication; and we fear the same must be said of the verses on "Hope." " Tribulation," reserved for insertion. F. A.-The article could not have been" inserted this month; but the whole, or a . por~ion, may be given in our next. "The Orphan Houses of Ashley Down," "The Temple of Solomon," and several other articles, reviews, and pieces of poetry postponed for want of space. ColD .un> SBVER, Printers by Steam Power, Hunt'. Bank, Manchester.
- 52. THE INTELLECTUALREPOSITORY A~D NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 146. FEBRUARY 1ST, 1866. VOL. Xlll. THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON. No. Ill. THE beloved disciple, speaking of the church in'reference to its Divine head, says-" as He so are we in the world." The Word, or Divine principle, was latent in Him from conception: it was made patent or manifest in His humanity in successive and triple degrees, and the process whereby this was accomplished is termed His glorification, and through this work, as an eternal medium, the Divine principle, in a degree adapted to our humanity, became latent in all men, and is in every man in a certain sense, like our Lord, from conception; forming in the recesses or inner plane of our humanity, a region which is "the kingdom of GCJd with~ us," for it is, in its three degrees, potentially in every man ; * anq Regeneration is just the unfolding of the heavenly kingdom, and its formative Divine principle, thus latent in the order of its three degrees, and thus the church is formed by a process analogouB • Luke xviL 21. In vain have eommentators, led more by system than truth, endeavoured to evade the force of this text. Some restrict our Lord's words to the regenerate; and, doubtless, it fully applies only to them, as in them alone it is realized; but the words are primarily addressed to the Pharisees, who certainly had no signs of regeneration, and what applies to them is applicable to all men: indeed, any unprejudiced reader will see that they were addressed to the hearers promis- cuously, 'without any distinction of character. Others, not being able to get over this obvious circumstance, render the word translated within "among"; but they eannot bring a single instance for such use of the word, either from Scripture or any profane author. Evror, like the Latin intus (hence "internal and interior"), is used in the New Testament convertibly with fUCJ>Ofll, and in opposition to ffCJ>Ofll. "without or outside." (See Matt. xxiii•. 25, 26, which is decisive of the meaning. See also ParkhUl"St's Greek LexicoD, where the authorised translation of the word is most admirably defended.) 4
- 53. 50 THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON. to our Lord' 8 glorification; hence, His disciples are said to "follow . Him in the regeneration." We shall now proceed to note how wonderfully this is brought out in the Divine teaching of the temple, and how strikingly it, at 'the same time, exhibits the resemblance between the processes accomplished in our Lord and His disciples, which here are seen, as it were, shedding mutua,llight on each ot~er. As the altar of burnt offerings in reference to our Lord, corresponded to His universal love-the spring of all His acts towards the children of men, so here it corresponds to the same love, drawing men into the good ways of repentance and regeneration. (John xii. 82; Rom. ii. 4; 2 Cor. v. 14.) And, as the laver corresponds to the baptism of our Lord, sh~dowing forth at once the commencement of His work and its progress, so it has the same import in man's re- generation; and here we may trace a most remarkable corroboration of this in the analogy between the circumstances of the Lord's baptism, and the regenerative process as described by Him in His discourse with Nicodemus, recorded in the third chapter of John's gospel-an analogy which would not be so obvious but for this wonderful symbolism, which more closely binds together the transaction in open day and the noc- tlll'Ilal instruction. The laver here specifically corresponds to being born of water, or purification, and remission by the truth of faith, which is the first degree of regeneration, symbolised by the water of baptism. (John ill. 5; Eph. v. 26; Titus iii. 5; Acts xv., with 1 Peter ili. 22.) This is the state described in the New Testament as that of babes and little children in Christ. (1 Cor. iii. 1, 2; Heb. v. 12; 1 John li. 12.) The first degree of mystic initiation was termed purification. (1 Cor. iii. 1, 2.) Thus, with profound truth no less than almost divine beautyJ sings the poet, in reference to children : - " Oh, trustful, happy, guileless creatures 1 How near ye are to angel natures; Content with what each day is given. And fed with manna fresh from heaven. The little loves and charities,- The sweet and gentle courtesies, Ye from each other thus evoke at play, Are treasures inly stored away. Into their forms, like dew into the Bower, The Lord distils His vivifying power; And blessings they become for ever, States of the mind that perish never, But losing every tint of sadness, Return with multiplying gladness;
- 54. THE TEMPLE OFSOLOMON. 51 Germs of eternal happiness, Which never cease to grow and blel8. Strength for the seasons of temptation, Means of eventual renovation; The bonds that link us to the angels moat, The light that may be hidden, but never can be lost." The first elements or principles of the doctrine of Christ leading higher with which Christians in this degree are occupied, was signified by the pomegranates and lily-work on the pillars of the porch, as these pillars themselves denoted the corresponding good of this the natural degree. The porch here, as in the case of our Lord,typmes the transition from the natural or spiritual-natural degree. Its dimensions, ever accordant with their primary signification (see last article), denote specifically here the latent and mediate communication which man has with the Lord and heaven, in his inmost principle, by Remains-and the porch, as representing the intermediate between the natural and the spiritual degree, denotes a state in man answering to "the opening of the heavens" at our Lord's baptism, namely, the opening of the internal man or principle-the region of the soul in immediate commu- nication with the Lord and heaven. (Rom. vii. 22; 2 Cor. iv. 10 j Mal. ill. 10; John i. 51.) The candlestick here also represents a stlte answering to the descent of the Spirit on our Lord, namely, the birth of the spirit, or flowing in of the truth from the Lord (in which is spirit and life) through the internal principle of man into his external; whence a state of intelligence and illumination. (John i. 82, 58-ill. 5, 6; Eph. i. 18--iv. 7; Heb. x. 82.) The' second degree of mystic initiation was termed illumination. Faith now quickened by love (Gal. v. 6.)-this is the import of the original-is well typified by the shewbread, which, as we have seen in its general signification, denoted the good of Divine love; and the golden altar of incense, as signifying in general agreeable perception, here has special reference to what at this stage of regeneration takes place in the external man, namely, perception of new life from the Lord through the internal, and that it is all of mercy. This is signi- fled by "the voice of the spirit breathing where He will," (John ill. 8.) answering to the "voice from heaven" at our Lord's baptism. This state of life, descending from the Lord through the internal man into the external, is well sigIDfied by the dove, the emblem of the spirit; and our Lord's words-" Be ye wise (or rather, prudent) as serpents and harmless as doves,' t express the union and harmony of the external and internal man which constitute regeneration. This action of the
- 55. 52 THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON, internal spirit and life resembles the dove in its gentleness, for the expression of the spirit descending like a dove has reference, it is thought, not only to the form of that beautiful bird, but to its gentle • and graceful motion. And so the wind (-,rv,vj£a) which is here the emblem of the spirit or interior truth, as water is of the exterior, is not the wind in its strength (av,p.or), but in its mildness; for it is said- f' Thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth"-words predicable only of the gentle breeze or lightest breath of the zephyr, perceptible only in its soothing IXlurmur, the motion of the leaves, or the waving of'the grass.* This second degree is a state of temptation and victory to the disciple as well as the master, hence the number (forty) has the same signifi- cance-and as the first degree answers to the state of "little children" referred to by ;John in his threefold classification of the children of God, so this degree answers to his second state, namely, that of young men, so called "because they are strong, and the word of God abideth in them (the interior truth above described) and they have overcome ihe wicked one." (1 John it 14.) The Christian is now in a state to enter, 80 far as his peculiar genius admits, on the third degree of regeneration, signified by the o~cle, or most holy place; and here the vaiI, or second intermediate, well and fittingly typifies the complete unity of charity and faith which now takes place in the soul, eo-existent with a state of peace, freedom, and access to God. (1 Tim. i. 5; PhiI. iv. 8, 4; 2 Cor. lii. 17; Eph. lii. 12 ; Heb. iv. 14, 16.) Faith now becomes charity, the bond of' perfection (signified by Aaron's rod), and charity becomes perfect love (Col. lii. 14.) casting out fear-Celestial Wisdom and innocence, signified by the lUdden manna. (1 John iv. 1S-li. 18; 1 Cor. ii. 6, 7; Rev. li. 17 ; la. xi. 6, 7.) Thus have we 80 far traced, in the construction of the temple, first, the heavens as formed by the relatively perfect reception of the Divine principle; next, the Divine humanity of the Lord, formed by the absolutely perfect and infinite reception of the same Divine principle; and it now remains for us to trace in the same, the formation of the church, by the progressive reception of the Divine principle in the finite degree, whereby it is regenerated, or made an image and likeness thereof, as Christ' 8 humanity received it in the infinite degree, and was thereby glorified, or made One therewith. • Vide Alford's Greek Testament in loco.
- 56. 58 trHE ORPHAN HOUSES OF ABHLEY DOWN. To readers of the Intellectual Repository will have been prepared, by a short notice in the November number, for a more extended aeeountot the rise and progress of this important work of charity and faith, justly described as "one of the most remarkable to be met with in the annals of the church of Christ from the times of the apostles to the present day," and truly chara~terised in the article referred to, as one result ot the descent of the New Jerusalem from God out of heaven.* The subject has peculiar olaims to the thoughtful consideration of every one who fears God, and keeps His commandments; and the writer feels it no small privilege to be the instrument of bringing it thus prominently before the New Church. George Miiller, the founder of this Institution, was born near Haeberstadt, in Prussia, in the year 1805. His life; as he emerged from childhood, was a peculiarly reckless and profligate one; for we learn from his autobiography t that, at the age of sixteen he was im.. prisoiled for theft, of which he had been guilty times innumerable. But while at 'the University of Halle, where he was placed by his father to be educated for the ohurch, he became deeply impressed with spiritual things, and from this period a. gradual but d.ecided change marked his conduct, and an earnest desire took possession of him to be a missionary ot the Gospel to the Jews. Accordingly, in the spring of 1829, he came to London, and entered, as a student, the training college for such as lVish to devote themselves to Ulls work, where, to a, first-rate classical education, he added a knowledge of the Hebrew, Chaldee, and Rabbinical • • Rev. m. 2, 8. .. U A. Narrative of some of the Lord's Dealing8 with Geor«e Mii1ler. written by himself." 8vo., pp. 604. Nisbet. Pride 8s. 6d. A. second volume, 8vo., pp. 402, price 28. 6d., carries the DarNtive up to May~ 1856. 'the writer can also recommend. two small volumes, written in a pleasing style, and W'rying on the history to the middle of 1861 ~- " Ashley Down, a Living raith in a Living God; Memorials of the New Orphan Roues," by W. Elfe Taylor. 12mo., pp. tiS. Price 88. M. Wertheim and Macintosh. U Mighty through God. Some account of the extraordinary labourS of George Miiller, in connection with the other objects of the Institution," by W- Elfe Taylor I 12mo~, pp. 150. Wertheim atld Macintosh.
- 57. TBB OBPBAN BOUSESOP ASBLEY DOWN. languages, to which he generally devoted fourteen hours a day. But, entertaining some conscientious scmples respecting his connection with this society, he resigned at the close of the year, and commenced preaching in a chapel at Teignmouth. Here he met with a Miss Groves, whose brother had given up a large income in order to devote himself to missionary work in Persia; to this lady he was married, in October, 1880. It was here, too, that he made the acquaintance of a young Scotch minister, HenrY Craik, who has been his friend and fellow-labourer up to the present time. Having been invited to Bristol to take the joint oversight of a small Baptist church, they removed thither in 1882. Their unexpected popularity soon induced them to rent a large chapel in the neighbourhood of Park-street. It should be mentioned here that as early as the autumn of 1880, they had arrived at the conclusion that they ought not any longer to accept a fixed salary; and -they equally declined to avail themselves of any assistance from pew-rents-a system which from the first they had judged to be an evil, and as such set it aside. In this latter step they have had many followers, and the growing opinion against the pew-rent system is, to the mind of the writer, an encouraging sign of the times. They determined to accept only such offerings as should be spon- taneously sent to them, whether for their own personal use or for works of charity. This principle has been perseveringly acted on to the present moment, and, in a report published in 1861, allusion is thus made to it by Mr. Muller:- Cl It is now about thirty years since I was led to give up my saIary as a minister of the Word and as a director of the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution; but the Lord has most abundantly supplied all my temporal necessities, 1ea, has caused me 80 to abound, &s that if I had sought with all my might to have 8 good hed income, it is not at all likely that I should have had 80 much as I have had by simply trusting ill Him." Two years later, on Maroh 6th, 1884, they convened a meeting to deliberate on the formation of a new Missionary Institution. It was but poorly attended, for no rich or in1luential persons had been invited, no chairman presided, no officers were chosen, no resolutions moved and seconded, and above all, no collection took place. Yet with all these apparent elements of weakness, a sooiety was then formed destined to attract the attention and to exoite the admiration of the whole world. It was entitled-CC The Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad." Its objects were-1st, to educate poor children on Scrip- tural principles; 2nd, to ciren1ate the Bible and religious tracts; and
- 58. THE ORPHAN HOUSESOF ABBLBY DOWN. 55 Brei, to assist missionaries in all parts of the world, who, like them- selves, were unconnected with any of the recognised societies or seets, and not in the receipt of any stated income. A history of the proceedings of this institution in all its branches, though deeply interesting, would at present be out of place-our purpose being to direct attention chiefly to one branch of it, namely, the orphan work. It is necessary, however, to state the principles npon which they proposed to act, because not only were they rigidly carried out in every department of the institution, but they continue to be acted on as rigidly to the present moment. These were-1st, never to ask a single individual for money; 2nd, to decline endowments of any kind; 8rd, never, under any circumstances, to contract a debt; 4th, not to seek the countenance of the rich, noble, or in1luential: 5th, to employ only those who give evidence of sincere Christianity; and 6th, to depend on the Lord alone for supplies in answer to prayer. In a paper circulated by Mr. Muller among his congregation, he gave reasons for these resolutions. He says, that not possessing a penny of his own, he has been supplied for five years past with everything necessary for himself and family, and has a great desire to do some- thing for the destitute and orphan children which so much abound in Bristol. And since the work is the Lord's, and is not undertaken from any selfish motive, there is Scriptural authority for believing that He will honour the prayer of faithl grounded on a heartfelt acknowledg- ment of active dependence on Him for supplies. (See Matt. vii. 7-11, xviii. 19; Mark xi. 22-24; John xiv. 18, 14, xv. 7, xvi. 28, 24; 1 John v. 14, 15, &c.) He mentions a fact which had greatly encouraged him in this desire-thl:'t, whilst praying on the subject, he had received from a person whom he had never seen, and who lived several thousand miles oft', the sum of £60. for charitable purposes. He concludes by expressing himself willing to receive donations, in money or household utensils, wearing apparel, or whatever might be of use to the poor and destitute. Some time after this, while reading Ps. lxxxi., he was struck with the promise in the 10th verse-" Open thy mouth wide, and I will :fill it," and remembering that he had never yet asked anything concerning the work, except to know the Lord's will about its commencement, he fell on his knees, and asked for & house to be provided, suitable persons to take care of the children, and that the Lord would Bend him a thousand pou1uU ! He new that there was not the slightest natural prospect of obtaining 80 large a sum, but the result justified his confidence in God; for the following year had ~
- 59. 66 THE OBPHAN HOUSES OF ASHLP:Y DOWN. not half run its course when a, house had been provided, fit helpers chosen, and the thousand pounds in his hands, without a single individual having been asked by him for anything! * The house selected was in Wilson-street; the orphan girls began to come on the 11th of April, 1885, and on the 21st it was formally opened, by the day being set apart jor prayer and thanksgiving. All legitimate children, from whatever quarter, who had lost both parents by death, and had no adequate means of support, were considered eligible. So numerous were the applications for admission, that another house was shortly opened, adjoining the first, for infant orphans. A third house, for forty boys, was planned in June, 1887. Under date June 15th, Mr. Muller says- U As the Lord has dealt so marvellously with me, in condescending to listen to my prayers, and &8 I consider it one of the particular talents with which He has entrusted me-to exercise faith in His promises, as regards my own temporal wants and those of others-and as an orphan honse for boys about seven years of age is greatly needed in this city, • • • I purpose to establish such an one." The third house was therefore opened in October, in the same street. During this and part of the following year, means flowed in abun- dantly, but the time of trial was approaching; and these periods of straitness oan hardly fail to be dwelt on by our readers as the most interesting and instructive of all the phases of this wonderful history. It was about the middle of 1888 that Mr. Muller found himself with but £20. in hnnd, while more than one hundred persons were, humanly speaking, dependent on him for support! His feelings at this time shall be exprsssed in his own words- "My faith is as strong, or stronger, than it was when we had a much larger sum in hand, nor has He, at any time from the commencement of the work, allowed me to distrust Him." A few small Bums indeed came in, but the trial continued long, for on August Slst, we find these words:- U There is no more money in hand to advance for housekeeping. September 1st. The Lord in His wisd.om and love has not yet sent help. When it is to come need not be my tare. . • . A brother has given £2. But now his meaDS are gone. ThiB is the most trying hour that I have yet had in the work, as it regards means, but I know that I sha11yet praise the Lord far Bis help. September 5th.-Within a few days many pounds will be needed, and there is not a penny in hand. As I * The name of hi8 excellent fellow-labourer, Mr. Craik, seldom occurs in connec- tion with the orphan work, he having devoted himself almost ex.clusively to preaobiDg and other.p&8toral duties.
- 60. THE ORPHAN ROUSESOP ASBLEY DOWN. 67 was praying this afternoon I felt fully assured the Lord would lend help, and praised Him beforehand !O'r it. A few minute. after I had prayed, brother Thomu came and brought me £4. 1s. 5d., in severa1small donations." This, however, was soon gone. The following day (Thursday), only £2. came in; on Friday, 2s. 2d.; on Saturday, nothing. Mr. M. writes : - " Yesterday and to-day I have been pleading with God eleven arguments why He would be graciously pleased to send help. My mind has been at peace. even amounting to joy. respecting the matter. But this I must say, that the burden of my prayer these last days was, that God in mercy would keep my faith from fail- ing. • . . One thing I am lUre 0/, in HiB own way and in HiB own timt, H~ tDiU help." On September 10th, nothing had come in I A crisis was evidently approaching, and this WR,S felt by all, for Mr. Muller took the unusual course of calling the teachers together and explaining the state of the case to them; npon which all united in prayer for deliverance. At ten a.m. a lady called with £2. for the orphans, stating that she had "felt herself stirred up to come." Although acting up to their principles, she had gathered nothing about the real state of things. She gave a second donation of £2. on leaving. Other small sums came in, but in a few days again all was gone. Each of the labourers had given as long as they had any left. "Now, however," says the Journal, "we are come to an extremity. The funds are exhawted ! " Let us pause for a moment to admire this spectacle. Here are 100 orphans, various housekeepers and teachers, with their director at their head, and not a penny left to anyone of them ! The reader may be inclined to think the orphans fared badly. But, had they been kept a single day-nay, had a single meal-time come and gone-without the necessary food, the work must have been pronounced a failure. But it is our happiness to be able to record this wonderful fact, that not a single meal was ever omitted from the commencement, and all this time the orphans had food as abundantly, and of the same good quality, as if there had .been hundreds in hand, and this without incurring a farthing of debt! But the reader will wish to know how deliverance came in this emergency. A lady from London had, several days previously, taken a lodging next door to the boys' orphan house. This same afternoon, when they were on the point of selling such things as could be spared, she herself brought in £8. 2s. 6d. ! It was in the midst of these trying circumstances that the rent of the three houses became due! Prayer had been made for the money up to
- 61. 58 THE OBPBAN HOUSES OF ASHLEY DOWN. the moment when it should have been paid. Twelve o'clock Btrnck; but no supply had come in! For the first time, prayer seemed to have failed! But this, though at the moment deeply felt, so far from dis- couraging, only served to teach a lesson which Mr. Muller had already been in some measure prepared to learn. He had, for several days past, had some misgivings whether the Lord might not disappoint him in order that he might be led to provide by the week or the day for the rent. This, therefore, was accepted as an intimation from Him to that effect, and as such was not in future disregarded. The money due for rent did not oome in till several days afterwards. These trials of faith continued till the end of the year; 80 that i~ rarely happened during three years that there was more money in hand to meet the wants of one hundred persons than enough for three days; generally, indeed, means were provided by the day, nay, almost by the hour. Who ean fail to see the finger of God in this? Many remark- able interpositions are recorded in the Journal, a few of which, as specimens, may be here:mentioned. On one occasion, there was not enough bread for tea. While Mr. Miiller and his fellows are at prayer, a letter is brought containing £10. . for the orphans. At another time, there being no means of procuring sufficient for dinner, a letter arrives from India containing an order for £50. One evening it was found that no money was in hand for milk for the next morning's breakfast. About eight o'clock in the morning, a Christian man going to business, having gone half-way, felt himself constrained to go back and leave three sovereigns. Again, at half-past eight one Saturday night, there was no bread in any of the houses for the Sunday. Suddenly, before the shops were shut, a person brought 10s. from Barnstaple, which sufficed to meet the present want. Once more, in the autumn of 1844, Mr. Muller says- "Only ~farthing in my hands this morning! Pause a moment, dear reader, and think of this, and think of nearly 140 persons to be provided for 1" His prayers for help on this occasion were thus answered. A little after nine o'clock a sovereign was l~ft by a lady whose residence was unknown. Between ten and eleven o'clock he received a note from the orphan houses statingthat £1. 2s. more would be required for to-day- U Scarcely had I read this," he says, U when a:fly stopped before my house, and 8 gentleman, whom I had never seen before, and whose name I had never heard, gave me £2." And so it has been in hundreds of instances. Never has money come
- 62. THE OBPIUN HOUSESOil' ASHLEY DOWN. 59 in too late; never has a payment been called for, but there has been sufficient to meet it. In October, 1845, complaints began to be constantly made to Mr. Miiller of the inconvenience occasioned to the neighbours by the assemblage of so many children in Wilson-street. This, coupled with increased applications for admission, led him to think of building a house for the accommodation of three hundred orphans. The cost of sueh a building, with the land, was estimated at :-£10,000. He is far too shrewd and far-sighted a man not to have weighed earefnlly all the difficulties of such an ~ enterprise; as for instance, the risk of diminishing the means for the supply of daily necessities for the sake of accumulating Ba large a sum. But having once made up his mind, after consultation with his co-workers and a searching examination into his own motives, that it was right, he set himself without delay to pray for means. And here let it be remembered that all this time the other branches of the institution required to be carned on-such as the day schools, the cir- culation of the Scriptures and tracts, and assistance for the missionary work in all parts of the world! During 8 f~rtnight Mr. Muller prayed, without receiving a single donation for the building fund I Did this discourage him? Hear his own words- "The more I prayed, the more &Ssured I was that the Lord. would give the means. Yea, cu fuUy allUred 1DCU I 41 if I had already seen t'M new premue, actually before me." And he gives solid reasons for this assurance; but for these we must refer the reader to his narrative. He had not long to wait before contributions came in, and it is remarkable that the very first was one of one thouJand pounds! On this occasion he was as calm and quiet as if he had received a shilling- " For I expect," he says, "to receive yet larger sums than a thoUlUld pounds at once, if the Lord shall condescend to continue me :iD. this blessed service, in order that it may be more and more manifest that even in regard to the obtaining of means there is DO better, no happier, and no easier way, than to deal with God Himself." Not many days passed before another donation of £1000. was received. Mr. Muller now saw it right to purchase the land, and soon obtained seven acres on Ashley Down. It was a ~urious circumstance that, having made two ineffectual attempts to see the landlord for the purpose of coming to an agreement, he desisted for that day, feeling that the hand oj the Lord might be in it-though he might easily have
- 63. GO THE ORPHAN ROUSES OF ABltLEy DOWN. found him had he persevered. The following morning the landlord told him that, having awoke early, and being unable to sleep for thinking of the purchase-money, which he had fixed at £200. an acre, he found it impossible to rest until he had resolved to accept £120. an acre. Thus, by an apparent accident, a saving of £560. to the charity was effected. Donations for the fund continued to flow in, and about four months afterwards the sum of £2,000. was given in a single donation. " This is the largest donation I have had at once," he says, "but 1 expect stiU larger," and then follow these affecting words- " It is impossible to describe my joy in God when I received it; my heart was 80 full of joy that I could only sit before God and admire Him, like David in 2 Same vii. At last I cast myself flat down upon my face, and burst forth in thanksgivings to God, and in surrendering myself afresh to Him for His blessed service." Many gifts of from £50. to £800. came in, and among them another of £1,000. Mr. Muller now felt that the time to commence building was drawing near. We read in the Journal, under date January 25th, 1847- "It is now fourteen months and three weeks since, day by day, I have uttered my petitions to God in behalf of this work. I rose this morning from my knees in full confidence that God would send the remainder of what is requisite, and that Boon. And now, dear believing reader, rejoice with me. An hour after I had prayed thus there was given me another Two Thousand Pounds for the building fund! Thus I have received altogether £9,285. 8s. 91d. for this work. My joy in God. must be known by experience, in order to be understood." It was soon found that the estimate was too low, and that £14,000. would be needed to complete the structure: and to this point, indeed, the subscriptions were rapidly approaching, when, on the 5th ,of July, 1848, the new building was commenced. Within a few months more there came, in addition to many smaller sums, £8,000. in two donations! It is remarkable that £2,000. of this had been in the donor's will, for the orphans after his death. But he felt it inoumbent on him to give it during his life. How much happier for all parties, if this example were oftener followed I His name was never known. The new house was completed, and opened on June 18th, 1849; and within a few weeks, 170 more orphans were added to the 118 removed from Wilson-street. (To b~ concluded in our n~xt.)
- 64. 61 cc HAS THE NEW CHURCH A GOSPEL?" THE question has been asked by a correspondent--" How it is. that, with doctrines erroneous in every essential point, so great an amount of positive good has arisen in the well-known 'ism' denominated Methodism ? " It cannot be denied that a certain degree of religious feeling has been kept np in our land by Methodists, Baptists, Independents, and others, and in fact by that very numerous religious body of men designated by us "the old Church." Ohristianity has, to some extent l been mani- fested. The benevolence, good-will, and charity of our nation, is generally admitted to be owing to the spread of the popular theology and religion. Improvements have been effected in the habits and manners of the people; some progress has been made in the right direction, and all this under the tutorship of a system which is denounced by us as erroneous and irrational from beginning to end. How is this? It is said that the members of the old church are often better than their doctrines: that they are influenced by the frequent reading of the Divine Word. This is undoubtedly the case to a great extent, but we must not overlook the wonderful principle brought to bear upon the minds of men by the doctrine of "the Cross'"- " Christ and Him crucified;" for though it is easy to perceive that the vicarious scheme of salvation is irrational, nay, even unjust, yet it is as easy to perceive that there are bright rays of light and vitalizing sympathies :flowing from the Cross, even if it is through the 8ubstitutionary plan of atonement. The rapid and startling effects produced by the leaders of the ReviTal movement are not altogether beneath our notice,-the intense earnestness displayed to save souls is calculated to shame those who go about the matter in a more cool and philosophical manner. Then, again, the feelings are stirred till the deep sympathies of the soul are pierced- pierced like as when the well-sinker pierces the hard earth: so the living spring within the deep recess of the heart is found, and the water comes welling up with uncontrollable force, finding vent in penitential tears, and candid, open, honest confession. Yes; the feelings and affections are appealed to, and love to Jesus is the final resting-place or the fears, reasonings, theories, fancies, and sensations which have been. operating in and upon the new convert. Love to Jesus becomes tha •
- 65. 62 "HAS THE NEW CHURCH A GOSPEL?" fixing-point, the eternal now of their existence. The transition from & state of fear to a state of assurance and love, has in their ease been accomplished; and the contrast heightens the enjoyment and deepens the gratitude. The celestial principle of love to the Lord is a wonderful principle, a wonder-working principle, and may well account for the extraordinary effects whioh are being wrought in the roughest and hardest material as found in the lower strata of society. It may be objected by the New Churchman that the love to Jesus'~ as evinced by the convert to the old church, is an affection for a being supposed to be one of three in a mysterious Deity; further it may be objected, that this kind of conversion is a very imllerfect and incomplete thing. We may grant the validity of these objections; but the fact to be noticed is, that the aim and object of the revival movement, and or M:ethodism, and of every sect belonging to the old church is, to bring sinners to Jesus, and, by a round-about-way, to believe that God is Love. But the oross, the blood, Jesus dying for man, that is' the centre of their attention and affections. Their faith thus associates them with Jesus, and this constant intimacy is attended with results; and thus we see and should expect to see, in spite of the doctrine of substitution, that the Divine influence which is always at work would become successful, and men become obedient to the example of the Lord's life on earth. We behold the earnest appeals to save souls; the zeal which faces the scoft's of the worldly and irreligious; the affectionate zeal to lift the drunkard and " unfortunates" out of the kennel of depravity; the zeal to bring the hard-hearted to Jesus; the zeal which spends, and is content to be spent, for the good of mankind and the glory of God. Zeal of this kind is worthy of respect aud esteem, and must cherish in its bosom the celestial principle of love to the Lord- the love of goodness itself for its own sake. In contrast to the theolDgy of the old churoh, 'the New Ohuroh works by a different set of doctrines; and contending for these, she is apt at times to aim and not shoot far enough. Explaining truths is all very proper, and to the intellectual very edifying and instructive; but we are apt to get into the habit of explaining and explaining, addressing ourselves to the intelleot, while low down in the scale of un-civilisation our profound learning seldom or never reaches. But it is as much the vocation of the New Churchman as it is of the old, to visit the back streets and seek out the unconverted and the sinner. We have scarcely attained to that degree of intensity yet-the leaders of the religious services movement are in advance of us. I
- 66. "HAS THE NEWCHUROH A GOSPEL?" 68 heard it remarked by one of the Revivalist leaders, that in London especially, professors of religion seem to have no definite notion of what regeneration means, or what being bom again means, and yet we must be bom again. In these few words undoubtedly we have the secret told and the reason given why so many lack life and usefulness. We know that life means love, and to be born again means to have the new love. The speaker referred to had a good idea of this, and laid down the ":first love" &8 the love to the Lord, and the rejection of every idol. H we could only start from this starting-point, I feel convinced that the New Church would soon be as earnest and as completely adapted to gain the attention of the unregene,rate and the unlearned as are the philanthropic individuals who are already engaged in the work. But one word more. We have no prayer meetings, no anxious meetings, no experience meetings j we shun this kind of thing as if it were something to be ashamed of, or utterly useless. Prayer is not everything; but are we right in going to the extreme, and treating prayer as if it were aJ,most nothing? The Lord is more ready to hear than we to pray; ~ut is not prayer absolutely necessary for our souls' good, that we may open our minds and our hearts, and thus breathe in the Divine influence and become receptive of holy inspirations? Prayer meetings not known in the New Church! Why? Have we no need of prayer, earnest prayer, self-humiliating prayer? Without such meetings as these how can the question be put to each individually-CC Brother, how is the ease with you: are you on· the saved side or on the dark side?" We boast of being a pracncal and common-sense class of people; what can be more practical than this? Yes, we need the new prin~iple, the "first love," the new life, the new birth; for c, we must be bom again I" EBDOMos. WHEAT AND TARES. To the Editor of the Intellectual Repository. Sir,-I should like to reply, in the interests of philosophical and religious truth, to some portions of the review, in your last number, of my pamphlet, "Wheat and Tares; or, Christianity versus Orthodoxy," in the following order : - I. The reviewer makes a distinction, in words, between the universe of the senses and matter, whereas if we really think and see what it is
- 67. 64 WHEA'P AND TARES. we apprehend by means of our senses, we shall then be convinced that this verbal distinction has no definite meaning attached to it. Further, that the sensuous or material universe is created perpetually by the Lord,-a fact which the reviewer has apparently not yet succeeded in realizing,-is abundantly deolared in the Sacred Scriptures, which ascribe the events of nature to the ever-creating Hand of God (See Jer. x.1S; Amos, v. 8; Ps.lxv.); it is affirmed by Paul, in Rom. i. 20., where he says the invisible things of God may be clearly seen by the things that are made; it is declared in the philosophical aphorism that "Preservation is continual creation;" it is propounded by Swedenborg and explained by the science of correspondences, which, Without this perpetual production of sensuous objects through their super-sensuous or mediate mental causes, would be an unreal and delusive system of symbolism; and it is plainly and unmistakably taught in the following extract from A. O. 8488:- " Wherever in the universe any object appears, it is a representative of the Lord's kingdom; so much so that there is actually nothing in the atmospheric and starry universe, nothing in the earth and its three kingdoms, that does not after its kind represent. For in nature the whole, and every part of the whole, are ultimate images. From the Divine Essence are celestial states of goodness, and from these spiritual states of truth, and from both of them conjointly, natural objects. And becQ,118e all things, as well as each thing singy, subsist from the Divine Essenee, i.I., continually exist from Him, and as all their derivatives must of necessity represent those states through which they become extant, therefore it follows that the visible universe is nothing else but a theatre representative of the Lord's king- dom, and this latter a theatre representative of the Lord Himself." This philosophical truth, that all externa! or sensuous worlds are created through, and therefore represent the Lord's kingdom in, the mental states of their.respective inhabitants, is the very granite on which the whole superstructure of spiritual truth, as promulgated by Sweden.. borg, is declared, and may be perceived, to rest. The opposite view, which the reviewer seems to entertain, would, if faithfully pursued to its extremes, inevitably involve him in utter materialism, and either send correspondency, with all belonging to it, into its grave, or invert it, by making the pre-existent material sub- stance the cause represented in and by its effect in mental or spiritual states; which would, indeed, show man to be the creature of circum- stances, and materialism, not Christianity, to be true. TI. The reviewer discards the idea that the visible, tangible, and otherwise sensuous heavens are created on being perceived, through the instrumentality of angelic souls, which they on this very ground are
- 68. WHEAT AND TABES. 65 able to represent; and he evidently holds to the opinion that these heavens are existences altogether independent of their inhabitants. Several of the facts which I have noted in the above section may serve to exhibit the fallaciousness of this hypothesis, which is certainly at variance with Swedenborg'8 teaching, that all things in the spiritual world are effects of mental states. (See A.. E. 576.) In compliance with the honest demands of his system,-'lliat external worlds were created prior to and independently of their inhabitants,-the reviewer ought to believe that the Lord of all purity, wisdom, and beauty made the loathsome external hells before there were demons to reside in them. Will anyone maintain this position ? ill. The reviewer imagines that souls are ereated out of the sub- stances of an external world which is denominated spiritual, and that bodies are formed out of an external world which is called natural. Is this proposition intended to apply to bodies in both worlds? How striking is the contrast between this supposition and the clear and beautiful philosophic truth, that the body corresponds to the soul as the effect to its efficient cause (see D. L. tI W. 186.); correspondency mean- ing the relationship SUbsisting between cause and effect. (See H. tl H. 89.) IV. I am not aware that anyone ever held that a universe of souls existed prior to the substance out of which they were created. This idea was never presented to my mind till I read the review of my pamphlet in your last publication. To me the doctrine appears to be perfectly Seriptnra1 and reasonable that there is One Only Substance, which is really and independently Substance, and that all things besides are formations from It. (Bee A.0.,7270.) V. The reviewer makes a distinction between the appearance of Christ before men's eyes, and the embodiment of the Lord's Life before men. This distinction must vanish when it is seen that spiritual causes appear in their effects, as the soul-appears in the body. (See H. tl H. 175.) VI. The reviewer asserts that the Lordts Presence in nature was the cause, not the, e.ffect, of God's Presence in men's souls. He is here at issue with Swedenborg, who teaches that "all things in nature are nothing else but effects" (A.. O. 5711.); for" natural forms enst from spiritual states or things, as effects trom their causes." (A. O. 8812.) U Influx from the Lord is into the internal man where his heaven is, and through the internal into the external, where his world is." (A. O. 10867.) "For all things of which man is sensuously cognisant by the organs of his external senses intlow from his internal faeulties into hit extemal, and Dot COD- 5
- 69. 66 wHEAT AND TARES. trarhrise, for there is no suoh thing as physical influx, or an influx from the natural world into the spiritual; but the infiux is from the spiritual world into the natural.". (A. C. 10199.) By quoting, finally, the passage in the Hieroglyphic Key, example 6, under the head of Rule, which says that "God passes through man into the world, or that God has nothing in common with nature excepting through man," the idea that the Lord's Presence as an object of the senses in this natural world could be a cause, or be anything else but an effect produced by Divine transflnx through man, appears to me to be entirely disposed of. VII. The reviewer states that before the incarnation, God's Presence "-was not in men's souls. Now, it is clear by inference from the above passages, that were this the case, the Lord could never have become sensuously present in this natural world, . since all things of which man is sensuously cognizant inflow from his spiritual faculties, and not con- trariwise. MoreoTer, Swedenborg tells us (A. C. 2706.) that the Lord is present with everyone, otherwise he could not live; even with the very worst, and in hell itself; only that with these His PreSQnce is called absence, on account of the distance, as to state, of their evil from His Goodness. This figurative absence, the reviewer appears to have mistaken for positive absence. Further, Scripture itself renders this position untenable. Zacharias and Elizabeth, Mary and J oseph, Simeon and Anna, and the wise men from the East, were all influenced and led by the Lord's interio~ Presence; being spoken of as "righteous before God," as being "filled with the Holy Spirit," as being "just and devout,'" as having things revealed to them by the I-Ioly Spirit and by angels, &c. The conception and birth of Christ are distinctly ascribed to the interior Presence of the Lord's Life-giving Spirit. (Luke i. 85.) VllI. The reviewer says, that because there was "no longer any struggle between good and evil, troth and falsity, in men's S6uls, the Lord admitted temptations into Himself." From this it would appear that the sin 9f finite beings had power to invade and taint the infinite perfection of their .Maker; and that the Lord had in the first place to effect His own redemption from the evils "in Himself" before He could redeem man. For temptation is nothing else than a process of exciting and stirring up evils in order to their recognition and rejection. How strikingly different is this from the Scriptural teaching, that even the bodily form of our Lord-that which was bom of llatj-was a "Holy Thing" (Luke i. S5), and that this Child born, this Son given,-not, be it observed,
- 70. WIIEAT AND TARES. 67 the Lord Jesus grown to manhood, risen, and glorified,-waa to be called ' , Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (laa. ix. 6.) Yet, though "God cannot be tempted with evil" (James i. 18.), we are asked to believe that this Everlasting Father, this Prince of Peace, afforded "in Himself" the. very battle ground on which all hell waged war! IX. The reviewer asserts. that the Lord effected a glorification in Himself, and that this is the cause and image of His glorification in man when regenerated. Just think what we are invited to believe ; - that the Lord, who is always and absolutely glorious, and must have been 80 throughout all ages, did, at a certain period of this world's history, effect a glorification of Himself, or of some part of Himself, in Himself; thus not relatively in respect to man's :finite perceptions, which, being imperfect and variable, may indeed present the Lord to man, at one time under the appearance of infirmity, and at another as transfigured with Divine Glory,-not relatively we say, but absolutely, positively; which imputes a change of state to'Him " with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (J ames i. 17.) I believe I can here point out what may have misled the reviewer. AB a student of Swedenborg's works, he has very likely drawn his views from some portions of these ,vritings; and there is a mis-translation in the ordinary rendering of the Latin version, which may, I think, account for the error, as it seems to me, which I am now pointing out. Swedenborg says that the Lord had a humanity from the mother, into which He admitted temptations, which He glorified, &c. But whereas Swedenborg states that the Lord made the humanity in itself (Hu1nanum in se) Divine, the mis-translation affirms that He made the humanity in Himself (which would have been HttmanUln in Ipso) Divine; thus im- puting "positive self-contradiction to Swedenborg, who maintains that the soul of the Lord Jesus Christ ,vas the Essential Divinity, that He had no other soul but Jehovah (A. C. 1921.), and that the Lord Jehovah in Himself is not capable of any finite change whatever o. (T. R. 25.), for of Jehovah, strictly speaking, nothing can be said but that He is. (401. O. 926.) Were this fundamental troth but borne in mind, and the other equally important truth repeatedly laid down by Swedenborg clearly apprehended, viz., that all variations in the Lord's manifestation and appearance to men depend on t11e varying states of those to whom He appears, which Scripture also declares (Ps. xviii. 25,26; and 1. 21.),- were these two master..truths but borne in mind and faithfully applied,
- 71. 68 'WHEAT AND TARES. we should he troubled with no more of the mysteries and contradictions which at present repel rational minds from the theology of the profess- ing New Chureh,-no more self-forgetfulness on the part of Infinite Wisdom-no more despair on the part of the Omnipotent-no more glorifications of the Infinitely Glorious-no more creating and perfecting of any additional part of Himself by Him who was always Infinite-no more importation of evil into either the Divine or Human nature of the AIl-Perfect, &c.; since all the changes predicated of the Lord, whether in the letter of the Word or the writings of Swedenborg, will be seen to be predicated according to the appearance to man, precisely as the SUD appears to us t<> be clouded by the clouds which arise from and envelope the earth. The advantage, moreover, of this view of the doctrine of the Lord is, that it explains not merely the manifestation of our Lord in the l1esh as Jesus Christ, but all other manifestations recorded, whether in Scripture, from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation, or in the varied experience of Mankind. "The Divine Essence .cannot appear to anyone in any other way than in agreement with the state of his life." (A. O. 878.) X. I should be glad, having DD other object in view but 'the Lord'·s truth, if the reviewer will favour me with the passages he regards as affording Scripture warrant for the doctrine of an endless hell. He is, of course, aware that the words rendered in our version" everlasting" and " eternal," &c., simply mean in the original "for ages," "ages of ages," &0.; the idea of endless duration being nowhere presented. I know it has been objected that this translation destroys the foundation of our hope in the eternity of happiness. Even were this the case, we must not falsify Scriptur.e; but the truth is, that the foundation of our belief in eternal happiness rests on our belief in the Eternal Goodne.ss of the Lord.-I am, &c., 8, Richmond-terrace, WM... HUME ROTHEBY. Middleton, Manchester. [The reviewer will have a few words to say on some of these points next month.] INQUIRIES WITH ANSWERS. To the EditQr. Dear Sir,-In the August number you say that in Swedenborg, in the translation of the Bible and in the original Hebrew and Greek, the word desire or its equivalent is used to express" eagerness to obtain or enjoy, whether the object be good or evil." Before seeing yow'" reply,
- 72. INQUIBIES WITH ANSWEBS. 69 I had discovered that Swedenborg uses it in both senses. Before writing I saw that it was so used in the English Bible; but the translators not beg acquainted with the spiritual sense, have often to be corrected, and I did not attaeh much importance to the double sense there. But it appears to me that the term used in the original Hebrew and Greek of the Word for which our word desire is the equivalent, must decide its proper meaning. Your statement, that it means eagemess to obtain or enjoy an object either good or evil, presents & difficulty when . compared with the definition given by Swedenborg in A.C. n. 8910- " Covetousness (or concupiscenee) is what is continous of love, in this ease of the love of self and of the world, and is as it were the life of its respiration; for what an evil love respires is called covetousness (or concupiscence), but what a good lot'e respires is called desire:' Here you Bee that desire is confined to a good love, and concupiscence to its opposite. Also that the basis of the definition is from the Word. If I am not trespassing too much, I should like to see a reply.-Yours, &c. J. L. [The distinction which Swedenborg makes between desire and con- cupiscence is a true and important one; but this does not affect the correctness of what we said about the meaning and use of the English word desire, nor of our statement that he himself uses its equivalent in both senses. Nor is it correct to say, in the writer's sense, that the author's" definition" in A. C. 8910, has its bcuis here (exclusive of the opposite meaning) in the Word. The same Hebrew term (chamad) which Swedenborg translates covet (concupiseere) in the Decalogue, he renders desire (desiderare) elsewhere; as in Psalm lxviii. 16,-" This is the hill which God rhsi1°etlt to dwell in;" (A. E. 405.) and in Psalm xix. 10-" More to be desired are they than gold." (A.C.5620.) The word translated desire in the passage quoted from the New Testament, in· J. L.'s former letter, affords another example of a double meaning, or of opposite senses. What could be more ex- pressive of the activity of the purest love than the Lord's words t "With desire have I desired (epethumesa) to eat this passover with you before I suffer?" (Luke xxii. 15.) And yet the same word i~ used by the same Divine Speaker to express the activity of one of the impurest loves that can inllame the heart of man :-" Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after (epithumesai) her hath committed .adultery with her already in his heart." (Matt. v. 28.) Other instances of the same kind occur in the Word, but more we are sure our intel- ligent correspondent does not require.-ED.] .
- 73. The Intellectual Repositoryt Febr1lary It 1866. 70 INQUIRIES WITH ANSWERS. To the Editor. • Dear Sir,-): should be glad if you or some of your intelligent readers would help me, and so help others, to obtain a definite under- standing of the following question:-Is there any difference in the mode by which the Lord now manifests Himself in person to His creatures to that by which He made Himself manifest before the incarnation? There are two classes of passages in Swedenborg, equally express, which appear to be at variance; in one of which he says- " The Lord sometimes presents Himself to the sight out of His BUD, but in such ease He veils Himself, and so presents Himself to their sight, which is done by means of an angel, as He also did in the world 'to Abraham and others."-A. R. 938, 465. In the other, he says- "When the Lord manifests Himself to the angels in person He manifests Himself as a man sometimes in the sun t and sometimes out ofit."-D.L. W.97. He says, further, that the Lord has appeared to him as a Divine man; (H. H. 121.) and in his letter to Hartley he says- "I have been ea1led to. a holy office by the Lord Himself, who most graciously manifested Himself in person to me His servant."-Prefixed to H. H. A soluti~n of the difficulty will oblige yours sincerely, INQUIRER. [Having already answered 8 private inquiry on the subject by the same writer, we now leave the question in the hands of our readers, some one of whom will, no doubt, give the desired explanation.-ED.] DA VID AND PAUL. IN the last number of the Repository we endeavoured to show, and hope we succeeded in showing, that whatever appearance Swedenborg's Spiritual Diary may present, in favour of the opinion that David and Paul are among the lost, his later writings not only lend no countenance to such an idea, but afford also testimony to their being among the blest in heaven. Such being the case, how, it may be asked, are we to understand the statements in the Diary from which even friendly and ·intelligent readers have been led to adopt the opposite conclusion? The author himself has left no explanation that might enable us to reconcile the apparent discrepancy. Nor is it likely that he should. What reason could he have to explain in his published works what he bad enter~ in his private Diary, never intended for publication? The principles of doctrine and the laws and facts of the spiritual world,
- 74. Tae IBtellecttlal Repository,Febl'1lary 1, 1868. DAVID AND PAUL. 71 which his writings contain, are the only lights we have to guide US; and these, we believe, are sufficient to enable us to arrive at a satisfactory solution of the difficulty-since such it is considered. Before proceeding to examine the statements in the Diary, it may be necessary to say a word as to the manner in whieh they are to be understood. Some, whose opinions are entitled to respect, consider that the David and Paul described in the Diary were not the persons themselves, but were evil spirits who personated them. We are told that spirits of a certain character are fond of, and clever at, personating others, and are actnally under the confident impression that they are the very persons they represent 'themselves to be; a fact of which modem spiritism affords abundant evidence. It is urged, in favour of this opinion, that as David belonged to the Israelitish dispensation, he must have passed under the general judgment which brought that dispensation to a close, at the time of the Lord's first advent, and cannot be supposed to have remained in the intermediate state till the last judgment at the end of the first Christian church. True, we read in the Diary that eminent persons, such as Abraham, J acob, and the apostles, while themselves in heaven, had their repre- sentatives in the world of spirits, who presented them such as they were about the time of their first entrance into the spiritual world. This shows that the· author was aware· of the apostles and others having their repre~entatives; yet he makes no allusion to this fact in his records respecting David and Paul, but constantly speaks of them as the very persons of whom the Scriptures treat. The descriptions, moreover, are too minute and seem too characteristic to admit of a reasonable doubt of their identity. As to the circumstance of David's remaining for so long a period in the middle state, this is not to be considered peculiar to him. There is a probable special reason for David remaining in the world of spirits till the end of the first Christian dispensation. A8 Providence had a particular purpose to answer by the preservation of the Jews in the natural world, so may there have been a special purpose, connected with this primary one, for the continuance in the world of spirits or him whom prophecy had taught them to regard as the king that was to reign over them. The Jewish forms a remarkable· exception to prior dispensations. The descendants of the ancient church' degenerated iIlOO heathens, and became divided into numerous nations, each of which embodied its traditional or fragmentary knowledge of the CO~OD
- 75. 72 DAVID AND PAUL. revelation in a mythology of its own. The descendants of J udah, on the contrary, though dispersed over the face of earth among all nations, and subjected to cruel persecutions, have remained one people. They have also preserved their ancient revelation pure and entire, and have maintained, as far as circumstances would allow, their original institu- tions and worship. This singular phenomenon, while it has answered a Divine purpose, indicates at the same time the extraordinary cha- racter of the people themselves,-their tenacious adherence to an out- ward law and a ceremonial worship, which could be persisted in only by a people of a peculiar character, If we may suppose there was a deeper truth in Peter's words to the assembled multitude on the day of Pentecost, than his argument regarding the resurrection of the Lord, when he said, "David is not ascended into the heavens," we may con· elude that he meant, not only that David's body was in the sepulchre, but that David himself was still in hades, the hell of our version of the Apostles' Creed, into which the Lord Himself is said to have descended after His crucifixion. David thus regarded has for us the interest not only of an individual, but of a representative man. The same may be said of Paul, and also of Swedenborg. In them we have together at the same time in the .world of spirits representatives of three successive religious dis- pensations; and the circumstances recorded of them in the other world are not without reference to the character of these dispensations, and their relation to each other. Before anyone can understand the relations contained in the Diary, respecting David and Paul in the world of spirits or intermediate state, he must have some knowledge of the nature and state of' man, as he was by creation, as he is by birth, and as he becomes by regeneration; of the character of the religious dispensation to which these eminent men belonged; of their own personal characters as members of it;. and of the nature and laws of the spiritual world, of which they were the inhabitants. According to the prevailing notion, the soul or mind is a simple sub- stance, or an ethereal principle, possessed of certain faculties. Theolo· gically, man, besides inheriting moral corruptions from his parents, is under condemnation on account of original sin; and as he is condemned by the imputation of Adam's sin, so is he saved by the imputation or Christ's righteousness. According to this artificial system, which makes a man a sinner without personal sin, and a saint without personal righteousness, he may pass from a state of condemnation to a state of
- 76. DAVID AND PAUL. 78 justification by a single act. There is, indeed, a distinction made between justification and sanctification. Justification consists in God's blotting out the whole of a man's sin, that is to say the guilt of his sin, by an act of grace, through faith in the merit of Christ; while sancti- fication consists in a subsequent growth in holiness by the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit. So simple is the work of regeneration, that water ba:Ftism is believed by some to produce it; and so loosely do a regenerate man's imperfec- tions hang about him, that they drop from him, as the mantle fell from Elijah, as he enters the portal of heaven. No middle state is, therefore, required. And what the Popish Churoh has, for its own ends, per- . verted into a purgatory, the Protestant Church has pronounced a fiction. According to the teaching of the New Church, man is, indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made. He is an epitome of the universe, having all its wonders concentrated in himself. In general, man consists of a spiritual and a natural mind, or of an internal and an external man. The spiritual mind is formed to the image of heaven, and the natural to the image of the world. Such is' the constitution and state of man as he came from the hands of his Creator. But the natural mind, which by creation was an image of the world, is now by birth an image of hell. It inherits inclinations to all the evils which exist in and con- stitute hell, which is nothing but the natural mind perverted. As hell is diametrically opposed to heaven, so is the natural mind diametrically opposed to the spiritual. As heaven ascends and hell descends by three distinct degrees, so does the mind of man-the spiritual having three degrees analogous to those of heaven, and the natural three degrees analogous to those of hell. "The heart, then, is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; and out of it proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false-witness, blasphemies." Such is the present state of the human mind. Nor is there any such thing as the imputation either of sin or of righteousness. The ,sin that condemns proceeds from ingenerate evil, and the righteousness that saves proceeds from inborn goodness-goodness implanted by the Lord in those who are born again of Him. Now regeneration consists in opening and developing the spiritual mind, BO as to make it a little heaven, filled with heavenly affections and thoughts as heaven is with angels, and in bringing the natural mind into subjection to and harmony with the spiritual, so that it may minister to the heavenly ends and uses of the inner man. .
- 77. The Intellectual Repositoryt February I, 1866. 74 DAVID AND PAUL. It is only when the nature of man, in his original and present state, is thus understood, that the mystery and magnitude of regeneration can be apprehended. So great is this work, and so gradually is it effected, that comparatively few are so far regenerated in this life as to be fit to enter heaven immediately after death. Almost all have to remain for Bome time in the world of spirits, to complete there the process which had been commenced on earth. We are told in the Diary that, in some cases, not only hundreds but thousands of years are required to bring the natural mi~ into entite harmony with the spiritual, and thus to make the soul capable of dwelling in heaven. This, however, refers to past dispensations. Henceforth, in consequence of changes effected in the spiritual world and in the church below, the states of men, both good and evil, will be more fully developed on earth than hitherto. The days have come when "the child shall die an hundred years old, and the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed." There is one fact, with regara to regeneration, which it is necessary to observe, because it has an important bearing on the subject of our present inquiry. Regeneration ascends and descends in the same degree. Just so far as it is carried upward into the spiritual mind, is it carried downward into the natural mind, and inversely. The spiritual and the natural aet and react upon each other, and the development of the one and the purification of the other can only proceed to a corres- ponding extent. There is a stage in the progress of humanity, both'in the individual and in the race, when the development of the spiritual principle and the purification of the natural are so little advanced, that the conscience, which is formed and resides between them, has but an obscure percep- tion and an imperfect sense of the spiritnal quality and absolute contrariety of good and evil; when the angel of love and the demon of hatred, each with his attendant train of sentiments and feelings, can, without any sense of incongrnity, hold their court in the same mind, having a sort of coordinate authority, and ruling it alternately, or even simultaneously, with despotic sway. So universal was this condition of the human mind at one period of the world's history, that an entire religious dispensation was characterised by it. This we have on the very highest authority. Our Lord, in His teaching, declares it-" Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love the neighbour and hate thine enemy." This was the Jewish rule, we cannot say principle, of religious morality, and the Jews acted up to it in its worser part.
- 78. The Intellectual Repository.February ], 1866. DAVID AND PAUL. 75 Now David, and Paul till he was at least thirty years of age, belonged to the dispensation in which religion enjoined this love and sanctioned this hatred. How singularly do their lives illustrate the character of the dispensation to which they belonged ! David united in himself more, perhaps, than any other man we read of in the Old Testament, the virtues and vices of his age, besides carrying to its utmost extent the law of hatred against those whom he regarded 8S his enemies. His adultery with Bathsheba, and the dell- . berate duplicity he practised, even to the murder of the injured husband, to eoneeal his crime, evince how little he possessed of true conscience. It is true that he repented and was forgiven, but his repentance and forgiveness were such as could exist only under a dispensation of laws without principles. We are not to imagine that such legal repentance and forgiveness could eradicate the disposition from which the double crime proceeded. Besides these crimes, he manifested a most settled hatred of enemies under extraordinary circumstances. On his death- bed, he laid an injunction upon Solomon to bring down the hoar. head of J oab to the grave with blood, and to see that the forgiveness and asylum he had granted to Shimei should end with his own life, and that the crime he had committed twenty years before should be bloodily expiated. The king had not the slightest idea that in laying upon his son and successor this bloody command he was acting contrary to his religion. He was acting in perfect consistency with it--he was only hating his enemies. But what we have here to attend to is the character of mind, that required such an adaptation of religion. For while God has ever acted on the wise and necessary principle of adapting His laws to the states of His people at the time at which they were given, He has never given a less perfect law when a more perfect would be received. The character of the law is a mirror of the character of the people who lived under it. The guilt of such crimes is not so great as it would be under a more perfect system of religion. But this does not make the character of those who live under such a system better in itself, but only capable of being brought under subjection to a higher law and purer principle. The character of Paul as a Jew was, so far as regarded the hatred of enemies, no better than that of David, if not even worse. He was the first and fiercest persecutor of the Christian Chureh; and the per- secution was at the period of its infancy when it was least able to endure it. He was the He;rod of the illfant church. He was the scourge and terror of the first Christians. "Entering into every house,
- 79. 76 DAVID AND PAUL. and haling men and women, he committed them to prison. Therefore they were scattered abroad. He breathed out threatenings and slaughter against them. He persecuted them unto the death. He punished them in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceeding mad against them, he persecuted them unto strange cities." At what age Paul became a Christian, is not precisely known. Although called a "young man" when he consented to the death of Stephen, the first martyr, the original term does not require that he should be youthful, but admits of his being, as he probably was, as we have said, more than thirty years of age. Paul was converted to the faith which he had exerted himself so furiously to destroy. Suddenly arrested in his career of persecution, he became undoubtedly an eminent servant of Him whom, in His people, he had persecuted with such unrelenting severity; and the energy which he exerted in putting down Christianity, he henceforth employed in building it up. His boldness in maintaining the cause which he was known to have laboured to destroy, his zeal, his diligence, his endurance, are all noble traits in his character, and mark him as one of the most eminent instruments in the hand of the Lord for promoting the cause of religion in the world. All this we freely acknowledge. But that Paul was not only a man of like passions with ourselves, but a man of strong passions, is abundantly evident from the testimony of his own writings. Without doubting the thoroughness of his conversion to Christianity, there is a law of the spiritual world, the operation of which may account for much of what is recorded both of David and Paul. It is a circumstance peculiar to the spiritual world, and a matter of common experience to souls on entering it, that all states return. Every one who enters the world of spirits lives, as it were, his life on earth over again. In some cases the events of that life may pags in as rapid succession as the panorama of life passes before the mental vision of the drowning man. In other cases the process may be difficult and prolonged. Those who are either very good or very wicked pass quickly to their final place, having little to be divested of that is opposed to their essential character. Those whose character is more mixed undergo a longer and more trying process. The purpose of the recurrence of former states is a beneficent one. In the natural world, all states to some extent, and Rome states to a great extent, arc influenced by the circumstances peculiar to the world. In the natural world a variety of external motives as well as circumstances may modify the ruling love, and render our conduct and our state, even in our own estimation,
- 80. DAYID A.'iD PAUL. 77 'different from what they essentially are. In the other world, when we are undergoing a process of vastation, external restraints and motives are removed, and we see ourselves more as we really are, and are thus enabled to read our character in every action, and to come to see what we are, both in ourselves and as we have by the grace of God become. Another fact to be considered is this, that however much a man may be reformed and regenerated, his proprium or his original nature is never abolished, but remains with him to eternity, so that the highest angels, as to the proprium or root of their corrupt nature, are nothing but evil. The proprium of the angels is even capable of being stirred up into activity, and exerting itself in opposition to that which constitutes their new nature. And such and so subtle is the activity of the angelic proprium, that when the Lord was engaged in the work of redemption, part of which consisted in bringing the heavens into order, so great was the resistance of the angels from their proprium, that the severest of all the Lord's temptations were those which He endured from them; 80 that the conflict was greater in restoring the heavens to order than bringing the hells into subjection. The reason assigned by our author for this is, that the angels act npon ends, which, being the most interior, are the most subtle, and therefore affect most exquisitely the subject on whom they act. Proprium, or self-hood, consists of the love of self and the love or the world, or the love of ruling and the love of possessing. These are necessary elements of human nature, and can never be destroyed. Differences of character depend on the different positions they hold in relation to their opposites-the love of God and the love of the neigh- bour. In the evil man and the evil spirit, self-love and the love of the world rule; in the good man and the angel they serve, the love of God and the love of the neighbour ruling. The dominion of the love of selt is hell, and the dominion of the love of God is heaven. This may be otherwise expressed by saying that the dominion of the natural mind is hell, and the dominion of the spiritual mind is heaven; for, as we have said, the natural mind is a form of hell,' and the spiritual mind is a form of heaven; or what is the same, the natural mind is actuated by self-love, and the spiritual mind by love to God. The character of every man, and of every spirit, yea, of every angel, has 'therefore two sides, and may be viewed under two distinct and even opposite aspects. There is this immense difference between them, that in the man and the spirit heavenly and infernal loves are yet struggling for the ascendancy, and each alternately may s~em the only active, and.
- 81. 78 DAVID AND PAUL. consequently the ruling principle of the life; while, in the angel, the conflict is over, the victory is gained. His proprium indeed still exists, and has a certain degree of activity, but that activity gives rise only to those beneficent and for the most part grateful alternations of state that serve to stimulate the mind to aspire after higher degrees of perfection, and to introduce the soul into higher degrees of blessedness. Such views, delivered in the enlightened works of our author, prepare us rightly to estimate the revelations of character in the other life, especially in the world of spirits, where the secret springs of action are set free-the latent heat of the proprium, which is its love, becomes active and sensible. The revelations respecting David and Paul are, we think, to be understood as revelations of the character of their proprium, of one side of their nature, and therefore not inconsistent with a final state of goodness and happiness. It is not inconsistent with the t111e character of our Seer to assume, that at the early period of his presence in the other world, his own impressions of the real state of some with whom he had intercourse may not have been such as a more abundant experience would have confirmed. As one case will enable us to judge of both, we will turn our attention to that of Paul. The most comprehensive view of his character is that which is given in the following statement:- " Paul is among the worst of the apostles, which was made known from much experience. The love of self, by which he was allured before he preached the Gospel, remained with him also afterwards; and because he was then almost in • similar state, he was incited by that love and by nature, so that he willed to be one of a crowd who acted from the end that they might be the greatest in heaven, and judge the tribes of Israel. That he remained such afterwards appeared from much experience, for I have spoken with him more than with others; yea, he is such that the rest of the apoBtles in the other life reject him from their company, nor will they any longer acknowledge him for one of them." This certainly presents the apostle under a not very favourable aspect. Yet if we examine the passage, and compare the description of his state with what is recorded in the Diary itself of some of the other apostles, we may find reason to think less unfavouarbly of him. In the first place he is spoken of as one of'the apostles. So far this agrees with the constant testimony of the author's published writings. It is next said that he is one of the worst of the apostles. From this, remember, we exclude Judas, who is never, either in the author's loose notes or in his works, mentioned as an apostle. There is but one entry respecting him in those early records, which is in the Adve'rsaria,. and there he is
- 82. DAVID AND PAUL. 78 spoken,of, not as Judas the apostle, but as " Judas the traitor." The author had not seeD him, but had heard that "there was said to be hope of him, because he was one of the elect, who were given to God Messiah by Jehovah the Father, as God Messiah declared." The words of the Messiah alluded to are evidently those which He uttered in His prayer, recorded in the 17th of John, for there is no other instance of His saying so. But the Lord is not there praying for the apostles in particular, but for the disciples in general. Nor is the declaration applicable to the case of the apostles, God Messiah having chosen them Himself. In His prayer the Lord speaks of Judas as a lost one-" None of them is lost but the son of perdition." If, notwithstanding this, there was still hope of Judas, it is another instance of the truth, that the persons mentioned in the Word were representative, and were spoken of as such; and that as some of them were worse than the literal language of Scripture would seem to imply, some of them may have been better. Excluding Judas, then, from the number of the apostles, Paul's being one of the worst among them is in itself no very serious charge. A further charge against him is, that he was actuated by self-love, as before, so also after, he preached the gospel; and he desired to be one of a number who acted from the end that they might be greatest in heaven, and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what the whole of the apostles did when they were on earth. They contended among themselves which should be greatest; and in accommodation to their state received the promise that they should sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. According to the testimony of our Seer, they also retained the same desire in the world of spirits. The extract we shall make respecting them is long, but it is in other respects instructive, and is explanatory of our present SUbject. The author is describing a discussion or disputation in the world 01 spirits. He says- U The subjects about which they reasoned were especially three. The first was whether it ought to be understood according to the letter, that the apostles should sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Isnwl, an interpretauo. defended by many. Such as receive this merely literal sense were in a certain anxiety lest they should be cast down from their judgment seats. There were several of the apostles present who were the subjects of those who receive none but the literal sense of the words, and defend the same; other apostles being excepted. who were absent. For when they are remitted into a corporeal state of life, which is the ease when they come down from the heaven of angels into the heaven of
- 83. 80 DAVID AND PAUL. spirits, they are then in a disposition to defend such literalism, since they had believed no otherwise ill the life of the body, than that they should judge the twelve tribes of Israel. As, however, such a literalism is altogether repugnant to the sphitual sense of the Word, they become extremely indignant, demanding, in that state, to be considered the rightful judges. There are very many also who, delighting in such tumults, incite other spirits, and who desire to stir up the apostles against the church and the interior sense of the Word, and especially against that which is yet more interior." "Another subject of their reasoning was, whether anyone could be admitted into heaven unless in the world he had suffered persecutions and miseries, which is vehemently maintained by the apostles whilst they are in their former state, as in the life of the body, and they accordingly desire to judge; and when only by way of trial they are permitted to judge, it was stated that they are not willing to admit any into heaven except martyrs, and those who had suffered persecutions, and consequent miseries. Thus they understood the Lord's words according to the sense of the letter, that those are blessed who suffer such things. Hence they wish to merit heaven, and to inherit it from merit; wherefore they desire to exclude all others, and adjudge them to suffer punishments, Such is the nature of their judgment, which they had frequently asserted; thus thinking themselves worthy to be pre· ferred before others, because they had suffered persecutions more than others, and had preached the Gospel throughout the world, for upon these subjects there had always been frequent contentions. When it was pointed out to them that on this principle heretics, who suffered punishment, would have the same claim to heaven as themselves, they said that they had not suffered for the faith and the Gospel. Being asked whether they had not suffered for their own sake, that they might sit upon thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel,'they could not deny, because they had been willing to believe it. But it was shown them that if they had suffered for their own glory, thus not for the truth's sake, they suffered no otherwise ihan those who undergo persecutions on account of heresies and similar causes. .As to their having believed, when yet their belief was not true, and still they had taught truly, this was quite common and well known, that men can preach truths and yet live contrary to them. They also wished to exhibit what their life had been, how they had condemned men, and how they had a~ogated to themselves the power of excommunicating and acquitting, so of shutting and opening heaven; but it was not permitted them to adduce any t!ling in particular respecting this life. And in reply to their assertion, that they believed no otherwise than on account of the true faith, and thus from the Lord, it was said, that according to his ·faith such is any man's life, and that from our life it may, consequently, be con· duded of what quality a man's faith is; and that, moreover, many think they believe, or have faith, whereas they have no faith; for the life shows what kind their faith is. Against these arguments, after they had considered them, they had nothing to reply. It was only added that the Lord has some good in reservation for those who think they believe, whereas they do not believe. " It was added that there are myriads in heaven who are more worthy than the apostles, although they have Buffered no such persecutions, &c.; which they could not deny, inasmuch as the heavens are full of angels, whereas the apostles are only in the exterior heaven.
- 84. DAVID AND PAUL. 81 U It is a wonderful circumstanoe, that when a certain individual was in a middle state, as it were, each by turns in quick succession, in heaven as an angel and out of it as a spirit, 80 as to be alternating between both; when he was in heaven, he said he could not be a spirit; and when a spirit, that he could not be in heaven; thus, by reason that one forthwith forge'" his former .tate. Hence, also, it may be known what is the peculiar state of some who are in heaven, namely, that .omenme. corporeal affectiO'nlwar with heavenly, and thus they love neither the one nor the other; wherefore, when from such an equilibrium of what is heavenly and what is corporeal anxiety results, and consequently a sort of fermentation, such a one is then brought back into the former state of his life, until it becomes irksome to him, whereupon he is again admitted into heaven, as haviDg been already gifted by the Lord with such a capacity to be one amongst the angels, whell80ever corporeal affections do not predominate, for thus the contending powers balance each other. Whilst the heavenly faculty prevails, he enjoys heaven by gift of the Lord; and this capacity for heaven is that continual endowment from the Lord, being something constantly superadded to hit former life, which is never taken away." Now, being altemately in heaven as an angel and out of it as a spirit, is being alternately in a spiritual state and in 8 natural state; in 8 state of the internal man, which is a little heaven, and in the extemal man, which, in and by itself, is a little hell. These are the alternations of state in which departed men are, before they are prepared for heaven. The external state is called a corporeal state, such as that in which men are in the world. While in this state, these apostles think and feel very much as Paul is described as thinking and feeling; only, he is "among the worst of the apostles." This we understand to mean-if we have taken the right view of the subject-not necessarily that Paul was altogether in a worse state than the rest of the apostles, but that his proprium was more deeply imbued with the love of self and the world; or, as the same idea is commonly expressed, that he was a man of stronger passions than the rest. And we know how he gave way to them as a pharisee. If we can suppose the return of those states in which he was when he persecuted the church of Christ, nothing that is recorded of him here or in any other part of the Diary can be considered as exhibiting qualities more opposed to the spirit of heaven than might be expected. This, and the whole character of the man, indicate a naturally fierce self-hood, which it might be most difficult wholly to conquer, and bring under entire submission to, and harmony with, the new man bom within him; but the subjugation of which might make him a more perfect character than others who had inherited a less- powerful self-hood, and had needed to do less to subdue and sanctify it~ (To be continued.) 6
- 85. 82 REVIEWS. GOD'S WEEK OF WORK. By EVAN LEWIS, B.A., F.G.S., &c. Pitman. Tms is another attempt to reconcile Genesis and geology. Admitting that all previous theories have failed, 'the author advances a new one of his own. According to him, Genesis does not describe the creation of the world, but" the origin of the Garden of Eden, the formation of Adam and Eve, together with some of the domestio animals and plants specially required for their sustenanoe." He draws his arguments chiefly from the Hebrew text, in which, he maintains, "there is not a word which necessarily shows it to be a narration of the creation." A local creation, like a local flood, is the last attempt to hold on to the literal sense of a narrative which has only a spiritual signification. BIBLE PHOTOGRAPHS. A Contrast between the Righteous and the Wicked, as described in the Word of God. Bya BmLE STUDENT, author of "Our Eternal Homes." London: F. Pitman, 20, Paternoster-row, E.C. 1865. Tms little book should rather, we think, have been designated as Bible Contrasts; a title which would have conveyed at first hearing some idea of its scope. Its purpose is to contrast,-by means of a great number of passages carefully selected from the Word, of which it is impossible to doubt the writer's being a very diligent student,-the spiritual experience of the righteous and the wicked; of thOle, namely, according to the author's definition, who obey, and of those who resist, the uni· versal call to repentance and life. The first, therefore, of the thirteen sections into which the book is divided, treated indeed as a kind of preface to, and not numbered with, the other twelve, is appropriately entitled the Universal Call. It commences, as does each section, with a very brief introduction, or argument, to use an old-fashioned phrase, and presents us with a selection of beautiful Soripture invitations to amendment of life :-" Seek ye the Lord while he may be found," "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden," &c.; each passage being provided with due reference to book, chapter, and verse. We confess we should have liked to see this section extended, as we miss some very favourite passages; especially that one most touching adjuration in Revelations (iii. 20.)-" Behold, I stand at the door, and knock," &c. It must, however, be borne in mind, that it is impossible to include all the beautiful passages of Scripture in a work of this kind; and every student would naturally select his own favourites. The
- 86. REVIEWS. 88 twelve remaining sections present the contrast indicated on the title page; the passages descriptive of the experience of the wicked being on the one page, opposite to those descriptive of the experience of the righteous on the other. Thus :-1. Repentance and Rebellion; IT. Consolations and Threatenings; ID. Thanksgiving and Blasphemy; V. Obedience and Transgression, &c., stand contrasted with each other, winding up, in Section Xli., with the contrasted experience of the righteous and the wicked In the Hour of Death. A book of this nature affords of course little scope for the reviewer, except in respect to details of arrangement; and in these we should be inclined to suggest some amendm~nt in any future edition. We have, for instance, Scripture warrant for placing the sheep on the right hand and the goats on the left; but here, by a mere oversight, probably, the passages of Scripture relating to the wicked occupy the right-hand page. Further, we think it would materially promote the author's object,-the placing ready for prompt reference collated passages on specific subjects,-if the pages of his book, instead of bearing the same headings all through-the Righteous, and the Wicked-were headed with reference to each particular section; thus in Section I., we would like the pages to be headed Repentance and Rebellion, respec- tively; in Section IT., Consolations and Threatenings, and 80 on; while in the 1ast section, the Righteous in the hour of death, and the Wicked in the hour of death, would wind up the contrast. This is the more desirable as the book contains no index to the various sections. To many readers who prefer being provided with their spiritual food ready prepared, if we may so express it, to having to cater for them- selves, and seek in the varied treasuries of the Word for that which is specifically adapted to their immediate condition, we imagine this little book would prove very acceptable; but we think the trifiing alterations we have suggested would, precisely to these, enhance its value. Before concluding this brief notice, we take an opportunity of putting to the writer a question, not indeed more personally directed to him than to a large majority of the Christian world-to the whole Protestant Christian world, we may say, with the very rarest exceptions. If it be true, as stated in the heading to Section V., on Obedience, that" The Ten Commandments written at first by the 'finger of God,' constitute the infallible guide for human conduct," why do none of us attempt to obey some of them? Why do we make and bring into our houses statues and pictures, likenesses of all things "in heaven and earlih," and of fOBBils under. the earth? Why do we dis!egard the
- 87. 84 REVIEWS. injunction to keep holy the Sabbath day-the seventh day, or Saturday, which that marvellous people the Jews, to whose fathers these com- mandments were given, still keep in memory of the ordinanee? Our Sunday is and must be the first day of the week, the day on which the Lord rOBe, not that on which He rested. Or even granting the transfer~ ence of day, why do we not obey this infallible mIe of human conduct, by doing no work on the Sabbath-day ?-by abstaining, as did the J ewe in theirs, from even lighting a fire in our habitations ?-obedienee to which, we believe, not even the most rigid advocate of Sabbatarianism has ever aspired. For it must be bome in mind that the commandment does not say no unnecessary work, but no work. Again; do we believe that we ought to honour our father and mother for the sake of a long life in this good land which the Lord our God has given us? or do we believe that the most dutiful children live longest? And we must not attempt to ascribe a spiritual significance to this "land" while we maintain the position, that these ten commandments are in the letter an infallible role of conduct. Again-and this we think the most extraordinary feature in the question-a feature which renders it extraordinary that such a ques- tion should have any existence-if these ten commandments afford an infallible rule for human conduct, why did our Lord Himself alter them? Why, "hen appealed to (see Matt. xix. 18.) as to whioh were the commandments that a man must keep if he would enter into life, did He give -them as follows :-" Thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, honour thy father and thy mother, and thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" ?-leaving out all those portions of the com· mandments which related to especial Jewish errors (a belief in many gods, a tendency to worship idols), to Jewish ceremonials (the keeping holy of the Sabbath, by the double sacrifice, see Numb. xxviii., and by absolute abstinence from labour of any kind), and to Jewish rewards (the long life upon earth which was by them, knowing of no life beyond, deemed the highest of all possible blessings). Nor did our Lord, moreover, leave any ground for arguing, indeed He especially guards against the suggestion, that such omission was accidental, when, (~ Matt. xxii. 87-40.) in giving us the especially Christian command.. menta-the Two which embrace so far wider a scope than the Ten, the commandments to love the Lord with all our heart and soul and mind, and our neighbour as ourself-He adds: "On these Two Command- ments hang all the Law and the prophets."
- 88. REVIEWS. 86 Why-we repeat the question in all Christian earnestness, entreat- ing a considerate and candid reply,-why did our Lord alter the commandments, giving them afresh to the world with the omission of several~ and the addition, in the first passage quoted of 0118, in the latter of two new commandments? Simply, is not the answer inevitable ?-because the Ten Commandments which had been the mIe of life for the Jews, but which were compatible with polygamy, slavery, hatred of enemies, retaliation, &c., were not to be, and could not be the infallible mIe of life for Christians. We know that the external man needs an external law; and that our Lord supplies, in the first series of commandments quoted above; but that a Chri8tian~ however external, should need the same law as a Jew, is a proposition untenable in the face of our Lord's words :-" Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time," &c.; "but I say unto you," &e. (See Matt. v. 21, 22; 27, 28; 81, 82; 88, 84, &c.) In a word, then, what more justification have we, for setting up as our infallible mIe of life, the Ten Jewish Commandments, in face of the Lord's revised and altered version of them, than we should have for setting up the Jewish laws of divorce, of retaliation, and the like, in face of oU;l Lord's substitutes for them? This is a question to which we earnestly desire to draw attention. Let it be observed that it is no doctrinal, or controversial question; it is a simple question as to which shonld stand first in autbority, with Christians-the law given to Moses, or the law given by our Lord Jesus Christ, with His own lips? We are aware that the example of the whole Protestant Christian world may be quoted in favour of the retention of the Ten Commandments in our services; but we are not to follow a multitude to do evil, and as we hold ourselves bound to reject various doctrines for which the same authority may be urged, we should Iot assign any weight to such an argument. Moreover, what has been the result of this, among other practices? The result has been, that the so-called Christian world, in grasping backwards after the Judaism, which afforded 80 welcome a eloke for hatred, vengeance, &0., has lapsed into the heathenism of not even attempting to obey the Jewish standard it set up. No wonder that it became a doctrine, that man was unable to keep the Command- ments, while these Commandments, some of which no one even -attempted to obey, were supposed to be the commandments a Christian was enjoined to keep! And shall we-rejecting this un-Christian doctrine,-recognizing the great truth that all religion has relation to life,-Devertheless
- 89. 86 BEVIEWB. cJ.itlg to this old un-Christian practice, of rehearsing Sunday by Sunday, with the preface-" God spake aU these words and said " - the Jewish commandments, a portion of which our Lord abrogated, and which portion we do not even pretend to think binding on us ? Is this Christian truthfulness, or Christian obedience to our Lord's example, or reverence for His words? Is this a making of all things new, fit for that blessed New Church of which we aspire to be a humble but living branch? If not, why should we not change this? Does not life mean progress? Does not stagnation mean death? And how can aNew Church fulfil its mission, while it hesitates to break the bonds of error imposed on it by unconscious inheritance from the old? It should never, indeed, be forgotten that the spiritual sense of these commandments is eternally living and true; but a comprehension and application of this spiritual sense is not promoted by a misplaced use of the letter, any more than that of any other portion of Scripture would be; that, for instance, of the Jewish sacrifices, should we insist that these in the letter were still binding on us. We beg, therefore, all our "Christian brethren, of whatever denomination, whom these remarks may reach, to take up and work out this question for themselves, and to act accordingly. We would apologize for so long a digression from the subject of our review, but that we think the question brought forward one of real importance, and one which we should rejoice to see taken up by the .author of Bible Photographs. We may add, in conclusion, that the value of his present work will be increased to all his readers, if they bear in ~d that the whole of the Bible is addressed in the spirit, to every man's soul; and that, in the progress of regeneration and of death unto sin, we may find representatively, in our own .varying and conflicting states, both the Righteous and the Wicked, and the applica- tion of all the Scripture passages set forth in relation to both. M. C. H. R. ,MIS CE LLANE 0 US.. ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. Swedenborgians, because we have im- "New Churchmen! Why"do you not bibed sufficiently of that intelligence and call yourselves Swedenbor.gians? Surely independency of .thought which distin- that would be more intelligible to the guished Swedenborg, to prevent us from public, and by adopting it you would calling our religious convictions by a avoid the imputation of presumption!" name which could in any way savor of Such were the remarks which a gentle- human origin. Such a name would not 'man 'addressed to us some time ago. We correctly express our position, because it 'desire to record the substance of our would imply that we accepted the senti· reply-"We do not regard ourselves as menta of a mfD for eur spiritual creed;
- 90. 'MISCELLANEOUS. 87 ,and this is not the case. Moreover, we never pass away; every passage of i~ have reason to believe that his chastened can be made to harmonise with the doc- mind never contemplated that the New trines she divulges and the purity she Jerusalem, which cometh down hom God requires; and this being BO, she is not a out of heaven, should have attached to it Swedenborgian sect, but the Lord's anything belonging ~o him. He dis- New Jerusalem. Moreover, such was tinctly referred all he knew of it and all Swedenborg's aversion to be personally he has said about it, to the Lord. He mixed up with his writings on the spiri- would have shrunk in dismay at the tual things of the church, that he pub- thought of anyone who adopted the lished the main portions of those writings heavenly doctrines ealling themselves by without his name." The gentleman his name; he would have felt it to be a bowed, and said there might be something degradation of spiritual things, and in these views of the ease. regarded it as a narrowing into a secta- U The Burial Service" of the" Church rian channel those divine truths which of England." In" Public Opinion" of he knew to be the constituents of a the 4th of November, the following ap- , universal theology.' Instead of making peared under the signature of " Seventy- us more intelligible to the public, it six." "Sir,-It is not in the spirit of would misrepresent our position, and scepticism or hypercriticism that I now associate the New Church with the write to you, but in the object of ob- public ignorance concerning him. The taining opinions (for information we information of the public co'bcerning cannot have) on what has appeared or Swedenborg is eminently crude and seemed to me to be an incongruous remarkably erroneou~; to ea1l ourselves, anomaly, or rather, palpable contradic- then, by his name would be to counte- tion, in our burial service; for in one nance such crudities and mi~takes. No, part of it we are assured that----' Flesh sir, we name our church from the Word, and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of and have Swedenborg's authority for heaven,' and in aDother we are equally calling it the New Church, signified by assured that-' Though worms destroy the New Jerusalem in the Revelation. this body, yet in my 1lesh shall I ~e And what presumption is there in this 1 God.'" On the 11th following, several Surely the New Jerusalem is spoken of letters appeared in answer; we make as a Dew dispensation of spiritual truth extracts from two. The first, under the among mankind in the world; and signature of "Parvus," disposes of the what presumption can there be in accept- passage from Job by showing that it has mg that truth when U may please the no reference to the resurrection, but to Lord to present it to us for that pur- the future prosperity of Job in the world, pose? Your objections and recommenda- and then observes-" I hold that the tions, sir, are no doubt founded on some true doctrine of the resurrection is taught vo.1gar mistake." "But do you not in the words of the apostle :-' Flesh and accept the religious teachings of Sweden- blood cannot inherit the kingdom of borg 1" " Certainly! still in no other heaven.' Nor is there the least necessity sense than we accept the teachings of the for this, as he just previously teaches. Prophets and Evangelists. It does not 'There is '-not 'will be '-' a natural follow, because we believe what Isaiah and there is a spiritual body.' Man has has written or Matthew has related, that two bodies, and leaving the natural we should call ourselves Isaiahites or world, passes into the spiritual with his Matthewites; so, because we accept what 'spiritual body.'" The second letter, Swedenborg has taught, that is no reason under the signature of "Comelius," why we should eal1 ourselves Sweden- observes-" It has long appeared to me borgiaDs. 'What Swedenborg has written that the common notion of the resur- for the New Church, he tells, was not rection of a body from the dead is from himself, nor from any angel, but altogether a gross error, founded upon from the Lord alone, while reading the a manifest misconstruction of the reason Word. (U"iversal Theology, 779.) And or necessity that the identical body of this being the declared origin of the Jesus should be raised from the dead. ·dootrines of the New Church, it would Paul preached at Athens the resurrection be eminently wrong to call them Swe- of the body of Jesus as a fact, 'whereof denborgian. All her teachings have their He hath given assurance unto all men, .bases in that Di~e Word which can in that .He bath raised Him from the .
- 91. 88 M:I80ELLA~OU8. dead.' Whereupon (the Athenians taking motion, however, embraoed the whole this to apply to the bodily resurrection Bible, and was not, like Mr. Duff's, of mankind) , some mocked; and others limited to the New Testament. We shall said, We will hear thee again of this look forward with some interest to the matter.' The foundation-stone of Chris- discussion which may &rise on this tianity is the fact of the resurrection of motion, because its results cannot be the identical body of Jesus from the otherwise than favoumble to truth. dead, because it proves that there can The "Herald" states that the Evan- be another life beyond the grave, not gelical party in the church are endeavour- that there will be a material resurrection ing to set on foot a movement, by which of humanity; it was only necessary to to put down the Romanizing tendencies raise that identical body, which had of so many within its borders, and which been purposely so notoriously put to are now assuming such alarming propor- death at the request of the Jew, but by tions within the Protestant establishment. the act of the Gentile,. to seal Chris- They speak of those tendencies in strong tianity with the signet of Divinity." terms of disapprobation, and are about to Thus great publicity has been obtained ask Parliament for a declaratory Act, set- for a very important doctrine, which ting forth that lights (candles) in the day- cannot be otherwise than useful. time, crosses on the commumon table, or Apropos to the subject of the material in religious service, incense, and UD- resurrection as taught by "the ortho- canonial vestments are illegal; and giving dox," we quote the following from Sir summary power to the authorities to sup- John Herschel, in the "Fortnightly press them. The" Guardian," the organ Review" of an early Number of the past of the High Church party, speaks of this year :-" For the benefit of those who as an attempt of "ultra Low Church discuss the subjects of population, war, busybodies," and reminds them that it is pestilence, &c., it may be as well to a game at which two can play, remarking mention that the number of human that if High Churchmen may be made to beings living at the end of the hundredth cease from certain ritualistic forms, the generation, commencing from a single Low Church may be made to observe pair, doubling at each generation (say them; and speaks of the attempt as "a in thirty years), and allowing for each mark of the imbecility of a defeated man, woman, and child an average space clique." How bright must be the faith of of four feet in height, and one foot those whose Christian courtesies display square, would form a vertical column, themselves in such elegant expressions! having for its base the whole surface of Is it not astonishing to find sensible.men the earth and sea spread out into a attaching so much importance to outward plain, and for its height, 3,674 times rituals, which can have no vitality in the sun's distance from the earth. The them, but which are set before the public number of human strata thus piled up as demanding more attention than the one on the other would amount to intelligent principles of the Divine Word? 460,790,000,00J,000." Surely this cal- Rubrics and canons are contended for culation is suggestive of a new difficulty and against, by these two parties, with for those to dispose of who expect a more earnestness than that which they material resurrection at what they call bring to the truth and simplicity of the last judgment, or the last day. The revelation. earth will certainly not afford space for In the early part of N ovembeT last, such an assemblage, and their number Dr. Manning, "Cardinal Archbishop of would block up the sky between the Westminster," addressed a meeting at earth and the SUD 1 Wolverhampton, on the conversion of Mt. Grant Duff, M.P., proposes, in the England to the Roman Catholic faith. coming session of Parliament, to move In that address he said :-" If they asked for an address to the Crown for a Royal what truths were now at stake, he would Commission, to inquire into the accuracy answer. The liberty, and purity of the of the authorised version of the New church of God on earth-no longer here Testament, with a view to get it made in England, no more in this northern more correct. Ten years since, Mr. province of the church, for the enemy J ames HeyWood made a similar motion, of the church had carried the war into which, being opposed by the govemment the head of the empire, and the conftict of the day, was lost. Mr. Beywood's was waged round the walla of Rom"..
- 92. KISOELLANEOU8. 89 The same principles were, however, at Society which shall consist of members stake - the purity and liberty of the of the Anilican Church, and that it church of God. It was no contest for shall be governed by a president and Romagna and parts of the Adriatic, but council and other officers. It is urged fM the fre~ exercis~ of tM diBcipline of by the promoters that the time appears tlu church over the 'lDorld--the BUpreme to have come for the formal recognition authority of the Vicar of the church of by the church of lay agents as assistants ChriBt, over govtm~ntl, legislature" to the ordained ministers; and that there kiflg8, and emperor" aI 'lDeU aI indi- are many laymen who would be willing t1iduaZ,." Thus, according to Dr. to serve as lay deacons to help the clergy Manning, the struggle going on, and in any way consistent with their position, for the success of which he hopes, is a provided they were not pledged to a per- struggle to obtain universal dominion for petual performance of the duties en- the Papacy; for this is what he regards trusted to them, or such daily labours as the church of God. He seems to be as are entrusted to Scripture readers. A utterly unconscious that this aiming after number of noblemen, gentlemen, men in dominion by the church is one of the professions and business, have offered most detestable things by which it could their support to the proposed Society, be infested, and one more certain to pro- and several are willing to take upon mote its downfall than any other. It themselves the duties of lay deacons. aft'ords a remarkable illustration of what So that u the church is bestirring itself;" Swedenborg has said concerning those to what such a movement may lead, among the Papists who claim to them- should it be extensively adopted, when sel~es the power of opening and shutting active and business-minded men are heaven, and who are signified by Babylon. brought into thoughtful contact with the His words are--" By Babylon, or Babel, duties of the church, remains to be seen. is meant the love of dominion over the We feel that one of the necessary results holy things of the church, grounded in must be a thrusting into the shade of the love of self, inasmuch as that love some of the more glaring errors of her rises in proportion as it is left without doctrinal teaching; for when earnest restl'aint. And since this love thus acts men begin, without the prejudices in- the pari of the devil, because it aspires seminated by a collegiate education, to to the same things, it cannot do otherwise think upon those doctrines, the natural than profane holy things. "-(Apocalypse tendency of such thought must be to Revealed, 71 i.) " They have confirmed leave the errors which they inculcate, their tenets by proofs from the Word,- and seek for the region of some superior but read them with attention, and you light, having for its object a clearer will see that they apply everything taken view of genuine Christianity. The pro- from the Word to the obtaining dominion gress of heavenly truth has much to over the souls of men, and to the acquir- hope for from the earnest and thoughtful ing to themselves divine power, authority, activity which is being more or less and majesty."-(718.) Such dorts on developed in all denominations. the part of those who accept the Romish The creeds questioned in the house of religion, may well alarm those who are their friends. Principal Tulloch, in his not fortified, by faith in the knowledge opening address to the students of St. that "the Mother of Harlots," has been Andrew's University, expressed his belief judged in the spiritual world, and happily, that the day was rapidly approaching even for herself, has lost the power when the claims of the creeds and con- which is requisite to succeed in any fessions of faith to hold the place of future attempt at that universal dominion authority they had done, wonld be keenly which her great authority in this country canvassed. The address was remarkable declares to be her purpose. (See Last for its vigour and courage. The follow- judgment.) ing passages from it will no doubt be Lay orders in the Church ot England. interesting to our readers :_U The popu- A meeting of clergy and laity, presided lar ecclesiastical notion of creeds and over by the Archdeacon of London, was confessions as in some sense absolute held at the Charter-house, on the 11th expressions of Christian trnth-crttknda of December, having for its object the to be accepted very much as we accept revival of lay orders in the Church of the statements of Scri~e itself-is a England. It is proposed to form a notion in the face of all theological
- 93. 90 JlISOELLANBOUS. 'science, which every theological student series of articles on SwedeJlborg as a deserving of the name has long since man of science. Those articles ex- .abandoned. Those creeds and oonfessions tended over four numbers, ending with are neither more nor less than the intel- that of November 17th. They are lectual labours of great and good men short, interesting papers, written with .assembled, for the most part in synods a thoroughly appreciative spirit, and or councils, all of which, as our confes- cannot fail to bring the illustrious philo- sion itself declares, 'may err, and many sopher under the favourable notiee of have erred.' Theyare stamped with the hundreds who were previously unae- infirmities DO less than with the noble- quainted with his wonderful attainments ness of those who made them. They are in the walks of science. We have now their best thoughts about Christian truth the pleasure of stating that the "Mirror as they saw it in their time. Intrinsically of Science," a weekly miscellany, &c., they are nothing more; and any claim of has also taken up the subject, and that infallibility for them is the worst of all the first article in the number for Satur- kinds of popery-that popery which de- day, the 16th of December, is--" An Old grades the ChriBtian reason,while it fails to Philosopher." This turns out to be an nourish the Christian imagination. . • . interesting article on Swedenborg and Many signs warn us that we must no his philosophy on magnetism, which is longer, as a church, repose in a mere to be continued. It is written with a blind traditionalism, under the impres- favourable pen, and it will introduce the sion that our fathers have settled the "Old Philosopher" to a large auditory sum of Christian knowledge for us, and to whom he was before unknown. We left us only to follow in their steps. feel indebted to the editors of these My own profound conviction is, that periodiea1s for admitting those papers, religious thought in Scotland, no less and respectfully recommend those works 'than in England, has already entered to the scientific friends of the church. upon a movement which is destined to " One good tum deserves another." :remould dogmatic belief more largely than any previous movement in the INDIA. history of the church; and that it is We publish for the information of our well nigh impossible that the old rela- readers, who will no doubt be interested tion of our church to the Westminster in the effort made to introduce the truths Confession can eontinue. • • • It is of the New Church to the immense an utter misconeeption of the nature of populations of India, an abstract of an belief, and of the growth of Christian "Address from the Right Reverend thought in all ages, to reprobate new Bishop Bugnion to the Natives of India," tendencies of speculation and of culture recently issued. We are convinced that arising within national churches." We the prinoiples of the New Dispensation hail these encouraging statements, and afford the only ground upon which the belieTe that there is something wise to Hindoos can accept Ohristianity, for they hope for from the students who are alone can explain the origins of their own educated under the influence of a Prin- traditions and forms of worship, and by cipal who has the courage to avow them. leading them once more to their own long- Of course this address has not gone lost fountains of thought, enable them to unchallenged. Dr. Gibson, the cham- drink of living waters, and thus prepare pion of high orthodoxy, has denounced them to see that wisdom flows to them it as propounding doctrines which" are and to us alike from the throne of that subversive of all fixed authoritative Divine Saviour who is, and who was, and standards either of faith or morals." who is to come. We are not aware of It is, nevertheless, being largely ac- the grounds on which the title of Bishop cepted by liberal and thinking portions is assumed by the writer of the address. of the church, and it may be fairly taken He was formerly superintendent of Pro- as another indication of the new and ad- testant Missions in a district in Russia, vancing influence which is descending we are informed; subsequent to his recep- from on high. tion of the principles of the New Church It was mentioned in the December he laboured in the islands of Mauritius number of the Repository that the and Bourbon, we understand with con- "English Mechanic," &c., of October siderable success. The address has 27th, contained the first of an intended occasioned considerable discussion in
- 94. MISCELLANEOUS. 91 the public papers in India, and the New and in the theology which proceeds Church has been well defended by her from it." friends in that country. Thus it eom- An elaborate and interesting argument mences:- is then entered upon, to prove that "Natives of India,-In establishing "the unity of God is clearly taught by ourselves upon the soil trodden by the the Lord," after which the addresu thousands of generations that have suc- pl'oceeds:- ceeded each other from your first fathers "People of India! In offering to in- down to yourselves, and in doing so at struct you, at your own request, writing the very moment when you awaU the last to us for that in the place indicated, and incarnation of Vishnu, and that in the from whence we will reply to you, with name of a religious principle not yet the help of God to serve as testimony, represented in this country-that of the we will say to you,-Our church admits church of the Lord, or New Church, of the antiquity of your race, and of your whioh the basis is love to God and love religious rites, and we think we can to thy neighbour, with faith in Jehovah, establish that the general principles of one only Parabramah or BagBvat, sole your religion, in their primitive purity, souree of this love, and who, in assuming offer the same characters as the general the human form in this world, for its principles which constitute the life of sal vation, took the name of Jesus Christ, Christianity, attesting that truth, anci- we feel, above all, the necessity of ex- ently the same for all, becomes obliterated plaining to you the fitness of our mission in the lapse of time, by reason of self- to serve as a witness amoilgst you. love, aud love of the world; which have " Convinced that Christianity is truth, brought man 'to change the glory of and that its dogmas are eminently suited the incorruptible God into images which to make the happiness of humanUy, we represent corruptible man, birds, four- ask ourselves what can be the reason that footed beasts, and reptiles.' (Rom. i. 28.) Christianity has not been received by the Whence it is that these figures, formerly people of India, although it has been attributes of the Divinity, or sometimes preached to them from the most remote the state of the human heart, having lost times, &iDce the apostle Thomas began ~heir first significance, are now become the work, and Mar Mares, Mar Sopor, absolute idols. • .. . Mar Pedosis, Pantene, and others carried "Meanwhile, as Jehovah had fore- it on, watering that whieh the apostle seen from all eternity that which would had planted? " happen, He had also provided that His The writer here enumerates the various work should not perish. For this purpose abortive efforts, from those of the Portu- He manifested Himself in different ways guese Missionaries onwards, to found to man, under the human form and in Christianity in India, and then pro- His 'Vord, determining in a manner even ceeds:- more perfect, what He would do to save "This consideration, in conjunction the world, when His incarnation became with those who have preceded it, has indispensable to save us. It is this also convinced us that the ill-suCce88 of that your ancestors have wished to repre- modem missions proceeds not so much sent, in speaking of the second mani- from the missionaries themselves, many festation of Parabrahma, under the name of whom enjoy a certain reputation for of Vishnu, and the different forms that zeal, and even self-denial, as from the they have lent to Vishnu, until that in nature of the Cluistianity that they which he becomes the good pastor preach, different from that preached by Khrishna, the sage Boudha, are the the apostle Thomas and his successors, allegory of the different prophetic mani- until the first Council of Nice; because, festations of Jehovah, until He became, in fact, all these modem missionaries by incarnation, the real Krishna, or good admit the definition of a Tri-pereonality Shepherd, (John x.) because He leads in God, although until then the Trinity His flock, and gives His life for it. It is bad only been known such as the Bible thus He vanquished the true Kansa, that teaches it, and such also &I our church is to say the devil, whom He called the receives it, with the theology which flows prince of darkness." from this dogma,-the theology which The mission and labours of the Saviour teaches the perfect unity of God, deterior- until He had "accomplished the work of ated in the dogma of the Tri-personality, redemption in favour of Indians, Jews,
- 95. 92 MISCBLLANEOUS. Europeans, and the whole world," and aired object would soon be a.ttained. A then " disappeared from before their eyes vote of thanks was given to the Misses and resumed His former place," are after- Baster, who had, by their unassisted wards dwelt upon. The address then efforts, raised the sum of two pounds proceeds to show that the sacred books towards the harmonium fund. Other of the Hindoos teach them to "join usual votes of thanks having been pr&- themselves to God," and conoludes as posed and carried, a hymn was sung, and follows :-" Now Christianityteaches you the meeting separated about ten o'clock. these same things, but moreover it shows The writer would. take this opportunity you from whom the virtues come to you, of calling the attention of the Church in and consequently to whom ~hey should general, through the pages of the Repo- be brought again. sitory, to the efforts now being made a1 "What elevation is there in this ex- Shields to raise a fund for procuring & horlation giveu to you by Menu-' Con- harmonium, and, if possible, also for sume in yourselves by degrees the ardours building.& place of worship. Most of of life, strip yourselves of your perso- the members of this society, being in the nality, lose the feeling of self, so go outhumbler walks of life, are able to do 'Of man and of the world to re-enter into very little indeed in a pecuniary way to God and ide:atify yourself with Him.' support the church, and hence the SPecial Ab, well! Christianity surpasses all this fund here alluded to increases very slowly, magnificence, inasmuch as it is not con- so that contributions from members and tent· simply to preach to us this same friends in other "societies would be most glorification, but shows us beside that allthankfully received. All persons kindly the work of the Lord tends to lead to wishing to assist us in this way are re- this final result in us." quested to forward their subscriptions to the treasurer, Mr. J. Charlton, No. 9, GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. Cambden-street, North Shields. NORTH SHIELDs.-The members and friends of the Shields New Church so- SOCIAL MBETING, BEDFORD-STREET ciety met on New Year's D~y to enjoy N OllTH, LITEllPOoL.-On Friday evening, their annual social meeting. About fifty January 5th, the annual Christmas re- persons sat down to tea, and some other union of the members and friends of the friends joined in the course of the even- above society took place. A tea party ing. The social meetings of this society and soiree were held, and the gathering have generally heen very successful, and was truly social and in every way suc- the present was not an exception. The cessful. The chair was occupied by the Newcastle society was well represented Rev. C. G. Macpherson, B.A., pastor of on the occasion by the Rev. Wm. Bay the society, who, in his opening address, and several members; and the kindly alluded to the "signs of the times" with feelings of Christian charity and 'Social reference to the various religious beliefs; sympathy manifested throughout the that intolerance does not now supply the evening bore evidence to the sincere de- place of reason, and a Swedenborgian sire of all present to commence the new (so called) was not such a pusillanimous year on the great Christian principle of hobgoblin as was formerly believed; we '" peace on earth, good will towards men.." were admitted on equal terms with other The chair was taken about half-past six, denominations, and received with due by Mr. Henry Mc. Lagan, leader of the respect. Dr. Clarke's anthem, "Behold 'Society, who delivered an opening ad- how good and joyful a thing it is," was dress. The other speakers were the Rev. then sungby the Bedford-street Harmonio Wm. Ray, and Messrs. Charlton, Couch- Society, after which the chairman called man, Robson, Baster, and Brown; and upon Mr. Pixton, who remarked that the some other persons entertained the audi- Bible was the base of the New Church ence at intervals during the evening with doctrine, and enlarged upon the fact that vocal music and recitations. The chair- the society had, in common with other man, in his opening address, hadintimated larger and more influential denomina- that the proceeds of this meeting were tions, been requested to have collectionsin to be devoted to a fund for purchasing aid of the funds of the Northem Hospital, a harmonium for the church. A few which had been done, and the amount pounds had been raised by voluntary would no doubt be acknowledged in the 8u8scriptions, and it was hoped the de- local press. He also urged a more punctual
- 96. KlSCELLANEOUS. 98 attendance at the serriees of the ehurch, three years. The remainder 01 the both for the interest of the members and evening was spent in a social entertain- the proper encouragement of the minister, ment, which was largely attended, and feeling assured that a meagre and care- which, by its thoroughly genial spirit, les8 auditory must have a very depressing was eminently calculated to ensure & effect upon him. An anthem, "But the continuance of that energy and good feel- Lord is mindful of his own," arranged ing which have hitherto so successfully from Mendelssohn, was next sung, after supported the society, and promoted ita. which Mr. Bames.addressed the meeting, usefulness. eongratulating the choir and their con- ductor (Mr. Skeaf) upon their successful BIBKINGHAII. - To the Editor.-My performances. Mr. Skeaf's anthem, dear Sir,-In the report of the meeting "Like as a father pitieth his children," of the members and congregation of the was then sung, after which Mr. A. B. New Church, Summer-lane, Birmingham, Craigie was called upoB, who eloquently inserted iD your last number, it is stated. and logically enlarged upon the ioctrines that I said, "I willingly gave £10. (to. of the church, and U What need is there the subscription then eJltered into), hut for anything new 1" that if £100. were needed I did not, The second part commenced with a think I ahould object to give it." This Christmas madrigal, which was eBcored; was neither what I said or meant. I said and, after a few remarks from Mr. John- that I 'Should not object to give £100. to, son, Mr. Skeaf, by desire, gave his see all the society again united; that ia pianoforte fantasia, "Sabbath-evening to see all diiferences removed, and the ehimes," which was redemanded. The numerous members and friends wbo have- remainder of the evening was mainly left in consequence of them induced to devoted to the Harmonic Socie~, whose return. performances, considering the short time I shall feel, therefore, much oblige<4 they have associated together, were very for severaJ. important reasons, if you will creditable. The hymn entitled "The kindly insert this note of explanation iD New Year," which appeared in the Be- your Bext nnmber.-I remain, yours. pository for J aIluary, was printed and truly, THOS. HUKPHB.EYS. drculated in the room, and the first, second, and last verses sung to the tune BLACXBUBN.-As noticed in our last" of the National Anthem. Votes of thanks & geJltleman resident in Blaekburn, and. were given with acclamation to the ladies interested in the promulgation of New who superintended the tea, the Harmonic Church truth, had presented to the Fre& Society, also to Mr. HarQld Swift (under Library of B1ackburn the whole of Swe- whose auspices it was first established), denborg's theological works. This gen- and to the chairman. tleman has generously offered the sooietT the handsome sum of £50. towards reduc- NEW CHUBCH MUTUAL IKPBOVEUKT ing the debt on their place of worship, on· SOCIETY, SUJO(EB-LANE, BIDtINGHAK.- ilie condition that the society and its The third annual meeting of this society friends contribute a like amount. At a. was held January 1st, 1866. After tea, meeting of the society, in December last, business commenced by reading the it was resolved that the friends should try secretary's report, which showed that dur- to raise that sum, and those present. ing the past. year 86 meetings had been snbscribed £22. At a subsequent meet- held, attended by nearly 1,100 persons, ing two subscriptions were announced, and supported by 22 diiferent essayists, gf £1. from an alderman of the borough,. which number 16 (one a lady) made their and £3. 3s. from the mayor, James first effort in connection with the so- Thompson, Esq., a grandson of one of ciety during the year. Reports of the the early receivers in this town. The elocution, drawing, and French classes promoters of the annual tea meeting ,,:ere then read, and (after the usual elec- have also agreed to give the surplus of tIons and conclusion of other business) the proceeds towards the fund. presentations were made by the mem- As usual on New Year's Day, the- bers of the two latter classes to their annual tea meeting took place, when respective teachers, testifying their ap- about 120 friends were present. Mr. preciation, and in grateful acknowledge- John Dixon presided. The evening's ment of their services during the past entertainment cO,nusted of num~r~
- 97. 94 KISCBLLANEOUS. recitations by the scholars and teachers, band of worshippers in the Lord's and at short intervals the choir of the church. church enlivened the meeting with some very choice music. The meeting broke NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-Three ad- up about ten o'clock by singing the ditionallife governors have been recently National Anthem. Thus passed over entered, Dr. Can, Mr. John Bayley, and one of the pleasantest meetings of this Mr. Braby. Thus our college is gradu- society for many years. On Wednesda.y ally becoming supported by members of evening, January 10th, the friends again the different societies of the church, and met to receive the report of the collectors, strengthened by the cooperation of various when it was announced that the amount fellow-workers. The Metropolitan Board already subscribed for was £41. 4s. 4d. has not yet agreed to our plans for the This society being composed of persons front of the building. The porch has, belonging to the working class, who were therefore, been somewhat modified, and more or less impoverished by the late it is expected to be sanctioned at the next panic in the cotton trade, the committee meeting of that body. Some difficulties have arranged to receive payments of have been experienced by the students in the subscriptions, by instalments, up to the prosecution of their studies, which it the month of April. They have every is hoped every new acquisition on their confidence that by that time they will part will lessen. We trust that at some have raised the required amount, and not distant period the original idea of the that the society will be left free to pro- college will be carried out. Then we mote the advancement of the good shall have youths endowed by our Hea- cause. venly Father with talents suited to the work of the ministry, and piety and IpSWIOH.-The church here has been self-denial enongh to make them desire closed for four weeks, the interior of the the good of souls, emerging at once from building undergoing a thorough 'cleaning, the class of pnpils into that of theological painting, and repairing. On Sunday, students. Such young men, living to- January 7th, advantage was taken of gether in the college, under the eye of Mr. Spilling's periodical visit, and the the principal, will be far more favourably re-opening services were announced by circumstanced than those who are now handbills, which brought a good attend- preparing for the ministry; educational ance both morning and evening. In the difficulties which press heavily upon our morning Mr. Spilling preached on the present class will have been overcome iD " Unity of the Brethren." (Psalm 133.) their earlier years. Thus they will have In the evening Mr. Spilling delivered a less literary acquisition to make, and lecture on "the Angels' Song at the Na- more time to devote to their special pre- tivity," and strikingly enforced the true paration for the pastorate of New Church doctrine concerning the need for the societies. birth of Jesus. On the Tuesday evening Our present students need our warmest following, a tea meeting was held in the sympathy in the prosecution of their church. Mr. Spilling kindly consented arduous labours. And when in future to stay and preside, and during the even- times they see their successors gradually ing delivered several able addresses. A passing from one stage of learning to ano- new and interesting feature in connec- therin their mere boyhood,and surrounded tion with this 80cial gathering was the by all the helps they meet in their own voluntary services of some of the leading collegiate institution, they may be excused -members of the choirs of one or two of for wishing that the same advantages the congregational chapels in the town, could have been accorded to themselves. together with one of their organists, who It is, however, a great happiness to see enlivened the meeting with the perfor- that things are working together for the mance of several beautiful selections from promotion of this end ;-not so fast as Handel's "Messiah," and singing a we could wisht perhaps; but doubtless number of hymns selected from the New as fast as we deserve. In securing the Church hymn book. About forty mem- cooperation of the Conference in this bers and friends spent a most interesting matter we have obtained the greater part evening, giving promise of greater of our object. The support of individual earnestness and zeal for the growth and members of the church is sure to follow. nourishment of truth amongst this little Some have already joined our body; and
- 98. MISOELLANEOUS. 95 the obstacles to a satisfactory manage- of occupying the most exalted positions men~ of the institution are being gradu- in heaven. ally removed. In the courle of the nex* Snch is the tme state of the question three months we expect to have our between Swedenborg and the worshippers. buildings completed; and we trust that (I use the term advisedly) of David Ilnd next winter's session will. commence with of Paul. We may point out to them, in fewer obstacles and ampler means of the very letter of the Word, the count- usefulness. less acts of craft and cruelty, the delibe- Subscriptions may be forwarded to rate act of adultery and murder, which Mr. Daily, SO, Old Jewry, E.C.; Mr. are recorded of David. The)" immediately Gunion, 26, Lamb's Conduit-street, W.C.; meet the argument drawn from these or Mr. Henry Bateman, 32, Compton- facts with their notion of instantaneo1l& terrace, N. salvation, by faith in the blood of & Messiah then to come; and point tri- D.lVID AND PAUL.-To the EditoT.- umphantly at the scene recorded iD Dear Sir.-It appears to me that much 2 Sam. xii., and at the 51st Psalm, in needless ado is being made at the pre- proof that David had received forgive- sent time respecting the "final state" of ness, and was now safe for "glory.'" David and of Paul. It would seem as if Hence we may attempt apologies 'USque the writers of the articles which have ad nauseam by saying, and endeavouring from timetotimea.ppeared on the subject, to prove, that ilie state in which Sweden- wished to apologise to outsiders for the borg saw David and Paul was probably statements of Swedenborg concerning not their final state; that will not satisfy those two individuals. Now, surely, the their worshippers, who look upon it as receivers 01. his testimony owe outsiders little short of blasphemy, to cast even the- no apology because he has said, and that, shadow of a doubt upon the objects of too, in a work probably not intended by their worship occupying exalted positions him for publication, that he had seen the in heaven. Nothing short of such an individuals in question in a certain state admission will, in pomt of fact, satisfy the reverse- of what they ha.ve all along them. fondly imagined. And if the members I would, therefere, respectfully suggest of the New Church accept 801 true what. that the writers of the articles which hav. he has said on the subject, they need lately appeared on the subject, would not, nay, they should not, be squeamish rather employ their able pens in clearly (excuse the word) in publishing, it to the showing what Ule life of heaven really is ; world, whatever exception others may leaving to those who are curious in such take at it, nor need they be at. so· much matters, to infer the final Itate of the trouble in searching the writings throogh personages mentioned in the letter of the in order, if possible, to discover whether Word, from what is left on record of' the statements at which exception has their lives, compared with what was been taken refer, or do not refer, to the' required of them, due allowance being final state of David and Paul. For it made for the light they enjoyed under should be borne in mind that the ques- their respective dispensations. Allow:' tion is not whether those individuals me to S&y, however, that the private liTes: havejinally entered hea.ven, it is whether of the patriarchs, as they are termed, is, their conduct in this life, and, still more, merely as sueh, of very little interest to their state in articulo 'f1U)rtis, were such us as New Church Christians, regarded as to secure to them an immediate as examples to be followed or to be entrance into heaven. And, as those shunned. We have the " Doctrine of Lif& who have taken offence at the above- from the Precepts of the Decalogne; ft· named statements deny the doctrine of and that is all we need for the regulation an intermediate state, they at once lea.p of our conduct. Curiosity is a valuable- at the conclusion that if David and Paul element of our nature; but it may b& were not in heaven when Swedenborg abused, by being turned :iD a wrong' wrote, they mmt have been in hell. As, direction; and then it not unfrequently also, they strenuoualy contend that both. hiq)pens that we come to attach an exag- David and Paul were eminently holy gerated importance to the object which men, they are quite indignant at Swe.. has excited our curiosity, and which, iD denborg's stating that he had seen them most cases, has nothing whatever to do. in a pitiable state out of heaven, instead with our regeneration. Is ~t not o~e o(
- 99. 96 JlISC~LLANEOUS. "the devices of Satan," thus to direct same. .Her greatest delight was in the our curiosity to an object of compara- love of being useful. Many of her friends tively no importance, and thereby to can testify that her attentions during make us lose sight of the "one thing sickness were invaluable. She was pre- needful"? That question is, meseems, vented from attending church of late, by worth consideration. suecesive attacks of paralysis, but during Pray accept my apology for thus tres- that privation she took great delight in passing on your valuable pages, and reading the services and singing the believe me, dear Sir, most respectfully hymns of the church. Her last wish, yours, F. D. previous to the stroke that deprived her Jersey, January 10th, 1866. of speech was, that she could attend Cross-street Church. falnfag,. At Grove Place Church, Dalton, Hud- On Sunday, the 7th instant, were con· dersfield, by the Rev. T. L. Marsden, signed to the earth the remains of Miss Mr. Thomas Alston to Miss E. Wilson, Jane Thomton, who died at the advanced both of Dalton. age of 86 years, and who had been up- wards of 60 years a member of the New @ltftU&ll· Church. It was only in her declining On Wednesday, November 1st, 1865, years that the writer knew anything of at her residence in Pimlico, Mrs. Susanna her, but the fact of her being so old a Mould, aged 82 years. She was, from member, and acquainted with friends that her earliest youth, a warm receiver of the he was happy to be connected with, in· doctrines of the New Church. At the vested our departed friend with increased age of 9 years she was an attendant on interest. It was, therefore, with regret the Rev. M. Sibley's ministry, in Red that the writer found she had been buried CroBs-street, with her brother, the late by a strange minister, and her friends, Mr. John Pl·es1and, then a young man, and as well as the persons assembled, de- one of the earliest members. She always prived of the satisfaction and improve- felt great desire for the spread of the ment which the interment of a deceased. heavenly doctrines, and by every means member of the church should be made in her power endeavoured to forward the the means of affording. INSTITUTIONS OF TIJE CHURCH. Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thursday 7-0 National Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, , ditto.-Fourth Monday. • • • . . • • • • • . • • • • • • • • . • • • • • . • •• • • • • • • • • • • •• 6-30 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.-Second Monday ••..•••••.•••••.•• 6-80 College, Devonshire-street, Is1ington.-Last Tuesday.. ••..•••••• •••••••• 8-0 MANCHESTER. Missionary Society, Schoolroom, Peter-street.-Third Friday •••••••••••• 7-0 Tract Soeiety ditto ditto. • • • • • • • • • •• 6·80 Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All eom~unications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BRUCE, 48, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of .recent meetings, lectures, &c., may appear if not later than the 18th. CAVE and SEVER, Printers by Steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.
- 100. THE INTELLECTUAL .REPOSITORY AND NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 147. MARCH 1ST, 1866. VOL. XIII. THE GLORIFICATION OF THE LORD'S HUMANITY, AND ITS RESULTS. A Sermon, by the Rev. Dr. BAYLEY. U In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. "He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. "But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified."- JOHN vii. 37-39. JESUS risen and glorified, and thence become Lord of all, was the theme of the ."early Christians. They spoke of His death only as the preliminary to His Resurrection. c'It is Christ that died, YEA RATHER, THAT IS RISEN AGAIN." It was the risen, living, glorified Lord, to whom they prayed, and to whom they looked for regeneration and for heaven. Of Him, they said-cC Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that .neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, Dor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." " Jesus Christ," said Peter, "IS LORD OF ALL. " (Acts x. 87.) ." Christ came," said Paul, "who is God over all, blessed for ever." (Rom. ix. 5.) "To this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, 7
- 101. 98 THE GLOBIFIOATION OF THE LORD'S HUMANITY, that he might be Lord of the dead and the living." (Rom. xiv. 9.) "In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Col. n. 9, 10.) Jude said-" To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, do~inion alid power, both now and ever." And John records that the angels sang "Worth is the Lamb that 'was slain to receive' powel', and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." (Rev. v. 12.) "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he IS King of kings, and Lord of lords." (Rev. xvii. 14.) The Lamb was slain, but 18 King of kings and Lord of lords, WlUJ the Child born and the Son given, but IS the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. Jehovah assumed our humanity as we have it, which Humanity was the Son, with those infirm tendencies which rendered Him liable to temptations, and "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Heb. iv. 15.) This Humanity, in its temptations, and sorrows, and death, was humiliated, and seemed separated from the Father in its consciousness; but in its triumphs over tem:pt~tion, and sorrow, and death, it became perfected, glorified, and .perpetually One with the Father,-the very form and manifestation of the Father, from whom comes the Holy Spirit., This is the teaching of our text: it is the teaching of the whole Scripture. When Christianity was in its early days, its disciples rejoiced in a living, glorified Saviour. They believed the Lord Jesus was with them everywhere, according to His promise, and they delighted to do His will. While religion was thus bright in the hearts of His servants, their lives a loving obedience to their Glorified Lord, and a loving sympathy with each other, the Christian cause went on winning admira· tion and converts on every side. Like the rider on the white-horse, they went forth conquering and to conquer. When the days of .corruption came, religion ceased to be the guide and the joy of life, but was regarded as a grim refuge at last, to shield men in death from the consequences of their sinful conduct; then they lost sight of the living Saviour, and detained their whole thoughts upon His death. Paul's declaration-" I will know nothing aJIlong you but . Jesus and Him crucified," was not taken as he intended it, to declare that he would admit nothing which tended to throw doubt on the reality of the Lord's life and crucifixion, but as if he had meant to teach that the crucifixion was the whole or very nearly the whole substance of the ,Gospel. They ceased to think of the Glorifl.ed Saviour, until the doe,-
- 102. AND ITS RESULTS. 99 trine itself became lost and forgotten. The Lord's death as a supposed substitute to allay God's wrath became everything. His Life, His Resurrection, Glorification, and daily influence in us scarcely crossed the mind. The whole tone of religion became lowered. It was regarded as a gloomy thing-men as miserable sinners, the world as a vast vale of sin and sorrow; madness and defiance, or guilt and repenting. Let us hope that with the doctrine of a Glorified Saviour restored, as the God of love in Divine Human form, life will again be transformed, and men will learn to fill this world with loving action, that virtue, not sin, is the law of life, and true religion its own exceeding great reward. How important must that work be, of which it is said, the Holy Spirit w~s not yet, because that Jesus was not yet glorified! - In passing, permit me to draw your attention to the circumstance that the word given is in i~a1ics, an intimation that it does not exist in the original. And, secondly, observe that although the very same word which is rendered spirit exists in both cases, yet in the translation it is rendered spirit on the first occasion and ghost on the second, in the same verse, the 89th. It should be rendered Spirit in both, for it describes the Holy Influence flowing from the Lord Jesus like breath- ing, and therefore 'described, justly, by a word derived from spiro, I breathe. To this we have a striking allusion, when John says of our Lord, after His resurrection-" And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit." (John xx. 22.) Of this Holy Spirit, then, it is written in our text-" It was not yet, because '~hat J esue was not yet glorified." It is true that the Holy Spirit existed in the Lord's Humanity, which was formed by it, (Luke i. 85.) but it could not flow forth with power, and exert redeeming and regenerating energy among men, except in proportion as the Lord's Humanity was glorified. We find this stated in many places in the Word. "I have a baptism to be baptized with, (said the Lord) and how am I straitened until it be accomplished." (Luke xii. 50.) When the two sons sent their mother to th~ Saviour to solicit places of dignity in His kingdom, He said- " Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" (Matt. xx. 22.) In both these instances, the Lord manifestly teaches that His Humanity must be purified and glorified; and until this was done, He was straitened, and the influences of His Divine Love and Wisdom could not go freely forth.' The same truth is taught in John-" For their sakes I sanctify ,myself, that they may be sanctified by the truth." (xvii. 19.) " Glorify
- 103. 100 THE GLORIFIOA.TION OF THE LORD·S HUMANITY, thon me with thine own self." (John xvii. 5.) "Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him." (John xiii. 31.) The Divine and the huma.n in the Lord, were like the spiritual and the natural degrees in the mind of man. The spiritual is ever within, and ever influencing the natural; and in proportion as the natural is brought into order, the spiritual can show itself in true and heavenly words and works. As the natural man predominates, the spiritual retires and seems at a distance; as the natural man purifies himself and is obedient, the spiritual man descends, enters in, and becomes one with him. There are many alternations of state, until the spiritual and the natural degrees in man become completely one. During the process, when the spiritual man is prevalent, a grateful, cheerful, pure, and heavenly tone prevails in the mind and life: when the natural mind is prevalent, selfish and worldly cares, anxieties, and desires bear sway, and only by a steady clinging to the Lord is the soul kept in the path of obedience and right. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. As the spirit prevails, all becomes spiritual: as the flesh prevails, all becomes carnal. In due time, with a good man, the spirit entirely and everlastingly pre- vails, and then all is ev~rlastingly well. These facts illustrate the Divinity and Humanity with the Lord. He mercifully entered into our condition by taking upon Him our nature. The work of uniting that nature to Himself and glorifying it began with His birth, continued through His life, and was finished by His death and resurrection. In His temptations t1:.e Father seemed distant from Him,and He prayed-CC Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done." When the temptation was over, He spake as closely one with the Father, and indeed as the Father Himself-" I and the Father are one. No man cometh unto the Father but by ME. He that seeth Me, seeth Him that sent Me. He that seeth Me hath seen the Father. The Father who is in Me, He doeth the works." The alternations of state with man during his regeneration are fre- quent. The soul has its changes from sunshine to sadness, from calm to storm, from peace to anxiety, from heavenliness to earthliness, with continual variety. The ,,~eather is not more inconstant than the con- ditions of the soul; but all these changes are purifying us and preparing us for heaven. In these alternations our Divine Lord has gone before us. He is the Captain of our salvation, and He was made perfect through suffer- ings. (Heb. ii. 10.) In those awful trials in which He bore the assaults
- 104. AND ITS RESULTS. 101 of hell, He pra.yed with strong crying and tears to the Divinity within, which could save Him from death; but when the awful trial ceased, and baffled myriads of infernals slunk away, and angels ministered unto Him, then so far He was. glorified, and He diffused brightness and blessing around Him as the glorified Redeemer, the First and the Last, God in Man and Man in God. It is such a state that is represented to us in the text, and in all the circnmstances connected with it. The feast on the occasion of which these words were uttered was indicative of this: it was the feast of tabernacles-the harvest feast. The fruits of the land being gathered in, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, this feast commenced, and lasted seven days. The people went in joyous procession, having boughs of goodly trees in their hands, and rejoiced gratefully before the Lord. (Lev. xxiii.) In our regeneration these terms all indicate bles- sedness after victory. It was a feast, a harvest, a joy of seven days. He who has been tried, and by Divine mercy has conquered, knows how great a feast, how great a harvest of spiritual good, it is when he eats the hidden manna, and has arrived so far at the full corn in the ear.· The sacred fulness of his rejoicing is meant by the seventh. month, and its being the beginning of a new state by its being the fifteenth day, or the first day of a new seven. What with a spiritual man is a harvest of regeneration, with the Lord was a state of Glorification. In the happy state of a regenerating mind, his cup runs over, and he desires to impart of his blessing to others. In the Lord's union with the Father, lIis Divine Human Heart overflowed with the desire to bless His flock; and hence it is written-" Jesus stood and cried, If any man thirst, let him come unto ME and drink. " We are informed by history that it was the custom of the Jews to go on the last day of the feast and draw water joyously from the pool of Siloam. The Lord then would seem to have stood amongst the hurrying multitudes, each with a pitcher of water, and drawn their attention to water of a higher kind-the living stream of truth. Truth is to goodness like water is to bread. He who hungers to be good, wili thirst for truth, to tell him how. None will desire to come to the Lord but those who desire to be good, and this will make them thirst. "He who doeth good," the Saviour said, OD another occasion, ,. cometh to the light.'- If a person has no yearning for truth, if he is uncollcerned about the things of the Lord's kingdom and his own peace, he would do well to suspect that his spiritual condition is not what it ought to be. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after
- 105. 102 THE GLORIFIOATION OF THE LORD'S HUMANITY, righteousness, for they shall be filled." "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; come, buy without money and without price." Perhaps the importance and indispensability of truth could not be exhibited more strikingly than by its being placed before us under the divine syn:Lbol of water. Water is needed by everyone as an important part of daily food ;-so is TRUTH. The body of man has been defined as one-fourth of solid material, combined with three-fourths of water. Without this sufficient supply, the body becomes diseased, and dies. Without a large supply of truth, the soul becomes spiritually diseased, and spiritually dies. Water descends upon the earth in bright and copious showers, and all nature rejoices: the field~ become fresh and green-the crops strengthen-the trees thrive-the flowers bloom with beauty. When showers of truth fall upon the soul, they too refresh and gladden the whole 'being. The exalted perceptions, the clear ideas, the gracious and noble sentiments~ all announce that their proper nourishment has fallen upon them. Water purifies, so does truth. Water forms the basis of all other· drinks; so truth forms the substantial portion of everything that. ean .cheer, or encourage, or invigorate a man. Then, how beautiful is water !-clear, transparent, bright, it seems like liquid silver. And in this respect the mind which has yearned for and Bought after truth until its bright forms have unfolded themselves like the lich streams from a fountain of life, will joyously exclaim, How beautiful is truth! "There the glorious Lord is like a place of broad rivers and streams." It is no doubt from this correspondence of water to truth that in the chie~ events recorded in this Gospel of John hitherto, water bears so pro- minent a place. There is the record of the Lord's first miracle, in which He turned water into wine, the type of the exaltation of the common troth of daily life into the richer stream of heavenly wisdom, when we regard 'all our duties as done to the Lord, and life one golden chain of obedience to Him and training for His kingdom. The gladsomeness we feel in our duties when we regard them as done for Him, may well be described as joy at the turning of our water into wine. Then there was the healing of the sick at the ,pool of Bethesda, where the truth of the Divine Word is described in its power to heal our spiritual diseases when we enter into its spirit and its life. Then we come to the Lord and the woman at the well of ,Samaria, another type of the Lord teaching at the Word, and inviting the soul to Himself as the living Word, from whom alone come the living truths of wisdom filled with love.
- 106. AND ITS RESULTS. 108 Here we have the invitation-', If any man thirst, let him come unto ME and drink." The soul must 'thirst. It is in freedom, and from freedom it must desire to be taught of .the Lord. ~t must yearn f01" wisdom from heaven, and pray to the Saviour. It is as if He said, Come in heart and come jn mind to 1le, and you shall have eternal life: come unto Me and drink. Our Lord here, and indeed constantly, both in precept and example, teaches us to go to Him in prayer, and ask Him for all we need. The practice so prevalent at the present day of praying to the Father as a Divine Person separate from the Saviour, and merely mentioning the Saviour's name at the end of the prayer, is totally to overlook one of the important objects of the Incarnation. That wondrous act was carried out to make God manifest to man as his Merciful Saviour, as "Emmanuel-God with us." In precept, the Lord said-cC Come unto ME ~ll ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Abide in Me, and I in you. I am the Door, by Me if any man shall enter in, he shall be' saved." In example, He healed the suppliant who prayed His help at once. " I will, be thou clean," He said, "to the leper." " Take up thy bed and walk," was His command to the palsied. "Maiden, I say unto thee, Arise," were the w~rds by which He raised the ruler of the synagogue's dead daughter. When H-e commanded the unclean spirits to depart, the amazed people said-', What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Even the sea was hushed at His voice, and the astonished disciples exclaimed-" What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him ?" All these lessons teach us to go to the glorified Jesus-to Him for every blessing. "If any man thirst, let him come to Me and drink." When men are drawn again to worship directly the Lord Jesus Christ, and pray directly to Him, they will find the Father in Him, who will give them every mercy, and His Holy Spirit will impart to them the flames of love and the brightness of wisdom. "If any man thirst, let,him come unto Me and drink." This spake He of the Spirit, which they who believe on Him should receive. But they who receive interior truths (rom the Lord are made them- selves ministers to others. Their souls ar~ filled to overflowing. Their minds are opened to a higher life. They have tasted the good things' of the world to come. A new world has opened upon them. They have been to the top of Pisgah, and seen the glorious land, which they go to possess. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth will speak. Their cup is -rtlllning over, their b;eads . are anointed with oil. They
- 107. 104 THE GLORIFIOATION 01' THE LORD'S HUMANITY, must tell of the goodness of the Lord, and the glories of His kingdom. Now that they have had an interior sight of the eternal loveliness, they break forth, like the Queen of Sheba, when she had beheld the wisdom and the glory of Solomon,~" Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually befor-e thee, and that hear thy wisdom." This overflowing of the heart, this desire of imparting heavenly troths to others, is meant by the further words of our text--" He that believeth on me,. as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." Truths are infinite and inexhaustible, when they are alive with love, they go forth richly and abundantly. And they who believe on the Lord as the Scripture has said, will find no end of glorious themes. They will regard Him as the Creator ·of all things, for so the Scripture has said. By Him were all things made that have been made. By His Infinite Love and Wisdom, systems, suns, and worlds have been framed into a universe, the theatre of His boundless affection to form ~ and to bless immortal souls. They.will regard Him as the Saviour and Redeemer, for so has the Scripture said-" Thou, 0 Jehovah, art our Father, our Redeemer; thy name is from everlasting." And while they ~.peak of His wondrous love, of His submission to temptation, sorrow, and death, of His victories o.ver hell, and of His glorification, their hearts will overflow with adoration and gratitude to Him who was dead, but now lives for ever and ever, and has the keys of heaven, of hell, and of death. They will believe on Him as the Regenerator, for so has the Scripture said; and they will regard Him as the Former in them of new spiritUal life. They will think of the Mercy that has watched over them from birth, making all thiI~.gs work together for their good. U ·Either His hand preserves from pain, Or if we feel it, heals again ; From Satan's malice shields our breast, Or overrules it for the best." Thus .believing on Him with the heart,as the Scripture has said, the womb of thought pours out .rich streams of lovingtrnth,-of living water.. Richly they receive, they richly give. They feel themselves encompassed by the mercies of the Most High, within and without. They look up and acknowledge in the Glorified Jesus the whole fuln.ess of the Godhead. In Him they see the Everlasting Father: in Him they adore the Son: from Him they feel the Holy Spirit, Christ in
- 108. AND ITS RESULTS. 105 them, the Hope of glory; and thus all their aft'ec~ions gather round this same God-man, and they love Him with all their heart, and soul, and mind, and strength, and cast their crowns before Him as King and Lord of all. All this can be done, now that we recognise Jesus as glorified, and pray to Him to glorify Himself in us: to perform similar works in us to those by which He redeemed the world: to create in us new affec- tions, new thoughts, new sentiments, and new ideas, until He has formed us into His own blessed li~eness, and in the little universe of our souls it can be said-cc The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! " KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. To the Editor. My dear Sir,-As the gifted lady who did me the honour of reviewing my little book, Bible Photographs, in the last number of your valuable Magazine, has directly challenged me to express an opinion upon the certainly irrelevant matter introduced into the review, I should deem myself lacking in Christian courtesy if I did not at once respond. This disposition is confirmed by a consciousness of duty. I must regard it 8S a most serious circumstance that any receiver of the Heavenly truths of the New Dispensation, especially one who occupies the position held by M. C. H. R., should seek to invalidate "the LAW," by striving to array against it "the TESTIMONY." I am sorrowfully impelled to re- member the Divine declaration :-" To the law, and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (IBa. viii. 20.) I cannot but think that if the ideas propounded in the review were generally entertained in the church, it would be dis- astrous for the world; so far, at least, as it would be destructive of the important spiritual uses which the church may subserve. That the ten commandments are the great and infallible guide of life, is so prominent a principle among the doctrines of the church,-the necessity and obliga- tion of keeping them constitutes so large a portion of the ih!tructions of the wise Teacher of the New Age, and marks so definitely the distinction between the New and Old Theologies, that I have read with deep pain the reviewer's attempt to undermine the very fOtlDdations of the sacred "Doctrine of Life." The reviewer "entreats a considerate and candid . reply" to the questions which she urges: with your permission, my
- 109. 106 KEEPING THE OOMMANDMENTS OF GOD. answer shall be, a.t least, "candid," and as "considerate" as is possible to me. I will firs{ notice her objections, and then set forth some of my reasons for holding an altogether different opinion. I. The first objection is, that we do not literally obey the command- ment not to make graven images, or likenesses of things in heaven, in earth, or under the earth. There is & double, and a contradictory "begging of the question," in this objection. It assumes, firstly, that the command prohibits the making of pictures, statues, &c.; and, secondly, that our making such things is right, despite the prohibition. I deny both assumptions; but could I believe the first,-that the production of such works of art was forbidd~n-I should not have the temerity to assert the second,-that although forbidden, it is still right. Prove the truth of the first assump- tion, and the only logical conclusion is, that works of art should be 'altogether discarded. Establish the soundness of the second assump- tion-that such things are not wrong-and the statement that they were forbidden falls to the ground. I cannot see how a Christian can honestly believe in the prohibition, and yet patronise works of art. To msist on the point that they were forbidden, and then to show that the prohibi- tion is neglected, furnishes no argument against the commandment, 8S an infallible guide; for it would only prove those who neglected the prohibition to be sinners. To argue against the validity of a com- mandment, because many transgress it, is, certainly, an unsound mode of reasoning. The "previous question" requires to be considered,-What is the true literal meaning of the commandment? This, I assert, cannot be the prohibition o( works of art. Under the direction of the Lord, and "according to the pattern shown him in the mount," 1loses caused the inner curtains of the tabernacle to be made "of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubim of cunning work made he them." (Ex. xxxvi. 8.) These" cherubim" were embroidered on the curtains·, and were works of art, the work of "a cunning workman, or embroiderer." (See margin, Ex. xxvi. 1.) The command as to the mercy- seat, likewise, involved the making of "two· cherubim of gold, of beaten work." The form of these is indicated :-" The cherubim shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy-seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy-seat shall the faces of the cherubim be." (Ex. xxv.· 17-20.) Here were two golden " statues," with human faces, and with outstretched wings, standing in . the holiest place of the tabernacle, overshadowing the mercy-seat,-that .
- 110. KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTSOF GOD'. 107 sacred spot where the Lord promised to meet with His people, to com- mune with them, through the High Priest. The commandment, there- fore, could not, in its literal sense, forbid works of art, or all imitations of heavenly or earthly things. The bowls of the candlesticks, also, were "made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch." (Ex. xxv. 88, 84.) Here is another work of imitative art, wrought of "pure gold" in "beaten work," producing the "image and likeness" of almonds and flowers. To say that these were violations of the com- mandment is to venture the dangerous assertion-that God contradicted Himself I The" horns" of the altar might be urged as another illus- tration. The" pomegranates" eIllbroidered "of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem " of the High Priest's robe, which were alternated with "golden bells," is another sample of the Divine intention that the commandment did not prohibit the mere making of artistic imitations of natural, or even of heavenly, things. In 1 Same v., we have a remarkable narrative concerning the taking of the Ark, by the philit tines, their being smitten with a deadly plague, which was stayed after the Philistines offered a trespass offering to the Lord, of ":five golden emerods and five golden mice," and sent the Ark away out of their cities. I am not now concerned to investigate the interesting subject of the reasons why this strange proceeding was successful in arresting the plague; but only adduce the fact as a proof that the prohibitions con- tained in the commandment were not directed merely against imitative art. In the building of the temple by Solomon, new evidences of this truth may easily be seen: "The cedar of the house within was carved' with knops and open flowers." The cherubim, made of the wood of the olive, or " oil-tree," were each ten cubits high, and each of their wings was five cubits. We also read-cc And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubim, and palm-trees, and open flowers, within and without." The two doors of the oracle, as well as the doors or gates of the temple itself, were similarly coveted with carvings. (1 Kings vi.) Imitations of "pomegranates" and of "lily-work" were used on the two pillars, named respectively Jachin and Boaz, which were placed in the porch of the temple. The molten sea stood upon "twelve oxen," and the rim of the laver was wrought "with flowers of lilies." Surely these were imitations, works of art. The "ten bases of brass" had, on "the borders, lions, oxen, and che- rubim;" on the" ledges thereof he graved cherubim, lions, and palm- trees, according to the proportion of every one." (1 Kings vii.) All these were finely wrought "images and likenesses" of things; and yet
- 111. 108 DBPING TIlE OOMMANDMENTS OF GOD. God sanctioned their production, accepted the dedication of them, and filled the temple in which they were placed with His glory. We cannot be guilty of the inconsistency of thinking that the making of any such thing was forbidden by the command~ent, and at the same time of believing that the All-Wise connived at the transgression of His own Law, and accepted the disobedience as though it were worthy of a more especial blessing. . We are now in a position to see more accurately what is the true literal meaning of the commandment.· It is not image-making merely which is forbidden, but image-making with a view to idolatry. The destrnction of the 3,000 men, as narrated in Exod. xxxii., was not because -the Israelites had made a golden calf, but because, having made, they worshipped it-made it, indeed, in order that they might worship it. This view of the commandment is eminently shown by the context of the passage. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" p'ecedes, and "thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them," follows the prohibition not to make graven images. It is ever a perilous proceeding to wrest one portion of a passage from its context, and then to seek to base an edifice of reasoning on such incomplete foundations. Other considerations support this view. The remem- brance of the Divine intention in uttering the literal command, leads to the same conclusion. It was to forbid idolatnJ, and this for the end that men might everywhere worship Him, the one only true God. In the same way the remembrance of the general spiritual signification of the command likewise confirms this conclusion: it is that men should cherish the love of the Lord Jesus Christ as the one only true God, as their all-pervading affection, the life of their life, giving vitality to charity, adding spiritual, nay, celestial, good to their acts of external obedience. This Divine intention does not prohibit any love of the . beautiful, or any of th~ imitations by art of the beauties which we behold, or of which we receive the idea; but it does forbid us to make of such affections idolatrous loves, by making idols of any such artistic productions. As, therefore, -this commandment does neither in its literal nor in its spiritual sense prohibit works of art, we do not sin against it when we "make and bring into our houses statues -and pictures, likenesses of all thin(lS 'in heaven and earth,' and of fossils under the earth.'· Consequently, the fact of our patronising art is no proof that the commandment· is Dot an "infallible guide," or that it has been in any sense abolished, tlr that it should n<>.t still be read in out churches.
- 112. KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTSOF GOD. 109 Il. The second objection refers to the commandment concerning the Sabbath, and includes two distinct topics - the appointment of the specific day, and also the method of observing the day. As the reviewer concedes "the transference of the d~y" from the seventh to the first day of the week, it is unnecessary that I should repeat in this Flace those general arguments which have convinced her mind of the propriety of the change of day. I agree with M. C. H. R.- " our Sunday is, and must be, the first day of the week-the day on which the Lord rose, not that on which He rested." But why admit the transference of the day.2 Because the Lord sanctioned, and thus in reality appointed it! Yet the very same reason can be given as to the change in the rnode of observing this day. It received the sanction and thus the appointment of the Lord, who declared Himself "the Lord of the Sabbath." But it will 'he objected-this alteration abolished the law, and caused it to cease to be obligatory on Christians, and therefore it should not be read in our churches. This would be leaping all barriers of argument in most irrational fashion. An alteration is a rel)ision, not a Tet'ocation. The Lord Christ revised the commandment, not revoked it. Wc are still required to "remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy;" and this Sabbath is every" seventh day." The" foun- dation" of this requisition is the very law in question; take away that law, or what is the same thing, cease to read it and teach it to the people, and 'the words of Christ in the Gospels alone will only furnish us With a hint that He, whIle on earth, honoured "the seventh day," but will supply no injunction on the subject. If it can be shown that the Lord, while on earth, revised any other commandment of tha law, it will prove, not that the commandment is abrogated and should not be taught, but that it must still be taught with the 1·evis·ions tt'hich th~ Lord has made. It is thus with the command as to the Sabbath. The Lord has revised a portion of the literal sense of the injunction, but the command- ment remains plus the Lord's own teachings. The very fact that this commandment stands alone in respect of such a revision, should, at least, inspire us with the fear of profaning "holy things," and thus deter us from reasoning from the Lord's revision of this one law to the justification of any indifference about any of the others. If any others of the commandments required such a revision, in order to adapt them to the Christian dispensation, the Lord would have made the revision. The silence of the Lord Christ on this subject was therefore His assent .to the imperativeness of the law, and the necessity of keeping· the
- 113. 110 KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. commandments. Had they also required correction, He would have supplied it. To depreciate the letter while endeavouring to exalt the spiritual sense of the commandment, is like destroying the foundations of a building while pretending to admire the superstructure. cc H the f~undations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" It is like abusing the body while pretending to love the spirit. The objector may reply that she is cc only seeking to show that the letter of the commandment is not an infallible guide to human conduct." I rejoin, that the letter of this commandment plus the letter of the Lord Jesus Christ's revision of this commandment is such a guide. The Bame Lord uttered both: and the result of both, in the "letter, is, that Christians must "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy;" that this S~bbath is every seventh day; that this seventh day is to date from that on which the Lord rose;- and that the true literal method of observing this day, as Swedenborg states, is to make it "a day for instruction in divine subjects, and thus also a day of rest from labours, and of meditation on matters that concern salvation and eternal life, and also a day for the exercise of love towards our neighbour." These statements he confirms by numerous quotations from the Gospels. (T. C. R. 801.) The Lord has not revoked the law, He has but taught us how we are truly to understand it. (To be concluded in our next.) THE OLOGICAL ~ SSA YS. No. VI.-SALVATION. AT the close of the essay on Redemption, it was remarked that redemp- tion .and salvation are distinct things and not to be confounded-that redemption was a work accomplished by the Lord alone, but that salvation is a work to be effected by the Lord and man together. Redemption merely removed a great barrier which stopped man's pro- gress towards heaven; but it now remains with every man to say whether he will.go forward in the path thus opened. or not. The respon- sibility rests with each individual, of deciding this momentous question for himself. It is therefore of the greatest importance that every man should understand well the nature of the question which he has to decide-of the work which he has to perform. It is our desire, in the present Essay, to set forth this momentous subject with all the clear- Dess possible.
- 114. SALVATION. 111 Salvation and regeneration are one and the same thing. "The reason," says Swedenborg, "why, but for the Redemption, men could not have been saved, is because but for the Lord's work of Redemption they could not have been regenerated." * By ~he work of redemption, the Lord removed from mankind the preponderating influences from hell, which shut out the light and heat of heaven, and which thus ren- dered it impossible for man to receive any love of goodness and truth, but deluged his mind with falses and lusts, extinguishimg all spiritual life. In this condition, he ~ould Ilot have been regenerated and :fitted for heaven, and therefore could not have been saved. But the Lord, by combating and overcoming the· hells, swept away this cloud from .&rnund man's mind, and let in the light and heat of heaven once more upon him, and thus made it possible for every man again to be warmed with love and be lighted with truth, if he was willing to receive them. Thus the Lord, by the Redemption, rendered it possible to -every man ~ to be regenerated, and consequently to be saved. What we are now to inquire is, in what way man is to take advan· tage of the opportunity thus opene.d to him-in what way he is to secure the blessings now offered to his acceptance; in other words, in what way he is to cooperate with the Lord in effecting his rege· neration. But before proceeding to set forth the true view, it seems necessary, first, to clear away the mass of errors with which the old doctrine has enveloped this subject. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," says the Apostle. t "Every man," says the Scripture, "shall be judged according to his works."! "God will render to every man according to his deeds." 11 "For we must all appear before the jttdgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad." § Now this plain doctrine, which is equally in agreement with Scripture and reason, has been rendered well nigh null and void through the pre.. vailing doctrine of salvation by faith alone, which has sprung out of a mistaken view of redemption. The nature of this latter doctrine, as held in the Old Church, has been set forth in the preceding Essays. It is, in suni, .that the Second Person of· the Trinity, called the Son, descended into the world, and, by the death of the cross, made an atoDement for the sins of mankind; that, consequently, all that is necessary to salvation is for man to declare his faith in that atone.. • "True Christian Religion, D. 579. + Philipp. ~. 12. . t Apoc. xx.. 18. 11 Rom., ti. 6. § 2 Corin. v. 10.
- 115. 112 SALVATION. ment--to believe that Christ thus died for him, and at once God the Father will impute Christ's righteousness to him, accept him, and take him into heaven. This is supposed, now, to be the true Gospel plan of salvation. . The entire falsity of this scheme of redemption-its utter repugnance both to Scripture and all right reason-has been shown in the preceding Essays. It has been shown to be a scheme constructed from the imaginations and reasonings of theologians in the middle ages, based on a few passages of Scripture misunderstood; and the effect of this doctrine, and of the false scheme of salvation founded upon it, has been most disastrous in its influence on the Christian world ;-it is this, in fact, which has brought the church to its end and consummation. Being told that they must look for salvation, not to anything to be done, but only to something to be believed,-not to works, but to faith, -not to keeping the Divine Commandments, but simply to belief in the law having been fulfilled for them, and in the efficacy of an atone- ' ment made in their slead,-what could be the ~esult but that men would neglect good life, would cease their efforts to keep the Command- ments, would give up striving for the mastery of their evil passions, and glide with '~he stream, trusting that faith in Christ's atonement, even though expressed in their last hour, would enable them to lay hold on th"at Bock, and so be saved. Alas! how many has this false hope lulled into a fatal security, and lured on even to the shipwreck of their souls! Swedenborg has thus pictured the effect of this false doctrine on men's minds:- "Those who make faith alone the whole of religion, say in themselves, What need is there of repentance, when by faith alone sins are remitted, and we are saved? Of what avail are our own works in this matter? I know that I was b6m in sin, and that I am a sinner; if I confess this, and pray that my faults may not be imputed to me, is not the work of repentance then performed? and what need is there for anything more? Thus he has no thought at all about sins; and comes at length not to know that there is any such thing as sin, wherefore he is conti- nually bome along with them and into them by the delight and pleasantness which flow from them, in like manner as a ship is carried by a fair wind and tide towards the rocks, whilst the pilot and mariners are asleep""-Apocalypse Revealed, D. 457. The subtleness and power of the doctrine of salva~ion by faith alone lie in the fact that it seems to give all the glory to God and nothing to man. Here is the secret of its influence over pious minds. They-say, Surely man cannot merit heaven by any works of his; heaven is a free gift, bestowed by the grace of God. Now, in this statement there is .. truth mixed with error; and it is most necessary to separate the one
- 116. SALVATION. 118 from the other, if we would obtain a clear view of the true doctrine of salvation and of the way to heaven. It is true that man cannot 1nerit heaven by any works of his: heaven is, indeed, a gift of the Lord, out of His boundless goodness and love. Yet there may be conditions necessary to be fulfilled on man's part, in . order to his right acceptance of the gift. A man could not be said to merit the gift of a thousand pounds, simply by the exertion of putting forth his hand to receive it; yet that slight condition is necessary: he must so far cooperate, or he could not receive the present. So, a prince might say to a young man, I will bestow upon you such an office, with high dignities and remunerations attached, provided you will take pains to fit yourself for the duties of that office. In this case, the favoured individual cannot be said to nunit the office, simply by the efforts he makes to learn the languages, or to attain such other accomplishments as might be needed for the performance of its duties; the office is a free gift of the prince's goodness: yet the fulfilment of certain condi- tions is necessary, on the part of the receiver, to enable him. to accept of the gift. Just so, the boundless joys and delights of life in heaven for ever and ever, are prepared by the Lord, out of His infinite good- ness, as a great gift to be bestowed on His creature, man: yet the Lord requires, as a necessary condition of. man's acceptance of this gift, that he fit himself to enjoy it; that by a good life in this world-a life of love and charity, a life of resistance to evil, and of doing good-his mind may become gradually moulded into that form and state of love and goodness, which may render it possible for him to enter into and enjoy the society of "just men made perfect" in heaven. Now, the Commandments of the Word are simply the rules for living such a life. For all the commandments teach either what evils man must shun, or what exercises of love he must practise, in order to become pmjfied and regenerated, and thus fitted for heaven. By keep- ing thes~ commandments, therefore,-by doing these righteous works, by performing these exercises of love and charity,-though man cannot be said to l1writ the immense gift of eternal life in heaven, yet he thereby puts himself into a capacity to receive that gift: he fits himself for the enjoyment of that state, and so makes it possible for the Lord to receive him into heaven. Viewed in this light, the distinction is very plain between the idea of meriting heaven, and that of p·reparing ones self to receive the gift of heaven. An understanding of this will no,v make plain ·the meaning of the Scripture declaration that man is to be judged according to hilt u'or!£s. e
- 117. 114 SALVATION. By works are meant the deeds, the acts,-in a word, the life. Now, if a man's life has been good, according to the rules Divi.nely laid down, that is, the Commandments of the Word, then, when judged, his spirit will be found in a state fit for heaven,-in such a stat~ that it will be possible for him to enjoy heaven and the society of angels; and in that case, the Lord will, in his great goodness and love, receive him into heaven, and make him blessed for evermore. But if, on the other hand, his life has been evil, and in opposition to the DiVine commandments,- if he has accustomed himself to indulge the various evil passions which the commandments forbid-such as anger, hatred, revenge, avarice, licentiousness, selfishness-then, on examination, his spirit will be found entirely unfit for heaTen; and consequently the Lord, though He loves all, and desires to admit all into heavenly joys, yet will be compelled to exclude such a person, because he is not in a condition to enjoy the society of the good; he would neither contribute to their happiness, nor be happy himself in their society. This is the true meaning of a man's being judged according to his works, namely, that his eternal state will be determined according to the life he has led, or, what is the same thing., according to the character he has formed by his daily conduct in the world. • For it is to be observed, that it is by little repe~ted acts the character is formed: as the Scripture expresses it, it is by " line upon line, line upon line, precept upon precept, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little."~~ Every one who has had ,the least experience in the regeneration, knows that it is not in a moment, nor by a single violent effort, that evil habits are broken, that corrupt inclinations are removed, that bad passions are overcome. It is by repeated acts of resistance, by continual efforts to do the right and refrain from the wrong,-it is by daily struggles with the evils of the heart,-that those evils are gradually overcome and put away,-the heart purified, the spirit regene- .rated. This is the law of the human mind, resulting from its very structute and constitution; it cannot be changed in a moment, but gradually. Regeneration is a life-long process. Now, regeneration and salvation, as before observed, are one and the same thing: salvation is simply the effect of man's coming into a heavenly state of mind; but it is only by the process called regeneration that man can come into a heavenly state of mind. But this process, as just shown, is a series of little acts constantly done-in refraining from evil and doing good- according as the Divine commandments direct, and under the guidance .. I8aiah .xxviii. 18.
- 118. SALVATION. 115 and with the aid of the Lord's Spirit. This, then, is what is meant by being saved by works, namely, being regenerated by a daily life of obedience to the Commandments, whereby the heart is gradllally purified from evil and filled with love, and thus fitted for heaven. What, then, it may be asked', is the province of faith? Does faith fulfil no important part in man's salvation? Surely, it does: but the use of faith is to lead to works,-the use of belief is to lead to life, otherwise it is vain: "faith without works," says the apostle, "is dead." But let us understand distinctly what is meant by faith. It does not mean faith in an atonement made for us: it has been 'shown, in a former essay, that atonernent is not a Gospel term, nor a Gospel idea.. It is an Old Testament term, and the idea belongs to the Jewish, or represen- tative Dispensation, not to the Christian. ~:: When the Lord said to the woman who stood weeping at His feet, "Thy faith hath saved thee," t what faith did He allude to ? Did He mean faith in His atonement? Had the woman ever heard of such a thing as His atonement? There is no proof that she had. Does it mean a faith that He had died for her? He was not yet crucified, nor is there any proof that the woman knew or thought of such a thing as that He would be crucified. Does it not mean simply, faith in His Divine power~faith in His power to deliver her from her evils-to pm"ify, and thus to save her? She was indeed a sinner, but a repentant sinner: her deep penitence is proved by her actions-her standing humbly weeping at His feet, washing them with her tears, and wiping them with the hairs of her head. And it was • It is to be regretted that Mr" Noble, in his excellent .Appeal,-and following him, other New Church writers, should, in accommodation to Old Church prejudices, have continued to make use of the word "Atonement," though attaching to it a different sense from thaf in which it is ordinarily used. The effect is to produce in the minds of new readers a confusion of ideas, in regard to the trne doctrines of Redemption and Salvation. The New Church doctrine on these subjects is entirely different from that of the old, and it would be better that the terms used to describe it should be distinct also. There is no warrant in the New Church writings fOl· the use of the term " Atonement." N or is it to be once found in the Gospels-and, indeed, but once in the whole of the New Testament. The term properly belongs to the Old Testament, where it is often found-not in the sense of at-one-ment, or union (as is alleged by Bome New Church writers), but in the sense of expiation, or satisfaction for sin, which is an idea belonging solely to an external and repre- sentative Dispensation, such as the Jewish was. It would be better to let the old terms die with the old ideas, and clothe the new troths of the New Dispensation in the new terms and phrases which the Lord, through Lis illuminated messenger, has provided. "Put the new wine into new bottles, and both will be preserved." + Luke vii. 50.
- 119. 116 SALYATION. this profound humility-the effect of her penitence-it was this sense of her weakness and helples.sness-this longing for a Saviour,-that opened her eyes to see His true character, and gave her discernment of His Divinity. While the proud Pharisee, in whose house He was sitting, saw only a man before him-while even Peter, the apostle, regarded Him, as yet, but as a "master" and teacher, or, at most, as a prophet sent to "restore again the kingdom to Israel,"-the poor penitent saw in Him an Almighty Saviour. And this faith-the effect of her deep penitence and humility-by opening the door of her mind, let in the influx of that Divine stream of troth and good from the Lord, which was able to cast out her evils, and thus to purify and save her. This is the true explanation of the words " Thy faith hath saved thee." * Similar is the meaning of faith and believing in the Lord wherever it is mentioned in the Gospels, namely, faith in the Lord's Divinity, faith in his Omnipotence and power to save. The effect of such faith was to conjoin the spirit to the Lord, and thus to open the mind to his Divine influx, which, entering, was able to deliver the mind-and the . body also-from disorders: hence it was that those who had faith in the Lord, could be cured both mentally and physically; while those who had not faith c6uld not be cured. On this point Swedenborg has the following remarks : - "The primary thing is to acknowledge the Lord's Divine in his Human, and his Omnipotence in saving the human race; for by that acknowledgment man is con- joined to the Divine. To acknowledge the Divine Humanity of the Lord, is the primary thing of the church, by which conjunction is effected; and since this is the primary thing of the church, the Lord, when in the world, so often asked those whom he healed whether they believed that he was able to do for them what they asked; and when they answered that they did believe, he said-' According to your faith be it unto you.' This he so often asked in order that they might first believe that he had Divine Omnipotence from his Divine Humanity; for without that faith they could not have been conjoined to the Divine, but must have been separated from it, and consequently they could not receive from him anything of good. Afterwards the Lord taught them how they should be saved, namely, by receiving Divine truth from him; and this is received, when it is applied to and implanted in the life by doing it: therefore the Lord so often said, that th~ should * Or, as it might be rendered, "hath healed thee" or "made thee whole:" it is the same word in the original that is translated "made thee whole" in Matt. ix. 21, where it is used in reference to the woman who had had an issue of blood twel VG years, and who was.cured by touching the Lord's garment. To her also, it was said, "Thy faith hath saved thee," that is "healed thee of thy disease :" from which we learn. that to save properly signifies to heal spiritually,' or to cure of spiritual disease.
- 120. SALVATION. 117 do his words. From these considerations it is manifest that these two things, namely, believing in the Lord, and doing his words, make one, and that they can by no means be separated."-Apocalypse Explain~d, D.828. Swedenborg then explains the principle on which faith or belief in the Lord produces its effect, thus showing why it is so necessary:- " Since the church, at this day, does not know that conjunction with the Lord makes heaven, and that conjunction is effected by the acknowledgment that He is the God of heaven and earth, and at the same time by a life conformable to His Commandments, therefore it may be expedient to say something on this subject. In the spiritual world all presence is occasioned by knowledge and acknowledgment, and all conjunction is effected by love; for spaces there are only appearances existing according to similarity or dissimilarity of minds. Wherefore when anyone knows another, either from fame or report, or from intercourse with him, or fl·om conversation, or from relationship,-then, when he thinks of him from an idea derived from that knowledge, the other becomes present. And, moreover, if any- one loves another, he dwells with him in one society; and if he loves him inmostly, he dwells in the same house. This is the state of all throughout the spiritual world; and this state has its origin in this, that the Lord is present with every one according to faith, and conjoined according to love. Faith, and the consequent presence of the Lord, is given by means of knowledges of truth derived from the Word, especially concerning the Lord Himself; but love and consequent conjunc- tion is given by a life according to his commandments ;efor the Lord says-' He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and I will love him, and make my abode with him.' "-Apocalypse Explained, 1340. Here, then, is the use of faith or belief: it renders the Lord spiri- tually present to man, and thus opens the door of communication ,vith Him. But if a man stop at faith, then, though there is presence, there is no conjunction, and consequently no happiness nor heaven-that is, no salvation. Salvation is effected by applJing to life the command- ments of the Word, or, what is the same thing, by u'o~l(s-for works mean simply the doing of the Divine commandments. He that does these loves the Lord, and the Lord will love him, and make his abode with him. Thus, faith is uS'eful merely as the first step towards life: faith, by bringing the Lord present to man, gives him light to see the path of duty, and also strength to walk in it; bilt of what avail is it to see and know the way, if a man does not walk on in that way? Will he ever reach heaven by standing still and looking towards it, or, in other words, can he reach ~eaven by belief alone? Thus, faith without works is dead; belief, without a life according to the belief, is of no avail to salvation. . London. O. P. H. (7'0 be continued.)
- 121. 118 " W HE A TAN D TAR E S." REVIEWS would be impossible, if authors were allowed to enter .nto controversy with their reviewers. Nevertheless, we have thought it advisable, as an exceptional case, to give Mr. Hume Rothery the opportunity of defending and explaining the views in his pamphlet from which we felt constrained to dissent. A :first reading of his reply led us to think oC saying a few words on some of its several points. A more deliberate perusal inclines us to believe that very little need be said on the subject. The system is identical with that propounded by Mr. Charles Augustns Tulk~ nearly forty yea·rg ago, and which at the time was emphatically condemned by Mr. Clowes, and completely refuted by Mr. Noble, as may be seen in the Repository for 1828. "That ~as necessary when the theory was originally pnt forth, .is not requisite now when an attempt is made to revive it. Besides having been already disproved, the theory itself is so absurd, and strikes so directly at the foundation of the greatest fact of Revelation and the greatest truth of Christianity, that it never can be received, or even tolerated, by the great body of the New Church. Let the members of the Church only know distinctly what the system requires them to believe, and its fate is certain. The whole of it may be summed np in two propositions, which shall be expressed in Mr. Rothery's own words. The first is- " That all external or sensuous worlds are created through, and therefore repre- sent the Lord's kingdom in, the mental states of their respective inhabitants." This, however, is a harmless en:or, compared with the second, that- "The whole of the Lord's states during His manifestation in the flesh, a8 described in the Word and the Writings, were not states in the Lord himself, but in men." 'The Lord's states of humiliation and glorification,-His temptations, · sufferings, and death,-His resurrection and ascension were not states which the Lord actually passed through or personally experienced, but were only appearances-the reflex to men of their own states of mind. To such a delusive phantom does this ideal philosophy reduce the glorious event of the Incarnation, with all its sublime realities,-the glorification of humanity in the person of the Lord, the subjugation of the hells, the ordination of the heavens, and the descent of the Holy Spirit, caITying down to men the virtues of the Divine ·Humanity, to make them spirituall
- 122. cc WHEAT ANDTABES. ,. 119 To prove his views to be those of Swedenborg, Mr. Tulk proposed to improve the translation of his writings. One of these improvements consisted in sUbstituting the word state, in some instances at least, for the word th,ing, as employed by others, in translating the Latin neuter adjectives. In conformity with this rule, Mr. Rothery (p. 64:) makes .'our author say, that-- "From the Divine Essence are celestial ,tatt, of good, and from these spiritual state. of truth, and from both of them conjointly, natural objectl." Thus are worlds made through the mental statea of their inhabitants. The ordinary translation reads thus : - " From the Divine [principle] proceed the celestial things appertaining to good, and from those celestial things the spiritual thing, appertaining to truth, and from both the former and the latter proceed natural things." One other remark. In his "Wheat and Tares," the author asserts that there is no Scripture warrant for the doctrine of an endless hell. To this we demunoed. He now admits that there is the same Scriptur~ warranl for the doctrine of an endless hell as for that of an endless heaven. And yet he asks to be favoured with the passages which we regard ss affording Scripture warrant for the doctrine of an endless hell I 'Te may ask him in return, why he did not, on this point as on others, appeal to the testimony of Swedenborg ? His teaching on this subject, as an expositor and a seer, is most explicit; and we know of no one who is more entitled to be called in to decide upon the subject. It is much to be regretted that after so short an acquaintance with the writings, Mr. Rothery should have appeared in print as an expounder of their principles, when he was aware tha~ with one exception (perhaps two), he was opposed to every writer and teacher in the Church, from its commencement to the present time. Yet the very circumstance of his recent reception of the doctrines makes. his mistake more excusable, and his condition more hopeful; and we have the happy assurance that, so far as intellectual vigour, and excellence and independence of character are concerned, a reconsideration,· of his views may bring him over to what we believe to be the truth. For Mr. Rothery personally, we entertain a sincere and profound respect, and fervently hope that we may yet meet him not only as a brother in the bond of charity, but as a member of the household of faith. Tt) the Editor oj the Intellectual RejJOsitol"y.. Dear Sir,-I beg you to ~llow m~ to point. out what. I have·;good '. reason Cor calling a mistake, in Mr. Rothery's letter, inserted in the last number.
- 123. 120 "WHEAT AND TARES. " Mr. R. follows Mr. Tuik, in translating H Humanum in se," "the humanity in itself," and in defending that rendering by affirming that otherwise it would have been Humanum in Ipso. Now, I have lately referred this question of translation to ·two eminent Cambridge classies, who both confirm the common rendering~ the Human -in Him.self. One of these gentlemen, indeed, says that the' HUlnan in itse{f ~'might stand as a possible alternative, but an irrelevant and inapplicable defence is set up for it when it is alleged that other- wise 'Ipso' would be required." But more than this, in A. C. 4724; E. S., actually nses "ipso" and not" se" in a sentence refelTing to the Lord's glorification, the follow- ing words of which will form a sufficient quotation : - "Ipsum Humltnum Domini nee potuisset recipere aliquem influxum a Divino Esse, nisi in IplO Humanwn Divinum factum sit, nam Divinum erit quod recipie; Divinum Esse." Thus the argument based upon the translation of Humanum in S6 falls to the. ground.-Yours, &c., 'c. G. :M.A.CPHERSON. The rono~g remarks are made in reference to some statements which appeared in a letter in last month's Magazine, and which are based on erroneous data. Humanum in Se could only signify "the humanity in itself," if Humanum were the nominative -to the sentence in which the ex.pression oc~urs. Instances in which the words are met with in tltis grammatical connection are certainly very"rare, if such exist at all. An analogous form occurs with a different noun :-Divinum in Se est Infinitu'In. (A. C. 8760.) Where Humauum is the o1)ject of the sentence, Humanum in Se does not mean "the ,humanity in itself," for the pronoun, according to th~ Latin usage, is r~:flected, just as in the case we first co~sidered, back upon -the nominative. Thus DOlninus Humanum in Se glorijicavit must be rendered, "The Lord glorified the humanity in Himself." Humanum in Ipso means" the humanity in Him" (or" Himself"), but can only be used, in· phrases such as we are diseussing, where Humanum is the subject. For, as stated above, where the Lord is the subject, the form in Se is employed. DorninusHurnaruun in Se .qlori/icavit (8668) is to be tl'anslated- '~ The Lor~ glorified the humanity in Himself." But the substitution of the words in [plO for in Se would make it necessary to translate
- 124. "WHEAT A..~D TARES." 121 thus :-" The Lord glorified the humanity in Him." In u'hom is not expressed. It will accordingly be found, that where the Lord is the subject of an expression, some case of the reflective pronoun, or the adjective formed from it (suus), is presented; whereas when the subject is not "the Lord, and He is yet referred to in the sentence, some case of Ips, is met with. Thus, Dominus Humaulun SUltl1t Divinum fecit (5785), but A. vero c07nmuni Ecclesim labi dicuntur, qui agnoscunt D01ninuln sed non HumanU"ln Ipliu1J Ditinum (4717), and cunl. .. ex Ditino Humano Ipsius omnis sapientia ...procedat (4727). In the next passage both constructions occur in accordance with the rule, Dominus ex Humano suo pugnavit ...et post hunc laborenl, univit Humanuln SUU1n Divino,· inde Ipsi tunc quws [fuitJ (10867). Again, Q,ue Ipse Dominus lOqUUtU8 est de Patre et de Se (8724). In the following passage the principle is confirmed :-A ·Jehovah conceptus est, quare etiam Ipsurn (the Father, not Himself) vocal Patrern suum, et Selnet FiliuJn Ipsiu8 (7058). The words are sometimes so aITanged as to prevent even the sem- blance of a possibility of attaching the pronoun to the wrong noun: per Humanum, qtwd Dominus in Se uniret Divino (2016). Donzinus omne quod Humanun~ apud Ipsunl, fuit, Divinum fecit (2088). Quod Domino, cum unitum IN IPso Humanurn Divino et Di'liinum Humano, fuerit omn-iscientia (2569). Here in Ipso is correctly placed, and its import is unmistakable. The follo'ving instance is the most direct of all :-Unio Divina Essentia cum HU1nanlt IN DOMINO fMta est (2102 ; see also 2636). A few more examples for the reader's examination and we have done :-Quo modo Dominus illud in Se Divinum jecerat (3490). Humanurn Ipsius fuit relictum sibi (to itself), ut pugnaret a Se contra omnia Infe1-na, et vinceret ilia, et quia vitam habuit in Se, ut dictum" ql.U!J3 Ipsius fuit, sua potentia et suis viribus illa evicit (2025); ut repraesentaret qtw modo Dominus in Se HU1nanum progressive Di'ti- numfecit (5307),. per unitioneln Essentim Divina cum Humana in Se, conjunxit coelum cum terra (2848),. . Divinum enim fecit in Se ta1n Rationale quam Naturale (3195); et sic in Se conjungeret Essentiam Divinam Essentiae Humanae (1578; see also 1659); Deus est 01nnipo- tens, quia omnia potest ex Se, et a1nnes alii ex Ipso (V. Oh. R. 56). Such are a few of the instances scattered through the author's writings; they are, perhaps, sufficient to establish what we. have undertaken to show. S.N.B.
- 125. 122 SWEDENBORG AND ms MODERN CRITICS. SOME time since a little work on "The Bihle and its Interpreters" was published by Dr. Irons, containing a very laudatory notice of Swedenborg personally, but setting aside his Theology as contrary to Catholic tradition, and being a dead literature and not a living power. Mter this work appeared" The Catholic Doctrine ql the Atonement," by Mr. Oxenham; in·which he notices the writings -of Swedenborg, and condemns them on the same ground as Mohler in his "Symholum." This work was reviewed very favourably in the Guardian; but as it was calculated to leave a most erroneous impression on the mind of the reader with regard to the writings of Swedenborg, Mr. Cllssold for- _ warded a letter to the Gua1'dian on the subject, which was inserted• . This led to a reply by Mr. Oxenham, and a correspondence ensued in the columns of the Guardian between both writers. The result was, that Mr. Oxenham, appealing to ·some extracts from the True Chmtian Religion in Mr. Clissold's End of the Ohurch, charged Swedenborg with Sabellianism; but Mr. Cllssold had. already written to the Guardian, anticipating this objection. This letter the Guardian did not insert, principally because it would have led to a discussion too long and too important for the columns of a newspaper. In about a forttright after the close of this controversy, another article appeared in another periodical entitled "The Englishlnan's ~[agazine" (Rivington's), under the head of Swede1lborgianiS'ln, arising not improbably from the corres- . pondence in the Guardian. This article or a portion of it seems to have been copied into the Public Opinion, where it led to further cor- respondence, and the theology of Swedenborg was ably advocated by some zealous and intelligent readers. As the remarks in The Engluh1nan's Magazine were sure to attract the attention of many of the clergy of the Church of England, and to be very injurious to the cause of the New Church, especially among those who knew nothing of Swedenborg's writings, it was considered desirable that the article should receive a lengthened reply, the .publication of which, by Longmans and Co., we now announce under the title of " SU'edenbo'rg and his ]'fode.,.n Critics,. with SOlne 1'ernarks upon The I~ast Times:" by the Rev. A. Clissold, ~I.A. It is a pamphlet consisting of above 90 pages, and, as an exposition of the present state of theology,
- 126. SWEDENBORG A!D HIS l!ODER~ CRITICS. 129 more especially in the Church of England, appeals to the clergy in & way which, it is hoped, will awaken their serious attention. With respect to :!tIre Oxenham, he is one of the converts from the Church of England to Romanism. A notice of this work will appear in our next. THE ORPHAN HOUSES OF ASHLEY DOWN. (Concluded from February number.) ABOUT a year after the opening of the new Orphan House, it appeared, on making up the accounts, that only £150. 7s. 10d. remained in hand. "Place yourself, dear reader," says Mr. Muller, in my position: 300 persons daily at table, the necessary expenses of a large house to meet, and only £150. in hand 1 Looking at it naturally, it is enough to make one tremble; but trusting in the Living God, I was assured that He would help me, as in times past. The follow- ing record will prove that I was not mistaken, and thus another precious proof is furnished that 'whosoever believeth in Him shall not be ashamed.' " He proceeds to ~hew, in the Report published in 1851, how he was helped. A gentleman meeting him at the station, as he was going from home for change of air, gave him £50. for the orphans. Two days afterwards, £180. were given, in two donations, and within about & fortnight, on his return home, a thousand pounds altogether had come in. Straitness was again experienced towards the close of the year, for during seven weeks little or nothing was received. But there was always enough for the daily wants of the children. At the close of this period, Mr. Miiller writes :-" My judgment is, that it will now soon please the Lord to send larger sums." The very next day, early in the morning, .£200. was given: and a few weeks afterward~, in one donation, the large sum of £3,000! " I have had," he says, "very many donations. of £100. and £200., several of £300., one of £400., several of £500., some of from £600. to £900., four of £1,000., two of £2,000., and one of £2,050., but never so large a sum as this at one time. Yet I have expected more, and accordingly, it has pleased the Lord to give me £3,000. this evening. I now write again, that I expect far larger sums still, in order that it may be yet more and more manifest that there is no happier, no easier, and no better way of obtaining pecuniary means for the work of the Lord, than the one in which I have been led." In February, 1851, the funds were reduced to .£24. 8s. 4~d., the smallest sum in hand since the opening of the new house; and though sufficient came in for necessaries, at length all the money was gone! "Now observe," says the Journal, "how God helped me :-Just before I was called on for money, I received: from a noble lady, £15.; and the very next daJ- a donation of £999. l3s. 5d. !"
- 127. 124 THE ORPHAN HOUSES OF ASHLEY DOWN. Again, on October 8th, there remained <?nly £8. 148. in hand! "To-morr-ow more money will be needed." "October 9th. This morning, while reading of the widow of Nain, (Luke vii.) I lifted up my heart to the Lord Jesus thus :-' Lord Jesus, Thou hast the same power now. Thou canst provide me with means for Thy work in my hands. Be pleased to do 80.' About half an hour after- wards I received £250. 15s." At the end of May, 1858, the cnrrent expenses being £70. per week, and some extras for repairs needed, there were but £12. in hand! 'c About £100. were then urgently required, and no earthly prospect of getting a hundred pence." This, teo, was on a Monday, when the incomings are generally very small. " But, walking to the Orphan-house this morning, I particularly told the Lord in prayer that this d8.y, though Monday, He could do much. And thus it was. I received this morning,. Three Hundred Pounds, for the Lord's service. I walked up and down my room for a long time, tears of joy and gratitude running plenti- fully down my cheeks, while I praised and magnified the Lord for His goodness." It may, not unnaturally, occur to some persons tha.t such a life must be a most trying one, and this has been said to Mr. Muller. His reply is too instructive to pass over:- ~, I do not find the life in connection with this work a trying one, but, a t'ery happy one. It is impossible to describe the abundance of peace and heavenly joy that often has flowed into my soul, by reason of the fresh answers I have obtained from God, after waiting upon Him for help and blessing; and the longer I have had to wait on Him, and the greater my need was, the greater the enjoyment when the answer came, which has often been in a very remarkable way. I do, therefore, solemnly declare that I do not find this life a trying one, but a very happy one, and I am consequently not in the least tired of it. Before I began this work I expected straits and difficulties, nay, the chief object of it was, that the church at large m~ght be 8trengthtned injaitk, and be led more simply, habitually, and unreser- vedly to trust in tht. Living God, by seeing His hand stretched out, in my behalf, in the hour oj need." . Mr. Muller had lo~g thought of building another and a larger house; the last donation of £3,000. still further encouraged him in this pur- pose. He' found that the estimated cost, inclusive of fitting np and furnishing, would be £85,000. During seven weeks it had been the subject of his prayers before he made known his intentions, even to his wife. Shortly after they became known, a report, as if to thwart them, was circulated that he had already in hand nearly the whole sum, when he had barely a thirtieth part of it. For a long time no large sums were received, but the ftmd steadily though slo'Yly increased. "At last," he says, "God has abundantly refreshed my spirit, and gt"anted my request." 'rhis was by the astonishing dOllation of £8,100., ., the
- 128. THE ORPHAN HOUSESOF ASHUEY DOWN. 125 joint contribution of several Christians." To this were afterwards added a further gift of £5,209. early in 1854, and at the beginning of the following year another of £5,700. At the close of the fourth year, the fund amounted to £23,059. 178. 8td. f In consequence of certain local difficulties it was not found practi- ca.ble to build a single large houge of the size intended. It was there- fore resolved to erect two houses - one for 800, the other for 400 orphans. A commencement was made at the end of May, 1855. In December, Mr. MUller' received an offer of all the glass required for the 800 windows of the new house. This had not been contracted for at the time, 8S in the case of the :first house, which is mentioned as another indication of the Lord's providential interposition. In February, another donation of £3,000., and in the following month one of £4,000. came in. Thus, with the addition of the interest of money in the banker's hands, amounting to £911. 8s. Id., the fund was augmented to £29,297. 18s. llid. Then follow other donations of £1,700., £500., £3,000., £800., £900., with two sums, one of £150. and the other of £100., received as presents by one engaged in the work, and ~ immediatelY handed over to the building fund, which, with the addition of £1,044. 13s. 8d. paid for interest, completed the sum of £35,000. required for the accommodation of 1,000 orphans. The second house having been happily completed, the third was proceeded with as soon as land could be obtained in the immediate neig~bourhood of the other two-an almost indispensable requisite to the proper management of the whole. After waiting several- months, eleven acres and a half were to be had on the opposite side of the road; and though the large sum of £3,631. 15s. was asked, it was cheerfully given by Mr. Muller. It was now found practicable to accommodate 150 more inmates than was at :first intended, making in all 1,150 children. This, it is true, involved an addition to the original estimate of from £6,000. to £7,500., and an additional annual expense of £1,800.; but so numerous were the applications for admission, that he "felt himself justified in incurring this expense. He therefore bega.n to pray 'for money to meet it, and shortly afterwards received, in a single donation, £7,000.! The reader will have observed that the anticipation of "far larger, sums" than the £3,000. subscribed some time since was almost pro- phetic, so fully has it been realized. Two days subsequently to the last-named subscription, an anonymous donor gave £800., promising £900. more dnring the year; and on
- 129. 126 THE ORPHL~ HOGSES OF ASHLEY DOWN. February 1, a further donation of £1,700., and on the same day another of £1,000. were received! Of this last only £300. was added to the building fund. We notice this in order to explain that when the mode of applying the contribution is not expressed, but left to his own discre- tion, Mr. Muller apportions it to the current expenses of the orphans, and the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, as need requires. Two' more donations-one of £8,000., another of .£2,700., not to mention nnmerous smaller ones-swelled the sum total to £45.,113. 14s. 4td. ! The third ho~se was opened on November 12th, 1857, with £2,292. Os. -1Iid. in hand for the current expenses of the orphans. "See, esteemed reader," says Mr. Muller, at this period, "how unbelief is put to shame and natural reason confounded! Had I at my own bidding, or for my own honour, or for the gratification of self in some way or other, begun this enlargement, I could ha~e expected nothing but to be confounded. Or, good though my intention had been, had I not been called to the work, I could have expected nothing but to be confounded; or had I regarded iniquity in my heart whilst I was seeking to carry out this enlargement, I might have prayed much outwardly, but I should not have had my desires granted as to the obtaining of means." /I In consequence of the daily increasing applications for admission, Mr. Miiller has for some time past intended yet further to enlarge the work, by building another house still larger than either of the former, to accommodate 850 inmates, the cost of which will be .£50,000. For this purpose more than £30,000. had already come in up to May, 1865. But it has again been found desirable, on many accounts, that instead of one large building two should be simultaneously.erected, by which a saving of several hundred pounds will be effected. The land has already been purchased, and the fourth and fifth houses will probably be commenced in the coming spring or summer. Thus every possible provision is made for the continuance of the work when its present director shall have gone to his reward; and who shall say that even then his supervision shall cease, as undoubtedly his interest in the work never can ? All the houses have been vested in the hands of trustees, and enrolled in Chancery; and the deeds contain minute directions concerning what is to be done in case of Mr. Muller's death. The expenses of the three orphan houses now reach the large sum of .£19,000. a-year; while on the other objects of the Institution nearly £8,000. a-year is expended. To supply this need, subscriptions are recorded as having come from almost every town and village in the
- 130. THE ORPHAN HOUSESOF ASHLEY DOWN. 127 United Kingdom, and from all parts of the world. Articles of all kinds are continually sent, for the sale of which a room, at No. 84, Park- street, has been fitted up. These include almost everything of value that can be imagined, such as jewellery set with diamonds, pearls, and all kinds of precious stones; old gold, silver, and copper coins; plate, gold and silver watches, books, pictures, antiquities, costly apparel, material not made up, teeth set in gold, &c. &c. By the sale of such articles as these, about· £10,000. have been realised. An old Bjble, sent by a book-collector, fetched .£60. A poor artist gives half the price of a picture sold. A newly-married couple send a guinea, "instead of having the bells rung." A baker sends one penny for each sack of flour he bakes.. One gardener sends the produce of a fruit-tree; another the· yield of a potato bed, "planted for the orphans.". One donor saves up the threepenny and fourpejJny pieces received in change; another sends the amount saved by drinking water at meals; another, the product of a Christmas tree. A poor widow saves up her farthings; a poor shoe- maker·his pence; an Essequibo negro a penny on every bunch of plan- tains sold-to swell by their mites this vast income of twenty-seven thousand a-year; and it is interesting to notice how much pleasnre Mr. Muller takes in this class of donations. " Thank-offerings" of all kinds, and in various sums, are sent :-for "support under trials," for " recovery from sickness," for "an increase of salary," for "jour- neying mercies," .for "success in business," and, strange to say, for losses in business, " that the Lord has not permitted them to lose all ! " One person, having sustained a heavy pecuniary loss, sends .£1., "to sanctify it." Remarking on this, Mr. Muller mentions the case of a deeply-afllicted house of business, whose principals gave £100. as a thank-offering for mercies continued to them; and says-CC You 'may think it strange, but what will you think when I tell you that these same Christian friends have had that .£100. repaid, not ten, not twenty, nor even a hundred fold, but far more than a thousand fold!" Another sends five pounds, remarking with it-" It is a settled matter in my mind, that when I give to the Lord, I invariably receive tenfold in retu·rn." Many come to the conclusion that ·insurance is unscriptural, and send to the orphans the amount they would otherwise pay to the offices-an act of faith which we cannot but admire, whether or not the validity of the conclusion be admitted. Indeed so numerous are the instances in which a blessing has followed the donors to this charity, that the words of Solomon are amply verified in them-CC There is that scattereth, and yet i'1lC1oealeth." And this i! most remarkably. the case
- 131. 128 THE ORPHAN HOUSES OF ASHLEY DOWN. with those who devote to the Lord's service a certain fixed proportion of their income, as five, ten, and sometimes fifteen per cent. How much more might be done for the material and spiritual good of huma- nity were this excellent plan generally adopted in the church! In the application of the funds, there is the most rigid economy. The buildings are substantial, but entirely' destitute of unnecessary ornament: the object from first to last being use. In proof that this economy is carried into everything, it will be su~cient to mention that the cost of one child averages only eleven pounds a year. This includes every expense! And yet there is no w~nt of all things necessary. But it must be remembered that the Director receives nothing for his time and labour; and that all vegetables, except potatoes, are grown on the land surrounding the houses. Much, however, is due to Mr. Miiller's . wise and careful management, and unwearied attention to all the details of expenditure. " . The orphans, as they pass through the streets of Bristol, are con- spicuous for their healthy, clean, and neat appearance; and so admirably is their moral and religious training cared for, that they almost invari- ably turn out well. The girls are so much prized as servants, that it is difficult to secure one. They receive instruction also in reading, writ- ing, arithmetic, English history, and grammar, general history, and geography, and all kinds of useful household and needle work: they make and mend their own clothes: and at about 17 or 18 years of age they are sent out to service. The boys go through the same course of instruction, learn to knit and mend their own stockings, make their beds, clean their shoes, scrub their rooms, and work a little in the gardens; and at the age of 14 or 15 they are apprenticed, and a premium, if required, is paid with them. In selecting situations for the inmates, as much care as possible is.taken to avoid all such as might be injurious to their health and morals. The result of the great care be- stowed on diet, ventilation, and cleanliness, and the encouragement of cheerfulness and exercise, may be judged of from the fact that the average mortality is rather under one per cent.! This is the more re- markable, considering the constitutions which the children for the most part inherit, about two-thirds of the paren~s, according to lIr. lIliller's statistics, having died of consumption. Every 'one who visits .Bristol should make a point of inspecting these cheering monuments of a new age,* which are destined, without doubt, • The Orphan-houses are open to the public on Tuesday and WedDesday in every week, and at ~ other time.
- 132. THE ORPHAN HOUSESOF A8BLEY DOWN. 129 to exercise an important influence on the New Church, by a practical demonstration of those principles which are the very soul of Christianity, and hence of the heaven-taught Swedenborg's writings, and of which his · own life was so beautiful an illustration. And what is this whole history but ~ sublime-we had almost said a divine-eommentary on his own motto-cc THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!" But it seems desirable to add a few 'words on the other objeots of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, which have increased every year in extent and importance. It appears that up to the spring of last year (1865), 86,778 Bibles, 27,098 Testaments, 1,055 Psalters, and 2,759 other smaller portions of the Word, havs been carried to the-homes of poor persons, the majority of whom, in all probability, could not otherwise have possessed so inestimable a treasure. The total number of volumes ot Holy Scripture thus put in circulation amounts to 67,680. This sum includes translations into the following languages :-English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, French, German, Swedish, Danish, and Dutch. One hundred and twenty-two missionaries are now receiving help from this Institution, of whom 78 are labouring in the United Kingdom, and the rest in British Guiana, China, Penang, East Indies t United States, Nova Scotia, Canada, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, and Switzerland_ Six day-schools, six Sunday-schools, and two adult schools, in va.rious places, whereby 15,285 children are being brought under habitual reli- gious .instrnction, are entirely supported by this Institution. The total amount received by Mr. Muller since the commencement, without his having asked a single person, directly or indirectly, for money, may be set down as, at the least, £810,000. t The results of these various agencies, aId they are most gratifying, may be seen in the Reports yearly published, by the sole Director and Manager, Mr. Miiller. The nature and purpose of these Reports he explains, in that for 1868, as follows:- "1. To show the donors how the money with which I have been entrusted has been expended. 2. To benefit the Christian reader by proving to him how successful, how happy, and how peaceful the path of real turst in God is, that the disciples of the Lord Jesus may thus be led more and more to roll their way upon the Lord, and to trust in Him. 3. To bring before the reader who does not know the Lord, instance upon instance of the reality of the things of God, and' to lead him thus to seek the Lord while He may be found: and 4. That God may be glorified by thus another testimony being bome for Him as to His ability and willingness to help all who trust in Him for that which it is for His glory to give, and their good to receive." 9
- 133. 180 THE ORPHAN !lOUSES OF ASHLEY DOWN. The Report for 1865 contains so much that is interesting and profitable, that, if space permitted, we should be tempted to quote at length from it; but it is published· at so. Iowa price as to be within the reach of all, and may be obtained through any bookseller.* In· view of such striking evidence that the Lord is present in this great work, the New Church reader will lay but little stress on the intima- mations now and then occurring in it that Mr. Muller has not yet shaken off the doctrinal errors of' the .old church. N or can this fact in the slightest degree prejudice the work, Of check any desire to render it assistance, in the estimation .of those who truly understand the prin- ciples of the Lord's New Church, which makes faith secondary to charity, or, which is the same thing, truth secondary to Imre, and thus place on the firmest foundations that catholicity which is so much praised, but so little practised. The writer does not remember ever to have seen in a report the donation of a New Churchman so expressed. t May we not hope that after the case has been brought under his notice, and convincing evidence laid before him that the Lord smiles on this work, he will no longer Withhold his countenance and his offerings from an enterprise of such pure and angelic philanthropy! And the more so, as it will be seen that every farthing goes direct to its mark (unfiltered by officers' salaries, agencies, advertisements, or other expensive ma-. ehinery), and that with a most admirable economy. The world-wide, uDsectarian aim of the orphan work will be best described in Mr. Muller's own words, with which' we shall conclude this artiele- "Without any sectarian distinction whatever, and without favour or partiality, the orphans are received in the order in which application is made for them. There is no interest whatever ~equired to get a child admitted, nor is it expected that any money should be paid with the orphans. Three things only are required.. 1. That the children should have been lawfully begotten. 2. That they should have been bereaved of both parents. S. That they should be in needy circum- stances. Respecting these three points stnct investigation is made, and it is ." Brief Narrative of facts relative to the New Orphan Houses on Ashley Down, Bristol, and the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, by George Miiller; being the Twenty-sixth Report, from May, 1864, to May, 1865." Nisbet, Bemers-street; to be had also at the Warehouse of the Institution, 84, Park-street, Bristol. Price 6d. . + In the reports the names of donors are never given in full, but only their initials, or such other descliption of themselves as they may choose, in order tl;l&t no encouragement may be held out to give for ostentati~n.
- 134. • THE ORPHAN HOUSES OF ABHLEY DOWN. 181 expected that each of them be proved. by proper doeuments; but that being done, children may be admitted from any place. I here state again that no sectarian views prompt me, or even in the least influence me, in the reception of children. I do not belong to any seet, and am not, therefore, influenced by sectarianism; but from wheresoever they come, and to whatsoever religious denomination the parents may have belonged, or with .whatever religioas body the persons making application" may be connected, it makes no difference in the admission of children."- GLORIA IN EXCELBIB DEO I C. - Mr. Miiller's address is 21, Paul-street, Kingsdown, Bristol. REVIEWS. A WOMAN'S THOUGHTS ON THE EDUCATION OF GIRLS. By Mrs. RoB. London: F. Pitman. Crown 8vo., pp. 89. THOSE who ar~ blessed with children, and to whom is entrusted. the , solemn duty of training their minds and hearts into the love and'know- ledge of goodness and truth, must ever feel ready to welcome any helps in this matter, come they from whatever source they may. '!'he New Church has already been favoured, in the possession of writers and workers in this department, far beyond what might have been antici- pated from the smallness of its numbers. The list would be a long and mteresting one, which should include all the names of those who, both in America and Europe, have rendered the cause of human progress good service in this direction. We remember many of their names with pleasure, and are grateful to the Divine Fountain whence all the rivulets of wisdom can alone flow, for accepting and blessing them as instru- ments of use. We are glad to welcome the appearance of another . writer upon the subject, and to commend her little work to all motheri, governesses, and gUardians who have the care of, or are interested in, the "education of girls." It is altogether admirably suited. for placing in the hands of girls of that critical age when some begin to fancy their education completed, when they are about to leave school, and take part in the business and pleasures of "grown up people." What is also an uncommon case in works of the kind, it is sufficiently interesting to induce such girls to read and like it. The matter is everywhere useful and good, and the style is everywhere piquant and pleasant. We learn· from a note at the back of the title page that the "essay .was read by the. authoress before a scientific society in Derby. It has been revised, and is published in agreement with 'the wishes of the meeting." There appeared in our miscellany 'a notiee of the essay at
- 135. • 182 REVIEWS. the time of its delivery. The newspapers of Derby were unanimous in their commendations, and made copious extracts from the essay. Other journals have, since its publication, spoken in high terms of the ability of the authoress, and of the excellence of the materials which she has herein gathered and wrought into such pleasing shape. A genuine, practical, sympathetic woman herein gives "a bit of her mind" on a subject which she has, evidently, much considered; and gives it in a lively, forcible manner. There are passages which have the vigour and snap of a whip, pithy enough to be remembered as mottoes, and sensible enough to deserve it. As a well-known member of the New Church, the authoress will enlist the. interest of all our readers, and while treating her theme in the light of the New Church, she has produced a little work which merits the approval of all the world. We commend the essay most cordially and unhesitatingly. It is nicely got up, as, we mnst say, are all the works which come from the house of its publisher. SWEDENBOBG'S DOCTRINE OF MARRIAGE AND ITS OPPOSITES EXPLAINED 'AND DEFENDED. By the Rev. W. WOODMAN. Also a Review of the Charges against, and Misrepresentations of the General Teachings of Swed~nborg, in Mr. Brindley's "Swedenborgianism: What it is," &c. London: Alvey, Bloomsbury-street, Oxford-street. Price 8s. 6d. THIS work, which has now been issued some months, is one of solid importance to the New Chureh-one which may be referred to with satisfaction in future controversies on the subjects with which it deals, . and especially with that which wickedly as~ails the life of the church in the married homes of its members. That, however, which is put forth as its leading title is, in reality, the second part of the work, which consists of three parts and an Appendix. The first part consists of nine chapters, in which the reader will find an able refutation of several misrepresentations of the doctrines of the New Church, not pre- viously discussed in so direct a_ form. The third part exposes, with discrimination and care, in five chapters, some miscellaneous charges brought against Swedenborg's views of judgment; the variations of lusts among the infernals; marriages in heaven; the arrangements of heavenly societies, with a view to happiness and use; and the canon of Scripture. The Appendix consists of two short notices-first, the questionable characters of some who have opposed Swcdenborg's work on "Conjngial Love"; and second, the results of midnight meetings
- 136. REVIEWS • 188 • .for, reclaiming the unfortunate women of the metropolis. The omission of these notices, whatever might be the historical value of the facts referred to, would not, in our opinion, have been detrimental to the fair tone and purpose of the work. The book seems to have been undertaken mainly for the sake of dealing with the objection of an unscrupulous opponent to the New Church doctrine on marriage, and to some statements of Swedenborg made in that part of his work on "Conjugal Love" which treats of "BCortatory lusts." This constitutes the second part of the work before us: it is divided into twenty-six chapters, entitled "Marriage and its Opposites." Doubtless marriage is a holy institution, both in its origin and its ends. This Mr. Woodman has shown with great clearness, bringing to its treatment a solemn sense of its importance, and sur- rounding it with an air of calm philosophy which cannot fail to arrest the attention of the reflecting. The opposite to marriage, in every phase of it, is an unholy procedure, and although there are some forms of it more criminal than others, yet the mildest form of it is associated with evils which are contral'J to religion and inimical to the wellbeing of society. But the ~'opposites" exist, hence they are not to be ignored because the squeainishness of prudery may wish to hide such impurities from the public gaze. They have to be dealt with. Religious men, the philosopher, the statesman, have in their capacities of public jurists to do with those secret forms of evil which they know to be undermining and tending to destroy the holiest sentiment of our religion and our nature. Conjugal love is that sentiment; and the villany which would violate its laws must be spoken of to be restrained, and thrust beyond the boundaries of the Christian religion to find its "own place." • Swedenborg, in his "Doctrine of Life for the New Jerusalem," treating of the command "Thou shalt not commit adultery," observes- " From what has been said it may, without ambiguity, be concluded and seen, whether a man be a Christian or not, yea, whether he has any religion or not': for whosoever does Dot regard adulteries as sins, in faith and lile, is not a Christian, neither has he any religion."-77. Any obse~ations, then, insiD'qating that the doctrines of the New Church are lax in their ,views of chastity, in either sex, or under any cir- cumstances, cannot but be offensive to those who know the purity of her teachings and the strictness of her morals. Such observations have .been made public on several occasions. :Mr. Hindmarsh had to deal with them, in-the case of "Pike's Pamphlet:" :Mr. Noble, in the case of Beaumont's attack; Dr. Bayley, with some opponents at Aecrington; and
- 137. 184 .BEVlEWS. Mr. Smithson, in the controversy at Ramsbottom, with Gibbon. Able and satisfactory are all the defences of the New Church, by those gentle- men, on this point: yet it has been felt by many that there were .matters connected with Swedenborg's statements on the 8ubject which required a more specific consideration; and some of the best thinkers of the Church, who have now passed into the other life, have s9,id to the writer of this, that they had no doubt a time would come when a larger and more varied treatment of the objections would be demanded. Mr. Brindley's attack has, in some measure, furnished the occasion for this contemplated work, and Mr. Woodman has undertaken to supply it. The brevity and cunning with which Mr. Brindley put forth his objections; the perseverance and audacity with which the Pamphlet, containing the grossest accusations, has been advertised and circulated, and the reite- ration of those charges by their author, at public lectures, from which it was announced that females and youths were to be excluded, afforded materials of great annoyance. No doubt the coarseness of the attack arrested the progress of some of its malevolence. We know of a case in which a rough man, with very little concern about any religion, ssid- e'I am sure Brindley is a·-liar, for, if those people ~ere half as bad as he represents them, they would be rooted out of society in a fortnight." How were such itinerating slanders to be met? And who would under- take the work .1 Whatever weight might be attached to the opinion of those friends of the Church who thought that the most dignified course would be to let such detractions alone, under the assurance that they would perish, by the force of their obvious absurdity, it must be con- fessed that this was a philosophy which did not meet the emergency of •the moment. There was a strong case for an immediate protest against proceedings so infamous: silence would have permitted the injury to take root, for the vulgar woula have construed it into a confession of the slanders. The provocation to reply, viva voce and by writing, was exceedingly great. Mr. Woodman adopted both courses; and the Church ought to be obliged to him for the manliness of his conduct in meeting an unscrupulous opponent with a prejudiced auditory, and for the solemn and solid protests con:tained in his arguments against .the calumnies which were being circulated. His efforts to extend and classify those arguments, and to place them in a more logical form than they would admit of in a public disc~ssion, constitute, as we have intimated, the second part of the work now before us. To him such misrepresentation of the truth, and such unprincipled perversion of Swedenborg's meaning,
- 138. BBVIEWS. 185 became a temptation against which he has sensibly rebelled, and over which we think he has most satisfactorily triumphed. We, therefore, earnestly recommend his book. Of course, from the nature of the attack, he has had to deal with a variety of exceptionable subjects, some of which it is not desirable to bring upon the tapis with any frequency; still they were necessary to the completion of the author's idea, that they ought to be referred to with frankness in a work undertaking the defence of certain statements of Swedenborg as a philosopher, rather than of his utterances as a theo- logian. On this account the work is not intended for every-day readers, or for popular pernsal; but we regard it as one of great value to mem- bers of the Church, deserving- a place in our libraries for reference, and as affording a contribution towards the fair understanding of certain statements in Swedenborg which have been frequently made the occasion of misrepresentation and offence to the world. * * * MISCELLANEOUS. AFFAIRS OF THE CHURCH. read the works of Swedenborg. Mueh IT is reasonable to expect that the New of the new information which he has Church, viewed as a Divine institution been permitted to disclose is found to be for teaching the spiritual truths of the permeating the societies of religious and Word, must, sooner or later, find exten- thoughtful men, and gaining for itself sive reception among mankind. Still it a place, in some pleasant form, in the is not reasonable to suppose that its pro- literature of our times. Still it must be gress will be rap~d, because it is a law confessed that the process is slow. In that the human mind cannot be forced our desire to see the borders of Jerusalem to accept that which it does not see and enlarged, we should remember that all value. Everyone experiences the influ- genuine increase is effected in a way some- ence of this law, and therefore the New what similar to the regeneration of the Church can advance in the public esti- individual; it is a work that is really going mation onlY.' as the vastation of its pre- on among the earnest lovers of religion, decessors is accomplished. This vasta- and yet its progress is so imperceptible tion is plainly visible in the disturbances that it cannot be measured from day to which are being felt in the sects of the day, but only by a comparison of epochs. older dispensations-disturbances caused Thus, although it may not be easy to by a perception of the unsnitableness of detect much advancement for the last their teaching to the age in which w. few years, we find that it is very marked live; and, specially, of their want of when we compare its condition in the adaptation to that freedom of thought latter half of the nineteenth century with upon theological matters which is pressing what it was at the commencement of the for exercise in almost every direction. :first. We at once recognise a growth in The natural tendency of such disturb- the number of its professors; in the pro- ances is to~put aside some errors and vision of means for the observance of prepare the way for the acceptance public worship; in its missionary efforts; of truths not previously acknowleged. in the distribution of its tracts; in the Hence may be observed a growing incli- literature it has realised '; and in the nation in the public mind to appreciate education it is attempting to promote many of the beautiful truths of the New for its ministers and others. Surely Church, and an improving disposition to such progress ought not only to inc_rease
- 139. 186 MISCELLANEOUS. our faith in the truth of the church, but the ~ishop of .Oxford (who presided), the earnestn~ss of our work to spread ~he BlSho..p ~f Lmcoln, the BishQP Coad- abroad a knowlege of its excellence. Jutor 9f Edinburgh, Dra. Pusey, Liddon, Doubtless it is the Lord's doing, and it and Canon W ordsworth: on behalf of should be marvellous in our eyes. the Russian Church, Father Yeogeni In the December number of the Popoff, the chaplain of the Russian Embassy in London; Count Alexei Repository we noticed the general bear- ing of Dr. Iron's work, entitled U The Tolstoi, and Prince Orloff. Two arch- Bible and its Interpreters;" among the bishops and ten bishops, and other gen- t1~men, including Mr. Gladstone, are ~terpret~rs Swedenborg is named, and hIS servtces are spoken of with great 8&ld to have sent letters sympathizing frankneas and seeing appreciation. We with the purpose of the meeting. The subject of union between the two feel assured the follow~g paragraph from that work will be read with in- churches was talked about, but nothing terest :-" There have beem few more appears to have been done. The Prince able, thoughtful, calm, and devoted said that the most holy Philal-et, the among educated men th8Jl Emanuel Archbishop of Moscow aud lofty Patri- Swedenborg. He found the New Tes~ arch of the Russian ChUl·ch, regarded it ment, as it is, a sufficient foundation for as a very grave and difticult question, his " Vera Christians, Religio." No which ought to be slowly matured, and invest~gated closely and minutely; so candid mind can question that Sweden- borg mak.es out a good case. His hearty that It appears the proposition was denunciation of the Nicene decisions as viewed coolly in that quarter. What the greatest misfortune of Christend~m, will come of it remains to be seen. The has been lately echoed among ouraelves- meeting seems to have attracted con- perhaps by one who did nQt know Sweden- siderable attention. The" Noncon- borg to be his predecessor. His system formist," in noticing it, among other appears to be based on no wilful perver- racy remarks, observes-u Shall we be far wrong in surmising that 'the entire move- sion, at lea~t, an.d no ignorant glance, ment owes its rise to a 'supposed. and felt but on an mtelligent and painstaking perusal of the Bible in the main as we necessity of ecclesiastical heraldry ? Intereommunion, in the sense in which now ~ve it. From his literary and it is chiefly desired by the ritualistio ~ons~lence-taught point of view it would be difficult to prove that his may not be clergy, means mutual recognition of priestly orders and authority. Our high the honest sense of .Scripture. It is church clergy are not quite satisfied to uaeless to be made angry by a fact like be repudiated as pretenders ,to an un- this; and that it is a fact any.competent broken apostolic descent from Rome on student tnay judge for himself with- out turning Swedenborgian. ~ purely the one hand, and by the eastern church on the other. Not that they entertain popular or literary Bible-ground it would any doubts as to their own priestly not be easy to find that anyone has fully answered Swedenborg. The account of legitimacy, but that it is unpleasant to be shut out by the two great societies his death-bed can leave no doubt that he remained sincere to the last. The which arrogate to themselves the only , Bible Revelations' led him to personal indubitable right to dispense sacerdotal grace. It would be far more agree~ble reve~tion, per accidens."-p. 74. , to be recognized as all right, by one at The .restoration of unity among some l~ast, and who can foretell the extent to of the separated churches has recently which that recognition might assist in been engaging the attention of many of giving weight to prelatical and clerical the leading clergy. It appears from the authority? The Russian Church is run newspapers that a meeting, consisting of after by our Anglicans, we fancy not so s~veral bishops and clergymen of the much for any good they can communi- h.Igh church ~y, ~nd certain dignita- cate to her, as from the ,ore perfect nes and ecolesJ.asties of the Russian title they can get from her." There are ohurch, was held in London in Decem- efforts being made in other quarteTS to be~ last, the object being to promote establish other Christian unions. Thus, UDlon and intercommunication between Dr. Pusey is very solicitous that the the eastern and western churches. There Anglican should unite with the Catholic were present, o~ behalf of the Anglican, Church (see his U EirenikoD"); but he
- 140. MISCELLANEOUS. 187 makes no suggestion about unity with dom of individual opinion, for churches the Church of Scotland or Dissenters. wholly to do without creeds and criti- Hence the Rev. Archer Gurney, in a cisms, and definitions of dogmatic theo- letter to the "Patriot," says tha.t Arch- logy. But the great thing is, we should deacon Wordsworth and thoosands of always remember they should be kept in English Churchmen cherish kindly and their proper place; and it is of immense respectful feelings towards the great importance that we should remember bodies of Protestant Dissent, and desire ~hat they are-that they are purely nothing more than .reunion with them human abstracts of what we conceive to on just and reasonable grounds. Al- be the truth of the Gospel, that they though we do not expect any practical have not the authority which the Bible . result in the way aimed at, from any of itself has, and that.too often they are those efforts, yet the existence of the apt to represent a passing aspect of the feeling that disunion among Christians truth. There are matters entered in the is not any feature of true Christianity, Confession of Faith, and doctrines are is a favourable omen, since it must needs laid down which I apprehend no man open the door to some sentiments of now believes. It is absolutely necessary, mutual charity and forbearance. therefore, that a certain amount of liberty The Duke of Argyle, in presiding in should be given to the individual con- Glasgow over the National Bible Society science; and fortunately the Confession meeting of Scotland, took occasion to of Faith itself lays down the principle allude to the attempted unity 'between that 'the Lord alone is the Lord of the the Anglican and Eastern churches; conscience'- that no man is bound to and in discussing the subject, said- any doctrine, or to any belief, which he "The great object of the union is to does not believe to be founded on and to show an increasing separation between be provable by the Word of God." So the English church and other Protes- that the ends contemplated in the searoh tant bodies, from lfhom t.hose per~ons after" Christian union" by certain con- really wish to be more widely separated clQ,ves of ecclesiastics are being scanned than they were before. This I think with-tolerable accuracy; and not only is shows that efforts after Christian union the authority of the old creeds thrust must be very strictly examined as to fairly back into its human origin, but the spirit in which they are conceived, some of their doctrines are honestly and and as to the object which they set before fairly declared to be erroneous, and no themselves, before we conclude that they longer ~elieved by the professors of the are either eminently Christian in spirit church with whom they have a place. or eminently salutary as to the objects Surely these are some of the evidences which they have before them. I cannot of the vastation which is going on within help saying that the object which is set the churches, and which is among the before many minds at present as a very necessary precursors of those higher and important object, is one of the utility and more spiritual truths now pressing for value of which I have the greatest possi- acceptance among mankind. ble doubt. It is impossible not to see The revision of the Prayer Book. On that what many mean by a'united Chris- the Srd of Febroary a d~putation from tendom means a great system of priest- the -English Church Umon, headed by hood - one system of priesthood over Lord Carnarvon, waited upon the Arch- the whole of Christendom. Union with bishop of Canterbury, and present~d the Roman Catholics evidently means that, following memorial:-" We the under- , for it is the fundamental principle npon signed Clergy of the Church of England, which that church is founded. Such respectfully object to any alteration being unions as those contemplated would only made in the 'Book of Common Prayer,' tend to procure strength for, and give a respecting the ornaments of the Church wider diffusioIt for, error." His Grace and of the Ministers thereof, and the then passed from this subject to creeds mode and manner of perfonning divine and catechisms, and said- "I am not service according to the uses of the Church one of those who are disposed to depre- of England." Two other memorials to ciate what is called scientific dogmatic the same 'effect were also presented to his theology; my own belief is, that it will grace, who in reply strongly expressed his be impossible, under the doctrine which symyathy with the purpose of the memo- I trust we shall ever maintain of the free- rials, and promised to use his in1luence to
- 141. 188 MISCELLANEOUS. prevent any alteration.being made in the even its supposed successes have been rubrics; at the same time he deprecated commonly surrounded with no little sus- the conduct of the extreme ritualistic party picion. The Lord as a Divine Missionary, in the church, regarding it as destroying with miracles of eloquence, argument, and that uniformity 01 worship which he was power, at his disposal, made but little way solicitous to observe; and lamenting that ill arresting the attention of that unspirit- tone of defiance with which certain prac- ual people,and since the Lord's advent how tices had. been introduced and supported. little has resulted from Christian efforts He feared such advocates of the church among them. Swedenborg explains the knew not what spirit they were of, and cause of this: he says-" The temper of hoped that they might yet learn to ·adopt that nation is such, that above all others something more of &hristian moderation they adore things external, thus idols, and and Christian humility, that with Paul are altogether unwilling to know anything they may be ready to acknowledge that about things internal; for they are the there are many things which may be lawful most avancious of all nations; and. and yet not expedient, and that they may avarice such as theirs, with whom gold be more ready to lend a willing ear to the and silver is loved for the sake of gold pastoral and paternal councils of those who and si! ver, and not for the sake of any are set over them in the Lord. The Arch- use, is an affection the most earthly, and bishop must be sorely perplexed between which draws down the mind altogether his determination to maintain the law of into the body, and immerses it therein, the rublics, and his severe· complaint a- and closes the interiors to such a degree gainst those by whom it is obeyed: if the that it is impossible for anything of faith law is not proper to be observed, it cannot and love from heaven to enter; hence it be proper that it should exist: and there is evident how much they are mistaken appears to be an eminent inconsistency who believe that that nation will be between the wish to retain the rubric as again chosen, or that the Church of the it is, and the rebuke of those who act up Lord will again pass to them, the rest t.o its direction. We presume the apology being rejected; when yet it would be for this course is its policy. The high an easier matter to convert stones than church party do not wish for the discussion them to faith in the Lord." (Arcana of church matters by the Parliament, for Calestia, 8301; see, also, 7051.) Do not this purpose they yearn for the establish- these intimations account for the great ment of Convocation, but this they cannot cost which Jewish conversions incur? have without the consent of the Govern- The writer of this has had three offers ment; its present action in that capacity from Jews to accept the Christianity is declared by the Dean of Carlisle, and of the New Church, on the condition some other eminent chw'chmen, to be a that trade or employment should follow sham in which they CllIl play no part. their profession of it! The Jews of the It appears from a work entitled "Jeru- present day, like those of old, look with salem as it is," that the English Mission contempt on others, and make the ac- to that city, since its establishment in quisition of wealth their most intense 1~40, that is for twenty-five years, has study; and besides this, they are fearful. received as converts 150 Jews, i. e., six (A. 0.4293.) This being so, how are they converts a year. The annual expenses of to be benefitted by the influences of this Mission are reported to be £5,000., Christianity ? We Bee no other means 80 that each convert has cost about £833. than that of their being mixed up with Can it be among the designs of Providence Christian nations, and being partakers thatJewish converts should cost the Chris- of Christian interests; thus, not by the tian treasury such a large amount? The mere teaching of Christian doctrines, but idea of fulfilling prophecy, supposed to by the influences of Christian practice. refer to the return of the Jews to Jerusalem Bishop Colenso, having returned to in a converted state, at such an expendi- Natal, announced that he should preach ture, may show great faith in such an in the Cathedral of his diocese; but he interpretation, but it can hardly be said was served with a protest against doing to indicate a very sensible view of those so, to which, however, he paid no atten- means which are required to promote the tion. On the morning of the day of his conversion and salvation of men. The preaching, th.e church was crowded. It conversion of the Jew has always been was intended by the churchwardens to found to be a difficult undertaking, and keep the doors shut against him, but the
- 142. IIISCELLANEOUS. 189 Bishop obtained an interdict from the mortal eye, and _ and brain, he defines Supreme Court, which set aside their the state of departed spirits with a more authority. In the Cathedral "a scene" than scholastic precision. He fixes the took place. The Registrar of the Bishop year for the end of the world with all of Cape Town read aloud the substance the audacity of Dr. Cmnmin. Those of Dr. Colenso's deprivation; after who oppose his notions are 'persecuting which the Dean addressed the Bishop of the truth.' Nay, he claims to be himself Natal with the words "Depart, go away the representative of the Saviour coming from the house of God I" which the to judge the world," &c. One could Bishop did not do, but quietly robed him- scarcely have thought that such ignor- self and went through the service, preach- anee of facts, 80 easily to be obtaine~ in~ from the words-u And this I pray, could have been put forth, at this day, that your love may abound yet more and by any person having pretension to more in knowledge and in judgment." honesty of thought and speech, much (phil. i. 9.) After the service the church- less by one who aims to be respected for wardens dined with the Bishop at. the his literatm'e and learniug. But so it club, and arrangements were made for is; prejudice makes men dishonest to opening and lighting the cathedral at that which is outside their own pale, night; but the warden to whom this and betrays them into utterances which duty was entrusted went to sleep and are both false and foolis~. The article, forgot all about it (such was his expla- however, did not pass unnoticed; two nation), and so there was no evening able replies appeared in the following service, the Bishop advising the congre- issue of "Public Opinion," January 6th; gation, which had assembled outside and one from Haver&tock Hill, by "Fr. were waiting in the rain, to retire. He, Samuel," and the other by "Defensor." however, has obtained possession of the In the following number another letter eathedral, and it remains to be seen what ap~ed on the same subject, having the eourse the orthodox will next adopt in inItials J. LB., in which, while it admits order to oust him. These must be pain- the injustice of the "Englishman's" ful struggles for the church in' Africa; attack, takes objections to the New and it 'is difficult to see how true religion Church doctrine of the Trinity, confess- can make any advances, or commend ing that the doctrine "appears very itself to the acceptance of the Zelu people rational and philosophical, but unfortu- amidst a strife of so much bittemess and nately for it, the doctrine is one for the obstinacy. province of Scripture and faith, and not The "Englishman's Magazine," a for the domain of reason and philosophy." work of peculiarly High Church pre- The editor, in a note to this communi- tensions, and which s~.ys-" It will be cation, declined·the insertion of any more a fatal day for education if ever the letters on the subject. "'Defensor," how- chaotic vagueness, of what is called ever, wrote another letter, and urged its Bible - Christianity, be substituted for appearance, but it was refused. We have creed and Catechism," contains an article seen that letter, and think that as a which it calls" Swedenborgism." This matter ofjustice it ought to have appeared. article was copied in "Public Opinion" The editor appears to have seen from for December 30th. It S&ys-" It is the beginning that his extract from the ' easy to quote passages in which Sweden- " Englishman" had got him into a diffi- borg professes his faith in the Saviour, culty, and therelore he became anxious but in denying His Eternal Sonship, he to close a correspondence occasioned' by practically denies that He was God." an injustice, in the perpetration of which "The tenets of the Book of Mormon he had taken a part. "Defensor" is the may be more directly inimical to the Rev. W. Woodman. ' truth, but the standing point of the prophet of the Mormonites and Sweden- GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. borg is in fact the same. It would be AUGYLE SQUARE.-A meeting of a pe- strange if the ultimate results were very culiarly interesting character took place different. A lax theology invariably' in the school-room on Thul'sday the 14th tends towards a licentious morality.'" December. The parents of the Sunday "Forgetting that future punishment of scholars had been invited by circular the wicked, like the future bliss of the conveyed to their hoines by the teachers faithful, is shrouded in mystery from to attend a social tea party. The invi-
- 143. 140 MISCELLANEOUS. tation was well respo.d to, and on the after. In the evening there was a meet.. evening in question a large mustel" ing for religious improvement, which assembled, consisting mainly of the afforded an opportunity for much inter- scholars' mothers. After tea the chair esting and instructive conversation on was taken by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, who the subjects of Baptism and the Holy after the singing of a hymn, addressed Supper. During the day Mr. lladeley the meeting earnestly on the great ad- baptised two adults, a young person, vantages of Sunday-school education, and two infants; and administered the and on the training of children generally. Holy Snpper to seventeen communicants. The doctor's address, which was of a Al;together, the occasion was one of deep practical character, and abounding in spiritual interest, as we hope it will homely illustrations and .advice, was prove of permanent spiritual usefulness, exactly adapted to the tone of the audi- manifesting itself in the growth of mu- ence, and was evidently both entertain- tual charity, and of love to the Lord, in ing and instructive to them. Addresses obedience to His commandments. So were also given by Mr. Seddon, the day- much have all, both members and school master, llr. E. H. Bayley, super- strangers, felt the benefit of this visit, intendent of the Sunday-school, and Mr. that they earnestly desire to see lIr. J obson. As the chairman was about to Madeley soon amongst them again. announce the closing hymn, a stranger rose and said he could not allow the QUARTERLY MEETING 'OF MINISTERS.- meeting to terminate without expressing On Friday, the 12th of January, the quar- his gratitude to the teachers of the school terly meeting of the Lancashire Ministers for the benefit his children were evidently was held at Preston. The attendance was deliving from it, and the high esteem he smaller than usual in consequence of some felt for the minister and Mr. Edward of the ministers having other engage- Bayley, the superintendent. Two other ments, but the meeting was not inferior gentlemen similarly rose spontaneously, in interesf or usefulness to any which had and expressed themselves to the same preceded it. The early part of the meet- effect, and alluded to the great pleasure ing was occupied with an essay, on the with which they had .listened to the re- Difficulties of Novitiates in reading Swe- marks at the present meeting. After denborg, prepared by the Rev. C. G. Mac- the chairman had responded, a hymn pherson, of Liverpool, which led to a was sung and benediction pronounced. highly interesting and instructive conver- Such a meeting as this cannot fail· to sation, especially in relation to the science have a beneficial effect on the minds of of correspondence in its application to the the parties attending, and, as shown on interpretation of Scripture. Several other the following Sunday, produced a direct subjects of more general interest to the and immediate improvement in the at-, church at large, in particular the present tendance. It may be mentioned that for state of the Church of Scotland in connex- some time back the school has usually ion with the Sunday question, with the been filled in the afternoon to over- view of inquiring whether any action could flowing. • be taken with the prospect of being use- ful, were considered; and it was decided LONGTON.-The Rav. E. Madeley paid that the Rev. W. Woodman should pre- a pastoral visit to the society on Sunday, pare something on the subject for the next January 14. There being no service in meeting, which will be held at Accrington, the morning, he visited the Sunday- on Monday, April 9th. school, and addressed the scholars in a simple and affectionate manner, and LIVERPOOL, BEDFORD STREET.- On greatly interested and delighted his Sunday, November 26th, t~e se'rvioos in young hearers. In the afternoon he de- this church were conducted by the Rev. livered a practical sermon on the spiritual John Hyde, of Derby, whose eloquent and natural duties of every-:day life, and sermons were listened to with the greatest on the importance of attending to the attention and apparent satisfaction by due observance of the sabbath, impress- very numt'rous audiences, containing ing upon his hearers the grand truth, many strangers to the church and its that the kingdom of heaven ,must be doctrines. On the Monday evening fol- established within them here, in order lowing, Mr. Hyde delivered, in the same that they may enjoy its happiness here- bttilding, a lecture on " The Future Life,"
- 144. 11ISCELLANEOUS. 141 • on which occasion the church was filled and intellectual improvement of the to overflowing, and 80 entranced did the young, and promoting their happi- listeners appear to be, that the only break ness by bringing them more frequently in the death-like silence was an occasional into social intercourse with each other, sigh of relief, marking the termination and with the members of the church. of a brilliant climax, and the relaxation The evening concluded with an exhibi- of both the mental and enlotional strain tion of the magic lantem, and the com- of the audience. Collections were made pany separated at ten o'clock, having on Sunday after each service, in aid of enjoyed a delightful evening. the church funds, realizing some ten pounds, and it is hoped that Mr. Hyde's MELBOUR.~E.-It being the custom of visit will not only tend to stir up the the Melboume society to have the ordi- enthusiasm of the church itself, but be nance of the Holy Supper administered the means of introducing its truths to the quarterly, as far as practicable, the Rev. notice of many strangers with such power E. lfadeley visited lfelhoume for that 8S to awake in their minds a desire for purpose on January 21st. The subject of further inquiry. his morning discourse was" The Divine Law of, the north and south gates of the NOTTINGHAM, . HEDDERLY-STREET.- Temple, as to the going in and out of the We understand this society is gradually worshippers" (Ezek. xlvi. 9,10.); and that progressing, and maintaining its useful- of the evening, "The Pharisee and the ness and unanimity. On Christmae Publican." (Luke xviii, 10.) In the after- Tuesday a tea meeting of the members noon he administered the sacrament to and friends was held, when about 80 sat 29 persons. Our friends were much im- down. The evening was spent very pressed with the solemn and affectionate pleasantly-readings interspersed with manner in which this part of the day's suitable music and singing. At the services was eonducted. On Monday quarterly meeting, on the 10th January, evening, Mr. Mad.eley presided at a tea- the finances of the society were con- meetini which was held in the church, in sidered to be very satisfactory. The which he displayed his usual ability for rental of the hall and expenses of wor- such services, and the result was highly ship (annually about £30.) all met with satisfactory to those who were present. willingness and promptitude; and He continued his visit until Thursday, • although the society would be glad to and in the meantime called upon the have a suitable chapel of its own, the friends at their own houses, giving much friends appear contented to wait until pleasure and instruction by his conver- the opportunity arrives to make efforts sation. equal with its requirements, considering that external growth is of little or no PROPOSED BUILDING FUND.- The fol- value without internal advancement' in lowing letter was received by the Trea- all that is good and true. surer of Conference, at the beginning of last year, from a friend of the church, BATB.- The conductors of the Sunday and as another was received yesterday, classes established in connection with February 12th, containing a cheque for this society invited all the junior mem- £50., the Treasurer thinks it judicious bers of the congregation to a juvenile to bring the matter belore the church, by festival on Wednesday, January 24th. publishing this in the pages of the MaKa- About 90 children sat down to tea. zine for March, the second letter to fol- They were aftern-lU"ds joined by some of low in April:- the friends most interested in the classes, making a very plea8ant party of 130. "Bangor Wharf, Belvedere-road, The entertainment consisted of a Christ- Lambeth, S., Jan. 19, 1865. mas tree, with prizes for each person "1ly dear Sir,-1Iyattention has been present; several microscopes, stereo- struck by noticing frequently. from time scopes, and a beautiful set of transpa- to time, in the Intellectual Repository, rencies, interspersed with refreshments. appeals from small societies to the church The Rev. J. Keene, in his usual kindly at large for pecuniary assistance towards manner, briefly addressed the company building a place of worship, or paying oft" OD the advantages of the Sunday classes a building debt already incurred. I have as a me8JlS of conducing to the moral been pained to notice how extremely in-
- 145. 142 MISCELLANEOUS. significant usually are the responses to charitable feeling, and well calculated to these appeals. A freehold building of calm the spirit of controversy.-The their own, unencumbered with debt, society begs to return its sincere thanks stamps upon a society a guarantee for to the National Missionary Institution. permanency, and many a little society has been prevented from raising its hed SBIELDS.-The society beg to acknow- for the want of a place of worship of its ledge the receipt of ten shillings from own. H the Conference could lend a Mr. G. Sheldon, of Liverpool, as a con- helping hand in this direction, it would tribution to their harmonium and build- be a great boon to the church. We have ing fund. All contributions most thank- our Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, fully received. Address of treasurer, the Pension Fund, and the Missionary Mr. J. Charlton, 9, Cambden-street,. Institutions; and why not a 'Building North Shields. Fund 1' In every way the Conference assists the student, the minister, and the society, except when the latter wants LOUGBBOROUGB.-Friends in this loca- to build and to establish an independent lity will meet with an old reader of the position for itself. It is a pity that this doctrines in the manager of the works one link to the chain should be w:anting, opposite the Midland Brewery, Derby- for I think in other religious bodies their rOad, Loughborough, who would be glad different societies are helped when a to commmllcate with them. chapel is needed. I believe that all that is necessary is for the Conference to CBA.TTERIs.-TheRev.J.B.Kennerley pass a resolution, directing the attention lectured here on the 5th and 9th ultimo. of the church to the Bubject, and there The place was full each evening, more would be plenty of money forthcoming than 200 persons being present. The to make a beginning. H two or three audience listened with profound attention, friends could be found to cooperate with and appeared well satisfied. The subject me, I should be pleased to give a con- of the first discourse was--" The Last tribution of fifty pounds to commence Judgment: will this world ever be de- with, which possibly I might augment stroyed by fire?" The second was-- from time to time. The fund should be "The Soul: what is it? where is it? • to assist small societies to buy, build, or and why is it immortal 1" The friends fit up places of worship, or to enable here beg to express their gratitude to the them to clear off old debts contracted Missionary Society and to Mr. Kennerley whilst building. The details of the for this visit; aDd to express a hope that scheme should, of course, be left to the they may see him again at no distant management of a committee. period. " I have addressed the above remarks to you, in the hope that you may be in- o duced to bring the subject before Con- HEYWOOD.-The society at this place is ference.-I am yours sincerely, situate in the centre of the cotton district, "A FRIEND. and like all the societies so circumstanced, " To Mr. Richard Gunton." has had to contend for the last four years with the falling oft' of the contributions of RAMsBoTToM.-A course of four lec- its humbler members. But owing to the tures has been delivered in Ramsbottom, generous zeal of a few, at the annual meet- by the Rev. J. B. Kennerley-the first ing of the society, held in January last, on the 9th, the last on the 20th January, the Treasurer was able to show a balance on the followfug subjects :-" Remember in hand of rather oyer £20~ Scarcely, Lot's Wife," "Leab and Rachel," however, has the society got through the "Jephthah's Daughter," and "Mary, the cotton famine, before it is involved in a Mother of our Lord. Do the Scriptures much-needed but heavy expenditure. Its teach the immaculate conception?" There chapel property has for some time been was a fair attendance, and the lectures, considerably out of repair. A generous delivered with grave and forcible elo- donation of £30. from one of the ladies of quence, and harmonizing beautifully the society, determined the Committee to with frequent reference to the sacred undertake the repair and internal renova- text, were listened to attentively. The tion of the church. It has been deter- lecturer's closing remarks were full of mined to put in new windows, pulpit, gas-
- 146. MISCELLANEOUS. 148 fittings, stone front, and an additional Temperance Hall, Goo<b:amgate, on the gallery for the accommodation of the choir question-" When, where, and how is and organ. The large school room and man judged?" The attendance was very class rooms have also received new gas· good: all seemed interested, and some fittings, and are to be further improved. expressed much satisfaction. On Satur- Altogether an expenditure is being incur· day, after visiting the friends, a few of red little if at all short of £800. To pro· our brethren met for conversation at the vide for this expenditure a subscription house of their secretary (ltIr. Webster), has been entered into in the society, where we passed a very pleasant and which, with the assistance of friends in useful evening. On Sunday, 17th, I the neighbourhood, amounts already to preached in the morning on Solomon's .. nearly £300. Wisdom. (1 Kings iv. 33.) There was a It has also been determined by the ladies good attendanoe. In the evening the of the society to hold a Bazaar, for the subject was, "What constitutes true Mar· sale of fancy and useful articles, in the riage? " The room was quite full, and School-room, in July next. By these all seemed to appreciate the discourse. means, aided by the collections at the re- At the close twenty remained to receive opening, the Committee hope to provide the Holy Supper. I went on to Leices- for the settlement of all debts on the ter, and called upon some isolated re- building account. A circular in further· ceivers, who are also zealous for the ance of the object of the Bazaar has been extension of the New Jerusalem; and I issued, bearing the signatures of a number hope we may soon hear they have a of ladies connected with the society, as a room for a Sunday-school and weekly guarantee for the good faith of the pro· worship. W. RAy. ceeding. NEW CU:URCB COLLEGE.-Two errors have, by some means or other, crept into ISLINGTON SocIETY.-In the absence the last account of this institution, which of Dr. Goyder at Summer-lane, Birming- I desire to rectify-1st, Dr. Carr, Mr. ham, we have obtained the services of John Bayley, and Mr.. Alfred Braby the Rev. Edward Madeley in our College have become annual governors, not life Chapel. . On Snnaay, 11th February, governors; and 2ndly, we expect our Mr. Madeley preached two excellent buildings to be completed about next sermons. In the morning the subject September, not in three months, as there was "The Spiritual Meaning of the stated. The tenders have been required north and south gates of the Temple to be sent in on the 8th of lIarch, so at Jerusalem;" and in the evening, that we hope in your April number to "Nicodemus, or the Searcher after report that a builder has been appointed Religious Truth." They we;re models and the work commenced. In the interim of sound theology and appropriate ex· we shall be happy to receive subscrip. position, and were listened. to with .tions for the work. The sum already profound attention by the congregations devoted to it is insufficient for its com· present. On Tuesday, 13th, the Rev. pletion, and it would be a very gratifying Edward 11 adeley delivered an admirablecircumstance if the necessary funds should lecture "On the principal Doctrines of be provided without the necessity of tae New Church." Although many of trenching further upon the Crompton those present had been accustomed to legaoy. Your readers will be gratified to the preaching of our heavenly truths hear that Mr. Moss passed his matricu· for-Several years, and some from child· lation examination very creditably, and hood, this discourse afforded them obtained a good position in' the first great pleasure. If not new to them in class. Some changes are likely to take matter, it was so admirable in manner place in .reference to some of the other and method as to interest, we believe, students, the particulars of which will all. Four other discourses remain to be probably appear in the April number of delivered. the Repository. Subscriptions may be • forwarded to Mr. Baily, 30, Old Jewry, YORK.- Through the kind aid of the E.C.; Mr. Gunton, 26, Lamb's Conduit- National Missionary Society, I made a street, W.C.; or Mr. Henry Bateman, visit to York. OnFridayevening,Decem. 82, Compton-terrace, N. ber 15th, I delivered a lecture in the
- 147. 144 MISCELLANEOUS. _arrial'. Bolton-street, Salford, and was for many On the 15th February, at Grove Place years a useful missionary preacher in Chapel, Dalton, by the Rev. T. L. the church. lIarsden, Mr. James Sykes, of Mola Green, to Miss Jane Tinsley, of Hu~ We have, under the Divine dispensa- ders:field. tions of Providence, to record the removal into the spiritual world, after a short illness, on Friday, February 16th, of @bituarp. Thomas Goadsby, Esq., Justice of the Departed into the world of spirits, on Peace, Alderman, and late Mayor of Sunday, the 11th of February, 1866, Mr. the city of Manchester, in the 61st year Edward Howarth, in the 50th year of his of his age. A more ample notice of his.. age. The deceased was the son of the life and labours for the good of humanity late Rev. David Howarth, the esteemed we hope to be able to give in our next minister of the New Jerusalem Temple, "number. INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH.· Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Nitional Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-Fourth Monday •.•••••••••• 6-30 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.-Second Monday ••..•.•••.•••••••• 6-30 Swedenborg Society, ditto.-First Thursday. • . • • . • • • • . . • • . • • • • . • • •• • • • • 7-0 College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Last Tuesday.. •• ..•• ..•• •••• •• •• 8-0 MANCHESTER. Tract Society, Schoolroom, Peter-~treet.- Third Friday ••.•• : • • • • • • • • • • •• 6-30 Missionary Society ditto ditto • • • • •• . . • • • • • • • • • • 7-0 Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TO READERS AND ·CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Bev. W. BRucE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of recent meetings, lectures, &c., may appear if not later than the 18th. Notwithstanding the condensation of most of the articles inserted in the Mis- cellaneous department, we are still considerably in arrear, but hope to be able to make a clearance next month. _ The communication from our friend in North Adelaide, honourable as it is to his zeal and industry, does not display sufficient maturity of thought, nor even accuracy of knowledge on the subject, to make its publication advisable. "Thoughts" accepted, and Will. appear occasionally. Poem under consideration. The great lengt4 of one obituary notice and the lateness of others, have rendered their insertion in the present number impracticable. Correction.-In the note, page 49 of last number, the last two Greek words were printed with 0 instead of 8. CAVE and SEVER, Printers by Steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.
- 148. THE • INTELLECTUAL REPOSITORY dD NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 148. APRIL 2ND, 1866. VOL. XIII. KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. (Oo'nCludedjrom March No.) TIl. The third objection is as to "the commandment with promise:" ." Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be prolonged on the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." The reviewer urges that this motive is not that with which we, as Christians, should honour our parents. What does this objection prove? That we need not honour father and mother? That the commandment enjoining it ought not to be read in churches, or taught iD schools? Certainly neither of these; but simply this, that we, as Christians, are capable of obeying the law from higher motives than some others are capable of. That is to say, that the law is addressed to all, the low in state as well as the high, and therefore the motive appealed to is that which in the letter can affect the lowest in state, and which in its spiritual sense appeals to those who are higher. Yet in both its letter and its spirit the commandment asserts a fact. The reviewer puts the argument in th~ form of a question:- " Do we believe that the most dutiful children live longest?" A closer thinker would instantly see the nonsequentialness and impropriety of this ~ode of phrasing the question, an4 consequently, its sophistry. ~he question, as pnt, means, Does one child who is dutiful live longer than another child who is undutiful ? and the answer is,-Tbis does not affect the point at issue. The proper form for the question is this,-Will a child who is dutiful live longer than the same child would li,!e if it were 10
- 149. 146 KEEPIlO THE COMM~~bM~NTS OF GOD. undutiful? It may perhaps seem to the reviewer as placing an unusual confidence in the words of the Lord, but I sincerely believe that such a child would live longer. One might as well ask,-Will a man who observes the laws of health live longer than he would if he transgressed them? The question answers itself. It is better for men's bodies, as well as for men's souls, for them to obey the commandments of God. Is the reviewer afraid to trust the literal promises of God given to all, though immediately, and in the let~er, addressed to the Israelites,- "Blessed shalt thou be in the city and in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy . cattle, the increase of thy kine, and. the :flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and whe~ thou goest out"? (Deut. xxviii. 3-6.) I know that. these promises reveal, more glorious things in the spirit than even in the letter; yet I am not .willing to prevent the Lord, by my unbelief, from raining down natural blessings upon me, if He so will. This life is a part of the grand fact of living~ Oar NOW already forms part of our THEN; ·and if health, phY8ical~ mental, and spiritual, are blessings to be reeeived from God., those persons are far more likely to receive them who lovingly reverenee God's holy laws, faithfully strive· to obey them, and trustingly confide in His promises, than are the wicked and rebellious. Such enter more fully into the true order of thErir being, more fully iBto ha.rmony with the Divine laws, which., it must be remembered, -control the material universe as well as the spiritual world, and thus become Better prepared to receive "" all needful things:' Death in infancy and early life is a calamitous necessity, because the world is 80 wicke<l It was not always so: it will not for ever be the 'Cas~ The time will come, when the prophecies shall be fulfilled in the natural plane, as they may even now be realized in the spiritual plane 'of life :--.;..," There shall be no more thence an infant of days, ·nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old." (Isa. lxv. 20.) '-c With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvatieu." (Ps. xci. 16.) I hold that there is an actnal, literal, and natural, as well as a spiritual truth asserted, in the words- "Bloody and deceitful 1nen shall ,not live 'out half their days." (Ps. Iv. 23.) Conseqn.ently, the objectIon to this commandment neither iD~alidates the commandment, nor the promise implied iD. it, and, therefot-e, does not sustain the reviewer in the argument for the sake ·of which she has .inttoQueed it.
- 150. KEEPING THE- 'COMMANDMENTSOF GOD. 147. IV. The next objeetion is based on the variation made by the Lord in the phraseology of the commandments, when rehearsing some of them to 4he "young man," (Matt. xix. 18, 19.) and that the Lord added one new law on this occasion, -and two new law8 on another occasion. (Matt. xxii. 37-40.) . The questions involved in this objection are interesting, but the reasoning~ though plausible, is, I think, fallacious. In His reply to the young man, the Lord summarized the commandments. H we say that by thus summarizing the law, the Lord· designed His summary to super- sede the more explicit form previously given, we shall find ourselves surrounded by grave difficttlties. Firstly, this summary does not include the having no God before or beside the Lord. Surely, it will not be urged that this commandment is to be deemed superseded. The love and worship of the one only true God stands at the head of the first table, as indicating, among many other things, that true obedience to this commandment includes obedience to all that follows it: that only in the spirit of obedience to this law can the other commandments be truly obeyed at all. H we isolate Matt. xix. 18, 19, from the other parts of the Word, we should have no intimation of the truth that only in loving and worshiping God can we obtain the power to obey. The right motive for obeying, and the only means whereby we may become enabled to obey, are not indicated in this passage. This shows how injudicious is the practice of isolating portions of the Word. All the Word is needful or all would not have been given. Secondly, the Lord's summary is altogether silent as to the duties ,,:hich we owe to God. It reminded the" young man" of the duties owed to man. But'it would be equally fair, or rather equally unfair, to say that the Lord revoked all parts of the law which relate to God,-such, for instance, as not taking His name in vain,-as to say that because the Lord thus summarized the law, He superseded the previously given form, and that therefore the previous form has ceased to be "an 4lfallible guide." Thirdly, If we act thus in regard to this particular summary of the law, we might, as reasonably, adopt the same course with any other portion of the Lord's teachings. Another objector mig~t then take Matt. v., and thus argne-"Because the Lord only cited in that sermon, 'Thou shalt not kill,' and 'Thou shalt not commit adultery,' therefore He abrogated, or showed the non-necessity of repeating and learning the other comma.nd.. ments as infallible guides to human conduct." Yet another objector might then urge-" Because the Lord revealed a spiritual and inner sense as belonging to these two commandments alone, therefore the
- 151. 148 KEEPING THE COMMANDHENTS OF GOD. othe~ have no spiritual sense." Such objectors would be as jt18tifted, by the Lord's silence on this occasion, in coming to such a conclusion, as is M. C. H. R. in arriving at the conclusions which she seeks to draw to from the Lord's silence on the oecasion which she refers. Both con- clusions are unjust. Fourthly, Such a course of argument as that pursued by the reviewer comes into collision with the emphatic and unmistakeable deelarations of the Lord Himself. He taught us-" For verily I say unto you, TiU heaven and ea1·th pass, one jot or one tiu16 8haU in no wise pass from the law till aU be fulfilled." (Matt. v. 18.) In her argument, M. C. H. R. not only seeks ·to show that jots and tittl.a have passed away, but endeavours to sweep away a large portion of the Ten Commandments, as "related to especial Jewish errors," and "Jewish ceremonials," and "Jewish rewards!" And this while assuming to follow the guidance of the Lord Himself. This mental mixture appears to me as, so evidently dangerous, that I am forced to declare Diy opinion thus publicly that-" The're is death in the pot! " Fifthly, It would be just as proper for another writer to take, as the basis of his argument, the record of the same transaction as given in Mark x. 17-22; or Luke xviii. 18-29.,· and to say that "love thy neighbour as thyself" was not included in the Lord's instructions, and therefore not an essential to salvation, or not necessary to be read in our churches. Such' a method is wholly sub- versive of Divine troth; for the only safe rnle is this-that the brlefer or more summarized form must be understood by the more extended. Consequently, the fact of the Lord having s1l:mmarized the law does not in any sense do away with, or invalidate, the more detailed and explicit form of the law as given previously by the Lord Himself. It must, Si3:thly, be remembered that God, who wrote the decalogue in an especial manner,-" two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God," (see Ex. xxiv. 12; xxxi. 18; xxxii. 16; xxxiv. 1, 28.) was the same Infinite and Divine Wisdom which at various times repeated, and reminded different persons and nations of certain portions of His Divine Law. These reminders and repetitions were not intended to supersede in any sense the whole of the law, but they were suited to the particular circumstances, and specific state, of those to whom they were given. This is the true explanation of the summct'ry of the law given to the "young man," who was also "a ruler." It would be altogether. improper to suppose because the Lord did not, on every occasion, repeat the whole of the law, that therefore He continually abrogated various port.ionR of it. Yet this is the principle which, inad-
- 152. OEPING THE COMMANDMENTSOF GOD. . 149 yertently of course, M. C. H. R. seeks to assert: or better, it is the inevitable consequence of her mode of reasoning. That this is unhappily the case, may be only too plainly seen by her attempt to dishonour the law, and also to bring into collision the Lord, .bile on earth, and the Lord when He wrote the commandments. M. C. H. R. says" the Ten Commandments are compatible with poly- gamy, slavery, hatred of enemies, retaliation." I was sorry to see such a lamentable error in the pages of a magazine devoted to the teaching of truth and the hononring of God. The commandments contain all things essential to spiritual life. Infinite wisdom is in each word. Infullte· purity, mercy, and love breathe through each sentiment con- tamed in them. I will not pause to disprove a statement which will cause infidels to rejoice, and which I think needs only to be pointed out to induce its rejection. I warn such that this terrible statement is not the teaching of the New Church. Swedenborg declares, and proves most triumphantly, that "the decalogne in the Israelitish Church was the very essence of holiness;" that because of it, the ark which con- tained it "was called Jehovah;" that "conjunction of the Lord with man and of man with the Lord is effected by means of that law," which was "therefore called THE OOVENANT and THE TESTIMONY;" that "it contains the sum and substance of all religion;" that "it is called the Ten Words, because ten signifies ALL, and words, TRUTHS," &c. &c. Let me beg M. C. H. R., and all my readers, to peruse and study Bwedenborg's " TrtUJ Christian &ligion," from Nos. 282 to 881, and therein see how triumphantly our great author vindicates the decalogue from all such saddening aspersions, and shows" that the Ten Com- mandments conta.in all things which 1·elate to love to God, and all things which relate to love towards our neighbour." It is dangerous teaching to force the meaning, which M. C. H. R. evidently wishes to do, on the words "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time," &c.; "but I say unto you," &c. This attempts to bring "God manifest in the flesh" into collision with God giving the law to Moses. From such a course only darkness can result. It is an expression of what Swedenborg designates "the negative principle," and which" cometh from beneath, and not from the Lord." In reveal- ing the spiritual sense of the law, the Lord did not lessen the value, or depreciate the importance of the letter. An amplification is certainly not 'a depreciation. The letter is "the basis and the continent of the spiritual sense." You cannot destroy the foundations and preserve the snperstructure. Hence I 'object to the exaltation of the "two l~ws"~
- 153. 150 KEEPING THE OOMMANDMENTS OF GOD. love to God and to the neighbour-over the "ten laws." The former are the general expression of which the latter are the particulars. The " two laws " furnish the summary, of which the "ten laws " supply the details. They all are the one same will of God concerning man's duties, differently expressed. It is perilous proceeding to affect to love the general, -the summary, the whole compendium, while openly affecting to be indifferent to the particular injunctions which are necessarily in- volved and included therein. The" two laws" are not" substitutes" (as M. C. H. R. calls them) for the" ten laws." This word" substitutes" shocks the mind. Christ's teachings opened out some of the inner majesties and beauties of the law, pointed out the necessity of a fuller and broader obedience, thus truly exalted the decaiogue. M. C. H. R. seeks to degrade it ; and I can only sorrowfully· conclude, that her spirit is not of Christ in this matter.. V. One word as to "retaining the Ten" Commandments in our services," and I shall close my already too-long letter. Those who -object to this retention should, to be consistent, refuse to read any portion of 'the Old Testament at all. The sublime verities ~erein con- tained, if they were to pursue a consistent eow-se, would become a dead letter unto them. I am pained by the argument which M. C. H. R. employs :-" We are not to follow a multitude to do evil." What! Is reading the commandments of the Most High God " doing evil " ? . This must be a slip of the pen, a looseness ofthonght, and not a settled conviction" in the mind of the reviewer. If only this, it is a pity that such mental indiscretions should be permitted when discussing subjects BO weighty and solemn. Observe, too, the formal argument-The reading of the Commandments promotes J udaism, furnishes a cloak for hatred, vengeance, &c., and encourages heathenism! This, too, from a believer of what Swedenborg states as to the holiness of the law, as cited above! But this argument reachesheyond the law. The Old Testament altogether is equally amenable to such. sweeping charges; and if there were weight in the arguments, it should never be read, never be preached from, it might then ha said not to belong to us at all,-God made a mistake in preserving it fol' our use; for according to the principle on which M. C. H. R. trenches, the All-Wise was herein, in her judgment, at fault! All this seems very terrible to me. Why do I approve of the reading of the law in our services? When I remember that the sllfety of the Israelites depended on having " the two tables" in their possession-that the ark of the covenant which conta~ed them was on the mercy-seat, and that God there met with
- 154. U&PING THB_ OOHMANDMENT801" GOD. IGl His peopl~U1at the ark because of the law 'was called Jehdvah-that it was only by virtue of the Lord's power in the law that the waters of Jordan were divided, and that the walls of Jericho fell-that the power of God in tha law caused Dagon to fall and brought righteous punishments on the Philistines-that the law was 80 holy as to cause the death of Uzziah because he touched the ark-that prosperity stayed not with Israel so long as the ark and the law were out of their keep- ing-that the ark containing the law was brought by David into Zion with sacrifices and' rejoiciDg8r-~h~t it constituted the most sacred part of the temple built by Solomon-that the Israelites both after the flesh and after the spirit are enjoined to teach the ten words dilligently to their children, to· bind them for a. sign upon their hand, to wear them. as frontle~ between their eyes, and to write them on the posts of their houses and of their gates-that the promise of the new covenant is that God would write His lq,w in the hearts of His people-that ~'God manifest in the flesh" declared that not a jot or tittle of the law should ever pass away, and taught us that" whosoever shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so sh~ll be called the least-in the kingdom. of heaven, and whosoever shall do and teacJ:1 them 'shall be called great in the kingdom of h~aven "-that " these statutes shall be had in perpet~a1 r~membraJ1ce;" and that only so far as Christians· obey th~ decalogue, in. all the fu~ness of its spirit as well as in the letter, can~they become s~ved.and,8Q,nctified;~when I remember these things, I wish to hav~ the power ,of the Lord and "the means of con- junction with Him ".present in op.r ohurches and meeting places. I wish that we should l"ealiz~ ~. our degrees what was externally. realized by the Israelites after t4~ flesh, '~t~e presence of the Lord with us ;" and' therefore I.think th~t the reading of the decalogue every Sunday is an imperative duty and a precious privilege. Hence I am constrained to regard the intentional and continual omission of ~his practice ·aa full of danger ~nd los8; doubly injudici6us, because affecting both the church and those who are not yet onc with us; and altogether injurious to pastor, and people, and the cause of tlllth, If we read not the corn" mandments, with what propriety can we use the beautiful petition in our liturgy-CC Be this the distinguishing care of all who JIlake mention of Thy Holy name,-to keep Thy com.mandments! " I have written candidly, and I hope as lovingly ~s I truly feel.. I am, however, 80 strongly impressed "dth the dangerous tendencies of some of the views I have combated, that I cannot erase words which may seem too forcible, but which are directed against the ideas, anq
- 155. 152 KEEPING THE COHHANDKENTS 01' GOD. certainly not in any other sense against M. C. H. R., whom I beg to assure that, for others of her valuable writings and uses in the church, she is only esteemed and respected by, yours sincerely, THE COMPILER 01' "BIBLE PHOTOGRAPHS." [Note by the Editor.-The remarks which gave rise to this article should not, and but for the indisposition of the Editor would not, have appeared in the pages of the Repository. Variety of views is charming, for such views are like the beautiful colours which are modifications of the one pure white light; d(fference of opinion is allowable and useful, , because we are all more or less affiicted iwith intellectual colour-blind- ness, and require the testimony of other eyes to enable us to correct . the misperceptions of our own. But difference of opinion should be limited to particulars included in and held under the common acknow- ledgment of the s~e general truth. In essentials there must be unity, or the Church ceases to be one. On no principles is unity more neces- sary than on the doctrine of the Lord and the doctrine of life-the one inclu~ng the acknowledgment of the Divinity of the Lord's Huma- nity, the other the acknowledgment of the Ten Commandments. In the writings of the Church the Decalogne is shown to be of perpetual obli- gation even in the literal sense, according to which sense every one of the commandments is explained and enforced. There is one slight excep- tion to this in regard to the third commandment, an exception which but proves the rnle. The author of the Arcana divides it into two parts. The first part, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy," is among those laws that are "altogether to be observed and done;" the other half, prohibiting all manner of work, is not abolished, but left to human freedom and discretion. If anything could mitigate the regret that a New Church publieation should have circulated, with the apparent concurrence of its editor, a paper questioning the practical use, in their literal sense, of some of the Divine commandments, it is the able manner in which their authority has been vindicated.] To the Editor. Dear Bir,-If I interpret rightly the initials of the reviewer of Bible Photographs, in your February number, I am led to believe the reviewer to be a lady. If such be the case, I beg leave most respectfully to inform her that, some years since, I found myself in th~ very state' she so minutely describes by her doubts, questions, and queries; and that I have, happily, been delivered from them "by a careful and serious reading of the late Mr. Noble's sermons on " The Divine Law;" and,
- 156. KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTSOlP GOD. 158 further, that I hope and trust I can, through that instrumentality and the blessing of Divine Providence, now say, without boasting or the least reservation-cc The law of the Lord is perfect." Commending them to her serious perusal, and also to all others of your readers who may not have read them, I remain, &c., IsOLATED. THE LORD'S MODE OF MANIFESTING mMSELF TO ms CREATURES. (~4tl8Wer to ' , Inquirer.") Sir,-The difficulty of "Inquirer" appears to me to admit of a very easy and satisfactory solution. There are, as he says, two classes of passages; in one the Lord is spoken of as occasionally appearing in person to His creatures; in the other it is said that since the Lord, Buch as He is in Himself, cannot be seen by any finite being, He appears in the person of an angel, or, what amounts to the same, by the divine truth in heaven. One class of these passages states the simple fact that the Lord sometimes appears in person; the other tells us how His personal appearance is effected. The statements on this subject are very distinct. Thus in A. R., 465, where the .author is treating of the mighty angel that came down from heaven, (Rev. x. 1.) he says- "The reason why the Lord was seen as an angel is beca118e He appears in the heavens and below the heavens, when He manifests Himself, as an angel; for He fills some angel with His divinity accommodated to the reception of those to whom He gives to see Him. His presence itself, such as He is in Himself or in His own essence, cannot be supported by any angel, much less by any man; for which reason He appears above the heavens as a sun, about the same distance from the angels as the sun of this world is from men. There He dwells in His eternal divinity, and, at the same time, in His divine humanity, which are one, like soul and body." Again, in the same work, 988--- U By seeing the face of God and of the Lamb, or of the Lord, is not meant to see His face, because no one can see His face such as He is in His Divine Love and His Divine Wisdom, and live, He being the sun of heaven and of the whole spiritual world; for to see His face, such as He is in Himself, wofJld be as if any one should enter into the SUD, by the fire of which he would be consumed in a moment. Nevertheless the Lord sometimes presents Himself to be seen out of His sun; but then He veils Himself, and 80 presents Himself to their sight, which is done by means of an angel, as He also did in the world to Abraham and others, for which reason those angels were oalled angels, and also J ehovah, for the presence of Jehovah at a distance was in them." When it is said as here, that the Lord sometimes presents Himself to be seen out of his SUD, we may conclude that this appearance cannot be
- 157. 154 THB LORD'S MODE OF MANIFESTING HIMSELF, ETC. immediate, for we cannot suppose that He personally comes out of the sun to make Himself visible to angels or men. H He cannot manifest .Himself in person in the spiri~ual world without a medium, it is almost needless to say that He· cannot so manifest Himself in the natural world, except accommodated to men's perception. His personal manifestation to Swedenborg must have been effected in the same way. The law of the Lord's manifestation to' men on earth is stated in the Arcana, 1925:- " In order that man may be spoken to by vocal expressions, which are articulate sounds, in the ultimates of nature, the Lord uses the ministry of angels. by filling them with the divine (spirit or influence), and by laying asleep what is of their own proprium, so that they know no other but that they are Jebovah; thus the divine (spirit or influence) of Jehovah, which is in the supreme or in~ost .princi- pIes, descends into the lowest or outermost principles of nature in which man is as to sight and hearing." These statements relate to the Lord as He now is in His glorified humanity, which is far above all heavens. His appearance on earth, between His birth and ascension, was immediate, because His humanity was then such as to be visible to men, either by their natural or their spiritual sight.-Yours, &c., S. B. W. THEOLOGICAL ESSAYS. No. VI.-SALVATION. (Cont'inued from page 117.) . IT was before remarked, that the power of the old doctrine of salvation by faith alone lay in its seeming to give all the glory to God, and nothing to man. It says-" What! shall man be saved by his poor and feeble works? Man is by nltture only a mass of cOmIption, and consequently all his works, whatever they be, are only evil and defiled, and consequently worthless, and can therefore contribute nothing to his salvation." Now here, there is 8 grand fallacy, which needs to be exposed. Man is, indeed, hereditarily full of tendencies to evil, and consequently whatever he does merely from himself, from his own natural thonghts and inclinations, is defiled with 8elf.love, and contains nothing good. But a'fltvery important distinction is to be drawn between what a man does from himself, and what he does from the Lord. When a man takes not counsel of his own mind, acts not from his own inclina- tions, but, on the contrary, in opposition to his own natural thoughts and feelings, goes to the Lord in prayer, and asks for light and strength, and then consults the Lord's 'Vord, and inquires there what he is to do,-learns there the Divine comnlandments, and then goes and does them,~in that case he i$ not acting from hinlself, but from the Lord;
- 158. 8ALVATION. 155 and the works he then does are not properly his works, but the Lord's works, done through him; and Scripture calls them the Lord's works: "He that keepeth my works nnto the end," says the Lord. (Rev. ii. 26.) Such works, consequently, are not defiled and worthless; but being done from the Lord and His Word, contain in them good and truth,- they are, in fact, good and truth brought into action, and they do con- tribute to salvation, because they go to form the new man and new mind. For man is formed anew by doing not his own will, but the Lord's will,-by acting out, not his own ideas, but the troths of the Word. "He that doeth truth," Bays the Saviour, "eometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God."* " Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven."t On this point, namely, the distinction between works done by man from himself, and those done from the Lord, Bwedenborg thus speaks : - "There are works which are done by man, and which are not good; and there are works which are done by man from the Lord, and these are good. In the external form these two kinds of works appear alike, but in the internal they are altogether unlike. It shall, therefore, be explained how works are done by man himself, and how works are done by man from the Lord; and, also, how the latter are to be distinguished from the fonner. Man has two minds, the one spiritual, the other natural: he has a spiritual internal, and a natural external; the internal is conjoined with heaven, and the external ia conjoined with the world. Whence it follows, that whatever man does from the external, without the internal, he does from himself; but whatever he does from that internal principle, by the external, this he does from heaven, that is, through heaven from the Lord."-Ap. Ex. 794. We thus see that man's works are not evil, but good, when they are done from the Lord, that is, in obedience to the Divine commandments, and from a spiritual end, and in that case they do contribute to his salvation. Ther~ is another common cry put forth by the teachers of the doctrine of salvation. by faith alone-a cry which has probably deterred numbers fl'om entering on the true path to heaven-namely, that man "cannot keep the oomlIlandments," and that, consequently,' it is in .vain for him to try. But who is it that says that man cannot keep the commandments? Does the Divine WOI'd say so? or is it only the W estminstel' catechism that says it? Does not the Divine Word de~lare everywhere, both throughout the Old Testament and the New, that man 1nust keep the commandments? "Hear, 0 Israel, tb~ • John ill. 21. +Matt. ,",H. 21.
- 159. 156 SALVATION. statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep and do them."* This is the opening proclamation, preparatory to the utterance of .the Ten Commandments. It is here declared that those commandments are to be "learned, and kept, and done." And, in the New Testament, what was the Lord;s answer to the young man who inquired of Him what he should do to inherit eternal life ? "If thou wilt enter into life," said the Saviour, "keep the commandments."t And again he said-cc He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me."t "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love."§ " H a man love me, he will keep my words."11 Now, would not all these declarations be a mockery, if man could not keep the commandments? Man can keep the commandments,-not, indeed, in his own strengh, but in the Lord's strength ;-not, indeed, all at once, nor perfectly, but more and more perfectly as he advances in the regeneration; and every instance in which he does keep them-nay, every effort to keep them-goes to strengthen and establish in him the kingdom of God. It is chiefly a single passage in the Epistle of James, misunderstood, which is rest~ llpon as a support for the notio~ that man cannot keep the commandments. "For whosoever," says he, "shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [commandment], is guilty of all."~ On this declaration, it is argued that it is vain to seek to keep the commandments, for no weak -mortal ean expect to be perfect in his observance of them, and yet, if not perfect, he must be regarded as altogether guilty; for "whosoever offends in one, is guilty of all." But hear Swedenborg's comment on this passage:- ., It is frequently urged," he remarks, cc that no one can fulfil the law, especially 1Jinee he who offends against one precept of the Deca10gue offends against all. But this form of speaking is not to be taken just &8 it sounds; for it is to be thus understood-that he who, from confirmed purpose, breaks one commandment, breaks the rest, since to act thus from confirmed purpose is utterly to deny that it is sin, and, when it is declared to be sin, to pay no regard to such teaching. He who thus denies and rejects, makes light of everything that is called sin. But, on the other hand, those who by repentance have removed some particular evils, which are sins, come into the settled purpose of believing in the Lord and loving their neighbour; and these are kept by the Lord in the pUl-POse of abstaining from more sins."-True Christian Religion, 523. • Dent. v.l. t Matt. xix. 17. t John xiv. 21. § John xv. 10. 11 John xiv. 23. ~ James ii. 10. In the common translation it reads-" Whosoever offends in one point ,." but the word " point" is an insertion of the translators. One command- ment more correctly eXllresses the apostle's meaning, as is plain from the verse following• •
- 160. SALVATION. 157 Thus, then, it is not an unintentional violation of a Qommandment, or a failing perfectly to keep it through mere human weakness, that renders man guilty of violating all, but it is the wilful and deliberate breaking of a commandment, from "confirmed purpose:" because, in such case, man's whole spirit is turned downwards, and given up to wickedness. That such is the apostle's meaning, is evident from the following verse, in which he explains himself :-" For," says he, "He that said Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now, if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law."* That such was the writer's meaning, is certain also, from the fact that not one of the apostles is more strenuous in his teachings as to the necessity of works to salvation, and the worthlessness of faith alone, than James.· In this very chapter, but a few verses further OD, he has this language :-" What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works; can faith save him?" "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." " By" works a man is justified, and not by faith only." t We may adduce, by way of comment on this last declaration of the apostle, namely, that" a man is justified by works, and not by faith only," the following strong language of Swedenborg, to the same effect:- " Let every one," says he, "beware of that heretical tenet, that' man is justified by faith, without the works of the law ;' for· he who is in it, and does not fully recede from it before the cl~se of life, is, after death, consociated with the infemals. For they are the g0!Lts, of whom the Lord says-' Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.' For the Lord does not say concerning the goats, that they have done evils, but that they have not done good: and the reason they have not done good is, because they say with themselves, 'I cannot do good from myself; the law does not condemn me, the blood of Christ cleanses me and delivers me; the passion of the Cross has taken away the guilt of sin; the merit of Christ is imputed to me by faith, I am reconciled to the Father in grace, I am beheld as a son, and He regards my sins &s infirmities, which He instantly remits for the sake of His Son; thus He justifies by faith alone; and, unless this faith was the only medium of salvation, no mortal could be saved; for, for what other end did the Son of God suffer the cross, and fulfil the law, than to take away the condemnation of our transgressions?' These, and many like things, they say with themselves, and thus they do no good which is truly good; for, from their faith alone, which is nothing but a faith of knowleciges, in itself historical faith, thus merely science, no good proceeds, for it is a dead faith, into which no life or soul is admitted. But when man goes to the Lord, and shuns evils as sins, 48 from himself,-m this case the good deeds which man does as from himself, are from the Lord, and are thus in themselves good."-ApOC. Rev. D.888. • James n. 11. t Ver. 14, 17, 24.
- 161. 16~ Swedenborg,in another place, explains- the true meaning of the apostle's declaration, that "8 man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the law." It is the Jewi8h ritual or ceremonial.law, that is there referred to, not the commandments of the DecaJogue. ea By the law," says Swedenborg. "is meant, in a strict sense, the Decalogue; but, in a wider sense, the statutes given by Moses to the children of Israel; as is evident from the particular statutes in Leviticus being called singly 6 the law.' A& for jnstance-' This is the law of the trespass-offering;' 'This is the law of the sacrifice of peace-offerings;' 'This is the law of the meat-offering;' 'This is the law of leprosy;' 'This is the law of jealousy;' 'This is the law of the Nazarite,' &e. That these statutes were meant by the 'works of the law' mentioned by Paul, where be says that '8 man is justified without the works of the law.' (Rom. ill. 28.) is manifest from what there follows; and also from his words to Peter, whom he blames far Judaizing, where he says three times in one verse that' no man is justi- fied by Ule works of the law.' (Gal. it 16.) "-True Christian Religion, n. 288. See alSO·D. 506. That this is the trne explanation of the .apostle's language, is evident from the connection in which those words stand, from the history of the circumstances under which they were spoken, and from a consideration of Paul's repeated declarations in other places, that man will be judged according to his works. It is well known, fl"om what is related in the book of Acts, that the apostles and other early receivers of the Christian doctrine disagreed among themselves as to the question whether the Levitical law was to be regarded as still binding or not. Some thought that it was binding, and that the new converts to Christianity ought even to submit to the rite of circumcision. Others, among whom was Paul, were of a different opinion, holding that the Jewish ceremonial law was done away with by the coming of Christ, and the establishment of the New Dispensation. This point he insists upon in many of his Epistles, particularly in the places referred to in the above extract from · Swedenborg. In that whole chapter (Romans iii.) he is discussing the question what, under the light of the Christian dispensation, is the true position of the Jews in reference to the Gentiles; and in the verse following his remark that "man is justified by faith without the deeds of ·the law" he adds-" Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles?' This gives us a -plain clue to his meaning, and t makes it apparent that he had reference simply to t~e Levitical or ceremonial law. But by "the law," in other places, he meant the Decalogue, or law of the Divine commandments; and, when speaking of this, he declares that these works are to be" done, and that IQ.an is justified by them.
- 162. 159 Thus, in Romansii. 18-" For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified;" and in a verse just preceding (verse 6) he says God "will render to every man according to his deeds" (or" works "). So, also, in 8 strong passage already quoted, he declares that " We all must appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."* Thus, then, it is plain that, 8S Swedenborg justly remarks, t the writings of Paul, correctly understood, give no more support to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone than do those of J ames. Who has more eloquently' descanted on the beauty and necessity of charity (that is, of a good life-a life in obedience to the Divine command- ments) than Paul has, in that celebrated chapter of his Epistle to the Corinthians,: commencing with the words-cc Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become BS sounding brass or as a tinkling cymbal." " Though I have all faith," he continues, "so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." Is this the language of one who believes that faith can save a man, without regard to his life, or, in other words, without good works? And 'in the concluding verse of this chapter he brings {aith and charity into direct comparison, weighs them against each other, and gives the .preference to eharity. "And now," says he, "abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." Now, would anyone of the ort40dox (so called) dare stand up in his pulpit, at this day, and preach such a doctrine as this of the apostle, that charity-or, in other words, a good life.-is greater than faith? Would he not be at once pronounoed h~terodox, and con.. demned as departing from the standards of the church, ·which teach that man is saved solely by faith in the atonement of Christ? But in fact it is the church itself that has departed 'from the teachings, of the apostles, and misunderstood or perverted their meaning. Having thus completed the task of replying to objections, let us now proceed to the ~ore agreeable duty of setting forth the true doctrine of salvation. It was remarked at the commencement of this Essay, that salvation and regeneration are in fact one and the same thing. They are, m"deed, essentially the same; for salvation means entrance into heaven, and a state of regeneration means a state of fitness for entering into heaven. But heaven, viewed in itself, is not a place, but a state • 2 Cor. v. 1( t T. C. R.., D. 505. : 1 Cor.. xiii.
- 163. 160 SALVATION. of the mind: the cc kingdom of God is within you." No one can enter into heaven who has not first a heaven in his own mind: in other words, no one can enjoy the happiness of heaven merely by enter- ing into the company of angels, nor merely by being surrounded by the splendours and glories which constitute the scenery of heaven. If there be not a heavenly state of thought and feeling within-in other words, if there be not a state of love to the Lord and to the neighbour- no outward scenes, however charming, ean long afford enjoyment. Thus, a state of salvation, or being ~ heaven, is essentially one with a state of regeneration, or being in a heavenly state of mind. Still, for the sake of distinctness in the use of terms, it may'be as well to say that salvaiion is rather an ~lect or result of regeneration,-the term regenerati.()n being used to designate the process of coming into a heavenly state of mind. It is in this sense that Swedenborg uses the terms:- " The Lord," says he, "is continually in the act of regenerating man, because He is continually in the act of saving ~; and no one can be saved, unless he be regenerated, according to the Lord's own words in John (ill. 3), that' he who is not bom again cannot see the kingdom of God.' The means, therefore, and the only means, of salvation is regeneration."-True Christian Religion, 577. This great principle it is most important to keep in mind, because it has been too much the case to think of salvation or admission into heaven as the arbitrary gift of God, whieh he can confer upon any, good or bad, according to his sovereign pleasure. If this really were the case, every human being would be' saved; for God is love itself', and He expressly declares that He does not will the death of a sinner, but rather that he '~hould turn from his wickedness and live: "Have I any pleasure. at all 'that th~ wicked should die, saith the Lord God, and not that he should return from his ways, and live?"* If, therefore, it depended solely upon the Lord's good pleasure, all would" live 1 " that is, be gifted with life eternal, or heaven. But when it is understood that man's salvation depends upon his regeneration, and when it is also known that man's regeneration cannot be effected without his own cooperation, then it will be seen why it is that some are not saved, although it is the Lord's earnest desire that all should be so. Let us, then, endeavour to·get a distinet idea of the process of man's regeneration, and we shall thus understand the true mode of salvation. The :first step to be taken in regeneration is, the attainment of troth. 'c Let there be light," is the :first fiat of the Almighty, in His work of re-creating the mental earth. Man must see the path to heaven, before • Ezekiel xviii. 28.
- 164. SALVATION. 161 he can walk in it: he must understand what he has to do, before he can begin to do j.t. Instruction in the truths of Divine revelatioh is the first requirement. From the Word of Truth, which the Lord has given to man as his guide-book to heaven, as the "lamp to his feet, and light to his path"-he may leam the great purpose for which God has placed him in this world, namely, to fit him for a life of eternity in heaven. From the same Divine Word, he learns how the human race fell from the state of integrity in which they were created, departed from the way of the Divine commandments, and so cast themselves into a thousand mi~eries. He learns that, as a consequence of this fall, every man, at ~e present day, inherits a corrupted and disordered nature, which must be healed, restored, regenerated, before he can possibly enjoy the happiness of heaven. The knowledge of this truth makes him thoughtful. "I am placed here to prepare for heaven," he says to himself: "that is the great end of my being. And yet, I learn that with my present hereditary nature and constitution of mind, I cannot enter heaven, because I am incapable of enjoying the society of its angellc inhabitants." " How, then," he anxiously asks, "am I to attain this fitness? " He goes to the Scripture. "If thou wilt enter into life," says the Lord, "keep the commandments." "Do I not, then, keep the commandments ?" he asks himself; "What are the commandments?" He turns over the leaves: he finds the words-cc Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Cease from anger and forsake wrath~ Defraud not, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." By the light of these ~d other truths, which he finds there, he begins to examine himself, to review his daily life and conduct," to note his actions and the motives of his actions, to observe his habitual thoughts and feelings. He finds the contrariety between these and the requisitions of the Divine Word. He discovers that self-love, not love to the neighbour, is his ruling 81I'ection-self-advancement his ruling principle of action. He perceives' that this is not heavenly-that his p~ent course is not the path to heaven. He resolves to amend-to his change course-to begin a new life. He ~egins to resist his evil ha~its, to combat his disorderly inclinations. He finds it, at first, a hard strnggle, he feels his weakness. He is thus driven to Him who alone can give strength. He finds, in· his "heavenly guide..book," the 'Words-"Come unto me, all ye that"labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He feels that he is one of those here addressed, he feels the need of help. " Ask and ye shall receive," are the Lord's comforting words. He does ask. On his knees, morning and evening, 11
- 165. 169 IALVATIOM. he looks fervently to the Lord for help and strength ~ to keep His commandments, and to walk in His way. He finds himself" thus, strengthened for the warfare. He is pleased. at finding that he makes • some progress in the right path; his evils do not always master him--- he sometimes conquers them now; and many of them, one-after another, are growing weaker, and his good a1reetions and heavenly aspirations are growing daily and yearly stronger. He keeps on in the course he has begun, .daily reading the Word, looking to the Lord, and "fighting the good fight of faith." His friends note him as an improved man : he is conscious of more peace in his own soul. Accustomed habitually to examine himself, to wa~h his actions and words, to note his thoughts and feelings, he is ever striving for the right. Occasionally he falls, but he rises again; and, humbled by his failure, he clings to the Lord, his Saviour, with a more earnest hold. Years pass on; the core of his heart is getting purified: his ends are right; and gradually the sur- rounding evils are becoming removed also: one after another, they drop away, and good and heavenly feelings and affections are taking their place. He humbly trusts that the work of regeneration. is going on within him: he feels sure that the Lord is with him, and continually sustaining him. As old age creeps on, his thoughts are fixed more constantly on heaven: his hopes, his heart, his treasure are there. He is already there in spirit: he hopes soon to be altogether there, and ere long, his wish is granted. Some day, he feels an illness stealing upon him, perhaps slight, perhaps heavy, it matters little: he perceives it to be his call to a happier state: he trusts in the Lord and fears not. he At length he gently breathes his last, and soon awakes in the spiritual world. He sees, by his side, bright and beautiful beings, whom he at once peroeives to be angels. They have been watching 'him till he awoke, and now they look beamingly into his face, and telt him he is a spirit,-that he is now in the eternal world. He is delighted to tIUnk that heaven is so near. "Come with us," say they, "your warfare is now over: the time of peace is come." Joyfully he goes with them; and soon he perceives himself surrounded by a whole company' of these bright ~nes, who welcome him with words and looks of joy and love. And presently, beautiful scenes appear before his eyes, the celestial mansions and paradises loom up· in the distance: a golden .light beams around him: he hears sweet voices and choruses pouring forth songs of joy-and, to crown all, those whom he had loved and lost on earth, now come bounding forth to meet him. His heart is 1illed with blessedness. " And is this, then, heaven?·; he asks. "It is, it is," say they, "your
- 166. IALVATIOIf• 168 bliss is now begun." He falls on his knees in gratitude and thanks- -giving to the Lord his Saviour, who has brought him through the dark 'Valley to the mountain top-4hrough the battle and the struggle, to the realms of everlasting peace. And, in answer to his grateful prayer, he hears a voice-a voice that melts his soul with its overwhelming love- " Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a lew things: I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." This is salvation. London. O.P.H. (To b~ continued.) DIVINE AID. U Let thine hand help me."-Psalm cm. 178. TBB hand of the Lord is His Omnipotence-the Almighty power of His love. How secure are they who are held by this "strong right hand 1" for what does our Lord say with reference to those who have "chosen His precepts," and become, by their spiritual love of troth, His sheep ? " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I giveunto them etemallife, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father who gave them me is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's band. I and my Father are one." (John x. 27-80.) Here the union of Divinity with humani~y in the person of J eallS Christ is doctrinally affirmed; and spiritually, the power of truth and the omnipotence of love are declared. Spiritually understood, the Divine Speaker is the Divine Truth, and 'the Father of whom he speaks is the essential Divine Love; and the Father's hand is the Omnipotence of love, operating by the Divine Truth. The supplication, then, which stands at the bead of this article is one which invokes aid fr'IP the resistles8 power of Lov~" Let thine hand help me." The tender, firm grasp of a loving father's hand imparts a sense of security and delight to the helpless child; and it is the. grasp of our Heavenly Father's hand that we implore w~en we pray this short prayer of five little words of the most juvenilacomprehension-words, all of one syllable, as first learned by our children-" Let thine hand help me." Surely the terms and the~ meaning of the petition belong to the age of spiritual ehildhood~to that celestial state of the innocence of wisdom when the soul has been converted, and has received the kingdom of heaven as a little child, and upon whom, therefore, celestial ~gels wait. "Let thine hand help me, for I have chosen thy pree~pts." The supplication is based upon
- 167. 164 DIVINE AID. 8 condition, and the aid it·seeks can be realised only as that condition is observed. Internal truths must become the choice of our souls; we must love spiritual truths, and conform our lives to their "beautiful harmony;" so will our ideas, like those of infants, be opened inwardly toward heaven, and them will be no obstruction grounded in self-will or love of evil. The cc channel" will be opened, and kept open, by the uninterrupted .cimulation of the life-giving str.eams of truth that flow from love. Adelaide. E. G. D. BOSTON MINISTERS WHO HAYE BEEN IN PULPIT HARNESS THIRTY YEARS. CONTINUING our notices of the venerable fatherS of the Boston pulpit, the Dame of Rev. Thomas Worcester, of the Swedenborgian church, or the church of New Jernsalem, comes next in order. He was settled in 1828. The Swedenborgians are a picturesque and interesting but not rapidly growing body of Christians. They hold many views in which they are widely separated from other soots; but 'lhese views appear to have a ,singular attraction for many men of large cUlture and strong intellect. They believe in the plenary inspiration of the Scrip- tures-CC aU Scripture is given by inspiration of God"----and, also, in the absolute adaptation of every passage to man's spiritual life. In other words, they hold that while the Scriptures have a natural meaning, they have, too, an angelic meaning, which it was reserved for Sweden- borg to make known to the world. Their views of eternal life differ radically from those which are entertained by contemporary worshippers. According to their understanding, the judgment has already taken place, and we who live now have begun our career f.or eternity, stamping eharacters upOj our souls which will never be effaced, but which will increase in power through the endless ages; so that, if we are inclined to purity now, we shall continue in that inelination, and grow purer and brighter throughout the perfect day. The world to come is, in their view, as real and palpable as the present, with landscapes and visions of beauty surpassing those that are now present to our sense, and they hold that we shall have a spiritual body, with functions complete, to enjoy the new phase of existence. The founder of this order, Emanuel Swedenborg, an illustrious Swede of the last century, was a man of remarkable and varied powers. He was gifted as few men are. With a&Il exceedingly fine nervous organisa- tion, that rendered him easily impressible, he enjoyed seasons of trance
- 168. BOSTON JlINI8TBBS WHOHAVE BUK IN PULPIT JIA1UmSS, BTO. 166 or illumination, when, like Paul, he was caught up in spirit to the heavens and to other worlds, and saw things which he has placed ~D record for the strengthening and the encouragement of those who accept his testimony. He was a very devout, hopeful, and happy man. And, whatever may be thought of the state of his mind in relation to religious matters, he was singularly practical and methodical in all other concerns. He possessed a vigorous common sense; was learned in mathematics, in mechanics, in all the natural sciences, and more than most men in all every-day aftairs. If he was labouring under an hallucination in regard to his visions and what he professed to have seen, it must be confessed that it attached to a strong and powerful mind, and to a man who, in all other respects, showed a superiority which must rank him among the great, the good, and the • of our race. . Without attempting anything like an explanation of the interesting character of Swedenborgian tenets, we wish to call attention for a moment to a passage in the Apocalypse, concerning the New Jerusalem from which their church is named. John, in his Revelations, chap. m., saw "that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God." He gives a glowing description of· this celestial city. It was measured by the angel who talked with him, with a golden reed: "The city lieth four square, and the length is as large as the breadth: And he measured it with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal." Here is a city of stupendons proportions. All the cities in the whole earth, multiplied by a hundred, and compacted together, would not make one like it. It would contain two million two hundred and fifty thousand square miles; and if we may suppose it populated at the rate of ten thousand to the square mile, it would contain twenty-two thousand Dve hundred millions of inhabitants-or the entire race for nearly twenty generations. John saw no temple in the city, "for the glory of the Lord dj.d lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." But he was shown "a pure river of water of life, pure as crystal," and in the midst of the street, on either side of the river, "was there the tree of life wlUeh bare twelve m&DD.er of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree we~e for the healing of the nations." It is in this great city-their" Father's House,t' where are "many mansions tt-that New Jerusalem believers expect to live throughout a blessed eternity. Rev. Thomas Worcester, who is senior pastor of the church of New Jerusalem in this city, which was founded in 1818, has been settled
- 169. 166 BOSTON KINISTEBS WHO BAft BUN Dt PULPIT BABNBSS, ETO. t¥rty-seven years. He h!'s outlived most of those who formed the congregation when he began liis ministry. Not remarkable for his pulpit eloquence, not much known beyond certain circles in a city where he has preached so long, he is yet a man of most marked individuality. His expositions and his vestry instructions are of a high quality, full of originality, and are such as no other man but he could give. He is no imitator, is very difficult to be imitated;. indeed, it is a question whether any would desire to imitate him, except in the purity of his life. Dr. Worcester is a man of strong natural powers, an educated but not a deeply learned man. He possesses, however, an extraordinary fund of knowledge on the faith which he is set to teach, and has endeared him- self to his people by his fatherly and untiring devotion to the duties that devolve upon him. Increasing age admonished Dr• Worcester and his people that he must be relieved from a portion of his duties, and a few years ago a colleague pastor, Rev. Mr. Reed, was settled with him. He now preaches but twice a month, in the forenoon, and the congregation listen to the words of his mouth as though th ey were listening to one who is only waiting the summons to be transported to the New Jerusa- lem, there to rest from his labours and "see His face" whose name he has glorified l:1pon the earth.-B08ton (U. S.) Weekly Courier.- BRIEF SENTENCES. c'Charity'begins at home." Let the Sunday-school teacher, therefore, ask himself whether, while instmcting the children of the poor in the rudiments of learning, he is neglecting to impart to his own family such a knowledge of the writings of the New Church as shall render them zealous, intelligent, and devoted receivers of its heavenly doctrines, that they may in turn become centres for diffusing the truth to all their mends and acquaintance. The man who, while ~knowledging the true system of astronomy, should allow his children to be taught that of Ptolemy, and to read works based up()n it, would be regarded with astonishment and contempt; but the parent who, while believing the New Church doctrines, neglects to make his children well acquainted with the works in which they are explained,-allowing them to derive their religious instrnetioa from old church 8Oure8S,-is guilty of still greater neglect and inconsistency, inasmuch ·as the injury done is in .the one ease temporal, in the other e~al. B.
- 170. 187 IBOi.ATED REOEIVERS. To ths Editor.-It has occurred to me that it might be useful, if the isolated receivers scattered throughout the country were to join together to form a society, baving for its object, fint, the delivery of lectures and distribution of tracts in those towns where they reside, and, second, the presentation of the works of Bwedenborg to the public libraries of those towns. In' the last "Minutes of Conference" there are given the names and addresses of more than one hundred and ten isolated receivers, and there are, probably, many more who, for various reasons, are unwilling thus to have their Dames brought before the public. In our small town, though my father is the only one on the list, there are four other families some of whose members have received the doctrines. My father established a society, with similar objects, some years ago. It was called the Lincomshire New Chl1reh Association, and during its existence of four or Ave years, lectures were delivered and tracts dis- tributed at Bolton (twice)', Lincoln, and Spalding, and a missionary visit paid to Gainsborough; but not meeting with lu1Iieient encourage- ment, it had to be·given up. Such a society might also promote great uses among its members, ~bringing them into a closer bond of union, and stirring them up to more active exertions iD their own spheres of labotJr.- S,honld any friends think the· idea a practicable one, and be willing to join in carrying it out, I shall be very glad to hear from them, and from all others who may be interested in the work, or have any sug- gestions to o«er, or any help to give. Donington-on-Bain, JOHN STUABT BOGG. Near Louth, Lineolnshire. INFANTS GROW IN HEAVEN. i'EKANUEL Bwedenborg has one doctrine exquisitely beautiful among many. He holds that infants in the better world do not remain mere infants without intelligence and wisdom, but are cultivated, as it were, into angels, which have both, but not 80 as' to grow up beyond early youth. This belief, I take it, would at once commend itself tc? myriads whose feelings Bouhey has expressed in the passage beginning, 'They sin who tell ~.' tt-Punch, vol. 49, p. 257. G. F. H.
- 171. 168 "WHEAT AND TARES." T~ the Editor of the Intellectual Repository. Sir,-I am not going to trouble you with any further arguments, since no reply has yet been made to those in my former letter; but I must beg leave to correct several mis-statements which occur, in the remarks referring to myself, in your last number. In the first place, two propositions are given which are said to be expressed in my own words. The :first is so. The second is not; as may be seen by reference to Article IX., page 68, 'of your Febmary number. It may there be seen that my statement, beginning with- "Since all the changes predicated of the Lord," &e., is couched in very different language from that which is ascribed to me; nor could I have expressed myself in the terms which are used, coupling " The Word and the Writing.,"-as if the writings of any man could thus be equalled with God's Holy Word. Of the Scriptures alone could I'speak as "'M Writings." Secondly, it is alleged that I admit "there is the same Scriptttre warrant for the doctrine of an endless hell as for that of an endless heaven." This is equally incorrect. It may, on the contr~ry, be seen I by reference to Article X., p. 68 (s8e Febrnary No.), that I have asserted our belief in everlasting happiness to rest on a very different foundation from any that can be assigned for a belief in the eternity of misery. As the question is put, I may briefly reply that the reason 1 have not on this point, as on others, appealed to the testimony of Swedenborg is, that I consider him here to be at issue with Scripture; and though I gladly welcome any light vouchsafed through any fellow-being, so far as it harino~es with Scripture, yet the Word is the only authority which I consider entitled to decide upon any subject. Thirdly, I think it is to be regretted that, without knowing the facts of the ease, the writer should speak of my" short acqu8intance with the Writings '!-of Bwedenborg, I suppose-and my "recent reception of the doctrines "-which I now hold, his meaning would appear to be. The truth is, I have been a diligent studsnt of ihe works of Swedenborg for more than twenty years, and a diligent student, "moreover, of the Word of God; by the aid of whose light alone can we hope fully to dis- cern and profit by the trut~ vouchsafed through any secondary channel. • And I have for many years preached substantially the same doctrines which I now preach; though not, I hope, without having made some progress in that time, both in the perception of truth and the power of express~g it.
- 172. "WHEAT AND TARES." 169 I have now a few words to say on the subject of the Latin quotation discussed in your last number. I am quite aware of the rule which, in the phrase "Dominus Humanum in se glori1icavit," would refer S6 to Dominus as the subject of the verb; but this rule will not be found to hold invariably, even in classic authors; and I still think that had 8wedenborg intended the pronoun to apply to Dominus, and not Hu- manum, he would have written" in Ipso;" as the point would then have been to express a change taking place in Him or Himself; whereas "Humanum in se," "Divinum in se," &e., are expressions which.he uses to denote that which is in itself, of its own very nature, Human, Divine, &c. Thus he says that the Divine Esse is "Esse in se" and " Existere in se," with the indisputable meaning that It is self-essent and self-existent-intrinsically, of Its very own nature, Esse and Existere. (Can. Nov. Ecc., Cap. TI.dum, 8, 4.) Mr. Macpherson's quotation from A. O. 4724, "Ipsum Humanum Domini nee potnisset recipere aliquem infiumm a Divino Esse, nisi in Ipso Humanum Divinum factum sit, Dam Divinum erit quod recipiet Divinum Esse," appears to me to be properly translated. thu8-" The very Humanity, or the Humimity itself, of the Lord could not have received any in1htt from the Divine Esse, unless in Itself the Humanity were made Divine, for that shall be Divine which shall receive the Divine Esse "~_cc ill Ipso" here refening to c, Humanum " in the beginning of the sen- tence. But even were this to be translated "In Himself," it must be bome in mind that since the Divine Esse or Essential Divinity was the only soul that the Lord Jesus Christ had, (A.. O. 1921) and as it can scarcely be denied that the body always receives some influx from the soul, the passage still clearly proves that His Body, or Humanity, must have been "made Divine:' from its very origin, since otherwise it could "not have received any influx" from the Essential Divinity, which was its soul. Finally, I would remind your correspondents that if they could abso- lutely prove the former quotation to mean· that the Lord glorified the Humanity in Himself, they would at last oIily have proved Swedenborg to be in contradiction with himself, since in his crowning theological work, the True Ohristian Religion, 25, which your readers may consult for themselves, he states that the Divine Esse, which in Itself is God, or (a' few lines lower) "which is God in HilTt86lj," cc is immutably the same;" "the same from eternity to eternity," "the same everywhere, with every one, and in every one; but· that all variableness and change- ableness is in the recipient, occasioned by its peculiar state." As I feel ·
- 173. 170 sure your correspondentshave no wish to force this iesue, these tew remarks may perhaps not be unacceptable to them" And had Mr. Mac· pherson informed his Cambridge authorities that Swedenborg lays down the above as a fundamental principle, it might sensibly have influenced theh- opinion on the 811bjeet. Being well aware, however, of, the plas.. ticity of Latin. especially as used in theological works, I should n&ver rest upon a mere verbal expression as proof, though it may be useful i in illustration. of an author's true meaning, which, in such a ease as this, can only be fairly judged of from the broad principles which he himself lays down.-Yours, &c", WK. HUJrIE RoTBEBY. 8, Richmond-terrace, MiddletoD. Manchester, March 6th, 1866. [We have to express our Unfeigned regret for having wronged Mr. Rothery, even though ignorantly.] ANECDOTE OF SWEDENBORG. BARON Bernhard Von Beskow, in his Memoir of Swedenborg, published in the Transactions of the Swedish Academy for 1859, gives in a note the following anecdote, related to him by Anders Fryxell, the well· known Swedish historian : - "My maternal grandmother, Sara Greta Askbom, who married the Councillor of Commerce and Burgomaster Anders Ekman; grew up in the neighbourhood of Bjomgardsgatan (literally; the Bearyatd-street), in the suburb of Sodermalm, Stockho!II1. where her father lived not far from Swedenborg, with whom he was on terms of intimacy. She, then a pretty girl of :fifteen or sixteen, often asked 'Unele Swedenborg,' as he was familiarly ealled, to show her ,a spirit or an angel. At last he pro- tnised to gratify her wish. He took her with hiIQ. ,one day. into the Slimmer-honse in his garden, and placed her before a curtain. Then 8aying to her, 'Now you shaJI see an angel,' he drew the curtain aside, and the maiden beheld in a mirror the image of herself." F.L.O. [This little anec~ote tells more of Swedenborg's oharaoter than a hundred pages of laboured description-, It shows the vigorously healthy state of his miDd, and admirably exemplifies what he has 80 eloquently described--the innocenee of wisdoDl" Had he been the sickly visionary which many have supposed him, this is just 8U~ a case as would have led him to betray his weakness. Instead of this it serves to exhibit his strength. Considered by the side of other oases of a similar kind, it shows a moo discrimination and ap easy adaptation
- 174. ANEODOTE 01' SWBDBNBOBG. 171 to states and circumstances, indicative of well-balanced faculties and a well-regulated mind. To one more advanced in years, who asked the same favour, he gravely answered that this was a privilege which the Lord only could grant. Here he had to deal with one comparatively a child, prompted by an innocent curiosity. And how wisely does he . deal with her I It might not have been eonsidered inconsistent with his character to have awed her into silence. But the affectionate play- fulness and practical wit by which he relieved himself of the innocent importunity of his yoUng "niece," displays the thorough humanity of the man-his sympathy with whatever was simple and pure, even when • tinged with the failings of our common nature.] PROPOSED BUILDING FUND. " February 12th, 1866. le My dear Bir,-You are already aware how much I deplore, on the one hand, to see so many appeals made by different societies of the Church, through 'the medium of the Intellectual Repository and in other ways, and, on the other hand, to observe how very coldly these appeals are usually responded to. I think that our Church, like other religious bodies, should have a General Building Fund, to help new and weak societies; and I cannot but think that had such a helping hand been held out in times gone by, as mcb an institution wottld afford, many societies would ha,ve been very much strengthened; and some societies, I fear, through the want of it, have now ceased to enst_ " Without a building of their own, 8 society has nothing to fall back upon, in ease of adversity, and like a house without a foundation, eannot bear up against the storm. But how can a society where all the members are in humble circumstances, erect a place of worship '} And there are such societies. ,c I can refrain no longer, and therefore enclose you a check for £50., towards commencing a Conference Building Fund. I am fully aware how absurdly inadequate is this amount for the purpose designed; but to make a beginning I am bent upon, and many a noble institution has had a very humble commencement. It is to be hoped that other friends may, by and bye, rally round the cause, and I myself hope to add to the fund, from time to time, if the Lord grant me 'the means. If it be asked why I do not .wait until I can do something grander for the cause, I reply that there is no time like the present, and that before such ft time come my soul may be required of me.
- 175. 172 PBOPOSBD BUILDING FUND. C'My idea of a Oo~erenee Building Fund is, that the interest ~ . should be given to such societies, from time to time, as the Oonferenee may direct, either for the purpose of building or enla.rging plaees of worship; or for paying off debts which have been previously incurred for these purposes. Should the Conference prefer to lend the principal, I would not object to this modification of my plan. I should prefer the former system, but am willing to leave it to be settled by Conference; my only limitation being that the principal should never be given away, or entirely lost.-I &ID, yours sincerely, " To Richard Gunton, Esq., "A FBIBND. Treasurer of Conference." [The Treasurer has placed the sum received at interest in ·the London and Westminster Bank, and will be glad to receive the names of other gentlemen who desire to aid this laudable movement. At the nen meeting of the Conference measures will doubtless be taken to make the "Building Fund" one of the institutions of the Church, and destined to be of incalculable service.] THOUGHTS BY THE WAY. Into what disrepute has WISDOM: fallen in these days, so that the very words wUB and wisdom, in their best ~nse, are almost disused r Exten-' sive knowledge attains respect, but wisdom is nowhere eommen~ed. We have clever men, learned .men, knowing men, astute men, witty men; but where shall we find one :whom the people delight to call lJ wUe man! Yet let 118 not suppose that there are none who are worthy to bear that honourable epithet; but the world either has no appreci- ation of them or has forgotten 'lihe title proper to apply to them. Christianity is by no means a religion of selftshness, and therefore it is a.tnistake to suppose that a Christian's first duty is to secure salva- tion for himself. The truest Christian is he who labours most for the salvation of others, with the least thonght for himself, and his reward will be the certainty of his own 8alvation in the very highest degree. --'- Most persons are too persistent in asserting their rights to be con- stantly in the endeavour to perform their duties: the former they find mnch the simpler and easier business, because it has man's sell-love on its side.
- 176. THOUGHTS BY THEWA.Y. 178 He who is always endeavouring to act with perfect rectitude, sincerity, and unselfishness, must be content to be frequently misunderstood, and to haTe his motives misconstrued. How greatly the world is in want of men with somewhat of the spirit of martyrs "in them,-men who would be willing to suft'er the martyr- "dom, not of rack and thumb-screw, of fagot and stake, but of public opinion, loss of social status, terms of approbrinm, loss of emoluments, and the like i-tradesmen w~o would risk losing their customers, rather than vend any adulterated or deleterious articles, or misrepresent the character of their goods; professional men who would take no f~es from anyone whom they inwardly believed they could not benefit; ministers of 'the gospel who, knowing greater and higher truths than their creed prescribes, would not hesitate to acknowledge them, and feed their con. gregations with them; men of any class who would come out from their particular circles, condemn their systematio evils, and endeavour to remedy those evils to which they had hitherto lent their support. Let us thank God, however, that there are a few such: would that we could count them by thousands! J. T. P. REVIEW. SWEDENBOBG ANDms MODERN CRITIOS: WITH SOME REMARKS UPON TUB -LAsT TIMES. By the Rev. AUGUSTUS CLISSOLD, M.A. Longmans, Lendon, 1866. pp. 96.. TJm last numher of the InteHeetual Repository -contained a reference to some reeent attacks on Swed.enoorg, emanating from Roman Catholic and High Church writers; and it is now. our pleaB~g duty to ootice . the fuller reply to these antagonists, which Mr.. CliBBOld has issued in a substantive form. Like every other production of his pen, this is characterised by so temperate and yet so efficient a refutation of error, and so lucid an ~xposition .of the truths impugned, that our cause need desire DO better champion. His" ~ducation and position render him peculiarly ahle to cope with objections coming from the sacerd~tal eamp, as he is deeply versed in the learning that appr.eciates the authorities on wmch the orthodox system is built, and is thus able to sustain the trath by a much more dama~g exposure .of the delusions and contradictions of its opponents. On the present occasion, however, his object is not only to refute the usual ealumnious misrepresentations of Swedenborg and his doctrines, Itut to enforce the due consideration of important truths which bear
- 177. 174 uvmw. directlyon the present juncture in the state and prospeets ofthe sacerdotal church. That church has rece~tly evinced a more than usual desire to identify its interests with the other sacerdotalisms of the Roman and Greek orthodoxy. The confidence that the distinctive Babylonian element constitutes the very essence of· the Church of the Lord has grown so rampant in some ecclesiastics of the Church of England, that they believe that the one thing wanting to compensate for the palpable inroads which modem freedom of inquiry is making in their ancient dominion, is to combine with those other churches that interpose the priest between m8,Jl and his Creator and Redeemer. To effect this union, they have preliminarily.examined what concessions they are prepared to make, what truths they can aft'ord to sacrifice, in order to be admitted into vital union with the Papacy and the Greek Church. They :flatter themselves that all that is now required to stem the torrent of so-called heresy and unbelief, is for the sacerdotal churches of . all lands to constitute a solidarity of interests. They dream that the united "Bell, Book, and Candle" of so many genuine successors of the Apostles cannot fail to exorcise that mighty influx of new truths that is so visibly changing the religious and moral world, to tenify the "laity into renouncing those studies by which they intrude-and by no means without success-into the precincts hitherto sacred to the clergy, and to scare back the stupendous onward march of the natural sciences. The hostile criticisms on Swedenborg which Mr. clissoid here so solidly rebuts, spring from men who seem debarred, by the prejudices of their position in the sacerdotal church, from admitting the :first rays of the only light that would reveal to them the genuine lineaments of the great truths that distinguish the New Church from the old. They pertinaciously resist the thought that the only church' to which they allow that title, can ever become apostate. To them the consumma- tion of the age means the conflagration of the world, and does not mean that their church can and will arrive at a gross corruption of its goods and its truths, similar to that which the Jewish Church attained at its consummation. The" falling away" is not to apply to the church itself, but only to those who wilfully withdraw from the pale of its . saving doctrine. Consistently with this primary axiom, they maintain t~at the creeds and other dogmatic standards of their church have for ever settled the inappellable basis of the truth, so that no new doctrine, however 'convincingly demonstrable by the words of Scripture, however great a deliverance it bring to the violated conscience and the stnpmed intellect, can-if it contravene those formularies-be aught but a
- 178. BEvm". 175 falsi1ieation ofille sacred tntth. Not. indeed, that this church has not repeatedly admitted innovations on its earlier doctrines. Ecclesiastical history tells us at what dates images, the invocation of saints, the sale of iuununities from the penalties of'sin in the next world, the worship of the Virgin Mary, and luch like, were first introduced. Nor has the power of developing new out..growths of these earlier in.. novatioDs lost ita ellergy even in our day; for. the present Pope and his Council have recently added one more article to the orthodox faith-the doctrine. namely, that the Virgin Mary herself was conceived without any .taint. of the Original Bin of Adam's posterity: what is called her Immacu.. late Conception. The adherents of this church, then, have all along been admitting innovatioDs and developments of doctrine. They admit them because they perceive the Ilew growth to be the consistent, organic unfolding of the germ of the church as they apprehend it; but, much more generally, because these developments emanate from the only power on earth that they believe has the. privilege of enacting or annulling divine truths. It is extremely difficult_ for persons in our position to estimate the combined in1luence which these two guarantees of a body of doctrines--even when they are as monstrous as we jndge those of the Church of Rome to be-can exercise on an educated man. But we must conceive their force to be something magical; for we see men who have been sedulously trained in some fonn of Protestant belief, who are skilled in such learning as should enable them to discern the difference between what they adhere to and what they reject, yet who wait for the full maturity of their intellectual powers before they apostatise to 8 church whose latest innovation seems (if we may trust Father Faber and Canon Oakley) to be the discovery that an "il1lmense increase in the worship of the Virgin Mary" is to be the striking feature of our time. Innovations in this spirit, and with this tendency, the sacerdotal ehurch is ready to receive with open arms. Her own postulate of ~er own indefectibility precludes the chance of her listening to those who-- whatever innovations they may seem to introduce-first attempt to ret'ive and recover oldjundamental tmths which the Divine Word con- stantly inculcates, and which the enlightened conscience and reason delightedly accept, but which have been systematically buried deeper and deeper by every successive development of the corrupt hierarchy ; and who, when they do bring forth new troths, really base them-not on man's wisdom or learning, much les8 on the selfish policy of spiritual dominion, but on that Word which the True Church acknowledges as its only treasury and standard of Divine Truth.
- 179. 176 REVIEW. Now it is a great merit of Mr. Clissold's present work, thai while he satisfactorily answers the cavils of such prejudiced objectors, and rectifies their gross misrepresentations of our doctrines, he finds suitable occasions for introducing most pertinent discussions of great truths-such &8 matter and spirit, the natural and spiritual BUD, the end of the church, tritheism, ritualism, &c.-which underlie the whole dispute between us and these adversaries. Truth often derives an unexpected advantage from the light reflected on it from its direst opposites. The force of contrast throws out the subtler lineaments of each with a brighter relief, and each reveals its qualities most when compared with its contrary. Even the correction of palpa~le misstatements of matters which a candid antagonist is bound to have ascertained before he makes them a reproacll to us, is no small part of the warfare that truth ever wages· against its gainsayers. The "Englis~an'8 Magazine," for instance, gravely asserts that the fewness of the adherents of Swedenborg's doctrines up to this period, presents a " signal instance of a prophet confuted by the stem reality of facts." Our author's effective reply to this cavil occnpies the first eighteen pages of the pamphlet; and after dwelling on the slow growth of the first Christian church, and showing that the same internal causes are expected to produce the same tardy development of the first stage in our era, he concludes his ~gnm.ent with this telling passage, which has somewhat of the ring of one of Tertullian's retorts- cc Surely the Christian church did not come- into the world full grown or full a blown; or already perfect man in the measure of the stature of the fulnes8 of Christ; or with kings as her nursing fathers and queens as her nursing mothers; or already endowed with treasures of catholic and apostolic traditions; or with a throne already prepared upon many waters, herself arrayed in purple and scarlet, decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, and in her hand holding a golden cup. These were the developments of after ages. Instead of traditions, she had only prophecies fulfilled and being fu11illed, of which the world knew nothing, but with which she fled into the wilde'me88, where she was taunted with the fewness of her followers, the narrowness of her sect, the meanness of her condition, the novelty of her doctrines, the failure of her pretensions, the hopelessness of her cause. It 'Vas not till generations after the voice had cried in the wilderness, that, all things being prepared, the Lord gave the word, and great was the company of the preacher8." As an example of our author's animation and pithiness, we may cite his remarks on the expected advent of Elijah as the predicted fore- runner of the consummation of the age, wher~ he describes how predeterminately the old church has beforehand fixed what kind of warnings Elijah must limit himself to, if he is to expect to be listened fro at all : - .
- 180. REVIEW, 177 c' Elijah, before· he begins his ' Bible Christianity, t is warned in these words [of the' Englishman's Magazine ']-' It will be a fatal day for education in England. if ever the chaotic vagueness of what is called Bible Christianity be substituted for creed and catechism.' Elijah, then, mUlt keep in view both creed and catechism ; and as such be tolerably well versed in ' Petavius on the IncarnatioD,' 'PearsoD on the Creed,' the ' Catechism of the Council of Trent t and that of the Church of England, the 'Westminster Confession,' and so forth. To explain the Scriptures apart from these creeds and catechisms, or in any respect contrary to them, would be to convict himself of being a false prophet, and to be guilty of 'the chaotio vagueness of what is called Bible Christianity.' As to Swedenborg, 'he discarded even the help of commentaries.' Let Elijah beware of the same fatal mistake; let him remember that, &s to the Church of Rome, the Vicar of Christ may grant him his commission; but that, as the decrees of the Vicar of Christ are equally divine with those of the Word of God, it is understood, as a matter of course, that the Papal system cannot be the subject of the prophet's denunciation, ~cu1arly as this might invalidate his commission, and he might be silenced in these words :--- , Are we not warned against false Christs and false prophets? You are of yester- day, we from the beginning: you are an individual, we the church: we are authority itself, apart from us you have no authority: if you are a prophet, show yourself to be a prophet; go forth and preach in our name: if not, Paul we know t and Silas we know t but who are you 1' " Those assailants of the New Church who betray such a shallow and perverse understanding of the doctrines they presume to condemn, who afford auch opportunities for the satisfactory refutation of their misre- pr~sentations, and such excellent occasions for the discussion of weighty truths much more important than their ephemeral calumnies, and who elicit from our friends such vindications as the one before us, may one day discover that they have unintentionally done our sacred cause inestimable service. IN LUMINE LUCEH. MISCELLANEOUS. CHURCH MISCELLANEA. Branch Establishments from London, WE have had forwarded to us an "Ad- Manchester, and New York." The dress to the General Conferences of the address, of which this is the title page, New Jerusalem Churches of Europe and extends over fifty folio foolscap pages. America, as well as to the Members and Of course it is written to advocate the Friends of the New Church in both views thus set forth, and this is done Hemispheres, on a Mission to China, with intelligence and an earnest love of India, and Tartary, by the New Church the church. The subjects, we believe, Soeieties of Europe and America; its were spoken of in some of the early immediate importance, ~th interesting conferences; and, from· time to time, particulars, of the Ancient Word in Mo- they have been taken up in some of our gul, Tartary, and Thibet; tenets, also, of periodicals. All that has been publicly the New Christians of China, and visions done by these means seem to be collected of the Heavenly Peace Ruler, a Mission- in this Cl Address;" and it is thus ary of the Old Church, and its fore- rendered a very interesting document. ahadowings of the future of the New No doubt every New Churchman would Church in Eastern Asia; a'.so the im- heartily rejoice if he could see his way portance of Books, Tracts, and Printing sufficiently clear to attempt so large 12
- 181. 178 MISCELLANEOUS. and desirable a scheme for extendiJ1g a OU8 and considerate persoJi eould ever knowledge of the heavenly doctrines. maintain that the greater part of man- There are certainly great difficulties to kind must perish eternally because they be overcome. Where are the men to were not born in that quarter of the globe be obtained which are requisite to the called Europe, which respectively con- working of such a scheme? and how is tains very few? or that the Lord would the money to be raised which is indis- permit 80 great a multitude of human pensable to the purpose? With our beings to be bom in order to die an present knowledge of the church, both eternal death '1 Surely such a supposi- at home and abroad, we confess we could tion is contrary to every idea of God Dot satisfactorily answer those questions. and of His mercy. And, besides, those Still it is not for us to say that if who are out of the church and are called attempted in a right spirit, something gentiles, live a much more moral life could not be accomplished. Omnipotence than they who are within the chnrch, works with a right spirit. Our object and do much more easily embrace the in mentioning the receipt of this" Ad- doctrines of true faith, as appears very dress" here, is twofold, first to infonn evitlent from souls in another life. . . the church that there are some friends Yea, the gentiles are such that when they earnestly engaged in thinking of means are infonned by the angels concerning by which the borders of J erusa1em may the truths of faith, and that the Lord be extended; and, second, to request that ruleth the universe, they attend willingl1 the author of the address will inform us . thereto, and give a ready admission to how we may communicate with him on the faith, and thus reject their idols; the subject of it, he having omitted to wherefore the gentiles who have lived a do so even in the letters with which it moral life, in mutual charity and in was accompanied. In speaking of this innocence, are regenerated in another subject of mission to the East, it may be life. During their alJode in the world, useful to call attention to what Sweden- the LOl·d is present with them in charity borg has said concerning the gentile and in innocence, for there is nothing of nations. "The man of the church (says charity and innocence but from the Lord. he) ~ supPOseth that all who are out of the The Lord also endueth them with a church, who are called gentiles, cannot conscience of what is right and good, be saved, by reason that they have no according to their religious principles, knowledge of faith, and, therefore, are and into that conscience insinuates inno- altogether ignorant of the Lord; insist- cence and charity; and when innocence ing that without faitb, and without a and charity are in conscience, then they knowledge of the LOl'd, theTe is no easily suffer themselves to be principled salvation; thus he condemneth all who in the truth of faith grounded in good- are out of the church; yea, in many ness. tt A. O. 1032; see also the follow- cases, they who are principled in any ing No. and elsewhere in that wonderful particular doctrine, or even in any heresy, book. From those considerations we are of such a persuasion that they think learn that the gentiles are under the none can be saved who are not princi- most merciful keeping of the Divine pled in the same doctrines as themselves, Providence. or who do not think precisely 8S they do ; when, nevertheless, the case is altogether " The American Quarterly Church Re- otherwise; for the Lord bath mercy view, tt the organ of the Episcopal Church towards the whole human race, and is in that country, in an article" On the desirous to save all universally, and to Desire for Unity, its Mistakes and Means," draw them to Himself; the mercy of the seems to think there is neither sense nor Lord is infinite, nor doth it suffer itself use in any unity with the Latin Church. to be confined to those few who are It say8-" The great source and origin of within the church, but extends itself to all disunion and disbelief to the Western all throughout the world; they who are nations, and the Weijtem church, has born out of the church, and are thereby been the system, religious and political, in ignorance as to matters of faith, are of the Roman Church. This it was which not blameable on that account; nor are tore European Christianity in pieces; they ever condemned for not having which in its own bosom produced and faith towards the Lord, with whose name reared to maturity, Luther, and Cal vin, they were neyol' acquainted. What seri- and Zwingle; John Soot, Erigina,Abelard,
- 182. MISCELLANEOUS. 179 and De La Mennais; Voltaire, Diderot, UDless under some peculiar and excep- D'Alembert; Pantheism, themerelymtel- tional events, no interment ought to take lectual antagonist in all ages of religious place until the third day. With a view formalism, and hateful scoffing, immoral to obtain a relaxation of the French law unbelief. We have had all these in- upon the subject, a petition has recently ftuenees in flood cast upon this land from been presented to the Senate, praying Europe. We have had to fight against that the time should be enlarged to forty- them. First, in early days we had the eight hours. The advocacy of this peti- honest and sincere Dissenters; then, in tiOD was singularly illustrated. Cardinal the last century, and the early part of Donnet, in supporting it, mentioned this, the hateful morality, and the hateful several cases of premature interment, philosophy of France, and now at last and related a story which produced a Pantheism, in all its forms." From tm.. profound sensation. A young priest, in it would appear that the American Epis- the summer of 1826, fainted in the pulpit, copal Church has always been in "a fix," and was given up for dead. He was laid which sprung out of the influences of the out, examined, and pronounced dead, the Latin Church, and that on this ground Bishop reciting the De P,,·ofundiB while all attempt at unity is to be repudiated. the coffin was preparing for the body. On what principle France has acted, in All this while, and deep into the night, the adoption of her mortuary law, we are the" body,"· though motionless, beard all Dot aware, but it appears that a dead body that was going on, in an agony of mind in that country must be buried within impossible to describe. At last a friend, twenty-four hours of decease. This has known to be "deceased" from infancy, long been felt to be too short a period, came in, his voice aroused some dormant and that it was not always a sufficient power, and next day the corpse was again time to give certainty of actual death; preaching from the same pulpit. The and there can be no doubt about the cor- sufferer was the venerable Cardinal then rectness of this feeling with those who telling the tale. The result was that, admit Swedenborg's philosophy of death. notwithstanding official resistance, the He say8-" Death ensues when the body petition was referred to the Minister of comes into such a state, from whatsoever the Interior for action. disease or accident it be, that it cannot We observe that "The Patriot" con- be one with its spirit; for thus their tinues the controversy among the Inde- correspondence perishes, and with the pendent ministers, on the subject of eorrespondence their conjunction. Not adopting the Apostles' or Nicene Creed, when the respiration only ceases, but as the standard of orthodoxy for the when the pulsation of the heart ceases; Congregational body; and for including for so long as the heart is Dloved, the one or the other of them in the Trust Deeds love with its vital heat remains, and pre- of their places of public worship. Surely serves life, 88 is evident from swoons, this is a strange phase of "independency." and from Bll1focations, &c. In a word, Is it not a seeking to tie down its faith to the life of a man's body dePeDds on the one of the forms which were, 1Jl()st cer- correspondence of its pulse and respira- tainly, adopted by an ecclesiastical body tion, with the pulse and respiration of his whose main effort was to destroy all spirit, and when that correspondence independency of thought upon theological ceases, the life of the body ceases, and matters. his spirit departs, and continues its life in the spiritual world. Several come into The controversies which are going on, the spiritual world two days after leaving in various "Church" publications, re- the body."-D. L. W. 890. This latter specting the Rubrics of the Prayer Book, clause, we think, may be understood a8 and the ornaments of the Church, and an intimation that two days, after the the ministries thereof, are eminently crisis commonly regarded as death, is pitiful; and yet how clearly do they, rather an early period for the complete among other things, prove the external separation of the spirit from the natural condition into which the church has body. In another passage, Swedenborg descended, and that the end has really states that this separation generally takes come! The ministers' ornaments or vest- place on the third day.-T. C. R. 138, menta are sometimes called chasubles, 281; see also A. R. 158. On this view dalmaticD, tunics, albs, amices, girdles, of the case, therefore, it would seem that, cassacks, &0. We are not sufficiently
- 183. 180 MISCELLANEOUS. learned in U Sartor Resartus, tt old clothes, times. However, the above incident to explain either the shape, colour, or was considered by Mr. John de Maine intention of these vestments; and notice Bronne, of Manchester, to be a favour- that even Dean Stanley was not quite able opportunity for saying something certain as to the meaning of the chasuble, in a letter to the U Manchester Examiner for one day, in convocation, he spoke of and Times," of Swedenborg being theo- it as a slang term, somewhat similar to retically acquainted with the same. ele- the slang which, when it refers to a hat, ment under the designation of fifth speaks of it as a tile. This looks very finites. It will be interesting to preserve like the dean slyly hinting that the the writer's own form of the argument- ehasuble, &0., revivers among the clergy U When all the world besides believed had "a tile off." both atmospheric air and water to be Archdeacon Denison evidently con- .lements, Swedenborg, in 1721, and siders the Church to have arrived at a again in 1733-34, or half a century very serious condition. Hence, in the before Priestley, announced to the learned " Guardian," he urges the assembling the contrary. 'Air consists,' he says, in of a synod of the English communion, his Principia, p. 304, vol. n., 'super- by saying that the gravest questions, ficially of fifth finites (oxygen), and some of them directly concemed with within it are enclosed the first and second the maintaining of the catholic faith, elementaries. ' Again, page S05, 'The have arisen, and are arising; questions fifth finites (oxygen) have entered into which must have an answer from the the surface of the aerial particle, and the English communion. The mother church first and second elementaries into the attempts no answer, except a half-answer internal space.' That this author was from one of her provincial synods. Nor, aware that the two constituents of air indeed, can any sufficient answer be are combined in unequal proportions, given without a synod of the English and that these vary according to circum- communion. This is the one true remedy stances of altitude, climate, &c., is obvi- which will declare immediately the mind ous from the following quotations : - of all the churches of the English com- 'From a small volume of finites may Dlunion upon the heresies and blasphe- originate a large volume of elementaries mies of these times. These are strong or of air.' (Ibid, p. 306.) In his Mis- terms to apply, as they are intended to cellaneous Observations (I quote from apply, to the opinion held by some of the an article in the Intellectual Repository ecclesiastics belonging to his own church. for 1850, p. 373) he has the following It is remarkable that in all those con- remarks :-' In the highest regions of troversies we seldom hear the Word the atmosphere, on the tops of moun- referred to: that seems to be a thing of tains, • • . we find that the air is DO importance in the ecclesiasticism of very rare, and scarcely affords matter the "church," which is mainly influenced (i. e., fifth finites or oxygen) for support- by the Prayer Book and the canons. ing fire.' That the element least in quantity in the air is also a c01l8tituent A claim set up for Swedenborg as a in water was also published in 1721. discoverer of oxygen gas. Professor , The particles,' says he, 'of water belong Roscoe, in one of his recent lectures on to the sixth kind of hard particles. . • chemistry in Manchester, stated the On its surface there are crystals of the commonly-accepted opinion that Dr. fifth kind.' (Principles of Chemistry, p. Priestley was the discoverer of oxygen 16.) The writer, in the Intellectual Re- gas. This is, no doubt, the correct pository, further shows that Swedenborg opinion, if the discovery is considered was acquainted with the numerical pro- to have consisted in the actual presenta- portions of the constituents of water, tion of this gas to the eye of the experi- oxygen 8, hydrogen 1 (9), and adds- mental chemist. This gas was called by 'Thus Swedenborg proves himself to Priestley dephlogesticated air, and by have formed a conc~ption of the com- others empyreal air and vital air. La.- pound nature of water, its twofold com- voisier designated it oxygen gas, for position, the equality of the volumes reasons which are now known not to be constituting the identity of one of its sound; and therefore it is not a name elements with one of the elements of quite satisfactory to the exactness aimed air, &c.'" It is pleasing, and, no doubt, at by the chemical nomenclature of our eminently useful, to Bee the scientifio
- 184. MISOELLANEOUS. 181 career of Swedenborg kept before the Tersar)', was the result of an extraordinary philosophical inquirer whenever a' favou- effort on the part of a few to bring up the rable occasion is presented. income to the expenditure of the society. The last mail from Natal informs us At a previous anniversary, the treasurer that the formal excommunication of Dr. was found to be £70. in advance of in- Colenso took place on Sunday, the 5th of come. The constantly-recurring wants January, at the Cathedral of llaritzburg, of the society render the members ex- at the early service. The sentence was tremely desirous to complete the work in devised by the Bishop of Capetown and hand without the contraction of debt. other bishops of ·the province in synod By a great effort a few years ago, the assembled, and read by the Dean; it debts on the property were removed, and concludes by deelaring that-" We do &8 the work is commenced free from all hereby make known to the faithful in building debts, we are anxious that it Christ, that being thus excluded from all should end in the same desirable con- communion with the church, he is, ac- dition. One means by which it it hoped cording to our Lord's command, and in to accomplish this is the holding of a conformity with the provisions of the bazaar, for the sale of useful and fancy Thirty-third of the Articles of Religion, articles, in July next. To this work the 6 to be taken by the whole multitude of ladies of the society are directing their the faithful as a heathen man aDd pub- utmost energies, and they hope, by the lican.'" (Matt. xviii., 17, 18.) assistance of the friends of the church, to raise such a sum as, with the other sub- scriptions and collections of the church, GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. will be equal to their requirements. J UVlI:NILE MAOAZINE.-We may remind There are many friends who, with a little our readers that this excellent little pub- effort, can aid this work, and whose lication has recently added to its former assistance will be thankfully received. attraction of interesting and instructive Already several contributions have been reading, the additional charm of pictorial received, and others promifJed. They illustrations, in which young people so are encouraged, therefore, to hope that greatly delight, and which both stimulate their efforts, aided by the assistance of them to read, and help them to under- their friends, will accomplish the object stand and remember what they read. they have set before them. In a letter These illustrations, which are all well received. a few days ago from a zealous drawn and engraved, add considezoably to friend in London, who expresses an in- the cost of production, and require, as tention to help us, a suggestion is offered they deserve, a considerable addition to that some one should be appointed in the number of purchasers, to meet the connection with the churches in London increased expense. We recommend our to whom contributions for the bazaar friends to avail themselves of this really could be sent. I am happy to inform any cheap penny-worth, and to purchase friends thus wishful to help us, that Mrs. copies, as is now so much the fashion, Lindley, of 57, Camden-road, N. W., has not only for home use, but for "distri- kindly undertaken to receive the contri- bution." butions of any friends in London dis- posed to help, and to transmit them to HEYWooD.-To the Editor.-Sir,- us in time for the bazaar, which will Will you kindly allow me to add a few open on the 25th of July. Contributions lines to the brief notice of our society in may also be sent to the Ladies' Com- the last number of the Magazine. As mittee, through Mrs. Storry, Heywood there stated, the society is at present Hall, or the Secretary, Miss M. A. Bad- making a vigorous effort to raise funds clitfe, Starkey-street, Heywood.-I am, for the repair, improvement, and renova- Sir, aJfectionately yours, tion of its church and school premises, RICBABD STORRY. and needs the assistance of friends will- ing and able to help. The ordinary DALTON.-A tea service has been pre· expenses of the society are unavoidably sented to Mr. T. Alston for his gratuitous heavy. Its Sunday and day schools are services for several years as organist. large, and the wants of the church con- siderable. The balance of £20., in the N OTTIN6lLU1. - The erection of the hands of the treasurer at the last anni- Dew churoh and sohool will, it is ex-
- 185. 182 JlISCELLANEOU8. peeted, shortly be commenced. The of Bethesda." (John v.) Both the morn- society having received very little help ing and evening discoures imparted much from the church at large, the Building interest as well as instruction. At the Committee earnestly solicit further assis- close of the evening service the Sacra- tance, that the New Church may be ment of the Lord's Supper was adminis- suitably represented in this important tered to about twenty-six commUDicants; and central town, and that the building after which Dr. Bayley baptized two may be worthy of the name it will bear. infants. The land, which is freehold and eligibly We were favoured with the presence situated, has been conveyed to trustees, of friends from Tonbridge, Maidstone, and the purchase money, £204., paid; and Chatham, most of whom were enter- but the means for erection are far short tained by our kind and warm-hearted of what are .required. The committee friends, Mr. and Mrs. Hook. The services therefore trust that some kind friends were not so well attended as we had will come speedily to their help, that the expected, owing to the absence of several work may be efficiently carried out, their persons, whom we had hoped to have seen desire being to erect a building that shall present, through sickness. As a society afford universal satisfaction. This once we are indebted to the kindness of the accomplished, they doubt not that ere Committee of the Argyle-square church, long they shall convince their friends for complying with our application to throughout the country that only the permit Dr. Bayley to perform the ordi: most adverse circumstances have pre· nation service, and to preach two dis- vented Nottingham from taking an im- courses, which have afforded us instruc- portant position among the societies of tion and we hoPe spiritual profit. the New Church. The address of their treasurer is-" Mr. John A. Clarke, Addi- SHEFFIELD. - The society here has son Villas, Addison-street, Nottingham." been favoured with a visit from the Rev. R. Storry. On Sunday, the 14th January, SNODLAND, KENT.-ORDINATION OF he prea~hed two sermons, which were MB. C. GLADWELL. - An application attentively listened to by rather numer- having been made to the Conference, ous audiences. The subject of his held in Bath in August last, by the discourse in the morning was, "The members of the Edinburgh society, Natural and Spiritual Life;" in the supported by the Snodland society, for evening, "The Bride the Lamb's Wife." the ordination of Mr. Charles Gladwell, At the close of the latter service, he who has been the leader of the latter administered the Sacrament of the Lord's society for more than eighteen months, Supper to twenty-seven communicants. and Conference having sanctioned that On the following day, the 15th, the application, arrangements were made Annual Social Tea Meeting was held, for its taking place on Sunday morning, Mr. Storry presiding. In the course of February 18th. The service was per- the evening he took the opportunity formed by the Rev. Dr. Bayley. Mr. afforded to advocate the cause of the Gladwell, attired in a white linen sur- . Students' and Ministers' Aid Fund. The plice, according to the rule of the ordi- meeting was also addressed by Mr. Joseph nation service, having prooeeded from Deans, one of the students, and other the robing-room to the front of the com- friends, vocal and instrumental music munion table) was there presented to the enlivening the proceedings. Rev. Dr. Bayley for ordination by C. Townsend Hook, Esq., and Mr. Joseph WIVENHOE, ESSEx.-The friends here Privett, sen. Dr. Bayley proceeded with have had a small matter of excitement, the service as prescribed by the Liturgy, from the action of a Mr. Needham, reading it in an impressive manner. ·At minister of a section of the Methodists. its close he delivered a discourse on That gentleman. in an article to «' The " The healing of the blind man from his Revival," inserted the following seD- birth." (John ix.) The evening service tence :-" Our chapel being the inn club. was commenced by the reading of a room, cannot contain all who come, 80 hymn and the introductory portion of that very many have to go away for want . the evening service by the newly-ordained of room. Some of these dear people OD . minister; after which Dr. Bayley dell- Lord's day evening stroll into the Sweden- . vered a disoourse-subject, U The Pool borgian ohapel, or some such place, to the
- 186. KISOBLLANEOU8. 188 hurt of their own souls." Mr. Goldsack'. DUS810nanes reeite as to the state of attention haring been drawn to this, he things in the dens of infamy and pollu- at once circulated a notice, which, after tion around. This is 'the destruction copying the above remarks, proceeded- which wasteth at noon-day,' so graphi- U As far as the 'Swedenborgian ebapel' oally described by the Psalmist. It be- is concerned, as it has eTer been the hoved them to beware lesi evils of any earnest desire there to teach only the kind become the end and purpose of truth of God's Word in love and charity, their lives. It was a truism in nat~ the above statement will be considered, that 'the SUD alW81s shines, though not on Sunday evening, March 4th, in a dis- always seen;' and 80 with the Divine course from Luke ix. 49, 50-' Master, Sun. When man turns into his own way we saw one casting out devils in Thy and seeks his own ends, it appears that name, and we forbad him, because he the Lord is absent; and when in this followeth not with us. And J eSllS said state calamity and plague come upon unto him, Forbid him not, for he that is him-he gropes about and attributes evil not against us is for us.'" Though some to the Lord! And 80 it is with nations. of our friends were unable to be present It is this mistake which Christian men through' illness, over one h.undred per- make, and which is nowhere taught in SODS attended-several being strangers- the Word of God, that causes so much and all seemed much pleased with the leave scepticism to stalk in our land, and which and charity inculcated by our doctrines. stuliliies the efforts of the good· of all The contrast drawn between. a religion denominations. If Christian teachers of "faith alone,'" and OJle embracing would preach the necessity of a life of charity as its chief point, gave. a most purity, which the· Scriptures insist upon, favourable view of the truths of the New rather than trusting to mere belief, they Church. would soon find even natural plague would have no resting-place amongst SOUTlLUD'TON.-Among the sermons them; for, in the language of an apostle, on- the day set apart for special humilia- , if we are saved by His death, how much tion and prayer to God on account of .the more are we saved by His life I ' " Qttle plague, &0., the Daily Expre" reported one delivered in the Sweden- SWEDENBOBO'S DURY.-To tilt Editor. borgian place of worship, from which we Your respected, although anonymous, give an extract : - correspondent in the December number "Whilst it is admitted on the autho- seems to be labouring under a misoon- rity of the Divine Word .that the Lord ception respecting the character of the in his providence permits this evil, it Spiritual Diary. It is quite a mistake behoved them to be careful how they to suppose it to be a reoord of the attributed the cause of any evil to their "private thoughts" of Swedenborg. So all-perfect Heavenly Father. These out- flU' from this being the case, it is chiefly ward calamities were needed to reveal to ·a collection of facts, of "things heard them the evils of their own hearts, so a.ud seen" by its illustrious author in the that they might be led to see them, and Spiritual World. Surely it cannot be thus cease to love and do them. All. true, either, tha.t there are very few minds goodness bears in its own bosom its capable of enjoying and profiting by so reward; all evil has inherently its own deeply interesting and instructive a work. curse and punishment. They found in It is certain that there are some persons their lesson (Ezek. xiv. 21) that the four who find the portion already translated evil judgments were the result of idolatry; the most attractive of all the writings and the plague, in the spiritual sense, of Swedenborg, although the published signifies the punishment of evils, which copies are 80 scarce and inaccessible. originate in a malignant purpose of the This is doubtless greatly owing to the will, just as, in a natural sense, it in- narrative form of the book, which is as volves malignant disease and death. interesting as any work of imagination These evils of the heart are described ever written, and is yet a faithful by the Psalmist, who compares them to description of spiritual realities. By its 'the pestilence that walketh in dark- means the great truths of the New ness;' and they might see the open mani- Church ate insinuated into simple and festation of these evils at the police- unstudious minds, even children have courts and assize trials, and which town been known to read its pages with
- 187. 184 MISCELLANBOUS. interest, when the .Arcana would have storehouse of that kind of truth which been the reverse of pleasing, and leads to goodness. JOHN F. POTT8; ~enerable members of our denomination have found the Spiritual Diary their ISLINGTON SOCIETY,,- The Rev. Edwd. favourite guide book to eternity. Madeley, of Birmingham, has concluded The untranslated portion is still more the ministerial services rendered to this deeply interesting, full of astonishing and society, of which the first portion Wa& unknown facts, of delightful dissertations announced last month. On Friday, 16th on the regenerate life, and also of fearful February, he gave a lecture U On the pictures of what sin and sensuality lead Second Advent," in which he showed to;---& help and a warning. Are these the true nature of this great event. On priceless "gems" to remain "under a Sunday, the 18th, he preached an admi- bushel," or are they to come forth and rable sermon "On the Ark of the Lord do their work in the world? Some of in the h0118e of Obed-EdoDl." In the them have already been translated and evening of the same day, he gave us published in the Repository. Swedenborg a valuable discourse "On the Pharisee himself has printed no small part of the and the Publican." On Tuesday, 20th Diary in the form of extracts interpolated February, Mr. Madeley lectured "On in his great works. How then can this the great importance of right views of grand magazine of truth, which is public religion." All the sermons and lectures property by deed of Divine gift, and by were highly appreciated by the congre- the manhood of every man, and which gations which had the privilege of hear- has been partly given to the world ing them, and none more than the last. already by its author, how can it be One friend, a man of sound learning, as considered a "private diary" in any well as a hearty receiver of the doctrines ordinary sense of the expression? A of many years' standing, expressed him- private diary is a journal of personalities; self very warmly in praise both of the but in the work in question, as in every style and matter of this last lecture other from the same pen, the last person especially. Indeed Mr. Madeley "rose that is referred to is the penman. As with his subject," and showed himself a well might Humboldt's journal of his true "Master in Isme!." Besides the travels in America be shelved as a public services thus rendered to the little private diary as this closely parallel church at Islington, under the auspices work of our author. It is true that of the London Missionary and Tract Swedenborg did not publish his Diary Society, he also greatly added to the uses entire, neither did he the "Coronis," the of his visit by his private conversation " Apooalyyse Explained," the "Prophets and pastoral care. The impression made and psalms," and other invaluable and was altogether most favourable, and our . now indispensable works. Besides, the brethren parted from Mr. Madeley with names of the men who have already been regret-a regret, however, tempered by engaged in the publication of the Diary the hope of again beholding his face, are a good guarantee for the propriety of and listening to his voice, and receiving publishing it. Edited in the original by instruction at his mouth, on some early Dr. Talel, large portions have been ~ future occasion. H. B. translated into English and given to the press by Professor Bush and the Rev. J. NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-The par- H. Smithson. None of the writings ties· appointed to "take out the quanti- have been more ably or carefully trans- ties," or, in other words, to ascertain the lated, and these two volumes only require amount of material required in the erec- to be printed in a cheaper form. tion of the College buildings, have failed By inserting these remarks you will to furnish their estimate at the time guard against a serious misapprehension appointed. The period for receiving the respecting the nature of the Spiritual tenders has therefore been necessarily Diary which might arise in the minds of deferred until the 22nd March. Not- many of your readers, and possibly withstanding this delay, it is expected remove that of your correspondent also, that the ceremony of laying the founda- who, as a "lover of goodness and truth," tion stone will take place on Tuesday, will be }fteased to know that this work is 1st May. On that occasion we propose not a vapid assemblage of "private -Messrs. S. D. WllloD and SOil, or 30, Buck- thoughts" and personalities, but a great lenbury.
- 188. MISCELLANEOUS. 185 to celebrate the twenty-first anniversary tation would. But, although his prayers of the foundation of the College by a tea are pure, some of the charity that comes meeting, at which it is expected a large as a seeming answer to them may not number of our brethren and friends will be quite immaculate. It may not be, as be present. The College has had a our friend supposes, that the principals somewhat wintry minority, but it will of a deeply aftlicted house of business' then have attained its majority, and gave what they had not of their own to may look forward, by the Lord's bless- bestow; but the idea of giving that he ing, to a joyous spring time and a glo- might receive as much again seems to rious summer of usefulness. Since our have had some share in stimulating the last, Mr. Colley has resigned his posi- benevolence of one mind at least - a tion both as a student in the College and motive which we think should not be as a recipient of the Students' and Min- encouraged. Certainly, however, no mode isters' Aid Fund. Mr. Badgers is now of collecting money appeals less to vanity preaching for the Summer-lane Society, or selfishness, or allows charity to be and pursuing his stu~es at Birmingham. more spontaneous, than that of Mr. Messrs. Moss, Pilkington, and Deans Miiller. On the whole, we think that are still engaged with their duties in three causes have contributed to this town, under Messrs. Hiller and Kirkus. good man's success-God hearing his Mr. Braby, the brother of the gentleman prayers, men hearing of his prayers, and last announced, has become an annual both God and men beholding and approv- governor of the College. ing his noble work. We are reminded SUbscriptions may be forwarded to by M. Moison that-The Lord will pro- Mr. Bailey, SO, Old Jewry, E.C.; Mr. vide-was not Swedenborg's xpotto. Gunton, 26, Lamb's Conduit-street, W.C.; or Mr. Bateman, 32, Compton- AFBICA.-The following is a paragraph terrace, Canonbury, N. going the round of the newspapers, and sent to us by a Newcastle correspon- The Rev. E. Madeley is expected to dent :_U The reviewer of Dr. Living- visit Newcastle and North Shields during stone's book on the Zambesi has made a Easter week. far more interesting narrative than that very brave explorer but somewhat dry MB. MULLER AND HIS MEANS 01' writer is accustomed to give. Who sha1.l SUCCE8S.-A friend, whose judgment we despair of Africa when we find it contains respect, thinks we should express our a race energetic and industrious in their opinion on some things that occur in habits, skilful in workmanship, obedient the papers on the Orphan Houses of Ash- to law, and holding a belief in one God ley Down. These papers had not our and a future state? Such are the people entire approval, and we had the writer's in Zambesi and the Nyassa, of whom consent to append a note to them to that Bishop Mackenzie said-' I came out effect; but we thought the readers of the here to teach these people agriculture, Repository might be left to judge for but I :find they know far more about it themselves. No one can fail to regard than I do,' and who reject British iron Mr. Miiller as a most excellent and ex- as 'rotten' because it is so inferior to traordinary man. The idea that prayer their own. Between these people and is to be the only means employed .for the inhabitants of Uganda, whom Speke obtaining the funds necessary for carry- visited, there seems to be as great a ing out his benevolent purposes, and difference as between the idle, thieving that endowments of all kinds are to be lazzaroni of Naples and the hard-working, declined, under a conviction that a per- honest peasants of Flanders." manent provision is inconsistent with trust in God, appears to us to be founded NORWAY.-A letter from Capt. Boyesen in mistaken religious views. Yet the says :-" To us the year which has passed result would seem to justify the means. has been a time of hard trials; but, the It is not inconsistent with a belief in the Lord be praised, even in it we can ac- efficacy of true prayer to suppose that knowledge His infinite mercy and wis- the reputation of his great sanctity-the dom, and we only pray that we may fully knowledge of the fact that he relies for cooperate with Him in His merciful ends. support upon prayer alone, does more to As to the outward appearance, very little excite charity in many minds than solici.. change has taken place in the state of th.
- 189. 186 . mSCELLANBOUS. New Churoh. My brother has indeed tion among ourselves, and from the pro- finished the translation of 'Heaven and ceeds we purohase New Church books to Hell,' of whioh a good deal is printed, give away. Besides the Life of Jesus, but for want of means he cannot get it by Dr. Talel, just mentioned, we have finished." }'. had printed another book, by Professor [We are happy to be able to state, that Pf., which is very excellent aDd oppor- since this letter was written the Sweden· tune; it is called 'The Revival ana borg Society has sent the Norwegian Renewal of the Christian Church' (Die friends £ 15. This Bum was voted at the Wiederbelebung und Emeuerung der last annual meeting, and intended to be Christlichen Kirche). " Ph. de S." paid on the pllblioation of the work, but is advanced to enable them to carry it SWEDEN.-From Sweden I have not through the press.] muoh news, but the little is on the whole cheering. The Reform Bill mentioned SWITZEBLAND.-I do not think that I in my letter in September last year has shall commit an indisoretion in giving now passed, and the clergy will in con· the following extract of a letter, not sequenoe oease to exist politiea11y as a addressed to me, but placed in my separate class. Church questions will hands some time ago. It is written by hereafter be decided by synods, to which a Swiss lady living near Zurich, who laymen will also be admitted; and it with some lady friends, not quite un· is to be hoped that. sounder and more known I believe to some members of the liberal views will oome to prevail. Many New Church in London, is zealously of the Swedish clergy lean secretly to- striving tq make known the doctrines in wards the New Church, and some even Switzerland. F. L. C. preaoh the new doctrines openly. Among " Our greatest desire is to find persons these I must mention Arvid .August .to whom we can communioate our trea- Afzelius, the rector of Enkoping, who sures. Mdlle. Julie de C. seconds me, has now during forty-five years preached or rather I second her, in this our aim. ihe doctrines of ·the New Jerusalem to We have, through the grace of the Lord, his Hock, without ever having been 8ueceeded in finding a bookseller and thought sohismatic. He is a venerable publisher (Balmer und Riehm, Verlag's and lovely old man, the restorer of the Buchhandler in Basel) who manifelts a ballad literature of Sweden·, and himself warm. interest in our works, and is will- a poet of no mean order. On his 80th ing to publish all the translations and birthday, a short time ago, he was waited writings of the New Church. He has tlpon .by deputations from all the public also sent to Tubingen for such works, bodies in the county, and saluted' with and placed them in the reach of the songs from the youths of the public public. Mdlle. de C. has found among sohools in the environs. Another clergy· the manuscripts left by the lamented Dr. man, holding and preaching the dootrines Talel a Lite of Jesus, written to confute of the New Church, has lately been Strauss, and transoribed by Professor appointed rector of a parish in the pro- Pf. This work is now in the press at vinoe of Westergothland, and many New Basel, and we hope for much blessing Church friends from the environs go to from it. The Strausses and Renans hear him. Many of the yeoman class multiply so as to almost compete with in the provinces of Westergothland and each other; but Dr. Talel fights against Westmanland are readers of Swedenborg, them with altogether different weapons and from the former province a requisi- than those we are accustomed to see tion for thirteen oopies of Areana Ore'le,- employed against the inoredUlity of the tia was lately reoeived by the secretary age. A pastor of S. leans towards our of the printing society in Christianstad. faith, to our great joy. We have given These are hopeful signs.. him some of our books, and we go to I am sorry to find in the Swedish papers hear him sometimes. May he beoome that the ruthless hand of the destroyer here another Clowes ! We earnestly de- is going to fall upon Swedenborg's house sire that a society could be fonned here in Stookholm. It is to be converted into having a fund for the service of the New 8 bathing establishment. Photographs Churoh; but those who desire it, and of it were, however, taken a short time . who are true disoiples, are not in a posi- ago, and will, I am told, be reproduced tion to make any great pecuniary sacri· in the forthcoming life by Hr. White. fices. We have, therefore, only a colleo- F. L. C.
- 190. MISOELLANEOUS. 187 NEW ZEALAND.-Everyevent oonnected. have had the Wesleyans come down upon with the progress of the New Church I us like a hurricane, and nothing could know is interesting to the readers of· the have brought us into notice better than Repository. I therefore take an early this bill. Last Sunday evening we opened opportunity of conveying a little infor- the Odd-fellows' Hallforsernce; aleeture mation as to our position in this colony. was delivered by myself. The attendance When I arrived here, about eight .eyears was good, the attention marked; and ago, I could not hear of a single New- altogether we consider it a most success- churchman, and scarcely came in contact ful attempt. Though the evening was with a person caring to hear much of unfavourable, we had nearly fifty persons Swedenborg; but the last three or four present. Very flattering notices have years dissent has increased rapidly, and appeared in the papers, and I believe the these are persons who talk more of reli- boldness of our stand has recommended gions opinions than churchmen. About itself to the thoughtful; one paper even four years ago, I was providentially accorded to us the honourable appellation brought in contact with Mr. Allison, of " Christian." One Wesleyan minister whose letter inquiring for Swedenborg's has written a letter condemnatory of our works' appeared in the Intellectual Repo- publishing propensities, in which Sweden- sitory. Soon, a Mr. Bowley, a most borg of course comes in for a lion's share worthy man, formerly a leader and looa! of abuse. I enclose both it and my reply, preacher amongst the Wesleyans, hear- you can make what use of it you please. ing I had Swedenborg's works, applied Thus our ship, having been on the for some. I need not say how glad I stocks some time, is fairly launched; and was to receive him as aNew Church bro- if you could send us a skilful captain, we ther. Both these gentlemen are men of would soon put him in charge. Had we a sterling principles, and a credit to the Woodman or a Bayley here we should be church they represent. About four years able to astonish the natives; as an Inde- ago I addressed a letter offering some pendent minister told me some twelve books to the Mechanics' Institute in months ago, "a New Church minister Christchurch. The offer was declined, would create a stir;" and I may add, we the books being considered "unsuitable." have created no small excitement our- I then addressed a letter to its members selves. We have come to the detenni- in one of the local papers, which called nation of having a service every Sunday forth a faint reply meaning nothing; evening, and we hope to be able to esta- and it afterwards took ·me nearly three blish a reading meeting on a Sunday months to try to get in another letter in moming. We want, however, some books vindication of Swedenborg, and did not suitable for lending. Of course I have succeed. I then advertised six lectures, a fair sample of Swedenborg's works, but the attendance was small. Still the but I should much prefer some of the effort caused us to' be talked about a smaller works as. being introductory to good deal, and Swedenborg became known new beginners, such, for instance, as the at least in name. Of course the doctrines minor works of Swedenborg, Richer's have been canvassed more or less in pri- works, and others of a controversial vate. The New Church has often been nature. And do you think, sir, the the subject of our conversation, and vari- 8wedenborg Society wou14 make us a ous opinions were expressed as to how grant of books for the use of our little we should proceed in the future. Circum- society? Could I beg of you, or some stances appearing favourable, partly from New Church friend, to negotiate this our social position, and other causes, we little matter for me? Anything in that determined to take a stand and try to way might be left with Mr. Alvey, who advocate our doctrines publicly. We has some books and tracts to send out to advertised largely, and carrying out a me. I am sorry we have not a good lucky thought by my friend Mr. Bowley, supply of tracts to distribute, as they we inserted in our bill several " opinions would be received. I am not one of of eminent men." Notmng could have those over-sanguine persons, and suppose been better adapted to bring ~s into we are going to tum the world upside notice; and if any isolated receivers in down; but we have taken a most decided remote districts in England ~esire to call and respectable stand, which if we main- attention to their views, they could not tain it (and I.trust we shall be able to do better than adopt our practice. We do), if we do not gain large numbers, we
- 191. 188 MISCELLANEOUS. shall still be a standing rebuke to ortho- their varied talents to the rise and pro- doxy, and by various means shed a few gress of Manchester and Salford, what rays of light around us. was in those days considered a libeml Since· writing the above we have been education. In his thirteenth year he attacked by our old friend, the Wesleyan entered upon the business of life, being minister; but I am mistaken if we shall apprenticed to his father as a chemist not be more than a match for all of them. and 1iruggist, at which business he To show you how rapidly changes take laboured with all diligence, early and place here, I might just mention that late, during the allotted period of hiS when I arrived, eight years ago, there service, and with such regular and active was but one church in Chri.stchurch, one business habits as to win the esteem as Presbyterian Kirk, and a mere handful well as' increase .the affection of his of Wesleyans. Now we have a decent parent, who associated him as an assist- Romish Church, three English Churches, ant in the business. His diligence and and the Wesleyans, who have a large perseverance were only exceeded by his congregation, have just opened a stone patient industry and earnest continuous chapel at a cost of £10,000. Then we application to the discharge of incumbent have two Presbyterian congregations, duty, the results of which were ml.nifest Independent Methodist, Baptist, the in the extended business which the father Independents, the "Brethren," a syna- and son were, under the dispensations of gogue, and lastly the New Church; and Providence, blessed with. After a few this latter is the greatest eyesore of all. years the late alderman was the sole pro- Yet there is not a man amongst them prietor of the establishment, which in that we care for. I never think a colo- 1832 he had made the source of real nial community so religiously disposed blessing to the afBicted poor and needy as any similar number taken from an during the terrible scourge of the cholera English community. Worldly prosperity which visited England in that year. His engrosse8 too much attention; still there kindness, vivacity, and gentlemanly cour- is a decent number of very well-disposed tesy, even to the humblest of those with people here, and I trust the number may whom he came in contact, won for him increase. the esteem and friendship of all, and I must now bring these rambling gradually laid the foundation of that remarks to a close. How delighted we growing worldly prosperity which has are to hear of new openings for the continuously been vouchsafed unto him. dissemination of our glorious truths in About the year 1837 he began to devote England. We receive the Repository his time and energies to the local govern- regularly, and it makes us glad to hear ment of the town in which he Uved, and of success in any quarter. What a treat was in 1844 elected a member of the it would be to us to hear some of those Town Council of Manchester, he having noble men who have long stood in the been previously a commissioner of the .foremost ranks of the battle! I beg to police under the old regime. The duties present, sir, my kindest regards to all of this office he faithfnllyand conscien- those who know me personally; and tiously discharged until 1857, when he how cheering the thought that when we was elected an alderman of the City have done our work here, we shall "meet CQuncil; and in 1861-62, he presided again tt-yes, meet again in our }'ather's over that Council as Mayor of Manches- house above.-Yours, &c., ter. During the whole of his earnest Chrlstchurch, J. S. HAWLEY. • and faithful duty-doing life, he was a Canterbury, New Zealand, member of the Temple in Bolton-street, Oct. 14th, 1865. Salford, where his pleasant and friendly countenance was seen, year by year, on 6fJituaq. the Sabbath. He delighted to hear the THE LATE MR. ALDERMAN GOADSBY.- great moral and social virtues that grace According to the promise given in our humanity, elevate our race, and purify last issue, we supply the following record the spirit of man depicted from the living of the life of the late Alderman Goadsby, Word of God. His piety was eminently Justice of the Peace. Born on the 19th practical, his religion unobtrusive but of April, 180fj, in Salford, he received, fervent and sincere. His large expe- along. with several other gentlemen who rience of humanity taught him lessons have distinguished themselves in devoting of Christian ~pathy and genuine cha-
- 192. MISCELLANEOUS. 189 rity, which "weaned his soul and kept frank to a fault, yet alwayll cheerful and it low;" 80 that amid all his worldly ever hopeful, distinctions of worldly prosperity he never forgot that the life make had no class charms for him. To of a man must be a life of uses. the humblest would he speak as well &8 Early and late, for nearly half a century, to the highest who would condescend has he laboured with untiring energy to to own him as a brother and a man. alleviate the physical diseases of our No more he cared for, no less he sought. race, and at the same time endeavoured Has not God U of one blood made all to devote whatever -time he could, to the the families of men"? So, at least, we municipal duties of life. As chairman are told, and so some of us are so weak of the Markets Committee for sixteen as to believe; and our late friend was years, the late alderman did much good most certainly of this creed. As a hus- and never- to- 00-forgotten service to the band, he was kind, considerate, loving, city. In this department of municipal and thoughtful. No pleasure could he a1fairs, the administration over which really enjoy unless shared by her whom our late friend presided, was eminently he considered and loved as his equal, and progressi"Ye and successful. Many lasting the source to him of many happy inspi- evidences, 80 long as the city of Manches- rations and earnest resolutions. Now, ter shall grow, are there of his industry however, .they are leparated by Divine and perceptive thought. But as the bene- permission for a season, for the eternal factor is alway before his race, like ~ good, doubtless, of both, that his purified towering Alpine peak, not understood spirit may be the means instrumental in because not comprehended, so one and the hands of the Lord Jesus in preparin~ all in a less or greater degree must we, more fully the "loved one" for un- sons of men, submit to toil and labour changeable felicity in the U world to from God to God amid the turmoil of come." His end was peace, as his life life, the obstructions of selfishness. the was useful. To a brighter beaming he devices of the designing, and the misre- has doubtless long ere this arisen, where presentations of the insidious, having all that is pure, holy, sincere, and alway, nevertheless, one consolation, that generous in his nature will blossom and if we feel that we are sincere and humble, bear fruit in the Eden of his Lord and " our labour is not in vain in the Lord." Saviour; and as true benevolence and During the year of his mayoralty the genuine charity are disinterested labour late Prince Consort was removed by for the good of others, there, in the Divine permission into the inner court U realms of the blest," he will have of human experience, and Mr. Goadsby opened out to him never-failing channels conceived that a city, such as Manchester of higher use, giving more ecstatic de- is, should hand down to posterity some light and clearer perceptive light than marked token of her estimation of the ever could be enjoyed while here below. virtues and graces of such a Christian WhIle through this barren wilderness wearily man and noble mind; he therefore sug- we roam gested that some lasting memorial should How sweet to cast a look above and think we be erected in the form of a statue of are golnR' home; To know that there the trials ot our pilgrimage "Albert the Good." This he has not shall cease, lived to see inaugurated, God alone knows And all the waves of earthly woe be hushed to why-His dispensations are inscrutable. heavenly peace ! Home, sweet home! and always beneficent and wise. Before Ok! for the land of rest above! our own eternal them, monarch and the humblest of home. humanity have, with common submis- Blest thooght! in that delightful home the sion, if they have learnt wisdom, to bow. parent hopes to meet That, however, ·this remembrancer of His offspring saved there, to cast their crown. departed worth in high circles, humanly at Jesus' feet; For ever free from sin, and from temptation'. speaking, will grace the city which the power, late alderman served so assiduously, no To mina-le in the bUss and joys of Eden'. believer in the benign and all-wise happy bower. Home, sweet home! Providence of Jesus can doubt. Oh! to enjoy the bliss above, the family at As a man, lIr. Goadsby was a marvel of home. industry, perseveringly and indefatigably attentive to dUty incumbent, however On Saturday, December 16th, 1865, arduous or oppressive. Modest and aged 38 years, after a short but painful
- 193. 190 IUSOBLLANBOUS. illness, Harriette Louina, the beloved wife more than thirty years Mrs. Standage of Alfred Haywood, of Birmingham, was a faithful and intelligent member of leaving a numerous family to mourn her the Peter-street society, having joined i' 1088, and deeply regretted by a large during the ministry of the late Rev. circle of friends, to whom she had en- Richard J ones. Before this, she had. deared herself by her kind, gentle, and been connected with the Croserstreet affectionate spirit. . society, London, she and ber husband having been first introduced to ~e doe. On Chriatmas Day, at an advanced trines of the New Church at the time age, Miss Hester Sophia Provo, (laughter Mr. Noble was ministering to the society of the late Dr. Provo, author of "Wis- meeting in Hanover-street, Long Acre. dom's Dictates," a gentleman of the During her residence in London she was highest respectability. He was one of active in the duties of the Cross-street the three who met together for the first choir,in conjunction with her husband,her time in the house of Mr. Hindmarsh, in sister (Miss Greener), Mr. B. R. Fanlkner, 1783, to read' and converse on the sacred and Mr. and Mrs. Finch; and there can doctrines of the Lord's New Church, be little doubt that the intimate associa- then only accessible through the Latin. tion with such good and genUe spirits In these doctrines Dr. and Mrs. Provo tended greatly to confirm her deep most earefully educated their two daugh- attachment to the church, and to ele~ ters; but for a comparatively brief space, tile refined and loving gentleness which as they ~ere both called early into the always gave such a charm to her society. spiritual world, leaving their orphan Full of sympathy for all that seemed children to the guardianship of a maternal likely to increase the interest of the uncle, under whose care they receiTed a church, she always heard with pleasure first-rate education, which enabled them the progress of its institutions; but her to fulfil the useful and honourable calling noblest sphere of use was at home. There of instructOl"8 in noble families, where her sweetness and gentleness were most they were treated with every respect and delightfully manifest, and the society of consideration. After some years' resi- her beloved children was her greatest dence in London, Miss Provo (the source of happiness. She had borne elder) left to jojn the society in Bath, much bodily and mental suffering with from whence she ultimately returned, exemplary patience. The removal of six but in deelining health. Fortunately of her twelve children to another world Miss Provo had aequired just a suf- had tried the tender mother's strong ficient competency to enable her to affection; but the ties between this and live without further exertion, out. of her futur~ home were thereby strength- which she regularly and liberally con- ened. Her last illness was disease of tributed to the various institutions of the the hean; but she passed away in the church. As long as her health and midst of her family in perfect peace and strength Permitted she was a constant tranquillity, deeply mourned by those attendant at the church in Argyle-square ; nearest and dearest, and also' by a large but for a long time previously to her circle of friends who will long retain a decease this comfort was denied her, for sweet recollection of her intelligence and by degrees she lost the power of loco- modesty-her quiet dignity and her motion, and her sight soon after failing, Christian patience. which ended at the last in total blind- ness. Her condition was indeed a ~g On January 27th, at Farnworth, aged one; notwithstanding the afBictions and 55, -Mrs. Mary Stones. The deceased deprivations, however, that her bodyen- was bom of New Church parents, and dured, her mind was wonderfully sup- educated in the New Church doctrines ported. No murmur ever escaped her in connection with the society at Stone lips, and although· she endured and Hill,-a. oonnection which she continued suffered much for some time previous to during her life. About two years before her decease, her departure was most she died, she had the misfortune, by ~eful. a fall, to fracture the thigh; and although she seemed for a time to On the 11th J annary, in her 60th progress favourably, subsequently un- year, Frances, the beloved. wife of Mr. favourable symptoms set in, and after Charles Standage, of Manchester. For severe sn1fering, protracted through
- 194. • JOSOELLANEOUIJ. 191 several months, she eventually sank un- indeed a sad blow to all our hopes as far der the shock her system had received. as this world is concerned; and we have The ordeal, though'painful, was, under found it bard to say, 'Thywill be done,' the Divine blessing, sanctified to her while passing through the fire of the benefit. She became entirely resigned Refiner. I hope and trust it may be the to the Divine will, and there is no doubt means of elel'8t,i.ng our thoughts and has been received into the home of her affections into a better state." To his Heavenly Father. W. w. bereaved widow and sorrowing family the loss ot so young a man, and one so Mrs. Susan Clark, aged 76. The ex- amiable and excellent and so full of cellent lady whose departure into the promise, is indeed a severe aftliction. eternal world we now notice, was for But it supplies abundant sources of con- many years an attendant at Argyle solation in the l'ellection of a well-spent Square; but declining health induced life-a life dedicated to duty and use- her and her son (the highly respected fulness, sanctified by a constant sense of painter of "Cottage Life") to leave religious truth, and forming a character London and reside at Christchurch, meet for the inheritance and uses of a Hampshire, where her decease took place higher sphere. R. S. H. on the 2nd of February, 186ft She received the doctrines early in life, from At Kersley, on the 12th of February, her yOUDg husband; she made them the ageel 75, Mr. Thomas Rudgyard. The rule. of her conduct, and as the result, deceased was a native of Staffordshire, was beloved of her family, beloved by her and had the advantage of the fostering care friends, and respected by all who knew of an excellent grandmother, with whom her. Her serene spirit diffused a calm he was brought up; and under whom beauty over her countenance; and her he l'eceived religious impressions which sickness and death were blest by a sense never left him in after life. When, at of loving confidence in her God and a subsequent period, he was placed in a Saviour. She had loved Him during situation in Manchester, she requested life, and by death she lovingly trusted to him to write down, that he might commit enter His everlasting kingdom. J. B. to memory for constant use, the follow- ing comprehensive though brief prayer: On the Brd of February, .at Leeds, "IprayGodAlmightytogivemeaportion aged 26 years, Mr. W. B. Swann. The of His blessed gt"ace and Holy Spirit; deceased had recently completed with . to be my Guide through all the difficult great satisfaction his preparation for his passages of this life, to life eternal. profession of medicine, had married and Amen,"-a prayer which he ever after settled in life, and was fast establishing used through life. Whilst residing in himself in successful practice and general Manchester, he occasionally heard the esteem as & skilful surgeon. His con- late Rev. John Clowes, with whose ser- nection with members of the New Church mons he was much interested and edified, had made him acquainted with the lead- although not acquainted with the source ing doctrines, of which he was a cordial whence he derived his views. The first receiver, partic~ly the doctrine of the sermon he heard him preach, which was Supreme Deity of the Saviour. His from the text-" Thou shalt have no whole life was a practical exemplification other gods before me "-particularly of the New Church doctrine of life. His s1rnck him. He wondered in what way illness, which was of short duration, was tne venerable preacher would' treat so oceasioned by his close and assiduous simple and plain a. passage; he was, attention to some fever patients. One howeyer, still more lstonished in the who had the opportunity of closely ob- sequel, at detecting the number of idols • serving him, says,-" He set a good he had chelished in his own heart without example to everybody. He was a Perfect being aware of the fact. It was, however, gentleman; understood his profession through his connection with the family well; and was generally esteemed, as of the late Mr. Ormerod, one of whose was proved by the numbers who attended daughters he married, that he became his funeral-not less than twelve medical acquainted with the doctrines of the New men were pall-bearers." His departure Church. Through this connection he was was very sudden; and his loss to his introduced to the Diinistry of the late Mr. family, writes one of his relatives, "is Howarth, under which he received the
- 195. • 192 • MISCELLANEOUS• doctrines of the Church with an avidity under a strong impulse, and without con- that showed an advanced state of pre- sulting anyone, he, having first obtained paredness. He also became equally at- the cooperation of the late Mr. Gee, tached to Mr. Howarth himself as a commenced canTassmg for subscriptions personal friend. Somewhat more than towards the erection of a new place of thirty years since, circumstances led to worship; and thus were originated the his leaving M anchester and taking up his Kersley Church and Society, mainly residence at Prestolee, a hamlet only through the exertions of one earnest divided from Kersley by the river Ir- mind. There were, it is true, the well. Here he began to make inquiries elements out of which the church could for those, if any, who were favourable to be built; but it was through the instrn- the New Church. Some years before, a mentality of our friend that the impulse Society had existed at Ringley, a spot which brought them together, was given. just contiguous. The members, however, For many years he continued a zealous through removals and other causes, had member of the Church, till increasing become scattered, a portion of them hav- infirmities and otheJ" circumstances pre- ing established another Society at Stone- vented his sustaining the same degree of hill, in Farnworth. Mr. Rndgyard soon usefulness; but his heart was always in found these out, and attended their ser- the work, and the interests and progress vices; and on the last occasion of Mr. of the cause were ever near to his aft'ec- Hindmarsh visiting Lancashire, he in- tions. Age and growing infirmities at nted him over to preach, and in the length confined him to the house, and evening collected as many of the receivers finally to his room; when his Heavenly as could be got together, most of them Father, in His own good time, called him veterans, to meet him. By these and to his home. He will, nevertheless, still similar means, our departed friend in- live in the affectionate remembranee of a fused new life and vigour into the minds beloved partner, and of many others who of those who were favourable to the knew him, especially the few who recollect views, whilst some younger branches him as the ":first mover in the erection of were growing up characterised by great the Kersley Church, and of the fomTation energy and perseverance. At length, of the Society in connection with it. W. INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thursday 7-0 National Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, ditto.-Fourth Monday. . . . • • • . • . • • • • • • •• . . . • . . • • . . • • • • . . • . • • • • •• 6-30 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.-Second Monday .0............•.... -6-80 College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Last Tuesday.. •• ..•••••. •••• •• •• 8-0 MANCHESTER. Tract Society, Schoolroom, Peter-street.-Third Friday ••.•••• - •••.••••.• 6-80 . Missionary Society ditto ditto •••• •• .•••••.• •• •• 7-0 Members of CoI}.ference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BRUCE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming • number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of recent meetings, lectures, &c., may appear if not later than the 18th. The subject of the letters of Mr. Gaskil, Mr. Wilson, and "A Lover of Christian Progress," will be noticed next month. CAVE and SEVER, Printers by Steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.
- 196. THE INTELLECTUAL REPOSITORY AND • NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 149. MAY 1ST, 1866. VOL. X:ill. N'UMBERING ISRAEL. A Sermon, by Mr. SPILLING. "When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, when thou num- bere~ them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them."- EXODUS xxx. 12. WHEN we remember that it is not only a harmless but a useful practice to take the sum of the population of modem nations, it cannot but be regarded as a remarkable circumstance that it should have been held to be a sin to take the sum of the population of one of the ancient nations. That it was so held is clearly implied in the words of our text. The same fact is exhibited in the consequences attendant upon David's numbering the people of Israel, as described in the twenty-fourth chapter of the second book of Samuel.. There we read that, after J oab had given the sum of the people to David, the Lord sent the prophet Gad to denounce against him a fearful punishment; the choice being given him of national famine, defeat in war, or pestilence. The result was that pestilence was chosen, and seventy thousand men were smitten so that they died. For an act apparently so harmless, the punishment. seems truly disproportionate; and it is hardly possible to reconcile it with the character of God, or our own ideas of justice and of mercy. The Judge of all the earth, however, cannot do otherwise than right. There must, therefore, have been an infinitely wise reason for the terrible retribution that so suddenly followed the mistake of David. T·hat thi~ reason may be understood, it is only necessary for us to consider the . 18
- 197. 194 NUMBBRING ISRAEL. constitution of the Jewish church. Its system of worship was entirely of an external character. There was in it no kind or degree of spiri- tuality. It was adapted to the gross naturalism of the Hebrew people. While in its outward form, it was not by any means the best that God could give, it was the best 'that they could possibly receive. It reflected therefore only 'the character of the Israelites in its outward and visible observances, while the character of God wa.s developed only in its. inward and hidden meaning. Thus every rite, ceremony, and observ- ance among that people W.4Il act of worship, suited to then' external condition, but so arranged and ordered by Divine Wisdom as to express, by correspondence, that inward spiritual worship which could not be restored to the world till, in the fulness of time, the Lord should come suddenly to His temple, and establish a New Dispensation of truth and mercy. Hence the ritual and the observances of the Jews were ordained,. not because, considered in themselves, they were intrinsically right, but because they represented 'the' internal evils that should be avoided, or the internal goodnesses that should· be done, in the spiritual church of the Lord through all coming ages. Upon this principle the prohibition to number the children of Israel, save under certain conditions, may be understood. In itself, there could not pos"sibly be more harm in cgunt- ing the number of persons constituting the Jewish nation· than there is in counting the number of persons constitnting the English nation; but the prohibition arose from the fact that this computation was symbolical of an evil thing, which all Christians are strictly forbidden to do. Let it be our endeavour, then, to learn what this evil thing is, in order that, being forewarned, we may avoid committing it, and thus escape that spiritual plague which necessarily accompanies it. Well, then, we first notice that t~e children of Israel were representa- tive of the church of God, and also of those principles of goodness and of troth that really constitute the church in man. Hence they were called a holy people. They were called a holy people, not because they were holier than other nations, but because they represented .those principles of holiness which are the essential Isra~l of th~ soul. Hence their conflicts with the nations were suggestive of those terrible conflicts -Which sometimes take place between passion and principle, when the angels of God and the fiends of hell are contending for dominion over the mind. Thus the wars described in the Sacred Scriptures have for U8 an absorbing and eternal interest. Again, it is declared that the children of Israel should become so numerous that it should be impossible to number them. Jehovah said unto Abram-"I will make . .
- 198. NUMBERING 18BAEL. • 195 thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust, then shall thy seed also be numbered." (Gen. xiii. 16.) That this statement does Dot refer merely to the Israel after the flesh, is apparent from the fact that the Jews never were a very numerous people, as indeed is also declared by Moses-', The Lord did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people." (Deut. vii. 7.) When, therefore, the innumerable character of Israel is spoken of, the words are to be refen"ed, primarily, to Israel in its representative aspect. Innumerable are the principles of goodness and of truth which alae to be propaga,ted in the church aud in the human soul through all the I:dvancing stHges of its history. Those divine principles which emanate from the Lord's love and wisdom, are indefinite in their number and inexhaustible in their variety. Consider the· amazing variety of objects in nature: it is but the outbirth and correspondence of the wondrous variety of divine affections and thoughts in the human soul. Behold the multitude of objects in the starry heavens, burning to give life and happiness to myriads of sentient beings 1. Behold the multitude of objects in the animal and vegetable kingdoms-a multitude so inynense that, as revealed ·by the microscope, millions are contained in a space less than that occupied by a rain drop r These aXe all created by God to fill the world with blessedness and beauty. They are all emanat,ioDs from the Divine Spirit through the· human soul, and thus they are the images of that variety and multitude of principles of love and light, of goodness and truth, that beautify the heavens, and increase and multiply in the mind of the regenerated man for ever. The Israel that can never' be numbered is that increase of spiritual life in the church that can never be computed; the cumulatiye development of the affections of charity and faith in the regenerated man; the growth of that inner kingdom over which the Divine David-the King eternal and immortal-reigns for ever! The people of Israel, therefore, represent those principles of goodness and of truth that constitute the church in man. Consequently, to number Israel would be to compute the quantity and quality of such principles in the soul-to take the estimate and reckon the number and character of the heavenly virtues and graces that dignify and beautify our minds. Well, THAT IS SIN! In itself, it was no sin to number the people of Israel; but it represented that great sin, so common among men, of nUD:lbering or computing their own internal excellences. When we explore our minds to discover ,the extent of ou,r
- 199. 196 NUMBEBING ISRAEL. own goodnesses, we commit a grievous sin against God. When we examine our inner nature in .order that we may congratulate ourselves upon the degree of goodness and of Wisdom to which we have already attained, and not to discover how vile and foolish we still remain, we are numbering Israel, and commiting the'folly signified by that which brought so great a punishment upon the head of David. It was forbidden, then, among the Jews to number the people of Israel, as an outward sign that the Christian is forbidden to investigate and search out the extent of his progress in the heavenly life. By this prohibition we are taught that the task of our lives should be, in our moments ,of self-examination, to fix all our attention upon the inner corruptions of the natural mind, that, in the Lord's strength, we may sweep them thence as a pestilential filth from our chambers. That constitutes the great duty of man-to watch and number the motions and tendencies of his heart toward evil, in order t)lat they may be resisted and finally overcome. That is what is meant by the words of the psalmist-" So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." To number our days is to watch, explore, and compute our internal condition; and they apply their hearts to wisdom who, discerning their evil~ffections, humbly yet Jirmly encounter and subdue them-when Jesus fills the spirit with His own love and light, and creates within the glory of true charity and the beauty of true faith. But when we neglect this first great duty of life, and instead of regarding our defects, fix our thoughts upon 'our perfec- tions, and thus number Israel, we commit a grievous error which cannot but result in painful consequences. Indeed, it is with us a serious question whether a man can be in a more dangerous position than when be is unconscious of being a sinner, and fancies himself a saint. Not to know that we are sinners, and to plume ourselves upon being angels, is to be indeed far removed from God! The most virtuous of all God's creatures on, this earth has within him sinful te~dencies sufficient to sink him into eternal darkness and misery, were he not every instant sustained by the mercy and power of the Lord. Let no man shut his eyes to this fact. Let no man think of what he haa done, but of what yet remains for him to do. Why, this numbering of Israel-this exploration in search of our virtues--is the result of the operation of the deadliest of all the natural affections. It springs from that inherent pride, that blighting ambition, which has been the· ruin of thousailds of souls, and before which no man can for an instant stand.
- 200. NUKBEBING ISBABL. 197 U How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Luoifer, 80n of the morning I • For thou hast said in thine heart, I will asoend into heaven, • • • I will be like the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. ,t Here we have exhibited the nature of that affection which incites to number Israel, which congratulates itself upon its own excellencies, and which aspires to be "like the Most High;" and here, too, we have its doom foreshown. To number Israel is te look highly upon our own characters j and it is written-cC The Lord will bring down high looks." To number Israel is to exalt ourselves in our own esteem; and it is written-CC He that exalteth himself shall be abased." To number Israel is to count over our interior riches; and it is written-" It is e8~ier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." . Seeing, then, the grievous nature of the sin shadowed forth by the numbering of I~rael, we may understand why 80 grievous 8 punishmeht was denounced against David. David was permitted to choose one out of three kinds of punishment,-famine, 1light before his enemies, or pestilence. Each of these punishments denote spiritual retribution. The first punishment proposed was famine. The reason for this was, that pride in1lates t~e mind with an idea of its own riches, and turns it from the fulness of God's goodness to the mere husks of selfishness, and in that state .the soul dies of starvation. As it is written_cC He hath Med the hungry with good things, but the rich he hath sent empty away." The second punishment proposed was to flee before the enemy. The reason for this was, that where pride reigns, the soul's e~emies-passion, and lust of power and dominion--destroyall heavenly p~ciples, and dominate every affection of the heart. The third punishment proposed was pestilence. Pride is the gangrene of. the soul. Its breath blights every Divine emotion' and every tender thought, till the entire spirit is a mass of death and dying things. This last was the mode of punishment that David chose. The pesti. lence raged three days. The number three signifies fulness and com· pletion; and the effect of the operation of this evil power is mreful, crushing, and complete. We read that 70,000 Israelities died of the pestilence. The number seven signifies the fulness of all holiness in a genuine sense, as applied to the Sabbath; but the fulness of all pro- fanity in an opposite sense, as applied in the present ease. Seventy thousand Israelites died, therefore t as a representative sign that those Divine affections which are the true Israel of God in us, are profaned and perish when we yield ourselves up to the great sin of computing
- 201. NUMBERING ISRAEL. ourattainments in the regenerate life, and thus think to merit heaven, not by God's mercy and love and work in us, but by our own virtue and our own work in ourselves. Let us, then, wisely hearken to this solemn lesson. Let ns throw off all spiritual·pride, all selfish ambition. We have all heard the fable- " By that sin feD the angels! how shall man, then, The image of his Maker hope to win by·'t 1" Win by it ! Where it spreads and rankles, how can the soft regards of affection, the sweet graces and virtues of meekness and humility, ever :flourish under the eye of the Divine Father? Let the story of David's mistake be to ns a warning that our inner examinations should have regard to our vices and our errors. But if we must SOMETIMES turn our attention to our virtues and our troths,-if we mnst OCOASIONALLY think of and compute our attainments in the religions life,-let us at least act in accordance with the directions in our text, so that there be no plague amongst us. For what says our text ?-"When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, THEN S¥LL THEY GIVE EVERY MAN A RANSOME FOR illS SOUL UNTO THE LORD, that there be no plague among them when thou numberest them." That a plRoC111e was the consequence of numbering the children of Israel is clear from the hist'ory of David. Our text shows that Israel might be numbered, and the plague avoided, if every man made an offering to the Lord- as it is said in the 18th verse-of "half a shekel of silver." And, here is the important spiritual lesson which this ordinance involves. The offering here commanded is the representative of that heart-offering which every Christian ought to make, and does make, when he considers his growth in the religious life, and his advancement in the principles of goodness and troth. If, when we review our inner states, we make the acknowledgment that THEY ARE ALL OF AND FROM THE LORD, and that we are only the unworthy recipients, this acknow- ledgment is Divinely received as an offering and a ransom, and no spirit plague is induced. The reason is because, however great may be our knowledge, intelligence, faith, and charity, if we, when computing them, consider them not as our own, but as THOSE OF JESUS CHRIST IN us, and that we ourselves are nothing, all pride, vanity, and self-glorifies- "tion is smitten down, and nprooted, as a noxious weed, from the garden of the soul. "When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel, then 'shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, that 'there be no pl~glle among them." Oh! 9hristian brother, 'when thon
- 202. NUMBERING ISRAEL. 199 takest the sum of that Israel of God within thy soul-those Divine emotions and virtues that are the beauty and the power of thy beloved Jesus in thee--then offer up the acknowledgment that 'they are all from Him, without whom thou art nothing and can do nothing; that there be no spirit-plague in thine heart, and that the breath of pride blight not those Divine gifts without which thou art thyself dead in trespasses and sins r Thus. full of weighty instruction is this important subject. May Jesus Christ make it increasingly profitable to His church. May He teach us so to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. May He give us strength to avoid all ill,-espeeially that plague of the spirit, self-exaltation. Then will He give us poverty of spirit; and He hath said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of.heaven." Then will He give us the grace of heavenly meekness; and He hath said, "Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth." Then will He .give us purity of heart; and He hath said, "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." Amen. EXPOSITION OF JOHN XX. 1-9. By M. LE Boys DES GUAYS. A VOLUME, entitled "Collection de Melanges," prepared and partly printed un4er the direction of their author, the late Le Boys des Guays, has been completed and published by his loving friend and fellow- labourer, M. Harle. Of the contents of this volume we cannot better express our sentiments than in the words of its editor. "Nothing~ in fact, could better respond to our sentiments of affection, and, we believe, to the expectation of the numerous friends of Le Boys des Guays, than to commence, by these personal recollections, the renewal of the task of our dear fellow-labourer. This task we will, by the Divine mercy of the Lord, pursue according to the measure of our power, and according to the aid and resources which the liberality of our brethren shall place at our disposal. We here return thanks to those who are seconding our efforts,-to one especially who, after having had the largest share in aiding th~ work of our fellow-labourer, still continues to us his generous Bupport. * May the Lord bless our united efforts, and make them serve to the advancement of His kingdom I" One of the articles which the volume contains is .an explanation of John xx. and xxi. This appears to us so beautiful, and at the same * The friend referre~ to is M. E. de Chazal, Mauritius. •
- 203. 200 EXPOSITION 01' JOHN XX. time so instructive and practical, that we propose to translate and insert a portion of it monthly till completed. In his introductory remarks, the author mentions that whereas Clowes has explained this and the rest of the Gospel in relation to the Church, his own explanation will have reference to individuals, as to their experience in the regenerate life. The exposition of these chapters is preceded by a brief outline of the spiritual signification of some of the circumstances relating to the disciples, which took place at the Lord's crucifixion. During the last and most grievous temptation of the Lord, when He is delivered to the Jews, condemned, and crucified, all His disciples abandon Hiin. Peter himself, a little while ago so firm, denies Him; and when Jesus expires, He has no one near Him but John, and some women who were in the habit of following Him. These historical facts, in the internal sense, taken individually, signi!y . that with the regenerate, during the last temptation, which is likewise to him the most grievous, when Jesus or the Divine Love, that is to say, the Mover of spiritual life, is plunged into the midst of the evils which harass, condemn, and extinguish it, the principal activities or principal things of the church with the regenerate, abandon this Mover. Faith itself, which was lately so full of ardour, denies it; and when the Divine Love is thus stifled, there is nothing near it except the good of charity, and some affections which had previously' been accustomed to follow all its impulses. Such is the spiritual state of the regenerate during his last temptation; but towards the end of this temptati9n, Jesus, without the knowledge of the disciples and the women, rises from the dead, which signifies that the Divine Love, unknown to the regenerate, who believes it to be extinguished in himself, disengages itself from the evils, drives them from the regenerate, and keeps them at a ~stance, and is able from that time to act in him with so much more power, that hence- forward evils will not be able any more to oppose its action. But this action of the Divine Love, or of the Lord, with the regenerate, can only be exercised progressively, and according to the laws of Divine order; thence the various manifestations related in the two chapters which are about to be explained. These manifestations represent the various marvellous works which the Lord effects in the regenerate, after the last temptation, in order to complete his regeneration.. 1. Now on the first of the Sabbaths, 1. Now in the state of rest which, in the regenerate, succeeds the last temptation, Cometh lfary Magdalene early, when His affection of good, in the beginning it was yet dark, unto ihe sepulchre. of illustration, when there is as yet but little lisht, is occupied with regeneratioD,
- 204. BUOIITION 01' JOHNXX. 201 ADd seeth the stone taken away from And it perceives that truth has been the sepulchre. removed from regeneration. In temptations, and above all in the last temptation, the regenerate is in obscurity, but after temptation the Lord gives him consolation and rest, and dissipates the obscurity, by giving him light little by little. (A. O. 5264, 5778.) When he is in this state of rest, and in the commencement of illustration, it is Mary Magdalene, that is to say, his affection of good, which first engages in the work of regenera- tion, for it is she who comes first to the sepulchre. But she sees the stone taken away from· the sepulchre, and then she believes, as verseS 2, 11, and 18 indicate, that the Jews have removed the stone, and have carried away the body of the Lord; that is to say, she thinks that evils have taken away truth from regeneration, and ~ave withdrawn the Diyine Love. 2. Then she rmineth and eometh to 2. It hastens then to conjoin itself to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple the faith of the will and to the good of whom ;reSU8 loved, • charity, And saith unto them, They have taken And to these it communicates its away the ,Lord OJlt of the sepulchre, thought, that evils have deprived re- generation of the Divine Love, ., And we know not where they have And that the regenerate knows not lLd Him. bow to recover it. The affection of good not being able to act by itself in regeneration, has ~ecourse to the faith of the will and the good of chanty; and as it feels that the evils which have assailed the regenerate during the last temptation have withdrawn the Divine Human of the Lord, it com- municates this idea to them. When the regenerate believes himself to be abandoned by the Lord, it is then that the Lord is nearest to him, as is the case in all spiritual temptations. It is on that account that the affection of good thinks that evils have deprived regeneration of the Divine Love; but this Divine Love or Divine Human is very near the regenerate, and is about to manifest itself to him. 3. Peter therefore went forth, and that 3. Faith and the good of charity dia· other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. pose themselves for regenerauon. It is to be remarked that here it is said only Peter, and not Simon Peter,-thus the subject here is faith only, and not faith as admitted into the will, or into the regenerate himself; but at vers~ 6, when Peter follows John, or allows himself to be directed by the good of charity, he is 'again called Simon Peter, as he had been previously at verse 2, whe:q Mary Magdalene, or the affection of good, addressed him.
- 205. 202 BXPOSITION OF JOHN xx. ,. So they ran both together; ,. Nowtheytogether applythemaelves to an examination; And the other disciple did outrun And the good of charity devotes itself Peter, thereto with more ardour than faith, And came first to the sepulchre. And it is the first to be disposed for regeneration. John arrives at the sepulchre before Peter, because the good of charity. leads to regeneration more pr~mptly than faith. 6. And he stooping down, 6. And humbling itself, And looking in, saw the linen clothes Perceives the exterior truths which lying; concern it; yet; went he not in. N evertheless t it does not penetrate further. By humiliation the good of charity perceives the exterior truths of regeneration, but it requjres to be enlightened by the faith of the will, BO as to perceive its interior truth; it is for that reason that John, although he came first, did not enter into the Be~ulchre before Simon Peter had gone in. 6. Then cometh Simon Peter following 6. The faith of the will then arrives him, there, directed by the good of charity, And went into the sepulchre, And it penetrates into regeneration, And seeth the linen clothes lie, And perceives the exterior truths which concem it, 7. And the napkin, that was about His 7. And the interior truth, head, Not lying with the linen clothes, but Not mingled with the exterior truths, wrapped together in a place by itself. but disposed according to its state. Faith is not able to perceive the truths of regeneration, nor to make the distinction between natural trnths and spiritual truth, until it has been warmed by the good of charity; that is why Peter had John near to him when he entered the sepulchre, and is then called Simon Peter, because now he signifies faith which has passed from the understanding into the will. 8. Then' went in also that other dis- 8. Now the good of charity also pene- trates, which had been the first disposed ciple, which came first to the sepulchre, for regeneration, And he saw and believed. And it understands and recognise~. 9. For as they yet knew not the 9. For they were still in obscurity Scripture, regarding this truth, That ~~ must rise again from the That it was necessary that the Divine dead. Love should be withdrawn from among evils.
- 206. EXPOSITION 01' JOHNXX. 208 When Jesus spoke to the apostles of His approaching death and resurrection, they did not understand Him, they feared even to inter- rogate Him on this subject; they would have wished that He might remain with them always; and, although He had warned them of it several times, they could not persuade themselves that after He should have left them they would p08sess Him much more completely than during His sojourn in this world. It is the same with the regenerate, before he has undergone his last temptation. Happy to feel the presence of the Lord, who directs him in his regeneration, he does not under- stand that his own interest requires that he should be, BO to speak, momentarily deprived of it, for he desires always to feel the Lord's presence in him; and although doctrine teaches him BO, he can hardly persuade himself that after the Lord has been, &s it were, su.ppressed in him, he will possess Him afterwards with more fulness than before. Yet it is absolutely necessary that with the regenerate Jesus be crucified, so that he may rise from the dead: that is to say, the Divine Love must be, as it were, extinguished in him during the last temptation, in order that this love, by a last combat against his evils, may drive them away and withdraw itself from amidst them, so that it may afterwards manifest itself in him in all its splendour and glory. Before the last temptation, the Divine Love acted in the regenerate in the midst of evils of all kinds, which continually opposed its action; after the last temptation, the evils being repulsed and rendered incapable of doing injury, the Divine Love has with the regenerate from thenceforward its full power of action. B. B. ON INDULGENCE IN RIDICULE. Am not the dart with satire fraught, Though harmless mirth it may be thought; Not angels round the soul it brings, But vampire fiends on silent wings. For as a beast that human gore Has tasted, pants in seaieh of more, Delight in-ridicule must grow, Till rest its cravings never know ; - Till fails the light of Love Divine, That through the eyes should softly shine,- Till jare derision in the tone, To mirthful utterance when prone ; -
- 207. 204 INDULGENCE IN BlDIOULB. Till fails the love of useful deed,. Which oft an enemy may need,- The Charity that yieldeth praise, When faults hide virtues from the gaze. Then let not by unsparing tongue The jest that pains be lightly flung; Nor let the judgment's basis be Truth uncombined with Charity. But let affection join with wit, And by your side benignly sit; That all your converse may be found Filled full with love for those around. Nor should your love from impulse spring, As bird of weak and aimless wing ; But let it flow like gentle rill, Mid snow or summer sparkling still. For as the shuttle to and fro, The impulse-driven soul must go ; Nor more than shut~le it perceives, Or what impels or what it weaves. Hold then your purpose pure and strong,- Let love preserve from judgment wrong; Let self-esteem more humble be, And mirth espouse with Charity. Then as distils the morning dew, Shall thoughts more genial shU;1,e anew, And as the showers on herbage dry, Heaven's gentle in1luence draw nigh;- Till where was l~ughter, cold and chill, Affection's pulse shall warmly thrill, And bring to birth the sunny smile, Where icy sneers repelled awhile. T.W.B.
- 208. 205 "WHEAT AND TABES." WE have received several letters on this subject, three of them intended for publication. As 'the author of the pamphlet has been allowed freely to defend his opinions, we think it is not unreasonable to decline inserting any of 'these communications. We will, however, in courtesy to the writers, notice two eharges which they make against us in regard to our remarks,-one of omission, the other of commission. 1. We have not attempted to refute Mr. Rothery's arguments. We will so far depart from our original intention, of leaving Mr. Tulk's system to refute itself, as to show, not that Mr. Rothery's arguments in favour of it are unsound, but that the foundation on which it rests is erroneous. This we think we can do to the satisfaction of every one who receives the testimony of Swedenborg. Let us first see what its foundation is. The philosophy on which Mr. Tulk's system is built is a modification of, say an improvement upon, the· ideal philosophy of Berkeley. Berkeley and Tulk agree in this, that external objects have no existence of their own independent of the "sentient faculties that perceive them: they exist only in the, senses, and are created in the act of being perceived. They differ as to the mode in which those objects are produced. Berkeley maintained that external objects are created by Divine power acting immediately on the senses; Tulk held that they were created by Divine power acting upon, or by Divine life and light :flowing into, the senses through the mind. So 'that sensuous objects are, by the law of correspondence, the representative images of mental perceptions. Tuik's philosophy is the exact opposite of Locke's. Locke taught that nothing is in the understanding which was not first in the senses: Tulk taught that nothing is' in the senses which was not :first in the understanding. . In agreement with Tulk's philosophy, Mr. Rothery stated in his little work, that the universe of the senses is created through the universe of souls. In answer to the reviewer's criticism upon this, he says, in his reply (No. iii.)-" The reviewer imagines that souls are created out of the substances of an external world which is denominated spiritual, and that bodies are formed out of an external world which is called natural." In the next number he goe~ on to say_CC To me the doctriI)e appears perfectly Scriptural and reasonable that there is One Only Substance, which is really and independently Bubstance, and that all things besides
- 209. 206 "WHEAT AND TABES." are formations from it." His doctrine then is, that human souls and bodies are not formed out of pre-existing finite substances, but are produced immediately from the One Infinite Substance. On both these points we have clear and positive statements in the Writings. As to the first, our author says- u There are two forms in general, which the Lord, the Creator of the universe, from His own Divine SUD, which is Divine love and light itself, has produced in the inmost and ultimate things of the world,-the animal and the vegetable form ; by animal forms are meant animals of every kind, also men and ang~ls." Speaking of the animal form, he says- U The Divine love, which is life itself, from its Author, who is the Lord, bears nothing eIt.e in its bo801U than to create and form images and likenesses of itself, which are men, and frOln weu angels; also to cover with a cOl"l°espondent. body atrections of every kind, which are animals. All these forms, both perfect and im- perfect, are forlUs of love, and they are alike as to life in things external, which consist in their inclination to move themielves, to walk, to act, to see, to heal', to smell, to taste, to eat, to dli~k; to consociate, to be prolific; but they are unlike as to life in internal thiugs, which consist in an inclination to think, to will, to speak, to know, to under8Lo.nd, to grow wise, and ft'om these to enjoy delight and blessed- ness; these latter forms are men and angels, but the former are animals of various kinds. That singular the above faculties may exist in etrect and use, they have been made and wonderfully organised.from created B'Ubstances and matters." (Divine Love, xxi.) Here we have a distinct and positive declaration of what our friend supposed we had only imagined. While we are thus able to show from our author's testimony that the doctrine we stated is true, we are able further to shov that our friend's theory of the imrnediate creation by God of human souls and bodies, out of the one only substance which is substance in itself, is not only erroneous, but imp~ssible. "What is uncreated and infinite (says our author) is Divine itself in itself. From this man cannot be formed, fol' thus he would be D·i'lJine in hil1l,8elj; but he may be formed of things created andfinite, in which the Divine ·may dwell, and to which it may communicate its life, and this by heat and light from itself as a sun, thus hom its own Divine love ;-comparatively, as the germinations of the earth, which cannot be formed from the essence itselj of the sun of the 'lcorld, but from the created things of which the ground consists, in which the sun, by its heat and light, can inwardly dwell,' and to which it can communicate, as it were, its life." (Divine Love, fi.) So in the Divine Love and Wisdom (No. 4):- "From the Uncreate, Infinite Esse itself, and Life itself, no being can be. imrriediately created, because the Divine is one and indivisible; but from created ·and finite substances, so formed that the Divine may be in them, beings may be created."
- 210. "WHEAT AND TABES." 207 T·hat man i..s not the first, but the last of created snbjects,-not the ~edinm. through whom worlds are made, but an organised receptacle of life, formed out of the materials of which previously-created worlds consist, appears {tom the 8~me work : - "All thiugs which have hitherto been spoken of-as the SUD, the atmosphere, and the earths-are only means jO'T ends. The ends 01 creation are the things which are produced from the J.Jord as a sun, by 7Jl,~anS of the at~ospl1eres, jronJ the earths, and these ends are called uses; and these are, in their extent, all things of the vegetable kingdom, and all thjngs 9f the Rllinlal kingdom, and at length tM hUfnan race, and from the human race the aDgelic heaveus." (807.) In fact, man is not the first of a descending series, through whom all the lower degrees and objects of creation are produced, but he is the last of an ascending series, through whom creation, after it has pro- ceeded to its limits, reb.u·ns to. God, the Creator. There is, indeed, an influx throngh miUl into :patnre, but this is according to the law that the angels ascend and descend upon the ladder which connects heaven and earth. What has now been established disposes of the doctrine of No. i., that "external and sensuous worlds are created throngh the mental states of their respective inhabitants." It also di~po8e,s of the theory of No. ii., that "the tangible and otherwise sensible heavens are created in being perceived, throngh the instrumentality of angelic souls." It does not, however, prove what our fi'iend thinks it must on our prin- ciples prove,-" that the Lord of all purity, wit)dom, and beauty made the loathsome external hells before there were demons to reside in them. " In the Writings the origin of the hells is declared to be exceptional. The hells were not created in the beginning, but had their existence together with evil. But the fl1cts which are so explicitly stated in the writings on the subject of Cl-eation dispose also of Mr. Rothery's theory of the Incar- nation. According to his theory, the Lord was manifested, as worlds. are made, through the mental states of men in the world. As Mr. . Tulk expresses it (and we assume that Mr. Rothery agrees with him), the Lord" came down from heaven-the heaven within man-and by means of a pure, uncontaminated affection for truth, signified by the VU'gin, was brought forth into the repl·esentative plane of nature, or became extant to the sensuous faculties of man." But if worlds are not created through the mental states of their inhabitants, neither was the Lord incarnated through the mental states of those who beheld Him. If the meanest object of the world has an existence of its own, independent of the sentient faculties of those who perceive it, mnst not the Lord
- 211. ~08 "WRBAT AND TABES." JesuI Christ, as the Word made :flesh, have had a persollal existence distinct from, and independent of, those to whom He appeared 'upon earth? If the philosophical doctrine of Mr. Tulk is erroneous, the theological · system which he has built upon it falls to' the ground, and with it all the arguments by which it has been supported. There is not one of those Mr. Rothery has advanced in favour of his theory which, taken on its own merits, might not be shown to be fallacious; and although it would be absurd now to refute any of them as arguments, we shall be happy to attempt to explain them as difficulties, if there are any who regard them as such. There are two which occur in :Mr. Rothery?s reply, and are repeated by two of our correspondents, which .may be regarded in this light, and on which a remark will be offered. The words of the angel at the Annunciation our friend considers to teach "that even the bodily form of our Lord-that whieh was bom of Mary-was a holy thing" at the time of birth; and one of our cor- respondents, from the same passage, argues tha:t the Lord's body was bom Divine. Swedenborg b:as said that the Lord made His humanity holy, (A. C. 4559.) and His body Divine, (5078.) after His birth. The holy thing to be born of Mary was to be called "the Son of God." This title is sometimes to be understood of the Lord's humanity generally; 'but, distinctively, the Lord is ~alled the Son of God as to the humanity derived from the Fathel·; and this was from nativity both Holy and Divine.. By" the Holy One of Israel" is signified the Lord with respect to the Divine human, as is evident from the declaration or the angel G~briel to Mary-" That holy tlting which shall be born of thee shall be called the SON 01' GOD." (D. L ..40.) Mr. Rothery, in strong language, charges the "professed" New Church with holding a doctrine of the Incarnation which imputes imperfection and change to J ehovah; and another of our eorrespondents expresses the same idea. We never heard this as an objection to the doctrine of the Incarnation by any "professed" member of the New Church except Mr. Tulk and those who think with him. But if any one has a difficulty in understanding how He whose soul was Divine, could yet think and feel as a mali, he has only to reflect that "the Lord's perceptivity, although from the Divinity, was yet in the humanity;" (A.C. 2514.) and was "according to the state of recep- tion by the humanity." (4571.) This may be illustrated by the case of man, who thinks from his soul in his body, or from his internal in. his external man. Yet, '.' so long 8S the spirit remains in the body, it.
- 212. "WHEAT AND TABES." 209 cannot think otherwise than from principles which his natural man had • imbibed." (4676.) The Lord, as to His natural man, imbibed appear- ances of truth; and, w:hen in the material humanity, was in the appearances of truth. (8405.) Hence his human thoughts and his temptations; for Divine Truth cannot be tempted, but only Truth Divine; (2814.) which is Divine Truth finited; (7271.) and this is the Son of Man, but before glorification. (2818.) 2. We are accused of intolerance. Our" intolerance" does not interfere in the slightest degree with the right of private judgment. The law of the Church on this subject is as wise as it is positive. Since no one can be forced to believe contrary to what he thinks in his heart to be truth, every one is to be left by the priest in the undis- turbed enjoyment of his opinions, so long as he himself makes, no disturbance. (H. D. 818.) As with the people, so we infer with the priest. But our remark had nothing to do with the freedom of indi- vidual opinion or the operation of ecclesiastical law. We meant what in oth~r words we said, and. what we have no hesitation in repeating, that the force of public opinion, or the power of truth, in the Church, will always be sufficient to crush the life out of any theory that would seduce the Church from the belief that the Lord has literally and truly come in the flesh. All this may be maintained consistently with perfect charity towards those who 'conscientiously hold that opinion, and ,vith the toleration which leaves them in the peaceable enjoyment of their faith, for which they are accountable to the Lord alone. It was not with Mr. Rothery as a member, nor even as a preacher, but as an author, that we had to do. Had he never published, we had never criticised. "HUMANUM IN SE." IN the March number of this Journal we offered some remarks on the statement made by Mr. Rothery (after Mr. Tulk), to the effect that when Swedenborg is represented as saying that the Lord glorified the humanity . in Himself, such a rendering is a mistranslation, the true sense being, that the Lord glorified the Humanity in itself. From this assertion we dissented on purely critical grounds. Taking an actual case in point, namely, DominufJ Humanum in Se glorificavit, (A. O. 8668.) we main- . tained the fidelity of the ordinary version (the Lord glorified the Humanity in Himself), and rejected-as incompatible with both classical and Swed~nborgian Latinity-the substitute proposed (the Lord glori- l'
- 213. 210 "BUHANUK IN SE." • fled the Humanity in itself). Invoking, as sufficient classical authority, the principle that in such cases the Latin reflective pronoun refers to the nominative, we proceeded to adduce from Swedenborg a series of passages showing his application of the pronoun to be in accordance with the usage of the Latin tongue, and consequently fatal to the sup- posed amendment. We further pointed out that the expression (in Ipso) which Mr. Rothery says would have been employed by Sweden- borg, in case he had designed to state that the Lord glorified the Humanity in Himself, would not have borne that signification, but would have indicated that the process was effected in some person other than the Lord, but not further defined. .The destructive and the constructive attempt had therefore equally failed to shake the re.ceived interpretation. In the April number of' this serial, Mr. Rothery has proffered, as objections, three considerations, which we will now review separately. Firstly: It is said that the rule which would, in the phrase Dominus Humanum in Se glorijicavit, refer Se to Dominus as the subject, is not an invariable rule even in classiewriters. The rule, however, is thus at least admitted. It was before ignored, without a word in defence or extenuation of the step. Perhaps the circumstance of a grammatical rule having exceptions may be considered sufficient authority for so arbitrary a proceeding. But, probably, there is not a law of the Latin language which is more univerSally true than that by which the reflective is here referred to the subject. Even where in a subordinate clause it does not allude to the subject of that clause, it refers to the true subject of the chief clause,-thus still to a subject, not to an object, whieh Humanum is in our passage. Our present example, however, is not a compound but a simple sentence, and therefore presents not even this difficulty. Secondly: It is said, "I still think that had Swedenborg intended the pronoun to apply to DOlninus and not Humanum, he would have written 'in Ipso,' 8S the poin! would then have been to express a change taking place in Him or Himself." In our former .citations we demonstrated that in oth.er passages in which the Lord is the subject of an expression, some case of the reflective pronoun (sui) is used (just as it 18 employed to represent any other nominative); whilst when the subject is not the Lord, but he is yet referred to in the sentence, some case of Ipse is met with. But in our passage the Lord is the subject. The reader will find instances in point collected on page 121. These leave no reasonable ground for indulging in a foregone opinion which is also without any recommendation on the s~ore of Latinity.
- 214. ". Rl1KANt111 IN8B. t t ill Thirdly: We read that " c Humanum in se,' C Divinum in se,' &0•• are expressions which he [Swedenborg] uses to denote that which is in itself, of its own very nature, Human, Divine, &0. Thus he says that the Divine Esse is C Esse in se t and C Existere in se,' with the indisputable meaning that It is self-essent [sic] and self-existent- intrinsically, of Its very own nature, Esse and Existere. tt If in this remark it is implied that such collocations of words do always, inde- pendentlyof the rest of the sentence in which they occur, require or even tolerate the same rendering, we must condemn the opinion. The instances here adduced are all plain, presenting the words in the nominative case. In our first communication we ourselves furnished an example in which the pronoun S6 refers to Divinum, namely, Di1Jinum in 8s Bst Infinitum, (-d. O. 8760.) and we showed that it is in thil grammatical connection, i.e., with the given noun (here Divinum) in the nominative, that such words as Humanum in '6 would have to be rendered, cc the humanity in itself." In such passages the same simple law is at work, and the '8 stilI. represents its nominative. Yet these are the instances, probably, that have mislead Mr. Tulk and Mr. Rothery, who have taken such fragments of sentences as DitJinum in 8, . . . , Humanum in 8, .... ,and without inquiring whether the context shows the nouns to be objects or subjects in the sentences in which they occur, have regarded and treated them as rigid, ankylosed, and inseparable combinations, to be handled as one piece, wheresoever and whensoever they are found, though in fact, as we· have seen, the noun and pronoun have often absolutely no other bond of union than this,-that they happen to stand very near to one another I The passage contributed by the Rev. C. G. Macpherson (whose unexpected removal we now deplore) is 8 singularly clear and satis- factory one, the words in Ipso referring, by every principle of interpre- tation, to Domini. The construction put on this passage by Mr. Rothery affords a striking instance of the tendency of the mind to see what it believes, rather than to believe what it sees. Here is the phrase Mr. Rothery wants-in Ipso. Let us see how he deals with it. When dealing with the words in S8, in the phrase we first discnssed:- Dominus Humanum in 8, gwrificavit-we were told that it meant in itself, and that in Ipso was' wanted to justify us in translating the expression in Himself (the Lord). Here ·in Ipso does occur; but in spite of the doctrine just put forth, the phrase is not, forsooth, to be referred to the Lord, but to the humanity, and is to be rendered in itself. The truth is that Ipso is here given because, though it refers to the Lord,
- 215. • 219 "BUMANUM IN SE." He is,yet not the subject of the clause. A similar passage was quoted in our last paper :-" Quod Dom~no, cum unitum IN IPso Humanu1n Di·lJino et Divinum Humane, fumt omniscientia." (A. O. 2569.) We have sought to deal critically with this subject, for we believe, with Melanchthon, 'that the grammatical interpretation must precede the theological. Not so Mr. Rothery. He finds that even if, with Mr. ~Iacpherson, we read that in the Lord the humanity was made Divine, the passage still proves everything that it could prove if these unwelcome words were out of it! The remainder of Mr. Rothery's observations are not only not critical,-they are such as every critical mind must regret. In one remark he intimates that even if we prove our point absolutely, we shall only have shown that Swedenborg contradicts himself, and we are warned of this lest we should push our point too far ! We reply that a critic's first duty is to seek for results in such wise that he shall obtain them nntainted by his own or other people's speculations, and shall not be hampered in his investigations by a dread lest he should discover something that may disagree with his own or his neighbour's notions about the significance of facts already gained. Mr. Rothery, moreover, believes that had the Cambridge authorities been informed of a certain doctrine of Swedenborg's, their opinion about the meaning of certain Latin words, submitted to them as gram- matical critics, might have been sensibly'"lnfluenced! And he con- eludes-wisely, we think, if he' means to remain in his tenets-by candidly avowing that he would never rest npon a mere verbal expres- sion as proof. We may rest assured that there is no danger of the threatened con- tradiction of passages, but this we leave in other hands. We have been more interested in these questions touching Swedenborg's Latinity (a subject which will be much more carefully studied some future day), and we would gladly have taken the opportunity of incorporating with these remarks some further illustrations of the points we have alluded to, besides adding a variety of noteworthy features of his style, to which we may perhaps return at some future time. But here we must lay down our pen, trusting that our attempts to serve the common cause in so humble but so essential a domain as that of verbal criticism, may induce others to 'give more attention to a theme that would yield many an interesting result, besides separating the Tares from the Whea.t. S. N. B.
- 216. 218 "GOOD BYE." GOD be with thee in thy morning, When life's hope is high; And its promises, in dawning, Fill thee with joy. God be with thee when life's sunlight, In true love displayed, In thy noon-tide, warm and bright, Leaves thee no shade. God be with thee in the even, When the shadows fall,- Lead thee to His purer heaven, High over all. God be with thee ~hen night closeth. Take thee to thy rest, Where His flock in pcac"e reposeth, Upon His breast! C. E. R. THEOL09-ICAL ESSAYS . No. VI.-8ALVATION. (Concluded from page 168.) THIS is salvation. You see how it was accomplished-by the slow and gradual process of regeneration. It was this that prepared his spirit for heaven. It was effected by the application of the truths of the Divine Word to life, day by day, "line upon line, precept upon precept, here 8 little, and there a little.." For it is only little by little that evils are removed,-little by little that good is received in its place. Is not a house erected stone by stone? Can a palace be reared in a day? And do yo~ think that the great edifice of character-which is to endure when palaces of marble have crumbled into dust-do you think that the vast structure of an immortal mind, which is composed of thousands and myriads of thoughts and affections, curiously and. wonderfully interwoven and compacted together into a beautiful and angelic human form;-is to be produced in 8· moment? Is not regeneration compared to a birth? And is a man bom and brought to his full stature in a day, or a year? Slowly and insensibly the body grows, and in like manner slowly and almost imperceptibly the new man is formed as the old man
- 217. 214: SALVATION. drops away. Those, therefore, who rely upon a death-bed repezitanee, for 'their hopes of heaven-those,' who, in1lamed by the fantasy of instantaneous regeneration, talk, a8 we sometimes hear of men doing, of ascending even from a murderer'8 scaffold at once to the skies-will find themselves miserably deceived. Such persons could no more bear the light and heat of heaven, than an owl can endure the blaze of the sun. They would no more be content in the society of good. spirits and angels, than wolves and tigers could dwell in peace among sheep and lambs. "There are," says Sweclenborg, 'c in every evil, innumerable things. Each evil appears, indeed, before man as one simple thing: JlO appear hatred and revenge, 10 theft and fraud, so adultery and whoredom, so pride and elation of mind, and the rest ; and it is not known that there are in every evil innumerable things. Whereas there are more things than there are fibres and vessels in man's body. For an evil man is a hell in its least form-and hell consists of myriads of myriads ; and every one there is in form as a man, although monstrous; and all the :6.bres and all the vessels in him are inverted. Now, aD these things, in the order in whioh they are, must be restored and oonverted by the Lord, in order that man may be reformed; and this oannot be done except by the Divine Providence of the Lord, successively from man's earliest years even to the latest." * No~,-a8 the same writer explains,-itis a great law of Divine order that man must cooperate with the Lord, in the removal of his evils, otherwise they ~annot be removed. It is this required cooperation which is implied in the apostle's words, "Work out your own salvation, with fear and trembling." cc Man," says Swedenborg, "knows nothing at all oonoerning the interior state :.. . of his mind or his internal man; there are infinite things there, not one of which comes to his knowledge. As maD knows nothing from any sensation how his mind or 10ul operates upon all things of his body conjointly and severally, 80 neither does he know how the Lord operates upon all things of his mind or soul, that is, of his spirit. This operation is continual, and in this man has no part: but still the Lord cannot purify man from any evil inclination in his spirit or internal, 80 long as man keeps the extemal olosed. Now, it is evils by which man keeps the external closed; each of which evils appears to him as a single thing, while yet Utere are within it in1lnite things: still, if man but removes that evil as a single thing, then the Lord remOTes the infinite things oontained in it." He -adds--" The reason that the Lord then purifies man from the inolinations to evil, when man as of himself removes the evils, is beoause the Lord cannot purify him before. For evils are in the external man, and the inolinations to evil in the internal, and theae adhere together as the roots of a tree with the trunk; wherefore, unless e'rila are removed, ~ere is no opening given, for' they elose and block up the gate, whioh eannot be opened by the Lord but by means of man oooperating. But when man, ~ of himself, opens the iate by the removal of the evils, then the Lord at the same ~e extirpates the inolinations to evil." + * '1'reatise on DivifU Provid,nc" D. ~96. t D. P. 119, 120.
- 218. SALVATION. . Thequestion then arises, How is man to remove evils? The answer is, By resisting and fighting against them. That is the only way; in self-combat is the only hope. cc The kingdom of heaven is taken by violence." cc In order that man," says 'Swedenborg, cc may be brought out of hell, and into heaven, by the Lord, it is necessary that he should resist hell,-that is, evils, as from himself: if he does not resist as from himself, he remains in hell, and hell in him; nor are they separated to eternity. This follows from the laws of Divine Providenoe, which have been above explained. In the whole spiritual world there is Dot an instanoe of anyone being removed from evils except by oombat or resistance against them, as from himself.". This is a ~lemn declaration, and sets man's case clearly before him. He must fight against his evils: there is no other chance or way of salvation. Hence it is that so much is said in the Scriptures about cc overcoming." Seven times in the first three chapters of the Apocalypse do we find the words-" He that overcometh"_cc He that overcometh :" all the promises are made to him, and to him only, who fights with and overcomes the cc foes of his own household." " He that overcometh," it· is declared, "shall inherit all things." t But while this hard duty is thus plainly set before us, we. have yet this sufficient consolation, namely, that we are not required to fight the battle in our own strength alone i-that we have an Almighty helper, the Great Redeemer Himself, who, while in the humanity on earth, fought with and overcame all the powers of hell, and can now conquer and cast out the same from our bosoms, if we but look to Him. We must, indeed, fight as of ourselves, and struggle as if the whole depended upon us, for in this way only can we become receptive of strength from Him. But yet it is He, in fact, who sustains the war- fare, and who, if we hold fast to Him, can and will bring it to • suceessful issue. Nor is the struggle, after all, so very hard, after we have become a little used to it. "Let a man," .says Swedenborg assuringly, cc only resist his evils once a week or fortnight, and he will perceive a change." 1 The true ground of the necessity for such combat with every one who desires to attain heaven and salvation, is thus clearly set forth by the same writer : - "It must be plain to every one, both from the Word and from doctrine thence derived, that man's proprium or self-hood is evil from his birth, and that, iD consequence of this, he loves evils from an innate inclination, and is led into them; as, for instance, to revenge, to defraud, to defame, to oommit adultery; and • Ap. Ez. 1154. + ApaC. m. 7. t Doctrine of Life, n. 97.
- 219. 216 SALVATION. if he does not think them to be sins, and on that account resist them, he comm.ita them as often as opportunity offers. Since this proprium or self-hood of man con- stitutes the first root of his life, it is evident what tfort of a tree man would become if that root were not extirpated and a new one implanted. He would be a rotten tree, of which it is. said that it is to be 'cut down and cast into the fire.' Now, th;is root is not removed, and a new one implanted in its stead, but by man's regarding the evils which constitute that root as destructive to his soul, and conse- quently wishing to remove them. But since they belong to his self-hood, and are consequently delighful to him, he cannot effect their removal but with a degree of unwillingness and a struggle ~st them,-thus with combat. "Every one who believes that there is a heaven and a hell, and that heaven is eternal happiness and hell eternal unhappiness, and who believes, further, that they who do evil go to hell, and they who do good go to heaven, is brought into a state of combat. He who is in combat acts from an interior principle, and iD opposition to that inclination which constitutes the root of the evil; for whoever combats against anything does not will or desire that thing. Hence it is evident that the root of evil cannot be removed except by combat. But so far as man fights against evil, and thereby removes it, so far good succeeds in its place; and then from good he views evil in the face, and sees it to be infernal and horrible, and, seeing it to be such, he not only shuns it, but holds it in aversion, and a length abominates it. " It is to be observed, that the man who fights against evils must needs fight as from himself; for one who does not fight as from himself does not fight at all, but stands like an automaton, seeing nothing and doing nothing; in which state, from the evil in which he is, he continually thinks in favour of evil, and not against it. But still it should be well understood that it is, in truth, the Lord alone who fights in man against evils, and that it only appears to man as if he fought from himself; and that the Lord wills that it should so appear, since without such appearance there could be no combat, and consequently no reformation.". These passages contain most important instruction in regard to the true way of salvation. We see in what chiefly it consists, namely, in "fighting the good fight of faith ;"-first, exploring and examinjng ourselves by the light of the Divine Word, to discover what our evils are (for, as Swedenborg often repeats, "no evil can be removed until it is seen "); then, struggling against those evils, one after another, as they present themselves, looking to the Lord for help; "lastly, when the battle has been fought and the victory won, claiming no merit to ourselves, but acknowledging that it was, in truth, the Lord alone who conquered, fighting in and through us. This is the way to heaven. In that beautiful and consoling chapter of Swedenborg's treatise on Heaven and ReU, entitled" That it is not so difficult to live life which a leads to heaven as is supposed,"" there is the following precious. passage : - • Doctrine of Life, DD. 92, "96.
- 220. SALVATION. 217 "That it is not so difilcult to live the life of heaven as is belieTed, is evident now from tbis ~nsideration, that it is only necessary for man to think-when any- thing presents itself to him which he knows to be insincere and unjust, and to which he is inclined-that it ought not to be done, because it is contrary to the Divine commandments. -If man accustoms himself so to think, and from so ace118toming himself acquires a habit, he then by degrees is conjoined to heaven; and 80 far as he is conjoined to heaven, so far the higher principles of his mind are opened; and so far as these are opened, so far he sees what is insincere and unjust; and in proportion as he sees these evils, i'n the same proportion they are capable of being shaken off, for it is impossible that any evil can be shaken off until it is seen. This is a state into which man may enter from free will, for who is not capable from free-will of thinking in the manner above mentioned? But when he has made a beginning, then the Lord operates all sorts of good with him, and causes him not only to see evils, but also not to will them, and finally to hold th~m in aversion. This is meant by the Lord's words-' My yoke is easy, and my burthen is light.' " In regard to the duty of self-examination, which is among the first steps in the way to salvation, the same writer, in his chapter on "Repentance," has the f~llowing remarks:- " No one in the Christian world can be without the knowledge of sin; for every one there is taught from his infancy what evil is, and from his childhood what the evil of sin is. All young people learn this from their parents and masters, and also from the Decalogue, which is the first book for all in Christendom; and afterwards from preaching in churches, and from instruction at home, and in all fulnes8 from reading the Word. But the knowledge of sin is of no avail, unless a man explores the acts of his life, and consider whether he has committed any of those sins in public" or in private. Before this his knowledge is mere science, and then all that the preacher utters is only sound, which passes through from one ear to the other, and flies away. But the case is quite different when a man, from his knowledge of sin, examines himself, and finds in himself some particular sin, and says to himself, , This evil is a sin,' and then abstains from it through fear of eternal punishment. Then, for the first time, the instruction heard at church, in preaching and in prayer, is received with both ears, and is admitted into the heart, and the man from a Pagan becomes a Christian.". Here, then, is the true foundation of practical religion, namely, in man's examining himself, discovering some particular evil, as, for instance, deception, cunning, dishonesty, unchastity, hatred, revenge,- or some other,-and then resolving to abstain from that evil as a sin, and daily looking to the Lord .for strength to do so. Thus is heaven opened to the soul. And it is this"process of self-examination, discovery of evils, and then shunning them as sins, which is called repentance, which, indeed, is the very beginning and foundation of regeneration, and, consequently, of salvation. This is what is denominated by • True Chri,tian "Religion, D. 525.
- 221. 218 SALVATION. 8wedenborg " actual repentance," as distinguished from mere repentance in thought, and it is the only repentance that is of any avail. " What is easier," says he, "than for a man, when he is in pain and anguish, to pour 'forth sighs and groans, and to beat his breast, and confess himself guilty of all sins, when yet he is not conscious in himself of anyone sin? Does the diabolical crew, which dwell in his evil loves, depart with his sighing? Do they not rather mock at it, and remain there as before? Hence it is manifest, that such lip- repentance is not what is meant in the Word by repentance from evil works. If it be asked, then, How is repentance to be performed, I answer, ActuaUll; that is, by examining one's self, perceiving and acknowledging one's sins, making supplication to the Lord, and beginning a new life.". The path of salvation now begins to ope.n clearly before us. We see what we have to do. We now begin to understand what is meant by "working out our salvation with fear and trembling:" t it is said" with feat and trembling," on account of the greatness of the work-on account of the vastness of the responsibility which lies upon us. The unthinking crowd rush on, absorbed in the present: the thoughtful and spiritual man keeps his eyes on the great fut~e--the future of eternity. He knows that that future will soon be the present; and then, if he have not his "treasure laid up in heaven," what will be his condition? His chief aim and end is to prepare for eternity; and, while he neglects no duty of the present life, nor disdains even its innocent amusements and recreations, yet he makes them all subservient to the great concern of preparing himself for heaven. He strives to " seek first the kingdom of God, and.. his righteousness," knowing well that then "all things else will be added to hi~." He has ever before him those warning 'words- "There is no change after death;" "As the tree" falls, so it lies." cc I can testify for certain," says Swedenborg, cc that after death every one is explored as to the quality of the life which he has lived, and that the life which he has contracted in the world remains to eternity. I have conversed with those who lived ages ago, whose lives I have been acquainted with from history, and I have found them to be still like the d~scription given of them. And I have heard from the angels, that no one's life can be changed after death, because it is organised according to his love, aud consequent works; and that if it were changed, the organisation would be rent asunder; thus, that a change of organisation QaDDot be effected except in the material body, and is entirely impossible in the spiritual body, after the former has been cast 01"." t What a solemn truth is this I And yet, in the face of it, or ignorant or forgetful of it, we See men rushing on in the pursuit of worldly wealth or fame, as if these were the great ends of existence. The grand objeet of life is to secure our salvation; and in comparison with this, every • T. o. B. 580. t Phil. ii. 12. t Treatise on COnOugio,Z Lo'Vt, D. 524:.
- 222. SALVATION. 219 other concern is of tri1ling consequence. In the present Essay, we have endeavoured to point out how that salvation is to be secured. And all that has been said may be summed up in a few words :-Look to the Lord Jesus Christ as God, and ask His Almighty aid, and then keep His commandments, by resisting evils as sins: regeneration, and salva- tion, and eternal happiness will be the result. London. O. P. H. THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL THE ,GOSPEL OF THE NEW JERUSALEM. THE Gospel, or glad tidings, which the New Church has to proclaim to sinners, has already been the subject of more,.than one interesting article, but the theme is one of very great importance, and cannot be . emausted. In the case of John Wesley and Methodism, the good done by their action and in1luence did not consist in the soundness of their leading doctrines, but in the earJ1estness with which they taught them for use; and, without doubt, wherever this is done, and the evil. of self-love, in whichever of its innumerable forms it seeks indulgence, is rejected, beoause sinful in the sight of God, the Lord, with His salvation, flows into that mind. But Methodism had in it much of the sensational, and contemplated not only external extension, but the external manifesta- tion of inward emotions; and this was carried out and displayed in . triumphant death-bed scenes, which are valued as grand ~dences of salvation; and, in so far as self is not in them, but the Lord alone is glorified, the salvation will be real. The " Gospel" of the New Church being the grand climax and.fulness of the Divine revelation which God has given to man, it is not to be displayed in religious fervour,· but in living in and doing the will of the Lord. "They that do His commandments shall enter through the gates into the city." The plan and manifestation of Divine revelation in the Holy Word is extremely beautiful. ,Its opening pages reveal the beauty of the innocence of the mst-bom church and man upon this earth; and had that state been persevered in, this ~autiful world would have been still more beautiful, and that happy age, of which poets delight to sing, would have stretched through countless ages, acquiring expansion and perfection according to the increasing development of its own loveliness. But a declension from innocence, which consists in being willing to be led of the Lord, took place. Man fell away from the purity of this state by yielding to the temptations of h~s own sen-
- 223. 220 THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL euous nature, and he lost the heavenly peace and happiness connected with this holy state. Still the Lord's mercy was not removed from him, but was manifested in a most cheering promise of a coming redemption, to be accomplished by the seed of the woman. This was the first gospel-good news-joyful message to man; but long ages intervened between the first promise and its fulfilment, in the incarna- tion of the Creator,-which did not take place until man had trodden the downward path of departure from God, so that he stood on the verge of irretrievable ruin; so that without its accomplishment no :flesh could be saved. The Lord's divine care, however; never ceased in man's behalf, in these intervening agei. There was a constant succession of inspired teaching and institutions of worship given to .and maintained amongst mankind, within which were rolled up the great spiritual lessons which were afterwards to be unveiled, in the restored spiritual religion to be given when the fulness of time should come,-when all the previous promises and prophecie~ regarding the great event should be realised, in the birth of Jesus Christ, as their great Deliverer. All the books of the Holy Word speak of Him, and point to Him as the coming One- the hope of Israel. . And His coming was' to be the turning point in the scale of humanity, from a descending spiritual condition in man to an ascend- ing one, which will no doubt go on until man is led up by the attractive influence m' the Lord's glorified humanity to more than that spiritual and celestial height from which he fell. The Lord's coming and His work, which was to be the Divine means of man's spiritual elevation, was announced by angels to the.shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem. " Behold! I bring you good tidings of great joy; for unto you is born this day Q Saviour who is Christ the Lord I" The good news had been veiled in all the previous parts of the Word in the Divine language of prophecy and symbol. Now it was a reality; and hence the :Books of the Holy Word, cont~ning a history of the Incamation and teachings of the Great Deliverer, are called the Gospel, or the good and joyful message. And the glad tidings of great joy were that the Word was made :flesh ;-humanity was assumed for human redemption. Divine revelati~n under this manifestation, and the Christian religion which was thereby introduced, operated more directly in communicating to man a higher quality of spiritual principles of life from the Lord than could be attained under the previous dispensations. The whole of the Lord's teachings clearly manifest this, for they all tend to lay
- 224. THE GOSPEL OFTHE NEW JERUSALEM. 221 ~own practical laws of life of the purest and most elevating kind. But the states of mankind could not be elevated all at once. There was a reaction from old Judaism-Pagan philosoph.y-and, what was probably most of aU desolating, from the love of being greatest. These began early to operate in the Christian church, and there was a falling away from the Divine simplicity and purity of the Lord's teaching, and a rejec- tion of the faith and principles he taught, which is indeed prophetically announced by the Lord Himself in these words-CC When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith in the earth ?" The announcement of the Lord's first coming was by angels, because the spiritual world in which they live is near to the Lord, and they enjoy more of His wisdom and purity than men do. The spiritual world is the world of causes; this natural world is the world of effects; but these effects are of a kind with the nature and genius of the religious principles which are cherished by men. The nature of the Jewish economy under which the Lord came and was born-in literal reality, as a man upon the earth-was chiefly extemal, and engaged the senses more than the interior perceptions of the mind. And so the angelic manifestation to the shepherds was extemal, as all angelic appearances ·under that economy had been; and this was so because the Lord was to become a man, and address His teaching to the external ear, until, by the glorifi- cation of His humanity, He could, by His own holy spirit, dwell in man, as an inward life-giving power. Hence He said, when teaching of the Holy Spirit-cc He is u'ith you, but shall be in you." The second coming of our Lord, as it was to be a manifestation of the spirit and power of His Divine humanity, and not a new Incarna- tion, was npt to be attended with any great or striking external effects. "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation." It is a spiritual coming in the revelation of the Divine, celestial, and spiritual sense of the Holy Word (and which is now given to man in the writings of the New Church), in which it will be found that the ample~t foundation has been laid for supplying all human wants that ever have been or can be felt. And hence the descent of the New Jerusalem, which represents a glorious church, having gates or introductory knowledges suited to all of every genius and state-cel~stial, spiritual, and natural- is the grand climax of the universal church. And as the great object of revelation was to lead mankind into this church, in which the Lord, in His glorified humanity, is the All in All, so in its manifestation all Divine revelation ends and is summed up in_cc The tabernacle of God is with man, and He will dwell with them." .
- 225. 222 THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL In the 14th chapter of this concluding book of Divine revelation, John is shown "The Lamb" and his company on Mount Zion, having their Father's name written in their foreheads. Their number, one hundred and forty and four thonsand, was. the number that was sealed out of the' tribes of Israel (recorded in the the 7th chapter), and which represented the Divine care over all who are in 'the world of spirits, exercised in their arrangement under Himself and their separation from the wicked, and that a preparation may be made for the accomplish- ment of the last judgment j for by these means 8 new heaven was formed of all who were capable of confessing the Lord from inward joy of heart, and of worshipping Him, and who had not defiled themselves with women,---:-that is, had not cherished the a~ection of the false principles that had desolated the Church around them,-and which are refelTed to in the Word as "The daughters of Babylon," &e.· These great changes in the world of causes must necessarily 1I0w downwards, producing correspondingly great effects among men on earth. The first Christian church had made known the elements of the spiritu~ condition and regeneration of man; and so 8 foundation had been laid whereby the beginning of the full manifestation of the Lord's church, in all its great celestial and spiritual proportions, might be introduced and made known to man on the earth. And so it is that, immediately after the joyful acknowledgment of the Lord in His gloriiied Human, in the new heaven, the new song which this acknowledgment could inspire was sung,..:-then "an angel is seen flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to- preach unto them that dwell on the earth." Already mankind had been taught' tliat the kingdom of heaven is within them; that there may be opened within, from the Lord, a degree of perception and affection of the purest and most elevating kind, if ,man will cooperate by abstaining from his own evils because they are sins against God. This heaven of internal perception is the scene of this angel's labours, announcing the coming of the Lord in the spirit and power of the Holy Word. This midst of heaven, the scene of this angel's announcement of the Lord's second coming, is not a state of isolation from the church on earth, or in the individual man who is capable of learning this new song of the confession, from. joy of heart, of the Lord Jesus Chrisi; as the Creator, Redeemer, and Regenerator of mankind ;-all such will earnestly embrace, with.. a living faith, the teachings of the Lord in the Gospels,-will exercise self-denial, and in all things will make the
- 226. TO GOSPEL OFTHE NEW JEBUSALBM. 228 Divine precepts He uttered the law of their life. These will draw around them a heavenly sphere in all their meditations on the Holy Word, because, rejecting everything of self in their confession of the Lord from joy of heart, heaven-which is love to the Lord and the neighbour-will become formed and strengthened in the internal man, and the everlasting gospel proclaimed by this angel will be present, illuminating all within; for all such draw around them, and open the inmost principle of their nature and life to a reception of the pure thoughts and holy aspirations of the angels. And these are felt by us as the beautiful intuitions that flow into our minds, with which we are often cheered and delighted, after making the things of the Holy Word the loved subjects of meditation. Frequently these deUghtful rays of heavenly light are so far above our attained states that we are unable to retain the ideas in our external memories while here, but they have made an indelible impression on the inner memory of the soul, and cannot be lost. Bat, why is the gospel preached by this angel called the everlasting gospel? This question is probably best answered by a reference to the dispensations of religion that were given to man in his progress of falling away from the Lord. The Adamic church became so perverted by wickedDess, that it passed away by a life-destroying flood. The Noatie gospel also passed away, and gave place to the Hebrew, or Israelitish, and when the Lord,came, in the fulness of time, they had rendered the Word of God of none effect by their traditions. All these dispensations passed away, in consequence of becoming"perverted; and the Lord laid the foundations of a spiritual church, which, when fully developed, will last for ever. For, al·though there has 1?een a retrogres- sion and perversion of the great principles of charity and truth which the Lord taught, there has also been a preparation for an upward pro- gression, flowing from the all-pervading influence 'Of the Holy Spirit, leading man into a favourable state of mind for receiving the grand announcement of what had been the burden of all prophecy, and the grand ultimation of the infinite and Divine means whereby mankind might be drawn upwards, to the fountain of his life and to heaven. During this :first stage of the Christian church, the influence of the glorified humanity operated for good to man, although it was unacknow- ledged, except only for a brief space of time in the apostolic age and the one immediately succeeding. The division of God into three persons, in her creeds, produced division everywhere else. Charity or love was no longer the bond of union; the church was divided into sects, who, if
- 227. 224 THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL they did not deny the possibility of anyone attaining heaven except through the belief of their own special creed, at least grudged their adqrlssion. The intellectual faculties of mankind had been much exer- cised and sharpened by these divisions, and infidelity was growing everywhere in the church, when the second coming of the Lord was manifested in the revelation of the spiritual sense of the Holy Word, by which the doctrines of Divine truth are clearly seen in the letter of the Word; and the true character of the Lord, in His Divine humanity, as the alone object of human worship clearly manifested; and mankind are taught to see the genuine gospel, in the teaching of the Lord when on earth. It is the good news of human redemption, and the way opened up through the Lord's glorified humanity. In those who cooperate with His Divine mercy, by exercising self-denial-rejecting their own selfishness, because the cherishing it is sin against Him-He can dwell by His Spirit, to strengthen and give them power to overcome. It is a gospel that cheers us with the great truth that the Lord loves man, and if man will turn from himself, or his self-hood, and seek a -new life from Him, He will substitute His own good and truth for our evil and false principles. And this is the true doctrine of substitution, that is essential to man's salvation. This gospel is one which has no tendency to lead to any triumphant display by the. recipient, but to that calm and peaceful confidence that a confiding child has learned to feel towards a beneficent father. The more than a Father's solicitude to His children embodied in the Lord's words-" Whosoever is willing to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me," is thus explained in this New Gospel:- " That to go after the Lord and to follow Him is to deny self is evident, and to deny self is not to be led of self, out of the Lord; and ~e.denies himself who shuns and holds in aversion all evils because they are sins, which, when man holds in aversion, he is led of the Lord, for he doeth His precepts not from himself, but from the Lord." (Ap. Ex. 864.) It must be evident that the enthusiasm of the natural man is laid aside in such a state, and the inner affections of the soul rise into a full and joyful confession of the Lord in His Divine humanity, from whom alone he is able to reject all defilement. This is the song of the one hun- dred and forty-four thousand who are seen assembled on Mount Zion to worship the Lamb, the symbol of the Lord's human. And this activity of the inward affections of the soul opens the intuitive perceptions of the mind, and the angel from the heaven of love
- 228. THE GOSPEL OFTHE NEW JERUSALEM. 225 and charity within sends forth those illuminating rays of spiritual and celestial light by which the principles of this glorious Gospel-which is everlasting because the infinite influence of the Lord's human is eternal-become the principles of our spiritual and eternal life. No intercourse with the spiritual world of a sensational kind, either direct or through a medium, can ever equal for good the "Everlasting Gospel preached to men that dwell on the earth" by this angel. This never can be superseded: it is and must be eternal,-the crown and com- pletion of all revelation. A. D. REVIEWS. PHENOMENA OF PLANT-LIn. By J.JBO H. GRINDON. Boston (U. B.): H. Carter and Co. 1866. Tms is a reprint of a short series of papers that appeared in the Repository in 1864. It cannot be expected that we should give an opinion of articles taken from our own pages; but we may consistently quote from a review of the work in the American magazine. " The publishers," says the reviewer, "have done good service in collecting from the Intellectual Repository these charming papers of Mr. Grindon. They consist of a few short chapters of pleasant talk on the various phases of plant-life during the dift'erent seasons of the year. Familiar and unfamiliar parts with respect to the vegetable creation are presented in a style remarkable for its grace and finish. The book is not pro- fessedly a religious one; all its ostensible teachings are of Nature and her phenomena. What there is of religion is for the most part suggested by incidental remarks rather than openly expressed; yet occasionally we have a fine thought pointing directly to the Source of all life and beauty." TEN LECTURES ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION. By W. B. HAYDEN.· . Boston (U. S.): T. H. Carter and Co. THESE lectures, after treating of "the character of plenarily inspired Scripture," and the method of its interpretation, proceeds to give "a summary view of the contents of the whole book," and to explain the principal visions, from the Lord's appearing in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks to the descent of the New Jerusalem. The work presents a very fair outline of the spiritual sense of this wonderful book, peculiarly a " Revelation " to the New Church, for it is understood in no other, and will be found useful to those who either have not the time or the opportunity to read the Apocalypse Revealed, or who would like to Bee its contents in a greatly condensed form. 15
- 229. 226 MISCELLANEOUS. .NOTES ON CHURCH MATTERS. cahmity precisely in those lights, and .. TBE Cattle Plague." This calamity, still tiley ma.y not be entu-ely de ti- which has been destroying .. large ..mount tute of some suilstra.tnm of truth: hence of Priv..te properly o.nd limiting the supply the suhject dese",'es a little consideration. of food to the public, has been, for some It is important th..t we should h..ve sO)lle time, exciting the anxio1lJl ..ttention of all clear opillion respecting so lamentable an clas8es in our county. The cause &Dd e'ent, in which such serious interests are the cure of this disease, hitherto, seem to illvol e'l. Tilerc can Le no doubt that have eluded discovery: they h..ve defied this misfortuue is permitted by the Di'ine the inquiries and ..pplic..t:ion8 of ~cience; Pro;llcnce, for there are no lawe of 8.D,1 tbe legislo.ture h8.8 stepped in to pro- permissiOll sepa.rate from those of Provi- vide what ..ppears .. rude remedy, in the dCllCe. By permission, where evils are i8olation of the csttle nnd the immediate eunceme,l, is simply meant that God slaughter of all that &re found to be does not will them, but still <loes not go infected. But the alo.rm which it ba8 out of tbe lal<'s of His providence to pre- oeeo.sioned h8.8 !.&ken hold of the religious vent them; an,l, consequently, when the communities. The Government w8.8 laws of preservation are transgressed tile pressed to appoint a day for a national evil belonging to it must follow. oth.in:l' fast, bUt this not being a uational calo.mity Call be permitted without a reason, and W8.8 declined, o.nd during the month of the reasou erists nowhere else but in Mueh nearly all denominations of Chris- sornc law of the Divine Providence, which tians have considered it a duty to set law teaches why such things are per- apart a day, most suitable to themselves, mitter; and it makes no diffel'ence, so far on which to offer up prayer to Almighty as cousequences are concerned, whether God that He would please to stay His the transgre 'sion proceed from willulu hand, and remove this diB8.8ter from the 01' ignorauce: thus, if a ship be sent to country. It is generally believed by those sea, with a rich cargo and numerous pas- denominations that the Lord h8.8 c..nsed sengers, Laving weak timhers, imperfect this visitation upon the cattle for BOrne builcling, or defective seamanship, and national sins which have been perpetrated from Clne or the otller of those causes he by the public, and that a national re- lost, the crtlamity is permitted becsuse pentance is requisite to arrest it. On this the law of safety had been neglected. idea prayers have been constructed by That law waS either sound timhe , Episcopal authorities nnd others, and 1110re pelfed huilcling, or 1110re com- offered up in numerous p!o.ees of public pletc seamanship; and the Divine Pro- worship belonging to the Protcstant viclencc cloes nut, when the disaster is churches. The Roman Catholics, ..Iso, threateued. work a miracle to snppl)' have deemed it an oCC&llion on which to those cleJieieueies. Nor does it matter adopt a similar cot1l'8e. Their view ot whether the ship W8.8 so sent out in the case is presented in the following ignorance or wilfnlneas, the consequence extract from Archbishop Cullen's letter to the ship is the aame; though igno- on the subject; he says-" To all Catholics rance of her deficiencies might euuse I would recommend the use, eacil ,Io.y, of the sender, while wilfulness would cer- the prayers against pestilence which are tainly condemn bim. And 80 it must found in the prayer-books, or those oon- be in all other cases where evil follows tamed in the Missal. I would also re- the neglect of some orderly Io.w. commend them to get their parks and Now, with respect to the cattle plague, fields blessed with prayer given in the there must have been some callBe for it, Roman ritual, and also to erect crosses and no doubt there is some cure for it. on their Io.nda, and keep them in their Some law of the Divine Providence dwellings, in the hope that this emblem necessary for the health of the cattle of the triumph of Christ over His enemies must have been neglected; some peculiar may pot to ftight the powers of darkness poison must have been engendered by and preserve us from their wicked in- that neglect, and the lamentable result tluence "" is that multitudes have been permitted Of course the New Church does not to die. The laws of health, which God view the canse or ths cnre of this provides even for the beasta, cannot be .Coook . c..'
- 230. MISCELLANEOUS. 227 neglected with impunity; and when they have great reason for humiliation. are neglected the natural consequence. They may have violated a law, and are ~tted to follow, for the laws of thereby have induced the misfortune, but permission are also laws of the Divine not knowing what that law is, they cannot Providence. A dim perception of this repent of its transgression; but they ean idea seems to be the substratum of truth humiliate themselves in prayer on that associated with the religious sentiments account, and this course, under such and procedure above refened to, and circumstances, is quite as applicable to a which, from appearances, supposes God nation as to individuals. And who will to have sent, and consequently to have venture to say that sincere humiliation caused, the cattle plague, as a punish- will not in any case be attended with ment for some national sin. Though light and direction in the matter which is .there can be no reasonable doubt that deplored? If it be trne that "when man this plague is the result of sin, so far as ptostrates himself before the Heavenly sin is considered as the transgression of Throne in the heartfelt acknowledgment some law necessary for the preservation of his own unworthiness,-when he sup- of their health, yet it is Dot sent as a plicates his Heavenly Father for the punishment, but &8 a necessary conse- mercies suited to his wants,-that when quence, which, however it may operate thus turned away from self the door is as a punishment, is not of the will of opened for the Lord to enter,"-who God. The calamity arouses attention to can tell what advantages in the way of the fact that some law of health must illustration may arise? We, who believe have been neglected, and it is highly that man is always under the inlluent'e probable that the efforts which are being of some spiritual intelligence, have rea- made to save the cattle which remain sonable ground to think that some useful will result in a return to that law, either illustration may be given, and that, knowingly or otherwise. As before said, . therefore, a national humiliation on it makes no difference whether the law aeoount of the circumstances we are be transgressed or obeyed ignorantly or contemplating is by no means out of wilfully, the natural results· will follow; place. It may be eminently beneficial : and it will be. Etqually plain that a depar- means for the blessings that we desire ture of the disease must be the result of may find their way into the world through a return to the requisite law. the medium of some truly humiliated But of what avail is public prayer and mind, not consciously perhaps, though humiliation in such a matter? Science may really. Swedenborg says, in a letter to demand greater attention to the cleanli- the Landgrave of Hesse Darmstadt, that ness and ventihttion of cattle sheds; to «« it is sometimes permitted to a spirit to the character of the artificial and natmeal enter into a man and communicate to food by which they have been sustained; him some truth." to the inolemency of the weather to Although, then, we do not regard . which they are sometimes exposed; to the cattle plague to be a calamity sent the unnatural groupings and frequently from God as a punishment for some cruel crowdings in travelling by railways, national sin, we do view it as the result and many other probable sources of evil, of a permisaion belonging to the Divine in which U civilisation," in its eagemess Providence, arising out of. the trans- to make money, may have overlooked gression of some natural law; and what is right, and so, in the violation of although we do not believe that prayer to its laws, have induced a calamity whioh God to take away this calamity will at all all deplore. But while the requirements alter the laws of His Divine Providence of science should be attended to with in respect to it, we do think that prayer promptitude and generosity, and all the and humiliation, on account of our resources of intelligence and prudence ignorance of the cause and continuance of employed to meet the requirements of the evil, is not ouly becoming, but that it the ease, there are no reasons why the may be the means of opening in some sentiments of genuine religion, if mani- minds certain states of illustration con- fested in true humiliation and prayer, cerning the ignoranoe which is deplored, may not be of some use in providing which, when properly exercised, may be means for arresting the calamity. It is eminently useful in the future for pre:- very certain that so far as men are igno- serving to the cattle their normal health. rant of the cause and the cure, they
- 231. 228 MISCELLANEOUS. The Bishop of London on Science and and Russian Churches,. and expressed Religion. On Sunday afternoon, Feb. surprise at there being np effort on the 25th, his lordship preached in the Chapel part of the English Church to promote a Royal, Whitehall, from the text-" The union with churches nearer home. Since house of God, which is the church of the then an endeavour to form such a union living God, the pillar and ground of has been made. A meeting has recently truth," (1 Timothyiii.15.) and attempted been held at the house of Mr. Robert to show how far the Church of England Hanbury, to consider the feasibility of a answered the description of a church in " Catholic Church Congress." The bulk " The Articles," and how it fulfilled its of the visitors were leading members of mission. He said its duty was to ex- the Evangelical Alliance, but liberal press and guide the religious feelings of churchmen were represented by Dean the nation. " There were many alarmed Alford and Mr. Freemantle; the loW' just now at a possible split of the church church, by Lords Ebnry and Radstock, into two parties; the clergy treading and many evangelical clergymen; the one path, and the laity another; the Dissenters, hy the Rev. Newman Hall, clergy becoming too superstitious, and Dr. Stean, Dr. Underhill, and others. the laity too free-thinking, although all Mr. Hanbury said he had Dot asked free-thinking might not be confined to Roman Catholics, not because individual the laity, or all superstition to the clergy, members of that church might not be one for some laymen might take a critical in Christ with them, but because the tone, and some clergymen ape the principles and discipline of that church dlngerous scepticism of the laity. It precluded the idea of union with those would not do here, as in some countries, beyond their pale. A free and candid for religion to be confined to priests and discussion is said to have taken place, but women, and all the manhood and intel- neither the points of it, nor the conclusion lect of the age to be left to the corroding come to by the meeting, have been re- influence of scepticism. There was and ported. It is a remarkable feature of our could be DO antagonism between religion times, that such union should be privately and the exercise of man's intellect. desired in so·many quarters, in the very Superstition and scepticism were antago- face of so many public controversies tend- nists; but superstition was but the bare ing to promote separation! Though cDunterfeit of religion, and so was scep- nothing in the way of practical results ticism of reason. Reason must not be may come of such attempts, surely their frowned down; doubt must not be called existence may be regarded as a proof that atheism, or inquiry sin. Of late many there is an activity of some Christian questions, long since thought settled, charity abroad, striving <to make itself had been re-opened, as to the nature of felt, and which was scarcely known to inspiration, _the mode of' reconciling the church a few yeal's ago. Therefore, miracles with the fixed laws of the it may be viewed as a sign of that sphi- uuiverse, &c. In what we sometimes tual progress by which the New Jerusalem call the torpid days of religion, a host is marking its descent from God out of of brilliant weapons had been fllrnished heaven. to Truth's armoury by meil like Butler and others girding the~selves manfully The authorized version of the Scrip- to confront the infidels; and th~y must tures, in this and other countries, is well learn to abstain from senseless clamour, known to have been made by persons or subjecting those who diverged from who were under the infl.uence of certain the belief of ill-informed people to abuse, ecclesiastical opinions which tended to as abettors of error." give to their translation in various places These are welcome words, and coming a peculiar colouring not always favourable from such a source, and delivered to to the truth, or faitliful to the original. Buch a people, they are among the marked This seems to have been so well under· signs of the ad.ancing liberty of thought stood by scholars and others in France, in spiritual things which is the charac.. that a society has been recently formed teristic of our age. in Paris for the purpose of executing a totally new and complete translation of We noticed in the January number, the the Holy Scriptures into French. In reported attempt which had been made order to ensure impartiality, the task will to form a Union between the Anglican be confided'to learned men of the Catholio,
- 232. MI8C}:LLANEOUS. 229 Protestant, and Jewish religions. The as it had been in the first, the fifth, the following are among the principal persons eleventh, and sixteenth centuries; and to be engaged upon the work, whose all systems of ethics, theology, and names have transpired :-M. M. Monta- science seemed to be changing. One lembert, Cremieux, and Grafry, Father report represents him to have argued Hyacinthe, The Chief Rabbi, and Prince against the doctrine of everlasting punish- Lucien Bonaparte. It is eminently in- ment; but this a writer in the Christian teresting to observe the learned attention World, who was present, seems to deny. which is being directed, in so many He writes about the sermon as follows : - quarters, to obtain, in the vernacular, the " It is impossible to describe the effect preeise literal sense of the original of the which the preacher's intensely-earnest Divine Word, and the result cannot be voice and manner produced on the con- otherwise than favourable to the advanee- gregation. He put a series of interroga- ment of religious truth. tories, as if the troubled spirit of the times were speaking, and said they The pressure which the new influences would have to be answered, -perhaps of Christianity is exercising upon the during the next fifty years. It is quite world is now being felt in Turkey, and a mistake to say, as one of the daily it has just led to the publication of the papers has reported, that he argued first authorized translation of "The against the doctrine of everlasting punish- Koran" out of the original Arabic into ment. He gave utteranee to the doubts Turkish, ever made in the East. This which he believed were stirring many has been done by command of the Sultan, minds, and he demanded that, as mem- who wishes every educated Turk to read bers of a kingdom which could never be the sacred books (!) of his religion in his moved, we Rhould occupy a reve~ent own language. The strict Mabomedans position while systems and opinions looked upon this proceeding as little less were changing." The perception of those than impious, and remonstrated vigor- changes, and the unhesitating announce- ously against it, but without avail. The ment of them to such an audience, by reply was, "that the Christians were such a preacher, are intellectual pheno- placing translations of their sacred books mena which, in their way, may be into Turkish, in the hands ~f the Turks, regarded as a step leading the public and it was necessary, in defence of the mind to retlect upon the origin of those Moslem faith, to enable the faithful to changes, and so logically conduce, sooner read 'the Koran' in our own tongue." or later, to the acknowledgment of those This was no doubt a very.fair answer to causes for them whieh have so long been the objectors, but whether it will result familiar to the members of the New as it is intended to do, may well be Church. The facts are evident; they doubted. Still, when a nation is stirred, are clearly traceable to a new activity of by the force of Christian influences, to the human mind, and thus to some new adopt means for its People to compare intluence from the spiritual world. their Koran with the Bible, we are pleased to recognise the fllct, and can have no We have long known that in France hesitation in concluding on which side there prevailed, somewhat extensively, the evidences of spiritual truth will press various phases of disbelief in the Sacred for admission among the earnest and the Scriptures, and that the truths of Chris- thonghtful. tianity were viewed more as ecclesiastical inventions than historical facts. The The Rev. Mr. Kingsley preached in flame of infidelity which broke out the Chapel Royal, Whitehall, in the towards the end of the last century in afternoon of Sunday, the 18th of March. that country has left some embers which There was a large attendance, among have never been extin~shed. Still it whom were the Bishop of London, a great was thought that they could only be many peers and members of t11e House found smouldering among the lower of Commons. The ·preacher took for and very uneducated classes of society; his text the words~', Yet once more I hence We were not prepared for the shake not the earth only, but also following announcement: - "In the . heaven." (Heb. xii. 26.) From this he course of a recent debate in the is reported to have declared that the French senate, M. Roland complained of prophecy was now ag~ being fulfilled, the frightful spread of M. Renan's doo- ..
- 233. 280 MISOELLANEOUS. trines, which were now openly preached fa.'r more numerous attendance than was from many Protestant pulpits, and stated expected, and ·the friends are of opinion that at a recent meeting of Protestant that, under more favourable circum- ministers in Paris, no fewer than fifty- stances, the room would have been five clergymen voted that the resurrection nearly filled. The general results of of Jesus Christ, not being capable of his- this visit are considered by the friends torical proof, was in no wise necessary to to promise to be fruitful. The breath- be believed;" while the traditional faith less· attention with which the sermon was only affirmed by the comparatively and lectures, especially the latter, were narrow majority of 104." Surely this is listened to, lead to the hope that many a state of things whioh can only be viewed of the great truths propounded have as among the vastations which are going left more than a transient impression on on in the consummated church, and as a several who heard them. After the lecture prelude to other investigations which on Wednesday evening, a young gentle- must conduce to the employment of man, who officiates as a local preacher in higher sentiments in Scripture criticism, connection with one of the religious bodies and sounder principles of religious of the town, expressed himself as perfectly thought. There is a proverb which says astounded with the views, and evidence "When things get to the worst they on which they rested, and desired to read mend." something in connection with our doc- trines,--a request, it is needless to add, GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. which will be duly attended to;by our VISIT OF THE REv. W. WOOD!U.N TO friends. HULL AND GBIHSBY.-According to the On the Tuesday evening 80 sa~ down" a.rra.ngement made, under the auspices of to tea. This number was also the largest» the National Missionary Institution, for with One exception, and, as will be in- a quarterly visit to the society at Hull, ferred, included friends who are not the Rev. W. Woodman spent a Sabbath members of the congregation. After with the friends there, when he preached tea, in addition to Mr. Woodman, the their .anniversary sermons (April 8th); meeting was addressed by Messrs. Pochett he also attended their annual tea meeting and Best, and the whole of the proceed- on the 10th, and lectured on the 11th. ings were greatly enjoyed by those pre- The services,. &0., were advertised by sent. I must Dot omit to mention that placard, and the lecture announced in the pleasure of the evening was further the Eastern Morning News. The subject enhanced by an adtlress from a gentleman of the morning's discourse was_U The who, although not a full receiver of the Nature of Genuine Christianity, and its doctrines. has on more than one occasion Consolations;" and that of the evening, stood prominently forward in their " J &Cob defra.uding his brother Esau of defence. This was Mr. Wilde, who, it his Birthright and Blessing: for what will be remembered, lost his situation purpose are circumstances of so doubtful through the part he took in favour of morality recorded by the Inspiration of the doctrines when attacked by Mr. God? " The lecture selected for the Brindley at Leamington. To return to Wednesday evening was-' , Do the Scrip- Hull, the society under the leadership of tures predict the Destruction of the Mr. Best--whose arduous and disinte- Earth? " The attendance, although not rested labours are unremitting-is gra- numerous, was considered by the friends dually consolidating itself; and it only satisfactory, being larger than on former rests with the members, by their zealous occasions, except when, in one instance, and steady cooperation, to become, under they expended a much larger sum in the Divine blessing, a flourishing church. advertising, &c. The number of the From the proximity of Hull to Great morning attendance was 60, and of that Grimsby, the Rev. W. Woodman sug- in the evening 80. After the evening gested to the committee of the National service, Mr. Woodman administered the Missionary Institution, the propriety of Holy Supper to 24 communicants. The making a visit to the latter town. TC) coll~otion, though comparatively small, this they cordially acceded; and as the exceeded, the writer believes, that of any few friends there not only expressed an previous anniversary. On the evening ardent desire to be visited, but were - of the lecture the weather was very un- willing to join in the expense, Mr. favourable;. there was, nevertheless, a Woodman announced four lectures to be
- 234. MISCELL.L"EOUS. ~81 delivered, in the Mechanies' Institution, of visiting Mr. Bogg's family, and con- on the following subjects :-1. H Luther, ferred with them on the proposal of Mr. W esley, and Swedenborg: their respec- John Stuart Bogg to establish a Lincoln- tive missions;" 2. " 'What think ye of shire association for missionary purposes. Christ?' a vindication of the Supreme Should this attempt prove practicable, D~iy of Christ;" S. "Matter and an increased amount of missionary labour, Spirit: their separate existence demon- with the aid of the other societies, may strated, and their nature and relationship be undertaken in that part of the country. defined and explained;" 4. "The Philo- May our Heavenly Father prosper the sophy, Nature, and Use of the Divine effort I Miraclefh illustrated by the consideration of the Lozd's miracle of the water turned BIRHINGHAK.-PBESENTATION TO THE into wine." These were delivered-two REV. E. MADELEy.-On Tuesday even- in the week previous and two. subse- ing, the 27th March, the New Church quently to the effort at Hull Grimsby Mutual Improvement Society, Summer- has a population by DO means greatly lane, held a social meeting, for the disposed to attendanee on lectures; and purpose of presenting their late pre.si- our friends were at first somewhat dis-" dent with a diamond ring, as a testimony appointed, and also discouraged, by the of their appreciation of the services he few that attended. As, however, the lec- had renflered to them in that capacity. tures proceeded their hopes were revived ; The.re were nearly 70 persons present. for although the attendance was much the After tea, Mr. W. M. Cooke took the same, it consisted of highly respectable chair, and called upon the secretary to and intelligent persons, and the interest read an address which had been }Die- ()f those present evidently deepened, pared, engrossed, and illuminated on several attending three lectures, and a parchment, the joint work of two of the few the whole of the course. In that on members, and which ran as follows:- '" Matter and Spirit" the evidence wae;, "Rev. and dear Sir,-It is with great according to the testimony of some of the pleasure that we desire to present you audience, felt to be overwhelming; and with this memorial of your connection notwithstanding the highly philosophieal with our society as. its president, during nature of the arguments in several parts, the first three years of its existence, it met with cordial aPplause, as also did. from 1863 to 1865. In doing 80, we ~e last, whi<?h appeared to give equal recall the advantages we derived from satisfaction. At the close of the former your extensive knowledge of almost a- gentleman, who had only heard the every subject that ~ame· before our" latter portion. begged to be permitted to meetings, and your rea.di.ness to impart lIend the town-crier to announce the con- that knowledge for our benefit and .in- eluding one, which of course was willingly struction. We are also sensible of the complied with; and at the conclusion of regularity of your attendanee,. and the the course one of the audienee wished to zeal with which you supported the procure so~e of the tracts, and another society. During' your presidency a strong inquired of Mr. Woodman if his leeture feeling of attachment and sympathy has on the "Deity of Christ" was published, been formed between you and us, which as he wished to po8sess it. Their wi8he~, we trust time will preserve, and no after as far as praetieal, will, be attended to. circumstances impair. We firmly believe On the whole, th~refore, it is hoped that that you .have already experieneed that more than a passing iutpressiQn has been pleasure which follows 8uece8sfullabour made. in a good cause, and we trust that this. There are some four or five friends in pleasure 'Will be increased by our testi- Grimsby, of whom l-Iessrs. Herzberg mony to the delight it has o.iforded us,. and Cartwright are the most prom~ent. and our appreciation of its valne. . We The address of Mr. Herzberg, through would wish this token to be. the feeble whom the correspondence has been ear- e~pres8ion of our present ardent feeling ried on, is Cleethorpes-road, Grimsby. of affection towards you, and that it may The friends here have been much ·~e afterwards, whether you are surrounded heshed by this visit, and they are desi- by many or by few friends, ever remind rpM that Mr. Woodman should spend a you that we have not forgotten the Sunday with them when convenient. benefit of your association, nor the kind Mr. W oodmau had also the pleasure and genial manner in which you fostered
- 235. 282 MISCBLLANEOUS. our hopes, strengthened our resolutions, Society, and it was always a source of and directed our efforts. We sincerely remark with them their observation -of desire that your life may long be spared the extensive knowledge, the courteous for the promotion of general good, and behaviour, and the conversational powers your household preserved in domestic of its chairman.- peace and prosperity ;-that you may Mr. Cooke, the chairman, then said ever feel that warmth of love and sym- that, separated from the ties of home, pathy which is the source of purest and his acquaintance with the late president perennial joys; and, when your mission began very little before the commence- on earth is accomplished, that you may ment of the society, and be had been ascend to that higher sphere where the treated by him with fatherly atFection. just made perfect are blest in the perfor- A president's task was a difficult one,- mance of more exalted uses, beholding to smooth asperities and remove errors ; the lustre of celestial wisdom, and, by what had been ill said to place in its their conjunction with the Lord, enjoying just light; and in doing all this Mr. ineffable and ever-increasing happiness." . Madeley had neTer uttered an unkind After the reading of the address and word, or hurt the feelings of one of the presentation, Mr. Madeley, who was them. Mr. Humphreys expressed. the much atFected, rose and said how deeply same feelings himself, and asserted that he felt the affection which had been the services rendered to him had been of uniformly shown him by the soe~ty, use to him, and of a Talue .which he and that on many occasions, in the could not rePaY. midst of trouble, he had come and spent The rest of the evening was devoted a peaceful hour at one of the meetings, to listening to selected readings of a which had benefited and consoled him. classical character, and music suita.ble to In thanking them for their gift, he feared the occasion. Towards the end, the they had made too great sacrifices in Rev. E. Madeley bade them a touching presenting him with one of .such value. farewell, and the National Anthem COD- He spoke of its correspondence, which eluded one of the happiest meetings the had been alluded to, as signifying union: society has held. the gold, celestial love; the diamond, the lustre of its wisdom. He desired NOTTDtGILUI, l!:EDDERLEY-STREET.- that these might be united within them To the Edi~.-Sir,-By some mis- all, and that they might all meet again chance, the word "Southampton" is in a more blissful state. He assured inserted in the April Repository instead them that he should wear their gift as a of "Nottingham," in connection with record of their·affection during the short the discourse delivered at the People's tiDle that remained to him on earth,- Hall, on the occasion of the day set avowed his love for them, and that if apart for humiliation on account of the at any time he could serve any of them, cattle plague. It is not of much moment, it would be his delight to do so. but it is better corrected. You will see, Mr. H. J ones then spoke of the friend- from the following extract from a local ship whioh had been continually shown paper, that our society is still perseve- to all the members by Mr. Madeley, and ring, and all are in confident assurance the instruction they had derived from bis that by "persisting in well doing" our labours among them. Mr. A. Small labours will be abundantly blessed. feelingly described the many benefits he Your readers are of course aware there had derived from their late President. are two societies in Nottingham. Each Mr. J. Butler spoke to the same purpose, is acting energetically, and for the and Mr. A. Winkley, the late Secretary, spread of the doctrines and life of the described the success which had attended New Dispensation, though perhaps in Mr. Madeley's lectures. Mr. E. Fenne- a di1ferent way.-Your. truly, more, the treasurer, concurring warmly W. HOARE, Secretary. with what had been previously said, dwelt " PRESENTATION. - On Monday last, upon the manner- in which the President April 2nd, the members and friends of always concluded the meetings, by lead- the New Church (Swedenborgians) held ing the subject to some useful end. Mr. their annual Easter tea meeting at the Tonks, the present secretary, said it had People's Hall. This occasion was one always been a pleasure to him to bring of more than ordinary interest, in conse- strangers to the Mutual Improvement quence of a presentation to Mr. Thomas
- 236. MISOELLANEOUS.. 288 Stevenson, the respected leader of the of last month I despatched to every society. Abo~t seventy sat down to tea, New Church society named in the and preparations were made to spend minutes of Conference a copy of my the evening in music and miscellaneous lecture, "Anti·Mourning," addressed to readings. After the _ singing of the the secre*ary or corresponding member Easter Hymn, the programme was in· of each respectively. I did so in hopes terrupted, much to the surprise of Mr. of inducing these societies to weigh the Stevenson, by the introduction of a very arguments adduced in that lecture against handsome electro-silver basket, contain- the custom of putting on mourning for ing grapes and other choice fruit, together the dead, as being un-Christian in the with an elaborate electro·silver 8Ugar· first place, and both mischievous and basket and sifter. The shields at the inexpedient for many secondary reasons; ends of the fruit basket bore the neatly- with the further hope that these argu- engraved inscription, 'Presented to Mr. ments would be seen, by some at least Thomas Stevenson, leader of the New in these societies, to be sufficient, and Christian Church, People's Hall, Not- lead to the adhesion of those so satisfied tingham, by the members, teachers, and to the Anti':Mourning Association, which scholars, as a token of esteem.-April a few brave and earnest friends have 2nd, 1866.' 'By this sh!ill all men united with myself in forming, Mr. know that ye are my disoiples, if ye Hume Rothery undertaking the duties have love one to another. (John c. 18, of secretary, in receiving and replying v.35.)' The testimonial was introduced to any communications on the subject. by Mr. Thomas Barker, and presented I 'howd be far, indeed, from wishing in the name of the subsoribers by Mr. to restrict this movement to the members A1lsop, the senior member, supported by of the professing .New Church, more Mr. John Gilbert, Mr. George Wood, than of any other church or sect. All and o~ers. Mr. Allsop regretted that trne progress we should desire to see the ladies had not made the presentation, promoted by the good and true of all for to them the credit and character of sects who constitute the Lord's true and the testimonial was mainly due; and living church in all lands and churches; they had succeeded in keeping all know· and I have met with strong indications ledge of such a spontaneous manifestation that a feeling against this custom of of respect from Mr. Stevenson. It was putting on mourning for one of the also pleasing· to know that the children Lord's dispensations, apart from all of the Sunday·school participated in the others, is growing up among thinking presentation equally with the oldest men outside of all churches, and irre· friend of the church. In acknowledging spective of doctrinal teaching. How the elegant gift, Mr. Stevenson said he much more, then, should not the impro- was so much taken by surprise that he priety of this custom be recognised was totally unable to express· himself. amongst us, who cannot feign to doubt He thanked them very earnestly.. He that birth into the better world, which had not deserved or sOllght at their men call death, is as much higher a hands any such manifestation of their blessing than birth into this world, as esteem. He loved his work, and his that world is believed by us to be higher, only desire was to see them all con· and holier, and better than this? More- tinually united and happy. After the over, it seems to me that, enjoying the friends present had all partaken of the privilege of those happy and beautiful luscious eontents of the basket, the truths in the possession of which we of music and readings were resumed for a the professed New Church rejoice, con- time, and the rest of the evening was cerning that better life and the imme- spent most harmoniously."-Nottingham diate transition into -it from this life, it Daily Express. is ~ur especial duty to bear witness to this happier faith in our life and conduct. ANTI-MoUBNING ASSOCIATION.-To the And how can this be the case while we Editor.-Sir,-Will you allow me, through continue to conform to all the irrational ·the medium of your pages, to solicit customs which we find existing in society, attention to a subject I have much at just because they exist, and whether they heart, and which, it seems to me, is are consistent with our convictions or deserving of earnest consideration on not? the pari of your readers. In the course One reason, I firmly believe, why the
- 237. 284 MISCELLANEOUS. New Church has as yet made 80 little NBWCASTLB-OK-Tnm.-The amU.,er- overt progress is, that its members have sary sermons of this society were preached as yet done so little in the direction of on Easter Sunday, and the Sabbath fol- bringing down its more spiritual teaching lowing, by the Re~. E. Madeley, to i.JUo their outward lives; but have con- delighted congregations, who could not tente(Uy jogged on in the old tracks, but profit by his admirable discourses. avoiding as much as possible any devia- The social tea meeting was held on tion in external things from ancient and Tuesday evening, April Srd, when up- established routine. It is well known wards of sixty sat down to tea, after that no small portion of its members which the nwnbers were augmented, continue to attend Church of England several friends from Shields being pre- services even when in reach of New sent. The Rev. W. Ray was called to Church worship-whether to avoid be- the chair, and appropriately introduced traying the peculiarity of their views, or Mr. Madeley to the meeting. The from some mistaken notions of charity address of our rev. visitor was varied forbidding them to separate from their_ and profitable alike to members and former fellow - worshippers, none but visitors. Remarks followed from Messrs. themselves can judge. In either case, Dixon, Miliel·, Catcheside, Wilkinson, I canno* bu* regret their so doing;. Couchman, and Me.Lagan ; also from because I believe that the new light Mr. Chorlton, of Shields; after which within makes all things new-whether :Hr. Madeley again spoke words of in- in man's inner or outer life, its mission struction aIld hope to the meeting. Nor is imperfectl~ accomplished, and· the must we forget the vocal efforts of Mr. prospect of its diffusion for the benefit Piper, which gave 80 much pleasure anel of others proportionably restricted. variety to the meeting. Nor do we believe that the professing The treasurer took advantage of bring- New Church will ever become the appre- ing before the annual gatheriug the deb~ eiable and growingly important power of £120. which so much oppresses the which it should be, amid the decayina' society; and a lively disposition was doctrinal systems which surround us on awakened and expressed by the speakers every side, till it does set the example to payoff one half during the ensuing of working out into all the particulars of year, and to appeal to the church ai life, those truths which are so admirably large to assist in liquidating the other adapted to bring these all into agree- half. ment with the order of Providence. For lfr. Madeley made his visit still more this reason it is that I so much wish useful by accompanying our minister members of the New Church would (Kr. Ray) in personally visiting many combine to take the lead in ~ aban- of the members. R. C. donment of the heathen custom of wearing mourning for the dead, which _arriart. will assuredly -be laid aside by enlight- On the 14th March, at Shrievannachie ened men before any very lengthened by Ballater, Aberdeenshire, by the Rev. period shall have elapsed. Our New D. Campbell, Mr. James F. Kellas to Ch1ll'ch brethren of tihe United States have already abandoned the custom, and Miss Mary Boyd Mitchell. I canno* myself see on what ground anyone holding sfiri*ual views of Chris.. 6flituat». tianUy can eOD8l8~Dtly adhere to U. DR. SPURGIN. The Quakers long since set us a noble Within a comparatively short period. eXA~vle in this respect, worthy of all many of the foremost men in New Ch1U'oh admiration and i!!!itation. I have as yet labour, who have been familiar to the received no acknowledgment or commu- church for years, as long as the younger nication on the 'subject from any of the men amongst us can recollect, have been societies, but I hope io do so before called to the higher uses of heaven. Iong.-I am, Su, yo.rs sincerely, Talel, Le Boys des Guays, Howarth, MABY C. HUD BoTIIB~Y. Mason, Smithson, and now we must add 5, Riohmond-terrace, the name of Dr. Spurgin. On Tuesday, Middleton, Mancheste!', March 20th, 1866, he breathed. his last .Feb. 12th, 1866. in this world, aged nearly 70 years. The public papers will have informed Qur
- 238. mSCELLA.'iEOUS. 285 readers of the robbery with violence and his views, and determined not to which our dear friend sustained in Sep- be deterred from inquiring into them. tember last, and that doubtless rendered "nen the recruiting officer left for Lon- more severe a heart affection, which Dr. don, the two young men agreed to renew Spurgin had been quite aware he suffered their acquaintanoe when Spurgin came from for some years before. At length, up to the hospitals and to obtain his after a few weeks of suft"ering, bome with diploma. This engagement was kept. loving gentleness and Christian fortitude, Robin80D came to see Spurgin on his this di8e88e, having taken a dropsioal arrival in London, and introduced him form, separated his noble spirit from the to New Church books and New Church frail earthly tenemen*. His body had friends. Spurgin became confirmed in become altogether unfit for the uses of his admiration for the writings of Swe- this life, and he was set at·liberty to he denborg, and to the last of his life in opeBly of the oompany of angels, and the world found his highest delight in engaged in the higher uses and fuller perusing them himself and in introducing blessedness of life eternal. them wherever he oould judiciously do Dr. Spurgin entered the Swedenborg so. They were his chief reading; and Society, then eommot:Uy called "The it was a common thing, if aNew Church Printing Society," in 1816, being the friend called upon him, to find him with oldes* member remaining (with oneexoep- ·some grand passage whioh he had been tion) up to the period of his departure. dwelling upon with delight, and which He had been a member fifty years. In he would proceed to reaa to his hiend, 1820 he was elected on the committee; his eyes glistening with pleasure. and' from 1828 was year by year, for The writer can well recollect one in.. more than thirty years, chosen chairman. stance of this kind. Having been ushered His annual addresses were alwayslistened into his study one morning, "Come in," he to with pleasure, and were warm utter- said, in his kind and cheerful manner,"and ances of his earnest desire to soo the listen to this wonderful pa8sRt:(e on the works of Swedenborg diffused as widely importance of truths to the wellbeing of as possible, founded on his deep convic- men." He then read part of n. 161, tion of their necessity for dispelling the Apocalypse Revealed, which is indeed darkness of man's mental world, and astonishing for its weight and its worth. introducing from the Lord the light of a We give it entire, as he gave it. Swe- better day. denborg is dwelling on the words- He was bam M Bradwell, in Essex, a " Remember, therefore, how thou' hast plaee a few miles from Brightllngsea, received and heard;" and he then adds- where his failler had an estate, and was " These words signify that they should lord of the manor. Young Spurgin was bear in mind that all worship at its com- apprentieed to a medical man in Rich- mencement is natural, and afterwards mond, in Yorkshire, and while serving by truths from the Word and by a life his time, made the acquaintanoe of a according to them becomes spiritual. recruiting officer who came to the town, These are the things which are to be and whom he found a pleasant companion understood by these words, and also that on his fishing excursions. This recruit.. every one may know from the Word, ing officer. known to many of our readers from the doctrine of the church, and probably in later years, was Mr. G. B. from preachings, that truths are to be Rohinso.n, long secretary of the Coal learned, and by truths a man obtaine Exchange, and a worthy New Church- faith, charity, And all the blessings of man.· The two young men spoke of the church. That it is 80 has been their religious views, and Spurgin was shown in the....4.rcana Ccele8tia, publish~~ shock with the grandeur and the clear- in London, ~ follows :-1. rh.~~ oy truths ness of those of Robinson. He was, we obtain faith; 2, by truths we receive however, warned against them by his love to the neighbour or oharity; 9, by religious friends 8S eccentric and dan- truths we have love to the Lord; 4, by gerous. But young Spurgin thought truths we obtain intelligence and wisdom; them good and ScriphU'al, as far as he 5, by truths we are regenerated; 6, by could see; and when they were oalled truths we obtain power against evils and Swedenborgian, he.got the Enoyolop8dia faI8es, and against hell; 7, by truths from his master's library, and read there there is purification from evils and faIses; a very favourabl~ account of Swedenborg 8, by truths there is the chlU'ch; 9, by
- 239. 236 MISCELLANEOUS. troth8 we obtain heaven; 10, by truths were universally recognise(l among his we enter into the innocence of wisdom; professional brethren, and his loss must 11, by truths we have conscience; 12, by be sincerely deplored, for his numerous truths there is order; 13, by truths the friends will miss from among them an angels have beauty, llnd the spirits of accompli,hcd scholar and a high-minded men also; 14, by truths man is man. gentleman. Dr. Spurgin was horn ou All these benefits come by truths from his father's estate at Bl'l1dwell, in Essex, goodness, and not by truths without and received his medical education in goodness, and goodness is from the Lord. the then united schools of St. Thomas's But who thinks these things? How and Guy's Hospitals. He graduated at many are careless whether they know CllIIlbl~clge. For many years Dr. Spnrgin truths or not, if only they attend to enjoyed a very considerable practice, and worship I" "How important 1" said Dr. secured the affectionate regard of his Spurgin, his eyes glistening with convic- patients in a. very remarkable degree. tion and partly in tears, .. how true are His death, flt sixty-nine years, may be those words I and yet how true also are fairly consi'lered as prematme, the pro· the concluding ones of Swedenborg- bability being that, had he not been , Who believes in these things?' " murdereel by ruffians, he wonld have Dr. Spnrgin was eminent in his pro- lived to a ripe old age." fession, and esteemed highly by his If Dny one needed admission into tbe brethren. He was elected on the Board hospitals of London, or help from them, of Examiners of the College of Physi- he was e'er willing to take steps for cisns, and was closely associated with their assistflnce. The writer ha... fre- several important institutions. His quently appl ied to him on behalf of generons and kindly nature made him friend" flnd always met a. ready, cheer- universally respected. The estimation ful, and active acquiescence. Some in which he was held by the medical exercise of tllis trait in his charact-er profession, not merely for his professional was probably tile cause of a note from a abilities, but for his moral worth and the Baptitit missionary, wllich is snbjoined, general excellence of his character, is as alike honourable to Dr. Spurgin and pleasingly testified by the tributes of the gentleman by whom it was sent:- respect which have been paid to his " Grays Inn-road, memory. Dr. Watson, president of the .. Deal' Sir,-Pardon my addressing Royal College of Physicians, at a meeting you, being a stranger personally, bnt it of that body, spoke of him thus :-" Of is to ask if tllerc will be a sermon at the the honest, genial, kindly-natnred man, New Church on the IllIIlented death ot whose DllIIle closes the death-list I have onr dear friend and brother in Christ, read, I need scarcely remind you. But a Dr. Spurgin? If so, myself and wife (to few montbs ago be was amongst us, in his whom his memory is greatly endeared) usual robustness of health. His pleasant would be glad to be present. Your kind and friendly face will long be missed and reply would greatly oblige, yours very regretted by us, especially on those days truly, when, as now, we assemble in our quar- .. W. L., Baptist Missionary." tetly comitia. We express, feebly enough, Dr. Spurgin ever took the greatest on this day. our grief tor his 10s8, and interest in the growth of the Church. ()ur respect for his memory, by abstain- Every incident, at home or abroad, which .ing frO!D that festive meeting of which showed the advA-nce of the trut.hB he loved, he had been the originator, and was tbe was a subject of joy to him. He was'the manager and main support." means of introducing the doctrines to . The Dancet, a medical journal, in many minds of considerable power and IlDDouncing his death, speaks of our ability, and to soIlie of the clergy of ths friend in terws of high respect :-" The Established Church. ·He was alwaY8 profession and the public have to deplore delighted on these occasions, because he the loss of. this gentleman, who was was deeply convinoed that their reoeption Lcloved by all who knQW him. Sad to of tbe sublime truths of the New Jeru· relate, he died from injuries received salem would be to them an unspeakable .from tbe accomplices of a London thief, and ever-increasing blessing. "'ho roLbed him in the public streets. DuriJ;lg the tronbles of the Swedenborg Dr. Spurgin'8 kindness of heart, nume· Society, from the attack8 of Spiritism, rOus acquirements, and high moral tone, Dr. Spurgin was deeply concerned. He " . ,Coogk
- 240. MISCELLANKOUS. 287 resisted manfully, with his fellow-mem- You must be prepared for the action of a bers, and rejoiced in the complete vindi- set of bad spirits, which have beset the cation of the Society's principles, and the New Church. The infernal world hates . Recurity which the entire defeat of its this church, and takes every opportunity assailants gave to its property. A letter to find and use tools in manifestation of which he wrote after the last annual its hateful tendencies; and, depend upon meeting, to one of the speakers who had it, my dear friend, our best resistance alluded to more recent attacks upon will be derived from our mutual love of Swedenbom himself, from those who had and for one another. This will be a professed 10 revere Swedenuorg, when manifentation far more potent and spiri,.. assailing the Society, and which had. then tual *han any table- turning .or lifting, or just appeared, will show Dr. Spurgin's than any wonder-exciting efforts, come continued conviction of tlie mischievous from what worl4 or source they ~ay. nature of Spiritism, and will be also "What, let me ask, would the world worthy of perusal, &s characteristic of his have come to, without God's Providence earnest and affectionate mind:- in the raising up of its Swedenborg,-a " 17, Great Cumberland-street, man who is proving himself to be its " 21st June, 1865. highest advocate and its best friend, by " My dear • • . ,-I was pleased by his demonstrating to the very intellect your animadversion yesterday evening, and heart of man that it has the Lord for touching spiritualistic action. It has its life, its rule, and its honour, in full done much mischief in the externa1sphere subserviency to His all-beneficent will? of the New Church life, and it will re.. This is the good and acceptable time of quire even years to bring it back to a this Second Coming, never to be rejected healthy state. From the earliest period and despised again. Take it for a great of the incursions of spiritism I saw its honour, as based upon profound humility baneful influence, &S tending to mingle we may, that we are permitted to behold good and evil together in one vessel,-in the glories of the New Jerusalem as we human minds to wit. Many people have do, and, confessing our unworthiness, to been infatuated by what they have im- labour for its wider acceptation by our bibed, and under their infa.tuation have fellow-men. For your labour accept the concluded to the injury of the social life sincere regard of, yours very faithfully, . of the New Church. Alas! that their "J. SPUBGIN. U conclusions should have been so readily And now-recollecting that he had accepted, and so slowly resisted. For been a receiver of the doctrines of the myself, I have always relied on the wise New Jerusalem for more than fifty circumspection of our Lord, for the wel- years-let us notice their final results fare of His New Church. He suffers its upon his last days. His disease was very lovers .even to undergo torture of soul, harassing for many weeks. The feeble- that they may feel the goodness of His ness of the heart's action enfeebled every power and the presence of His wisdom, other organ, and the body got no support. in the minutest of worldly cireumstances ; The indispensable supply which was ob- all having respect to their regeneration, tained by sipping, merely increased the even under oonditioDR of inauspicious dropsical condition of the lower portion promise. I often flee for succour to the of the body. Day and night were alike words-' The accuser of our brethren is restless and fatiguing. On the other east down.' They are an earnest of the hand, his medical friends were incessant fact that our Heavenly Father does not in their care, their kindness, and readi- accuse nor impute evils. Oh, no! He ness of ministration to him. His spiritual forgives, and supplies a test at 'Once of friends and friends of every kind evinced disposition on the part of man. When their attachment by their affectionate he (man) accuses, or imputes, or detracts, inquiries, and all these manifestations of he is in the way of error, and will eTen- interest were extremely grateful to his tually fall. How this has been verified in kind and genial spirit. our joint experience, during the last three His New Chm'ch views greatly sus- or four years! What a lesson have we tained him, and gave him confidence, not learned of the great necessity of our patience, and love. The writer saw him ~tanding by and for one another. It is a a few days before his departure, and was lesson which ha.s been spiritually and greatly edified by his earnest gratitude literally hammered into us. . . .'. . to the Lord, and his deep interest in the
- 241. 288 :MISCELLANEOUS. continued spread of the principles of the fested by his leaving to the General . New Dispensation. He went over many Conference the sum of £1,000., the in- points in his life's history, and seetned vestment to be effected at the discreuon more anxious than ever to testify that of that body; the interest to be paid to the Lord is good to all, and His tender his widow during her life, and then to be mercies are over all His works. paid to the Swedenborg Society, and There seemed already so much love spent by the committee in advertising. beaming from his eyes,-such an un- He has left also an affectionate letter of wonted tenderness in his speech, and in directions, to be read at the GPnferenee, the atmosphere,-that feeling sure his in whioh he expresses his wish that, if life here would not be prolonged many ever the interest of his money should not days, the impression forced itself upon be needed for advertising, it may be the mind that the celestial angels were appropriated to sustain, as far as it may, with him, and his interiors were gradually an itinerant missionary, to preach and opening to their sweet influence. And teach the principles of the New Church thus he continued to the last. throughout Great Britain. The chamber where th~ good man meets bis fate Mr. Trimen'slast illness was but brief. Is privileged beyond the common walks of Ilfe : He had gone through the winter with Quite in the verge of heaven. care, and apparently with SUCC6ss,-never Every one who had the happiness of leaving the house, and chiefty remaining knowing Dr. Spurgin in his long and in his chamber. He went down into the useful life, and saw his spirit ripening to shop to see to some matter of business, its close, until he passed to heaven, will which he thought it would do him no feel himself impelled to say, "Let me harm to attend to, but he took cold,. and die the death of the righteous, and let his chest weakness was so. aggravated my last end be like his." J. B. L. that in Or few days, notwithstanding every care. he breathed his last. About a fori- Mr. Tlimen, law-stationer, of Portu- night before his own departure, he wrote gal-street, Lincoln's Inn Fields. aged 55 an affectionate letter to his old friend years. .Our dear brother, whose departure Dr. Spurgin, then known to be su.trering into the eternal world we now chronicle, severely, and which cheered the doctor was born of New Church parents, who very much. His own illness deepened with many other esteemed friends in the so rapidly, that the very day after Dr. early days of the Church, had received Spurgin's departure Mr. Trimen fol- the doctrines through Dr. Peckitt. This lowed, and their remains followed the day latter gentleman was a learned, talented, after one another to Highgate Cemetery. and excellent man, who had associated Like Saul and J onathan, "they were with several others to whom Swedenborg lovely in their lives, and in their deaths • was personally known. :Mr. Trimen's they were not divided." J. B. L . health was never robust; only. through great care during the winter was his life Departed this life, N ovember 1st, 1864, prolonged to the period to which he at- in his 77th year, Mr. John Birchwood, tained.He was tUl earnest lover of the of Eccles. He was one- of the remaining .principles of the New Church, and re- few who had the privilege and pleasure joiced in everything tending to promote of listening to the preaching of the late her welfare. Our readers will probably venerable Clowes, of whom he was an %8collect from time to tilne his earnest ardent admirer. He attached himself to appeals to the friends generally, to form the temple at SaJ1ord, under the ministry an a.dvertising fund. He was convinced of its first pastor, the late Rev. Robed that a much larger circulation of the Hindmarsh; and when he remoTed to works would follow vigorous adv~ing. London, our depa.rted friend joined the He met with less success in this effort society at Peter-street, under the pas- than he had hoped, probably from the tora.te of that genial and amiable father' many other objects by which the church of the church, the late Rev. Richard is engaged, and her attention ellgrossed. Jones. Mr. B. was a therough believer The Swedenborg Society perhaps has .in the doctrines of the New Jerusalem. advertised more than it otherwise would, He never feared nor failed to declare, in consequence of his earnest appeals. confirm, and enforee them. As a mis- His own continued conviction of the sionary, in the earliest e1forts of the importance of advertising has been mani- Manchester and Salford Missionary
- 242. MISCELLANEOUS. 289 Bociety, he was an active and very choir. She was a devoted wife, an aifec- zealous labourer. The exuberance of tionate mother, a simple, kind-hearted hia spirits was only exceeded by the woman, and an earnest well-wisher of firmness of his hope and the earnestness the New Dispensation. All her trials-- of his faith. He beliet'ed in the New and they were many-never abated her Jerusalem. For some years he was a love for the truth, and she passed peace- trustee of Conference. Always an advo- ably from the outer vale of human being cate of popular education, it need hardly to the higher mansion, depending UpoD be said that he was a warm friend of the *he Saviour. VERITA8. New Church day-schools. When the Manche8ter Tract Society was formed, Departed into the spiritual world, OD he was one of the most vigilant of its the 21st January, 1866, in the 55th supporters. . He was the critic of all its year of his age, Mr. John Artingstall, of sayings and doings. His spirit appeared Hightown, Manchester. Our aeparted to have a peculiar aptitude for marking friend had been blest with the .advantage incongruities and apparent discrepancies; of being bom and educated in the New and he never allowed personal incon- Church, his father having been one of venience to prevent him from lifting up the oldest members of the Worsley his warning voice---even though at times Society, which .was one of the places he might have been too precipitous, or visited by the late Rev. John Clowes. perhaps deemed uncourteous-against He married the daughter of another ear- anything that struck him as militating Dest member of the same society, and against the purity or consistency of the has left three sons, who have from time doctrines of the New Jerusalem. In to time made tbemselv~8 useful in this respect adversity-of which, under the external church, for some years at the Divine Providence, for his eternal Ashton, but latterly at Salford. Our go~d doubtless, he bad his share, and late friend was the superintendent of that no meagre one--made no visible the Sunday-school at Ashton until he effect. "nether in worldly prosperity left that town. He was a lover of the or adversity, he was the same unflinch- heavenly doctrines, a straiglttforward ing advocate and defender of the doc- and persevering man, ever upright and trines of the New Church. He had true to his principles. His departure, his poouliarities. Which of us is without? though an apparent loss to his family, One of his was to believe that the Lord's will doubtless be his gain, and for their Prayer was fully adequate to all the spiritual benefit. STELLA. wants of the soul, being an epitome of the New Testament, and the prayer At Kersley, on the 22nd of January given by the Lord. His ew:nestness last, Sarah Radcliffe was removed into freqnently made him appear to be severe the Eternal World, in her 22nd year. and unmindfnl of the feelings of his From her childhood she had been con- brethren; but when better known, perhaps nected with the Sunday School and it was a zeal which his day needed, in Church, and no one was more constantly order that better things might follow. present at both. Her decease was occa- He died believing in the Lord J eaus, sioned by the insiduous malady to which and s~pported, as he said, by the D ivin-e so many fall victims in early life-con- prayer. sumption. Characterized by the quiet gentleness of her disposition, her last Also, on the 16th of March, 1866, in illness was marked by a I'esigned compo- the 77th year of her age, Mary, relict of sure; and the only desire ever expressed the late John Birchwood. Her fatller by her; as regarded her recovery, was on was an earnest reeeiver of the heavenly account of her mother, who was partly .doctrines, .and for many y-ears was con- dependent on her earnings; in every nected with the choir of the temple in other respect she was perfectly resigned Salford. He was a simple, kind-hearted, to the prospect of her departure. After and earnest man. His daughter was by gradually sinking, her spirit at length birth endowed with a good memory, and peacefully teok its ffight. W. distinguished herself at the Sunday- 'School recitals, so much valned by our On the 18th February, JaDe Simpson, forefathers; wlrlle having a good voice, aged 75 yea.rs, departed into the spiritual she was 8 useful acquisition to the world. Ber husband had left the natural
- 243. 240 MISCELLANEOUS. world about two years before. They only true comforter. On reading to her had been led to join the society at Pres- I a portion of the Psalms and of the ton about 18 years ago, through the Gospel, she declared that every word Rev. Mr. Rendell's lectures and minis- went to her heart. She has doubtless tration, and were among its most es- entered, iD reunion with her beloved teemed and consistent members. The husband, into the joys of her Lord, where conjugal harmony that subsisted between there is no more death, neither sorrow them was very marked, and doubtless nor. crying. S. enabled them to exercise a beneficial influence on the children, who all became On Sunday, the 8th April, at his attached to the church. The writer, on residence, 22, Balmoral-road, Fairfield, visiting her a few hours before her Liverpool, the Rev. Charles Gordon departure, was forcibly' struck with the Macpherson, formerly of Peter House power of the Divine Word, as being the College, Cambridge, aged 39. INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thursday 7-0 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.- Second Monday • • . . . . • • • • • • • • • • •• 6-30 National Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, ditto.-Fourth Monday. . . . • • . . • • • • • • • • •• • • • . . . • • . . • • • • • • • . • • • • •• 6-30 College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Last Tuesday.. •• . .•• •••. •• •• •• •• 8-0 . MANCHESTER.· Tract Society, Schoolroom, Peter-street.- Third Friday. • . • • • . • • • • • • • • • •• 6-30 Missionary Society ditto ditto •••• ~. . . • • • • • . • • • • 7-0 Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BRUCE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. T40se intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of recent meetings, lectures, &c", may appear if not later than the 18th. M. C. H. R. has sent an answer to the author of "Bible Photographs.'" We would gladly have inserted this article if, in the New Church, the point in dispute admitted of two opinions. (T. C. 282-331.) . R. C., excellent as his article on the Commandments is, will, we think, agree with us in opinion that it is not now required. . The letter objecting to a statement that appeared in our last, on the matter of "Saving Faith," has been handed over to the writer of the article in which that statement occurred. "The Writer of the Narrative" must excuse us for not inserting his letter. What we have said on Mr. Miiller and his success seems to us sufficient. Received-" Inquiries;" "A Lov~r of Goodness and Truth;" and Poetry. We learn that Mr. John Bogg, of Louth, died. on the 15th of April. . College Anniversary Tea Meeting at Devonshire-street, Islington, on May 1st. The Twenty-ninth Annual Meeting of the subscribers and friends of the Man- chester and Salford New Church Tract Society will be held in the School-room, Peter-street, on Tuesday ~vening, May 8th. Tea on th~ table at six o'clock. President, the Rev. R. Storryt of Heywood. Societies are requested to send representatives. CAVE and SEVER, Printers by Steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester..
- 244. THE INTELLECTUALREPOSITORY AND NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 150. JUNE 1ST, 1866. VOL. xm. ON CHRISTIAN PERFECTION. THE highest purpose of Divine revelation is to lead us, by the know- ledge of God, to aspire after and strive to attain unto the perfection which it enables us to contemplate in the Divine nature and character. Created in the image and likeness of God, man originally bore the impress of His perfection; and although, by his fall and declension, man has lost the moral image of his Maker, .the faculties through which he obtained it have never been destroyed, nor have the means of recovering it ever been wanting. When, by the prevalence of evil, man became alienated from God, and was no longer receptive of inward revelation, which gave him a true perception of the Divine nature and character, an outward revelation was vouchsafed to him, which described and represented 'them in accommodation to his state. But when the period had arrived in which a perfect exhibition of the Divine character could be made, consistently with the order of God and the welfare of man, God became man, and, as the Son of Man, lived a life which gave a practical.manifestation of all that man had ever known and the Scriptures revealed of the perfection of the Divine .character. When the Lord required or exhorted His disciples to be perfect, even as their Father which is in heaven is perfect, He showed them, in His own spotless and beneficent life, the perfection which He taught them to acquire. Those who saw Him, saw the Father, not only in His person as God manifest in the flesh, but also in His nature and charact~r, as Love and Wisdom going forth in acts of redemption and salvation. • 16
- 245. 242 ON CIIRISTIAN PERFEOTION. "No man eometh unto the Father but by me," is as true in a moral 88 in a personal sense. We can no more come to the true knowledge and possession of the love and wisdom of God than we can come to His hidden Divinity, but in and by His Divine humanity, which is Love and Wisdom in their own human form. The Lord Jesus Christ is our Father in heaven. To Him we must come, and Him we must imitate, if we would hope to attain unto Christian pe;rection. To be perfect in any real sense, and especially to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect, may seem impossible to such frail and erring. creatures as we are. And perhaps a sense of human feebleness and degradation, rather 'llian a disposition to wander from the troth, has led some to the opinion that this is one of those demands which tell. us what God requires, not what we can render. H we examine the subject we shall find that, even in this, our Saviour requires no more of us than He gives us power to perform. When the Lord requires that 'we must be perfect as He is perfect, He does not of course mean that our perfection is to be the same as His perfection, but that it is to be an image of it. What constitutes the Divine perfection of which ours is to be the image? The Divine perfection consists essentially in this-not that God in His essence is infinite Love and infinit.e Wisdom, but that in Him love and wisdom are perfectly united and form a one. Were it possible that God could have more love than wisdom, or more wisdom than love, He would not be perfect. .Could He act from love more than from wisdom, or from wisdom more than from love, His government would not be perfect; and the whole system of the universe would be deranged if not destroyed. To change the terms without altering the sense, could the Lord act more from mercy than justice, or more from justice than mercy, His moral government would be imperfect; and the distinction between good and evil, and between heaven and hell, would be lost, and confusion and ruin would ensue. The love of God is perfeet because it is united with wisdom, and the wisdom of God is perfect because it is united with love. It is because the laws of wisdom are inscribed upon the Divine love that all the operations of Divine power are perfect. The union of love and wisdom in the Divine nature makes God perfect; and the united operation of these Divine essentials make all the Divine works-the works of creation, of providence, and of salvation-perfect, and incapable of being otherwise than they are. As the perfection of God consists in the union of infinite love and infinite wis(1om, the porfcction of man and of angel consists in the
- 246. ON CHRISTIAN PERFEOTION. 248 union of finite love and finite wisdom. God created man with faculties for the reception of a measure of His own love and wisdom,-with a will for the reception of His love and an understanding for the reception of His wisdom. Christian perfection consists, therefore,' in the harmony and union of the will and understanding, and consequently of the love and wisdom, or charity and faith, of' which they are receptive. The Scripture terms by which· perfection is expressed form a suitable basis for the state of perfection as we have defined and described it. The Old Testament word which is translated perfect, means entire, and the New Testament term has much the same meaning. Entire or whole or complete, spiritually understood, is one as resulting from the union of Christian principles; so that an "entire" man is one who by regen-eration has united in himself the two universal principles of goodness and truth, or love and wisdom, which are but the parts of one whole and entire humanity. In God these are perfectly and eternally one; and hence His infinite perfection; in man and angel they are designed to be one, and become so by regeneration. AB perfection arises from the equality and union of will and under- standing, and of love and wisdom, and charity and faith, imperfection arises from their inequality and want of union. When the will and understanding are at variance, and the mind is thus divided, there can be neither perfection of state nor of action, nor consequently of happi- ness; for the one neutralizes or opposes the other, to the extent that the opposition exists. If the will loves what the understanding con- demns, or if the will does not love what the understanding approves, 80 far must there be division, and therefore imperfection. And on the other hand, if the will inclines to good, but the understanding has not the wisdom necessary to dirJct it to the right object or the right means of attaining it, the state of the mind is imperfect in proportion to the deficiency of wisdom. In most cases we have more wisdom than love, .or more truth than good. Our imperfection results rather. from a defi- ciencyof the love of what is good than the understanding of what is true. It is, ho~ever, to be considered that, especially in the present stage of our existence, perfect equality and union can hardly be pre- served. Our present state is one of preparation, in which. we have to learn the truth· in order that we may love and do it,-or rather, that we may do and love it, for obedience comes before love. It is not, there- fore, an infallible sign of imperfection that knowledge is in advance of goodness, if there is an honest and earnest striving to follow the lessons of wisdom and to sati~fy the dictates of conscience.- It is, however, well
- 247. 244 ON CHRISTIAN PERFECTION. to remember that the truth which does not look to good, and which is not ultimately united to it, can form n'o part of our future inheritance, and even in the present world is but a seeming possession. Not only does it add nothing to our perfection, but rather adds to our imper- fection, and may even increase our condemnation. If, then, Christian perfection consists in ~he union of goodness and truth, that perfection is attainable by all men, and is equally within the reach of the wise and the simple, ,the high and the low, the rich and the poor, both naturally and spiritually. The simplest and the humblest Christian is, equally with the wisest and the greatest, perfect, even as his Father in heaven is perfect, if his measure of wisdom, however small, is united with an equal measure of love,-if his goodness and truth, his. charity and faith are equal, and form one in his mind and life. It is not the extent of his aequirements, but the use he makes of those he possesses, that determines his perfection. It is true that knowledge enriches the mind, and increases its means of improvement and usefulness; but it is only a means, and not an end. The end of knowledge is goodness, and, this claims our highest regard. Not the amount, but the use ,of whatever amount has been acquired, is the mark of perfection. The smallest amount well employed" is more and better t~an a large amount not well applied. "A little that a righteous man hath is. better than the riches of many wicked." The rich man who fared sumptuously every day, finally lifted up his eyes in hell, while the poor beggar, who lay at his gate full of sores, and fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table, was carried by th~ angels into Abraham's bosom. The blessing of spiritual, as of temporal wealth, is only in the using. And those who diligently use the share with which Providence has supplied them, however small, will be welcomed as the servants who have been faithful over the few things which have been entrusted to their care, and will enter into the joy of their Lord. Every one, therefore, is capable of perfection in his own degree- God in an infinite degree, men and angels in a finite degree, and every man and every angel in his own particular degree. And, whoever becomes perfect, by the union of good and truth in himself, will go on increasing in perfection to eternity. Yet even in this progression the finite presents an image of the Infinite. So that what appears to be a want of cor- respondence forms one important feature of it. God is infinite in per- fection, but man can go on perfecting to infinity. Could finite beings ever reach a point of perfection beyond which they could not go, their perfection would cease, nnd y,"ould cease to be, in one important Rnd
- 248. ON OHRISTIAN PERFECTION. 245 essential particular, an image of the perfection of God. Infinite as the distance is, and must eternally be, at which the disciple follows his Lord, yet his perfection may be in every stage of his progress an image, howev~r faint, of the perfection of Hi.m who is the pattern of allftnite perfection. What just claim can we have to discipleship, if we do not strive to learn of Him who came to lead us by His example as well as by His teaching, to become perfect, even as He our Father is perfect ? All that is required of us is to do as we know-to practice the truths we believe. Thus are truth and good, faith and charity, united. This is perfection, and this is heaven; for heaven is the marriage of good and truth. In heaven there is no solitary good or solitary truth. The least in the kingdom is in the marriage of the good and the true, and can therefore unite with the universal body in forming the perfec1Jt man, the mystical body of the Lord, the grandest image of His own glorious body. " Leaving, .therefore, the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection." Let us listen to the Divine command given to faithful Abraham-" Walk before God, and be thou perfect." And if we do this faithfully, to each of us will those Divine words apply-" Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." SIGNS OF RELIGIOUS PROGRESS IN INDIA.~: THE evidences of the great changes, mental, moral, and religious, which are taking place in every part of the world, are being continually manifested. Men are everywhere feeling the quickening influences of a new life, and becoming the subjects of deeper thought. The thinking portion of Christian communities are slowly working out improved forms of doctrine, and higher conceptions of moral duty and of religious life. Among the civilized heathen a similar process is going OD, though under less favourable circumstances. All men are the children of one common Father, whose love is over all, and whose providence is uni- versal. To all He has extended the means of progress, but to each according to the circumstances in which they arc providentially placed. Those who have the written Word are placed in the most favourable circumstances, and, as the consequence, are subject to the greatest responsibilities. Those who have not yet received the Word are not, • It is due to the writer of this article, to state that it has been in our possession for several months, waiting a place in the miscellaneous department. Its interest, however, does not depend on the' date but on the nature of its information. ~
- 249. 246 SIGNS OF RELIGIOUS PROGRESS IN INDIA. on that account, without the pale of Divine compassion, but are ever watched over by the tenderest mercy. A thousand circumstances unknown to casual and superficial observers, are brought to operate on the awakening faculties of those who are already the subjects of intel- lectual culture and of moral and religious sentiments. The evidences of change, and of change leading to improvement, are becoming everywhere conspicuous. It is particularly seen in the breaking up of old systems of faith and practice, and the eager searching after some more. excellent way. The report of a provincial Missionary Committee tells us that- "The unanimous judgment of all conversant with the state of society in India was, that the faith in idolatry was gradually but surely fading away from the Hind~ mind. Of course, direct missionary effort would not be credited with all the change; it was no doubt owing to English literature and modes of thought, quite as much as 'to religious teaching. The effects of such a state of feeling were noticed by many missionaries. One regarded the future as full of hope; he said that the dark ages of India were breaking up; Hindoo society was " out of joint;" that even the priests admitted that old things were passing away, and not unfrequently acknowledged that the glory of their religion was departed, and that the sooner the impending ruin occurred the better. The alternative in India was between Christianity and Atheism, for faith in Br ahminism was becoming impos- sible; and too many had swung over to infidelity." It is natuml for those who can see safety to the heathen but in their own system of religious faith, to regard with distrust and apprehension 80me of th~ phases of modem opinion among the Hindoo reformers. Those who are l1.ble to look more deeply into the changes ·that are taking place must regard ihem as preeminently hopeful. A process of vastation must precede illumination and progress. The mind requires to be emptied of the false persuasions of the past before it can become prepared for the discoveries of the future. The following account of an association of educated Hindoos we give from a provincial print. H it does not grasp the truth on all the subjects of which it treats, it makes 'some near approaches, and is distinguished by a catholicity of spirit and a regard for the feelings and opinions of others, which might be very profitably imitated by many who think 'they possess much greater light : - " An association, called. the Veda Somajam, has lately been established by the educated Hindo08 of Madras, in imitation of the Brahmo Somaj of Calcutta. Its aims and objects may be gathered from its covenants, which are &8 follows : - "1. I shall worship, through love of Him, and the performance of the work He loveth, the Supreme Being, the Crea.tor, Preserver, the Destro.yer, the Giver of Salvation, the Omniscient, th~ Omnipotent, the Blissful, the Good, the Formle~ •
- 250. BIeNS OP BKLIGIOUSPBOGRESS IN INDIA. the one only without • second; and none of the created objects-subjeet to the following conditions:- "2. I shall labour to compose and gradually bring into practice a ritual agreeable to the spirit of pure Theism, and free from the superstitions and absurdities which at present characterise Hindoo ceremonies. U S. In the meantime, I shall observe the ceremonies now in use, but only iD eases where ceremonies are indispensable, as in marriages and funerals; or where their omission will do more violence to the feelings of Hindoo community thnn is consistent with the proper interests of the Veda Sowaj, as in Sradhas. And I shall go through such ceremonies, where they are not conforms hIe to pure Theism, as mere matters of routine, destitute of all religious significance, as the lifeless remains of a superstition which has passed away. "4. This sacrifice, and this only, shall I make to exisiting prejudices. But I 8hall never endeavour to deceive anyone as to my religious opinions, and never stoop to equivocation or hypocrisy in order to avoid unpopularity. "5. I shall discard all sectarian views and anuuosities, and never offer any encouragement to them. U 6. I shall, as a first step, gradually give up all distinctions, and amalgamate the different branches of the same caste. " 7. Rigidly as I shall adherel60 all these mIes, I shall be perfectly tolerant to the views of strangers, and never intentionally give offence to their feelings. . U 8. I shall never violate the duties and virtues of humanity-justioo, veracity, temperance, and chastity. "9. I shall never hold, or attend, or pay for nautches, or otherwise hold out encouragement for prostitution. "10. I shall encourage and promote, to the best of my power, the remarriage of widows, and discourage early marriages. "11. I shall never be guilty of bigamy or polygamy. "12. 1 shall grant my aid towards the issue, in the vemaculars, of elementary prayer-books and religious tracts, and also of a monthly journal, whose chief object shall be to improve the social and moral condition of the community. u 18. I shall advance the cause of general and female education and enlighten- ment, and parti:cu1arly in my own family circle. "14. I shall study the SansCl·it language and its literature (especially theological), and promote the cultivation of it by means not calcnlated to promote superstition. "To-day, being the - - day of the month of - - of the Kalyabda - - , I hereby embrace the faith of the Veda Somaj, and in witness whereof I set my hand to this." R. S. THE NEW MOVEMENT. SOME months since we received by post a pamphlet, eJ?titled "Thoughts for our Homes," which we read with interest, though ~ertainly not with entire approval. On the cover ,of this pamphlet was a list of other small works, with the intimation that any of them might be obtained by applying to Thomas 8cott, Esq., Ramsgate. An application to that
- 251. 248 THE NEW MOVEMENT. gentleman brought us in a few days a packet containing about twenty other tracts .and papers, and we have since received from the same liberal donor several other parcels, containing small works that have been more recently issued. Our application was accompanied with an intimation that it was possible some notice of them might appear in the Repository. We have carefully read the whole of these tracts. They evidently belong to the school of the Essays and Reviews and of Dr. Colenso; and are no doubt intended to aid the movement which the Bishop, before his last departure for South Mrica, announced as on the eve of its commencement-a movement, he said, which might be directed, but could not be arrested. We do not mention this for the purpose of creating a prejudice against the views advocated in these missives; but only with.the object of making our readers acquainted at once with their general character. The school whose views· are advocated in these tracts does not profess to have any formal or fixed creed; nor ~re-the opinions of the various writers on all points of necessity the same. .,' Free thinking and speaking in the Church of England," seems to be their motto; and no other bond of union is necessary to give one a claim to belong to the brotherhood of the new Reformation. The summary of their more pro- minent articles of faith, which we propose to present to our readers, is gleaned from these little works, by various authors, and must be regarded as indicating the general complexion of the views of the school as a whole, rather than expressing the opinions of every particular member. They are as follows:- God is a being of infinite and unchangeable love and goodness. The Divine laws which require us to love God above all things, and our neighbour as ourselves, are written by the Spirit of God upon all our hearts. The inward law is superior to any book; so that if the Bible were swept away, we should still have within us all that is necessary for our guidance. . The Bible should be read, '1wt as the infallible Word of God, which it is not, but the fallible word of man, which it is, as containing a record, not of what God said and did, but of what the best minds in past ages thought God said and did. The narrative of facts contained in the Bible must be submitted to the ordinary tests of criticism, and to the ascertainment of facts in 'our courts of law.
- 252. THE NEW MOVEMZNT. 249 Judaism has no historical basis in ·the Old Testament; Christianity has no historical basis in the New. -As the laws of nature are unchangeable, there can be no such thing as a miracle. Jesus Christ was a mere man, and by no means a perfect one. He was crucified, but never rose from the dead, and of course never ascended into heaven. The Divine Spirit acts directly on the spirit of man. Besides this action, no influences can affect man except those which proceed from men; and, ther~fore, the idea of'good or evil angels aiding or opposing man in the battle of life is a delusion. There is no local hell, and the physical torments of that abode are the invention of a disordered or depraved imagination. As God desires the highest good of all, He will bring all to the highest good. It is not our intention to enter into an examination of all these topics, but we select one which affords a fair example. of the general mode of treatment. These writers deny miracles, as inconsistent with the economy of nature, which is conducted by unalterable laws. The miraculous events of the Scriptures they therefore set aside. But they maintain, also, as we have seen, that "the facts contained in the Bible must be submitted to the ordinary tests of criticism, and to the ascertainment of facts in our courts of law." We select two alleged facts of the New. Testament, and we shall see how far they are guided in their investiga- tions and decision Dy their own law of evidence. The cases we select are the resurrection of Lazarus and the resurrection of J csns. These two miracles have been specially treated by the writers of this school, and they admit of no middje course: they must either be acknowledged or denied. The cure of diseases may be supposed to admit of some explanation; but the raising of the dead must be either tme or false. There are here two factors-death and resurrection. H there is no such thing as a miracle, onc or other pf these two factors must be rejected as false. If thet:e has been a seeming resurrection, there can have been no death; if there has been death, there can have been no resurrection. Now, this is precisely the way in which the writers of this school deal with these two cases. The. seeming resurrection of Lazarus is admitted, but his death is denied; the death of Jesus is admitted, but his resurrection is denied. Let us see how they proceed to arrive at the only conclusion which the denial of miracles allows them. The case of Lazarus we shall take from Renan's "Life of Jesus :"-
- 253. 250 THE NEW MOVEMENT. "It seems," he says, "that Lazarus was sick, and that in consequence of receiv- ing a message from the anxious sisters, Jesus left Perea. They thought that the joy Lazarns might feel at His arrival would restore him to life. Perhaps, also, the ardent desire of silencing those who violently denied the Divine mission of Jesus, canied His enthusiastic friends beyond all bounds. It may be that Lazarns, still pallid with disease, caused himself to be wrapped in bandages as if dead, and shut up in the tomb of his family. . . . Martha and Mary went out to meetJesus, and without allowing Him to enter Bethany, conducted Him to the cave. Jesus (if we follow the above hypothesis) desired to see once more him whom He loved; and, the stone being removed, Lazarus came forth in his bandages, his head covered with a winding she·et. This reappearance would naturally be taken as a miracle." But ho,v are we to reconcile this mockery of death and resurrection with the holy character of the family who were actors in it? The explanation is easy- " Tired of the cold reception which the kingdom of God found in the capital, the friends of Jesus ~ished for n great miracle which should strike the Hierosolymites." But Jesus, the Divine man, as Renan himself calls Him, can we dare to think that He would" share in the pious fraud? Alas! yes:- "We must remember that in this impure city, Jesus was no longer himself." Besides- " His mission everwhelmed Him, and He yielded to the torrent." Did ever mortal man utter such profane babbling as this? The learned and amiable Renan, when driven to it by his system, can thus reason like an idiot. Those who accept this for reasoning, and a judg- ment formed from evidence, no doubt, however, ·condemn the old theological maxim that the understanding is to be kept under subjection to faith; but could anything show more clearly than this that the slavery of the intellect is never so abject as when lorded over by the evil heart of unbeliof. Turn now to the case of Jesus. Here the death is too public and too palpable to be disputed. But there is no such thing as a miracle; and therefore, if Ilis death must be admitted, His resurrection must be denied. On what evidence does this decision rest? .There are two sets of witnesses-the soldiers ana the disciples~ The soldiers testify that his disciples stole Him away while theJ'slept. The disciples relate that He appeared to them alive, on several occasions after His crucifixion; and that He was known to them by infallible signs; and was seen by :five hundred at once. But our rationalistic judges determine that the testimony of the soldiers is to be received, and that of the disciples is to be rejected. Why? We can see no better reason than this, that, as there is no such thing as a miracle, if the sepulchre was found empty,
- 254. THE NEW MOVEMENT' 251 the body of Jesus must have been removed from it. And who so likely to carry Him away as his disciples? Jesus had told them that He would rise from the dead. His followers had an interest in the fulfil- ment of the prop¥cy which their }Iaster had uttered. And when to the motives the disciples had for stealing Him away, we add the testi- mony of the soldiers that they actually stole Him, the conclusion is inevitable. But supposing the case were to be tried in a court of law, and suJ>- mitted to a jury sworn to judge according to the evidence, without pre- judice, how may we suppose they would decide? 'Ve need not attempt to go over the form of a trial; but we may notice some of the leading points. On the one hand, we have Roman soldiers making the incredi- ble, and to them fatal confession, that they slept at their post, an~ stating the nature of a transaction that took place while they were asleep. On the other hand, we have the testimony of a number of persons to what they saw with their eyes and heard with their ears, not on one occasion, but on several. That testimony of these witnesses is not weakened but strengthened by their subsequent history. They who gave this testimony consistently adhere to it during their whole lives. No instance is knovn of any of them subsequently confessing either that they had deceived others or had been deceived themselves; while, supposing there was collusion amongst them to impose upon the world, twelve men at least must, during their whole lives, have ' preached and lived what they knew to be a lie, many of them trium- phantly suffering martyrdom as witness of the truth of what they knew in their hearts to be false. The thing is utterly incredible, to those at least who are willing to judge according to testimony. While we cannot but express our disapproval of the rationalistic syst~m as a whole, we are free to admit that there are many points of it, both affirmative and negative, with which we entirely agree. We agree with the doctrine that God is a Being of infinite and unchangeable love; who cannot regard any of His creatures in time or eternity with severity, much less with anger; and, consequently, that he desires the happiness of all, even of the spirits of darkness. We agree with the leaders of the new movement in rejecting the doctrine of a trinity of divine persons, and the notion of one suffering to satisfy the justice or appease the anger of another. We unite with them in refusing to admit the doctrine either of imputed sin or impnted righteousness. We believe with them that salvation is not by faith in what Christ has done; but by a life of righteousness which He enables ns to do, and which
- 255. 252 tHE NEW MOVEMEN'r. life consists essentially in loving God above all things, and our neighbour ss ourselves. It is true that while on tJ-lese and many other points we formally agree with the writers of this school, there are perhaps few in which, if the subjects were deeply examined, we should be found to have arrived at precisely the same conclusion. While we believe with them that God loves and is willing to save all, we do not believe with them that there- fore all must be saved. Although w~ do not believe in original sin, we believe in an hereditary inclination to sin. Although we believe that love to God and man is the sum of all religion, we do not believe that this love is inscribed on all hearts, but must be written upon them by the finger of God by their renewal through regeneration. • Most of the errors which we agree with them in rejecting we believe to be not inventiolls, but perversions; and we think it still more neces- sary to restore the truth than to reject the error. It is worthy of remark that many of the doctrines, both affirmative and negative, which are put forth in these publications as something comparatively new, are to be found in the writings of Swedenborg, written a hundred years ago,-not hinted at, but formally stated, and confirmed both by Scrip- ture and reason; but in his writings we do not meet with a system of mere negations, but of truths divested of the errors which have gradually gathered around them. The present movement, which is but a wave which it has long been foreseen would sooner or later reach our shores from the German side of the ocean, is essentially destructive in its operations.' It is a system of negations. It no doubt has its mission, and that mission is to pnll down. The system of error that has been growing up in the church for ages, and whic? theological conservatism labours to uphold, it reql1ires some strong and perhaps rude hand to overturn. But there is required a third po,ver, to build up a system of truth upC?n the old foundations of the prophets and the apostles. The present times are but a repetition, with variety, of those which have been before. The end of the first Christian dispensation, which has now come, ~s marked by circumstances similar to those which attended the end of the Jewish. The ritualists and the rationalists are the Pharisees and the Sadducees of the Christian church; and were it not that there is one amongst them whom they know not, their conflicts would end in the ruin of all true and vital religion. The Lord has · made His Second Coming in the spirit, but is as little recognised as He was at His first appearing in the flesh. The woman has
- 256. THE NE'V MOVEMENT. 253 bronght forth th~ man-child who is to rule all nations and parties with a rod of iron, and who will bring order out of confusion, harmony out of discord, peace out of tribulation. "The heavens shall pass away with a great noi~, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; nevertheless we look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." BEAUTY. THERE are few who have not tasted the sweets of beauty, in some of its varied manifestations. To the man whose whole soul is engrossed by sensuous delights, it has ministered ip the charms of nature or the loveliness of the human form. To him who, by the cultivation of his mind, has obtained a quick mental perception and a refined taste, not only does nature appear most lovely, but he can also participate in the pleasure arising from the magnificent edifice, the classic statue, the graceful painting, the noble poem, or the soul-thrilling oratorio. And he who, ascending still higher in the scale of progress, has not neg- lected his spiritual wellbeing, but has 'allowed himself to be drawn nearer and nearer to God, has thereby prepared for himself joys unutterable, arising from the beautiful thoughts and affections which spring from heaven. Beauty, therefore, as a ministrant of pleasu1:e, must be more and more attractive the more we are able and desire to perceive it. The productions of nature may be divided into two classes. The one comprises all those things which contribute to the nourishment or comfort of the body, and hen~e is denominated the useful. The other, consisting of t~ose which (by gratifying the taste and contributing to the elevation of the senses) cause pleasure, is called the ornamental. This division, however, is not limited to the natural world ;-it is equally applicable to mental and spirftual objects. With the useful, beauty has little connection; but it is the' prevailing characteristic of the ornamental. It is its life and soul. And it is' in . consequence of this that the useful and the beautiful are becoming more combined. .Without the useful we cannot exist ;-it is necessary to our being; but if our existence be conjoined with happiness, we must possess that elevation of mind and character-that glow of pleasure, animating the dull fibres of the soul, which springs from the contemplation 9f the ornamental grace of beauty. Ornament has re~erence to external app~aran:ce, and beauty has
- 257. 254 BEAUTY. reference ~ form. It matters little what the organic quality of the substance may be, if the aggregation of its parts results in a figure which is attractive. All substances must have form, and substance and form. are inseparable; but the mind in its ~vestigations must recognise the abstract difference between them. Substance relates to the aggregation of parts, while form relates to the external appearance of that aggregation. Beauty, as a manifestation of form, will depend upon the composition of an object; and no object can be accounted beautiful, unless there is in it harmony of expression. Harmony, or order, or unity of design (for each of these it may be ~alled), is neces- sary to beauty, but abstractly it is different. There is the same distinction to be drawn between harmony and beauty as between love and kindness. Neither can exist separately from the' other; but as kindness is the expression of love, springing from love as its source or cause, so beauty is the expression of harmony. Harmony and beauty, indeed, have the relation of cause and effect, beauty being the effect of harmony. As a definition of beauty, let us accept harmony of form, ·or, in other words, 'the pleasing expression of whatever is harmoniously combined. It will appear from this that all nature must abound in the beautiful, because created "and governed by laws of Divine order. And it is so. Everywhere God has imprinted the trace of his ineffable beauty. The structure of material objects, from the smallest grain of sand (perfect in form) to the high-crested mountain,-from the lowly moss and lichen to the maje8ti~ and wide-spreading cedar, and from the smallest animalcwe to the noble horse, reaching the climax in God's image and likeness, man,-all are replete with the harmony of His Divine charac- ter. Nature is redundant with beauty, because Divine harmony governs the universe. The sublime. has the same relation to the beautiful as awe and reverence have to pleasure. The contemplation of the sublime im- presses us with wonder at the majesty and power displayed, while beauty causes in the mind of the spectator a thrill· of delight. . Beauty is like the mountain-rill, which rons through the quiet vale, or falling down the side of Bome fern-covered hill, scatters its glistening spray in the rays of the SUD, while its babbling music increases the harmony around: sublimity is like the cataract, which hurls itself head-long down romantic cliffs, its waters creating an incessant roar, and its appearance adding to the reverential impression cOl}veyed by the surrounding scenery.
- 258. BEAUTY. 255 Beauty is of several kinds; the beauties of the natural world adapted to the senses, the beauties of the mind adapted to the growing expan- sion of the intellect, and the beauties of the spirit and spirit-world adapted to the pure and chaste longings of the immortal soul. Let us trace these in their order, and note their manifestations. This world on. which we dwell has been created by God as a· fit means of development, and our sen~es may find in it ample subjects to employ their perception ;-above, below, around, everything contains the elements of beauty. Fixing our attention on the sky above, and watching its varied changes, we perceive the radiant sunrise, rich in resplendent colours; we follow the upward progress of the orb of day until it attains its meridian splendour, and then trace its gradual descent till it pours its departing beams in the mellow tint of sunset. Around this luminary, scattered over the wide expanse of blue and flying gracefully along, are fleecy clouds, in their ever-varying forms, sometimes piled like mountains of glistening snow, sometimes appearing like a feathery veil to heighten the glory of the golden sunbeams,. And when night, with;her sable cloak, envelopes the' world in gloom, the moon, shedding its silver rays, invests nature with a quiet yet serene beauty, while the stars, like gems on velvet, deck the sky with brilliancy and grace. The beauties of day and the beauties of night, distinct as they are in character, both minister to happiness. The one enraptures the soul, and fills it ,vith the most glowing appreciation of pleasure, and the other is productive of that serene joy which is the source of con- tentment and peace. We cannot fail to be struck with the providence of God, in having dispersed beauty so lavishly around us.· We have but to stroll for a few miles along a country walk or through the verdant field~, arid the beautiful sun·ounds us as we go. The animals grazing or gamboling in the field, the hawthorn hedge and the lofty tree, the gently rising hill and the lowly vale, form in the distant view a scene of beauty; and inspecting narrowly, we shall find in the hawthorn bloom, the wild ro~e, the timid violet, the clinging convolvulus, and many other way-side flowers and plants, forms ,vhich .charm by their nati~e grace and tender.. ness. And if we travel from the spot best loved on earth-the home of our infancy-in search of tho world's wonders, we shall find life manifesting itself in the graceful forms of animals that roam through the forests in wild freedom, bearing in ~heir shapes, or in the colour and texture of their skin, the appearance of perfection; or in the birds, the brillianc:r of whose plumage is a theme of admiration; in the wide-
- 259. 256 BEAUTY. spreading branches of some majestic tree, with its leaves of emerald green; in the mountain cliffs, which rear their heads far into the clonds, their summits covered with eternal snow, and on their rugged sides the groups of lichen, or the black forest of trees which make the distant view of them so grandly beautiful; in the rocky coast, on which rush the mighty waters, covering it with a spreading foam; in the mountain rill, the quiet stream, the ever-rolling river, whose banks are adomed with lineaments of grace; and in wild romantic glens, or meadowy landscapes. In all these, life is present as a manifestation of the beautiful. And so beauty dwells above and around us, while beneath the waters, ocean life reveals myriads of living wonders. But wherever we tread, or whatever we examine, by observation we may discover inherent grace. So beautiful, indeed, are the works of God, as displayed in nature, that the soul which has preserved its freshness and purity, instinctively turns to Him in silent adoration and in gratitude for His beneficent mercy; for the perception of these demands no cultivation of the intellectual powers as neces8ary, although such cultivation' unfolds many beauties which would otherwise be passed by, and also enables us to perceive the infinite skill of their design. The relation which beauty bears to the intellect of man is worthy of being traced, for to genius we owe some of our richest pleasures. The fire of genius has irradiated with its glow everything around it. Man, in a savage ~tate, must necessarily be destitute of many pleasure~. Confine~ to the village of huts for social enjoyment, seeking in the hunting-ground or the battle-field the gratification of his passion for war and the chase, occasionally sco~ing the boundless prairie, or sitting by the entrance of his wigwam, smoking the calumet and conversing on rude topics,-the savage pas.ses his days, unconscious of the higher developments of mind. But, as civilization has advanced, barbarian habits have been swept away, and man has extended his means of . enjoyment, both at home and abroad. In a civilized stat~ of society, architecture has made the dwellings of man assume a graceful and picturesque appearance. Adopting from nature the principles of struc. ture and ornamentation, we have obtained the classical orders known as the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. The previous growth of architecture is seen in the Egyptian and Hindu styles; while the Byzantine, the Moorish, the Gothic, and the Italian, with all their varieties, have been produced in succeeding ages. These effects of pro. gress have .made society appear more pleasing, and have contributed to
- 260. BEAUTY. 2G7 our enjoyment, being employe'd in the habitations of every town and city in the civilized world. Nor is it in architecture alone that genius has darcd to assert. its power. Imitating from nature her beauty of design, genius has sOlight to impress on our minds the beauty of tho human form by embodying it in stone or marble. Sculpture has flourished both in ancicnt and modem times. Unhappily the great works of antiquity have mostly been destroyed, yet sufficient has remained to give us an idea of their beauty. Sculpture has embodied the sinewy frame, the well-formed limbs, and the noble attitudes of the Grecian Gladiators,-has imprinted on the stone the heroic countenance, the arched. neck, and the manly brow,-has depicted the tender influence of pa8s~on, or charnlcd by its eloquent grouping. It reminds us of the models of mankind, and recalls the images dearest to our memory. Passing on to another art, we are led to consider the merits of painting, which has obtained so many votaries, and has produced 80 many choice specimens of man's imaginative and artistic power. Gifted by God with the faculty of construction, his fancy has rambled through the world of nature in search of the beautiful, and has pro- duced on the canvas many magic works of art. It were needless to criticise the works of the great masters, for with many of them ,ve have happily been made acquai~ted by actual perception. The energy of Michael Angelo, the rich colouring of Titian or Correggio, and the divine grace of Raffaelle, has each impressed our memory. Imagina- tion has pierced through the dim veil shrouding the past, and has depicted by-gone scenes with a vividness that makes us fancy we our- selves are spectators. Landscapes and scenes of rural and domestic life have found their place in this temple of art. Everything of beauty in the natural world has become the study of the painter, and has given a charm and pleasure to succeeding generations. Thrilling the soul with its divine harmony, music has po,,·erfully influenced the mind. Throughout all ages it has been a source of enjoy- ment; but never did we possess so many great musical compositions as now. Copying from nature-the gentle whistling of the wind, rustling through the leafy branches, the carolling of the feathery songster, or the murmur of the waves-or else from an intuitive perception, music has been perfected in every successive age. The genius of man has pre- pared the finest gems of art in the pleasing opera or the grand oratorio. In sadness and sorrow, or in joy and gladness, music svays the soul. It turns the current of our thoughts from the cares of the 17
- 261. 258 BEAUTY. world, and fixes them on brighter and happier themes. It pow"s its harmony on the soul, dispelling fear and encouraging hope, cultivating sympathy and increasing pleasure. It abounds with beauties of no common order, and is a striking proof of the power which God has given to man for increasing the happiness of others. And lastly, in our consideration of intellectual beauty, let us con- sider the poet, and what he has done. Poetry is the beautiful expres- sion of human thought and feeling. It appeals to us, as mind to mind. and heart to heart. It gilds with a gorgeous imagination the glories of past ages; it enters the portals of the mythic heaven, and converses with the heathen gods, or relates their romantic achievements; it recalls the scenery on which we have so often gazed, narrates the adventures or daily occurrences of life, and describes the human cha- racter; it embodies in flowing beauty the visions of earth and heaven. Its influence is powerful over the mind, awakening it to a perception of beauty, natural and spiritual,..:-teaching it to control the passions, and leading it to the cultivation of kind and generous feelings. This is the poet's circle of power,-this is the.. poet's mission. And each succeed- ing age will progress still higher in gentleness and purity the more it is influenced by the enjoyment of poetic beauty. Such are the varied manifestations of intellectual beauty,-manifes- tations which surround our social institutions. They ate reflected images of Divine beauty, but still retaining traces of His glory. All the works of man are necessarily imperfect, but nevertheless are means to the attainment of perfection. W.- M. C. (To be continued.) EXPOSITION OF JOHN XX. 10-17. By LE Boys DES GUAYS. No. 2. 10. Then the disciples went away again 10. Then, again, faith and the good of unto their own home. charity are left to themselves. 11. But Mary stood without at the 11. But the affection of .good perse- sepulchre weeping: veres in regeneration, remaining in the exteriors, with deep grief. And as she wept, she stooped down, Now as it experiences this grief, it and looked into the sepulchre. humiliates itself with regard to regene- ration. The disciples went away to their own home, hut Mary remained at the sepulchre, but withol~t entering it, standing without and weeping: that is, the affection of good, even when it remains in externals, ia
- 262. • EXPOSITION OF JOHN XX. 259 especially endowed with perseverance and tendemess. It is to this affection, as we shall see hereafter, that the task belongs of exciting and putting in action the other active powers in the regenerate. The Lord loved John more than the other apostles, because John represents the good of charity, or works, and because works are the most pleasing to the Lord; but here he prefers Mary Magdalene to John, because it is the "affection of good which, in regeneration, is the first and principal active power. 12. And seeth two angels in white 12. And it perceives Divine Truths, as sitting, the one at the head, and the much in first as in last principles, other at the feet, . Where the body of Jesus had lain. Relatively to the state of the Human of the Lord. The disciples, on entering into the sepulchre, only saw the linen clothes which had covered the Lord; J!ary Jlagdalene, on stooping down, sees in it two angels. This is the first manifestation in the regenerate after His last temptation, and it is in his affection of good that it takes" place. When this affection humbles itself on the subject of regeneration, the Divine truths concerning the human of the Lord become manifest to it. 13. And they say unto her, Woman, 13. And the perception of these truths why weepest thou? makes it reflect on the cause of its deep sorrow; And she saith unto them, Because they It thinks that it is because evils have have taken away my Lord, removed the Divine Love, And I know not where they have laid And that in its state of obscurity it him. knows not how to recover it. Notwithstanding the perception of the Divine truths" relatm"g to the state of the Lord's human, the affection of good; not yet perceiving the Divine human, still thinks that it is evils which have removed it. 14. And when she had thus said, 14. And whilst it thinks thus, She turned herself back, and saw J esns Its state changes, and it perceives the standing, Divine Love, And knew not that it was Jesus. But it is in too great obscurity to recognise it as Divine Love. It is also Mary Magdalene who first sees the Lord in person after His resurrection. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the change of state which the affection of good is undergoing, this affection is not able to recognise the Divine love at once. This is likewise what is expressed clearly in this verse, that Jesus manifested Himself behind Mary, and that it was by turning hers~lf round that she saw Him.
- 263. 260 j£XPOSITION OF JOHN XX. I. 15. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why 15. Divine love~ by an influx into the weepest thou? whom seekest thou? affection of good, makes it reflect upon the cause of its grief and on the object of its desires. She, supposing him to be the gardener, It, taking the Divine Love to be the dispenser of intelligence, Saith unto him, Sir, if thou hast borne Thinks that if that is the agency which him hence, keeps the Divine Human removed on account of evils, Tell me where thou hast laid him, and It will make known to it in what state I will take him away. it ought to be, in order to recover the Divine Love, and that it will then obtain it. . By this :first influx into the affection of good, the Divine Love is not recognised as such, but it produces progress in it, inasmuch as the affection takes it for the dispenser of intelligence, and hopes by the means of this dispenser to recover the Divine Human. 16. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. 16. A second influx from the Divine Love penetrates into all the affection of good. She turned herself, This affection, undergoing a change of state, And saith unto him, Rabboni; which Receives it as Divine Wisdom or is to say, Master. Divine Truth. This second influx penetrates into the whole of the affection of good, for J eaus calls her by her name, Mary! which shows that He addresses Himself to her quality, that i,s to say, to all that constitutes this affec- tion. It is said afterwards that she turned herself, which indicates that after having replied to Jesus, wholp. she had taken for the gardener, she had turned herself towards the sepulchre, where she had before seen the angels, that is to say, towards the Divine truths which have regard to the Human of the Lord; (verse 12.) but that hearing her name pro- nounced, she turned round, and then recognised Jesus, for she calls Him Rabboni; that is to say, by, a new chan'ge of state, or by a further progression, she receives the Divine Love, not, it is true, as Divine Love, since 'she calls Him Master, but only as Divine Wisdom. 17. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me17. A third influx from the l:>ivine not; Love makes the affection perceive that it cannot receive it &s such; For I am not yet ascended to my Because the regenerate is not yet Father: raised towards the Divine Good itself : But go to my brethren, But that it ought to put in activity the chief acting principles of the regenerate, •
- 264. EXPOSITION OF JOHNXX. 261 And say unto them, I ascend unto my And excite them to raise themselves Father, and to your Father; towards the Divine Good itself; And to my God, and your God. And towards the Divine Troth itself. Lastly, by a third influx, the affection of good perceives that it cannot receive the Divine Love before the regenerate is raised towards the Divine Good itself. By ascending to the Father, is understood, in the supreme sense, the complete union of the Human of the Lord with His Divine, the human from the mother having been entirely rejected; (A.E. 899.) but in the individual internal sense, it is the elevation of the regenerate towards' the Divine Good itself. The Lord calls the disciples His brethren, because good is principally treated of, the word brother referring to good. PAUL AND SWEDENBORG. THE same objections which are now commonly urged against the mission of Emanuel Swedenborg might have been brought, in the apostolic age, with equal force against that of Sanl of Tarsus. Both were "bom out of due time." One disturbed the repose of the Christian church seventeen hundred years after its foundation, when the canon of the Scriptures was formed and it had apparently" need of n.othing," with alleged visions and revelations, giving out that he had seen the Lord Jesus, and had been commissioned by Him to teach. The other did precisely the same three years after the foundation of the church by the accredited apostles of the Lord, endued with "power from on high." If the church in Swedenborg's day could say-" We do not require you; we ha.ve the writings of the apostles; " 80 could the church, in Paul's day, say with greater" reason-" We require you not; we have the apostles themselves;" and indeed there appears to have actually been a party in the church of Corinth, if not elsewhere, that impugned his authority. The extraordinary claims of both were endeavoured to be disposed of on the only grounds they could be accounted for without admission-namely, imposture or madness; and the same obvious and triumphant answer was equally suitable in both cases. Against the charge of imposture, both could honestly appeal to their blameless and un worldly lives-and both could say with equal truth-" I am not mad, but speak the words of truth and soberness," of which their respective 'writings afford incontestable evidence. Thus far the parallel is, we think, complete; let us now see what
- 265. 262 PAUL AND SWEDENBORG. are the· points of distinction in their claims-and these all may be summed in one. Paul claimed to be a new apostle; Swedenborg made no such claim-he only professed to be a restorer of the apostles' doctrine and an interpreter of the Word which they delivered, divinely taught and illuminated for his work. The apostles were the chosen and divinely-accredited witnesses of the Lord's resurrection, and from them were selected the plenarily-inspired writers of the Word, as Matthew and John; and although Mark was not an apostle, yet it is the tradition of the church that he wrote his Gospel as the amanuensis of Peter, with whom he appears to have lived in very close inti macy ; a circumstance affording strong confirmation of this opinion. ~he apostles also-as Peter, James, and John· (who seem for this reason to have been styled "Pillars ")-delivered in their epistles the doctrine of the Word, which was the substance of the· spiritual sense that con- stituted its essence and divinity-the mediate truth whereby immediate truth, flowing from the Lord and embosomed in the written Word, is accommodated to man in his various states and degrees of reception. * Now, in all these privileges Paul was "not a whit behind the chiefest apostles." Like them he had seen the Lord, and not only in His resurrection, but in His glorified state. Like them he was commis- sioned by '~he Lord Himself to declare this great truth to the world; and the same observation applies equally to Paul's case as to that of Peter, for there is a like tradition that Luke, "the beloved physician U and constant companion of this great apostle, wrote the Gospel which bears his name under Paul's special auspices, and it is thought that he alludes to this in his remarkable words~" Remember that the Lord Jesus was made of the seed of David, after the flesh, according to my Gospel." But, lastly, he "laboured more abundantly than all" the apostles in his copious and luminous exposition of the doctrine of the Word contained in his invaluable epistles. Thus we have the Word and doctrine, or immediate and mediate troth, to which there is an allusion in several parts of the apostolic writings. These being given, and the analogy or correspondence between things visible and invisible clearly intimated, (Rom. i. 20.) a very interesting question presents itself-" Why did not the * This is beautifully illustrated in the ca~e of Moses and Aaron: the former representing immediate and universal truth proceeding from the Divinity, is there- fore said to be "a god" to the latter, who represented mediate truth or doctrine, styled in turn "a mouth," as giving utterance to the higher and more interior truth, hidden, like gems in the recesses of ocean, in the depths of the Word and of the internal man.
- 266. PAUL AND SWEDE!BORG. 268 apostles, or at least Paul, 'lift the latch and turn the key,' and display unto the church 'the mystery of mysteries' "-the hidden and spiritual sense of the Word? The Word was written-the doctrine was written-the law was known by which the essential truth of that doctrine and the letter of the Word were indissolubly connected ;-why was not the great system of divine revelation completed, by the unfolding of that internal sense which lay concealed in the Scriptures like the statue in the marble or the " hidden soul of harmony in the lyre" ? . We are not aware that it has struck others, but to us there appears to be great light thrown on this question by the second chapter of First Corinthians, and the cognate portions of Ephcsians, Colossians, and Hebrews. In this most remarkable chapter, contrasting the Divine power of the Gospel with the artifices and false eloquence of the sophists, which he terms" the enticing words of man's wisdom," he says, that in conse- quence of the low and external state of the church at that time, he could teach truth only in its simplest and most e.xternal form-" Christ Crucified." But he as plainly intimates that within t~is outward guise there is "a hidden wisdom" transcending all that was ever commu- nicated by Sage or Hierophant, and suitable only to the "perfect" or more enlarged and spiritually-minded, (ver. 7.) resembling in some measure the "initiates" in the ancient mysteries.;:: He goes on to speak of this wisdom-First, as developed in the creation, inasmuch 8S it was before the Divine mind ere He called the world into being, "ordained before the world unto our glory," or, as it is more fully expressed in a parallel passag~, "from the beginning of the world, hid in God creating all things by Jesus Christ." (Eph. iii. 9, original.) Secondly, as essentially constituting the blessedness of our eternal state. (",er. 9, 10.) Thirdly, as a present f.ree gift to man, .so far as it can be received, (ver. 12.) and thus constituting the beginning of regene- ration. (Compare Coloss. i. 26-28.) Fourthly, as constituting to the spiritnal man the universal of all knowledge, for in it he can discern together all things. (Ver. 15 original.) And lastly, though assuredly not least in importance, this wisdom, this once hidden but now manifested mystery, identical with the Eternal Logos or Truth Divine proceeding from Love, constituting at once the beavens and the earth, constituted at the same time the spiritual sense of the Scripturese This, we think, is intimated in verse 18, where he speaks of this wisdom as "comparing spiritual things with spueitual," or " discerning together spiritual things * In referenee to the relation of Scriptural phraseology and that of ancient initiation, see Religion, Philosophy, and Literatnre, No. I.
- 267. 264 PAUL AND SWEDENBORG. with spiritual.>:~ For, while the natural man or merely animal prineiple of the soul rejects everything spiritual, (ver. 14.) the spiritual man or higher principle of the soul discerns in a universal form all things, and discerns them spiritually, (ver. 15.) and in accordance with the heavens, which are its native region; consequently it can see· only the spiritual things of this wisdom, "in the Scriptures of truth 1 " which are its visible record; and its proper faculty is in proportion to its development, to "compare" or bring them under one view. Now that the Apostle was instructed in this wisdom when caught np to the third heaven, there is no room to doubt; it was without question the substance and theme of his" visions and revelations" on that won- derful occasion. But the state of the church in his day did not admit of more particular instruction, for while there may have been 8 few " spiritual" with the apostle who could receive it, the great majority were incapable. "And I, brethren, could not speak ~nto you as unto spiritual but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. . I have fed you with -milk, and not with lneat, for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." (iii. 1, 2.) Precisely the same reason is. alleged .in the Epistle to the Hebrew~ where, speaking of the 'representative character of ][elchizedec, the writer adds, "of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing; for, when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach ye again, which be the first prin- ciples of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk .and not of strong 1neat. For every oneethat useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe,. but st'rong 1l1,6at belongeth unto them who are of full age, even those who by reason of nse have their senses exercised to discern good and evil." (v. 10-14.) These last are evidently identical with the "perfect" and the" spiritual" of 'the manifestly parallel portion in Corinthians, and accordingly the Hebrew8 are exhorted to leave first principles and go on to pm:fection, (vi. 1.) which perfection it is no less evident is the "hidden wisdom" concealed beneath the external facts and letter of "the word of righteousness;" and that the writer had some hope of accomplishing this at a future period, is clear from his own wor<1,s a .little after-" And this will we do if God permit." (ver. 8.) But this" consummation so devoutly to be wished" never took place in the apostolic age. The great apostacy foretold by Paul, "the mystery. of iniquity," had "already begun to . * See in particular 1 Cor. x. 3, 4, where it appears that the Apostle saw things spiritual in the Old Testament history.
- 268. PAUL AND SWEDENBORG. 206 work." (2 Thess. ii. 7.) Brief, indeed, as the morning 1lower was the period of apostolic purity symbolised by the white horse in the Apoca- lypse, (vi. 2.) when the church, like the flower alluded to, bathed in "early dew," reflecting the light and "imaging the cope of heaven,"~ was receptive of higher truth, because principled in celestial love. ThiR • golden age of a day soon vanished -love declined, and the church became impervions to a higher degree of light. And accordingly, in the very place where the more recondite truths had been propounded, this is the reason assigned why they could not be more fully unfolded- "For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among yon ent'Ying, and st~fe, and divis'ion, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" (1 Cor. iii. 8.) The first cause, then, why the inner truths of the Word could not be communicated to the apostolic church at large, was the decay of charity; and this continuing to increase is signified by the red horse in the Apocalypse, (vi. 4.) to whose rider is given" power to take peace from . the earth (the church) and a great sword" (the emblem of dit1ision). (Compare Matt. x. 84 with Luke xii. 51.) This is plainly a figurative description of the state of the church mentioned in 1st Corinthians (see above) as retarding its advancement in wisdom. Still there was hope; the church as yet retained the pure apostolic doctrine by the faithful application of which love might be restored and light increased. But the next downward step was a fearful recession from that doctrine, which began, it would seem, almost immediately after the deaths of the apostles, probably before the last of the noble band of witnesses, the seer of a hundred years, had closed his life with his imperishable record of the Eternal Logos.* This :first departure from the doctrine of the apostles consisted in ceasing to 'rega1 d the Lord Jesus as th.e direct object oj wonJhip, regarding 4 God not in Christ, but out of Christ, and thus virtually, though of course unconsciously, ignoring our Lord's divinity. t This opened the flood-gates to all succeeding elTors in reference to the person qf C'hrist as signified in Revelation by the black horse. (vi. 5.) Still, all was Dot lost; a remnant of inner good and truth existed-the oil and the wine were not touched. (ver. 6.) The apostolic doct1·ine of the atone- ment was still in a g1·eat measure preserved, being as yet regarded as delivering us not from God, uut from the powers of darkness, and as the medium of union between the Divine Logos and humanity. But • This alludes to the old ecclesiastical tradition tha.t John died as he completed the last word of his Gospel. t See a most forcible illustration of this in the Rev. A. Clissold's End of the Church.
- 269. 266 PAUL AND SWEDENBORG. even in process of time this was nearly altogether lost sight of, and the atonement began to be considered as a shield from God's wrath rather than the channel of His mercy aI;ld truth. Now the descent was rapid indeed-a religion of terror and sensualism completely displaced the • religion of love and wisdom, and at last the Word of God, so far from being interpreted as heretofore, so long as any true doctrine remained, was practically lost to the church, being no longer regarded as the source of doctrine. A state of apparent spiritual death now inter- vened, so significantly represented in the Apocalyptic vision by the pale horse .. (vi. 8.) A germ of life, howev~r, continued to languish on from age to age till the time of the Reformation, when the first upward step was taken in the restoration of the lVord of God as the sole rule of faith and source of doctrine. This was their mission, and this, under Providence, amidst many strange personal inconsistencies, they were the means of accom- plishing. But they did no more. They neither restored the doctrine of the Word nor its' interpretation. They retained intact the creed of the elder church concerning the person and work of Christ, only rejecting certain errors superinduced thereon; and as regards the internal senBe of the Word, their course ,vas retrograde rather than progressive, for they almost unanimously denied it. And thus for the invaluable service which they rendered the church in the restora- tion of the Word, they induced in time a terrible calamity, by 'asserting, in contradiction to the unanimous belief of the whole ante- cedent church, that it contained nothing beyond the mere letter-thus reducing it to the level of a human composition. From the dragon's teeth unwittingly sown by the reformers, future ages reaped a fearful harvest,-endless. divisions and sects-controversies concerning the person and work of Christ, terminating i~ a partial or total denial of both His divinity and atonement; while the Word of God, divested of all but its mere grammatical sense, was subjected to 'the alelubic of human criticism, and came out a mere caput 1noriuunz. Thus super- added to the states of apostacy prefigured by the second, third, and fourth horses, was a still more awful state denoted by the opening of the sixth seal, (Rev. vi. 12-17.) and too truly inirrored in the church' history of the last century to be mistaken. In that age of materialism, formalism, literalism, scepticism, and infidelity, the church was shaken to its centre, the lights of Heaven were indeed all darkened - its. knowledge became earthly-all heavenly influence and wisdom was apparently withdrawn-goodness and truth seemed to have no place on
- 270. PAUL AND SWEDENBORG. 267 the earth-and men, entertaining no sentiment of God or Christ (long· divided) but as objects of terror, had no refuge but their self-love and self-intelligence. Surely the time was come for Divine intervention; there was, if we may be pardoned the classical expression, "di.qnus 'lJindice n()du.~," a knot which only a Divine 'hand could untie. And accordingly Emanuel Swedenborg appeared in this age of "rebuke and blasphemy," and announced himself divinely commissioned (and otherwise he could not accomplish the task) to restore just what was wanted, namely, the . doctrine of the Apostles and, the spiritual sense of the Word. That he did this, we shall not stay to prove. His writings are a standing and speaking monument of his work. The respective missions of the Apostles, Paul, the Reformers, and Swedenborg stand out distinct and defined in strong relief. The Apostles completed the canon of the Scriptures commenced by "Moses and t:he Prophets." Paul pre- eminently unfolded the doctrine of the Word, and indicated its spiritual sense. The Reformers restored the Word as the source of doctrine. Swedenborg restored the apostolic doctrine long lost to the church, and unfolded its spiritual sense, which the state of the church in Paul's day prevented him from doing, and departure from his doctrine rendered impossible to after ages. Swedenborg certainly deserves to be "highly esteemed for his works' sake;" for it is a work which, though obviously so desirable, no one before or after him was able to effect. Many, indeed, prior and subsequent to his time had splendid but partial glimpses of the true apostolic doctrine and the spiritual sense of the Word. He alone restored the doctrine and unfolded the spiritual sense in their entirety. What then shall we say? Here is the whole sum of the matter. In the apostolic age the Word was completed, the doctrine given, and the interpretation annonnced. In after ages. the doctrine was lost, and the interpretation consequently delayed. III our age the doctrine has been restored, and the interpre- tation given. May we not, then, conclude that a more auspicious era is dawning on humanity-that the golden age is being restored to the church? (Rev. xxi.) - and we may announce the approach of that halcyon period of evanished error and opening regeneration, accom- panied by the harmony of rational truth, peace, fidelity, and innocence so graphically pictured in that ancient ode so replete with primeval analogies-cc Lo! the winter is passed, the rain is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth, tbe time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." (Canticles 10, 11, 12.)
- 271. 268 GUSTAV WERNER. (From the American Magazine.) OUR readers may be aware that Mr. Gustav Werner has for some time occupied a prominent place in the New Church in Germany. Though widely different in his character from the late Dr. Tafel, he seems to have been doing a good work in his own way. The following account of Mr. Werner is, furnished us by Mr. Wooley, a German gentleman, who is personally acquainted with him:- "Gustav Werner was born in 1807. His father was the highest· civil officer in Reutlingen, and a particular friend of the King of Wilr- temberg. He received, from his earliest youth, the benefit of the best sjiaools, -.and. he desired to be a preacher. This his parents consented to; and after he had passed the common schools, he went to Tftbingen to the University. There he was with his father's friend, Hofaker, who had been judge in the king's court, but who resigned that position, and translated Swedenborg's works into German. Here Gustav Werner became acquainted with the late Dr. Tafel, and with the writings of the New Church. "Mter passing the examinations of the University, he received a station called in German lTikar, a station which students receive before they are ordained. Here he gathered poor children around him, and taught them how to be useful in sewing and knitting and 'other services.. Mterwards he received a call from a church to become their pastor; but to do this he would be obliged to give his oath to neither teach nor preach anything ;but the' Symbols,' which, after Luther's Reformation, were put together by a number of church conv.entiona, and laid down as a text-book, called the Augsburg Confession, to which every minister has tp make oath, to preach after that and nothing but that. This Gustav Werner declared he could not and would not do, because this was brought together by men, who were incapable of laying down God's laws better than they were in His Holy Word. Werner would bind himself to preach nothing but the pure Word of God. This he was not granted to do, but was told that whenever he was ready to take the oath, he would get an installation. "He had now to leave his pUlpit. H~ took two of the poorest of bis children, and returned to Reutlingen. Here he rented a portion of a house, and in an upper room preached on Sundays. But soon the room was too small. He then rented a large sheep-stall, where he preached on Sundays, and soon rich and poor came to hear him. They
- 272. GVSTAY "-ERSER. 269 soon found out that he spokc not as other men. By this time his group of children had grown very large. After a while the sheep-stall did not suit the hearers as well as when they first came out of curiosity to hear him; but their hearts were warmed with the troth; they formed a society, collected funds, and built a large hall for sabbath services, where he preached every Sunday. The children numbered about forty by this time, mostly orphans. Some young folks joined them, working for the good canse: he soon bronght in Bome that were lame, blind, deaf, &c. He found something for all of thcm to do, and they all worked without pay. "He preaches three times every Sunday. The first three days' in the week he goes into the country; often sixty miles from home. It is 80 arranged that he preaches a"'one place once in four weeks. When he is on thes'b journeys he preaches -three or four sermons a day. He never has any notes, and he never studies his sermons. It seems as though he was in the immediate presence of God. He meets with a great deal of trouble from the clergy. He is scorned, and scoffed, and slandered. This I kno,v by experience, though a man that has always lived in a free country could not believe. But with all this persecu- tion and trouble on every side, he still maintains to be the Lord's' servant. I don't believe the~e is another such a man in the old world, since HoIaker and TaIel have gone to their spiritual home, that wou1d' stand so unshaken in the cause of the New Church. Often have I seen him come int~ a bedroom at twelve o'clock at night, where thirty or forty children were. He would see to their every want. At fiv~ o'clock he would be up again, instl1lcting them how to go about their day's work. "About fifteen years ago there was a paper mill in Reutlingen, which had not been mnning for a number of years, because the man who rented it failed; and it fell into the hands of the mortgage~,~ who offered it to Gustav Werner, provided he could give good security. Vferner consulted the man who ran it before, and finally concluded to buy it. When he was asked for his bondman, he pointed towards heaven, and said-' I will give you my heavenly Father for bail.' The man consented to it. So the paper factory, a large dwelling, barns, &c.- were taken in possession. But as the factory was not in running order, it cost a good deal to get it .so. He also built a number of institutions all over the land, and has built another paper factory in Dotlingan, much larger; and the other one has been turned into a machine shop. Doing all this he .has involved himself greatly in debt. I received a letter lately, saying that he had to sell a number of his institutions for
- 273. 270 GUSTAV WERNER. the want of money. His creditors think he cannot carry on the work which he has commenced. Could there not be something done for him in this country, or rather for the cause of the New Church in Germany? for if he fails, the cause of the New Church will greatly suffer." In a letter received by the editors from Professor R. L. Tafel in regard to Mr. Werner, he observes- "As you will see from the first chapter of my father's biographical notice of my uncle's life and writings, he did not have the same ideas of Werner's use in the -church that my uncle had; and my father is rather under the impression that my uncle has not done sufficient justice to Werner's efforts. The fact is, my uncle's point of view was so different from Werner's, that it was almost impossible for him to appreciate it properly. Werner tanghi the doctrines and preached them to children and to the simple-minded; my uncle distussed them with philosophers and theologians. Werner spread the doctrines Vi-1Ja voce, and addressed himself to the ears, and Ulus to the affections of men; while my uncle addressed himself to the eye, and to the rationality of men. There is no doubt that Wemer planted the remains of the church in a hWdred hearts which my uncle could never have reached; and there is no .doubt that if Werner fails the canse of the church will greatly suffer. Weruer has his congregations, to whom he preaches at stated intervals, scattered all over the kingdom of Wilr- temberg; his hearers are to be numbered by the thousands; many of his hearers have invested a part of their property in Werner's under- takings; and if he fails in these, there will be such an outcry raised against him that it will be impossible for him to continue his former labours. There is no doubt that Werner, in some of his speculations, has made mistakes; but he ought to be judged by the good he has done, and which he still does, and not by his mistakes. My father and myself are fully convinced that Werner and his cause deserve to be supported. There is no doubt that he teaches the pure doctrines of the New Church, and recommends the reading of Swedenborg's writings wherever he goes; as his hearers, however, are almost all among the poorer classes, they have never been able to invest much in the writings; and this is probably the reason why they know less of Swedenborg than they do of Werner himself. " My father and myself fully second the call for help for Gustav 'Verner, which the writer of the notice raises. The circumstances in which Werner is placed are so peculiar, that a knowledge of the country and of the people among whom he lives is necessary, in order to under-
- 274. GUSTAV 'VERNER. 271 stand them properly. ' It would lead me, howevel·, too far, to expatiate upon them now. You will have to take my father's and my own word for it, that W erner's cause is worthy of receiving the help of the New Church." ~-~- - ------- ._-.--- - - - - - SPRING. THE seasons as they pass invite us to the contemplation of the wonders and beauties of nature. All seasons are favourable for such contem- plation. The wisdom, power, and even the goodness of God may be seen in the hoariness of winter, the beauty of spring, the splendour of summer, the riches of autumn. But although all seasons are capable of yielding pleasure and instruc- tion, there are some which are more inviting, and perhaps more in- structive than others. In all ages spring has been felt and acknowledged as the season that awakens the most delightful feelings and the most agreeable associations. This may arise partly from the genial freshness . of spring succeeding the rigours and the desolation of winter. In this season everything has the charm of freshness as well as the attraction of beauty. But there is, no doubt, something in the spring-time of the year that affects the mind with pleasure independently of its novelty. Its o,vn intrinsic freshness and beauty render it delightful; but its power of atrecting the mind with serenity and peace has a still deeper ground, and that ground is its analogy with the spiritual cause in which it originates, and the spiritual state vhich it represents. To those who regard nature as a volume in which the Creator in- scribes His love and 'wisdom, in the mute but expressive language of correspondence, the seasons and their objects address themselves imme- diately and intelligibly to th~ religious sentiments. And in what other way can we account for the infinite variety and ever-changing beauty of nature, than by regarding it as designed to display the wisdom and goodness of God? When creation is regarded not only as manifesting the Creator's eternal power and Godhead, but as shadowing the glories and beauties of the upper and inner world ;-when every one of the in:numerable assemblage of useful and beautiful objects which we look upon is viewed as the emblem of some heavenly truth, some finite perception of the infinite; and when every new season is the recognised emblem of some new state in the soul during its endless progression in knowledge, intelligence, and goodness,-we can discern something of the secret of that' sympathy which is felt to exist between the mind and the seasons.
- 275. 272 SPRING. The seasons are emblems of the different states of the soul, as arIsIng from the different degrees of its reception of love and truth from God. Love and truth are to the soul and the moral world what heat and light are to the body and to nature; and if we oompare the outward with the inward world, we shall perceive the ground of the analogy of the seasons, and the origin and secret of the sympathy between the seasons and mind itself. The seasons are produced by the annual revolutions of the earth; and their phenomena are caused by the different proportions of heat and light which the earth receives in its different aspects to the sun. In winter the earth receives more light than heat, and in summer it receives more heat than light; while in spring and autumn the light and heat are more equal. In the vernal and autumnal equinox, when the days and nights are equal over all the world, and when the sun attains, at least in our latitude, a middle altitude in the heavens, the heat and light may be said to be equal; and a state of the mind is represented by these seasons in which love and truth are equal and united. From the equality and unity of love and truth in the mind, all the purest, most peaceful, most fruitful, and .happiest states of the soul arise; and these are the soul's spring and autumn, its seed-time and harvest, the beginning and ending of its regene- rate life, and of every peculiar state in the work of regeneration. This analogy is the inmost ground of that peculiar charm which spring and autumn have to all who are. sensible to the influence of nature. Spring is still more delightful than autumn, because it is the symbol of the soul's season of commencing spiritual life, when every new idea and feeling is a new creation, when every such idea and feeling is full of hope as well as of joy,. and when everything of life is in upward and vigorous progression.. This season is also eminently the emblem of life in the heaven, where everlasting spring abides; for there, indeed, the sun no more goes down, but is perpetually in its rising. The soul is there in perpetual youth, ever unfolding its energies, and advancing in the freshness and vigour of life.. In heaven, indeed, there are grateful changes; but in heaven there is neither the cold before which none can stand, nor the heat from which a shadow is required. There love and truth are received in their equality and conjunction; and although no finite being c!tn ever receive them and preserve them in that perfect equality and union in which they flow forth from God, the angels are continually advancing in states of reception, and are, therefore, per- petually becoming more perfect forms of vernal freshness and beauty. While, as a season, spring has a genial influence on the mind, dis-
- 276. SPRING. 278 posing it to joyous and tranquillising reflections, its particular beauties are calculated to awaken particular trains of thought, to excite devotion, and convey instruction.· General views of creation make general im- pressions on the mind; they impress it with a.sense of the infinity and glory of its great Creator. To. see the wisdom, the skill, and the care of the great Author of nature, we must take a minute as well as a general 'riew of His works. We must examine the wing of an insect, or the eye of a gnat; watch the formation of a bud, or the expanding of a flower. We must consider the lilies how they grow. And if we attend to the growth of one of these humble denizens of the field, we shall find in it such a wonderful development,-from the simple blade through the various changes and formation of parts, till it becomes in colour and form a gem of beauty,-that we shall feel constrained to acknowledge in its formation the presence of a Divine intelligence. Yet there is something still more adm"irable in the lily than its development and mature perfection. There is the ultimate design dis- coverable in its economy; that provision which it contains for its· reproduction, for the sake of which its whole structure and beauty are eminently designed. nut when the Lord invite~ His audience, at the 1vlount of Olives, to conside~ the lilies of the field, it was His purpose to impress them ,vith the conviction that they themselves were under the care of an all-wise and beneficent Providence-" Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field which- to-day is, and to.-morrow is cast into the oyen, shall He not much more clothe you, 0 ye of little faith!" We are to learn from this the duty of dependence and contentment. The same Hand that clothes the grass of the field and feeds the fowls of the air, clothes and feeds those whom He has created destitute of a natural covering, and of the natural instincts ,vhich He has bestowed upon the inferior creatures. But although they are clothed and fed by a different economy to that by 'which the inferior creation is supplied, it is not less the result, and an" evidence, of His wise provision and tender care. And if God is so careful and so liberal in providing for the necessities of the less, He cannot but h~ve nlade all necessary pro- vision for supplyillg the wants of the greater. But the soul has its clothing as· well as the body. The beautiful garments which Jerusalem is exhorted to put on, are the yirtues which adorn the Christian character, and which are more beautiful and various than the many-coloured-vesture ,vhich nature puts on in the time of .spring. But we must beware that the righteousness with which we are clothed is not self-righteousness. 18
- 277. 274 SPRING. The difference between self-righteousness, however outwardly fair and beautiful, and tt e righteousness which is of God, however simple and unadorned, is like that which exists' between the magnificence of Solo- man's apparel and the.simple dress of the humble lily of the field. Human righteousness is artificial, and consequently dead; but the righteousness which is of God is natural, as opposed to artificial, and is consequently living. The one is the result of human contrivance and skill, and may cover the greatest· moral impurity and unbelief; the other is from the Divine wisdom. It lives from His life, and sees from His light; and the more interiorly it is seen, displays still more per- fectly the riches of the Divine wisdom, and the beautiful adaptation of means to a useful and beneficent end. All outward religion, which is put on to please man, without having respect· to God, is nothing more than a lifeless and unprofitable appear- ance, and the putting of it on is in truth no other than what the prophet calls" wearing a garment to deceive." But wherever there is a good and honest heart, humbled under a sense of its own· inherent weakness and corruption, sensible of the all-sufficiency and goodness of God, and desirous to recognise His Providence in all the economy of natural and spiritual life, there will vorship and holiness be living and productive. The religion of such is not a mere form, or a habit assumed from with- out, but a principle put forth from within. It grows out of the love and truth which have become principles of the voluntary and intellectual life,-by the united influence of the heat and light of heaven, the effect and emblem of the spring-time of the soul's spiritual life. This state and its characteristic are described by. the prophet :-" I "Till be as the dew unto Israel, he shall gro'v as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon." GENERAL CONFERENCE. The Accrington friends would be glad to receive from the Secretaries of the various New Church societies, as early as possible, information as to the number of delegates elected to attend the ensuing Conference. If the nam·es of the representatives could be sent at the same time, it 'Would be an additional favour. The Committee. would also be glad to assist in engaging apartments for visitors not ~ttending as members of Conference; but of this carly intimation should be given. Communica- tions should be addressed to Mr. E. Riley, Midland-terrace, Accrington:··
- 278. 275 THOUGHTS BY THE WAY. The tendency to disbelieve everything new and strange, merely because" of its novelty, is no less a mark of a superstitious mind than the disposition at once to believe everything that savours of the mar- vellous: in both cases, reason and true judgment are set aside by prejudice. H<>w many there are whose desire (if, indeed, it can be so called) for the knowledge of truth resembles that of Pilate, who certainly put the question to our Saviour, "What is truth?" but waiting not for the reply, immediately went out. Conjugial love is a means furnished by the Lord for overcoming our innate self-love. He therein provides each of us with an object of affection, whom not merely duty, but our very inclinations and wills, dispose us to love better than ourselves. J. T. P. MISCELLANEOUS. AMONG ECCLESIASTICAL NOTES. the numerous doctrines which Father and ~ on ; that the saints are more ready to intercede with Jesus thun Jesus , that branch of the fallen church calling with the Father; that 1'1 ary is the only herself catholic has adopted, there are refuge of those with whom God is angry; fe' more l'evolting than those which that ~lary alone can obtain a Protestant's have been developed through her modern convel'sion; that it would have sufficed invention concerning the "Imnlaculate for the salvation of men if our Lord had Conception." ~fariolatry, especially upon died, not to obey His }'ather, hut to the Continent, has assumed forms of ex- defer to the decree of His mother; that pression which it seems impossible to she rivals onr Lord in being God~s reconcile with any sane views of Christian daughter, not by adoption, but by 0. truth. The phrase "~l other of Goll," kind of nature; that Christ fulfilled the in reference to tho Virgin, is irrational ofiice of the ~ayiour by imitating her enough, aniI it is wonderful how it can virtues; that as the incurnate God bore be employed with any serious idea by any the image of His Father, so He bore the sensible mind. But it nppears frOlll Dr. image of Ilis 1 I other; that redemption Pusey's "Eirenicon," that it is now a derived from Christ, indeed, its suffici- settled thing in the Catholic Chnrch, as ency, but frOlu 11 ar:r its beauty and it now exists on the Continent, to ascribe loveliness; tha.t as we are clothed with Divine honours and attributes to the the merits of Christ, so we are clothed Virgin, He calls attention to foreign with the merits of 11 ary; that as He is authorities who employ such phrases and priest, in like manner is she priesteFs; sentiments as these-" that the nlCrcy that His body and hlood in the euc]uuist of Mary is infinite; that God llas re- are truly hers, and appertain _.la. hol'; signed into her hanels His omnipotence; that as I-Ie is preselltandl'eceive~rein, that (unconditionally) it is safer to seek so is she present and received thcl'dn; her than her Son; that the Blessed that priestH are Ininisters of Cl11i8t, RO of Virgin is superior to God; that He is 11 ary; that elect souls are born of God (simply) suhject to hm' comma.nd; that alHl ~~ ary; Umt the Holy Ghost brings our Loru is now of the same tlispo:-;ition into fruitfnlneHs IIis actionf> hy her, pro- as His Father towards sinners, viz., a ducing in her and by her Jesus Christ disposition to reject thelu, while 11 ary in His menlbers; that the kingdom of takes His place as an advocate with the God in our souls, as our Lord speaks, is
- 279. 276 MISCELLANEOUS •. really the kingdom of Mary in the Boul, ancestors flows itr our veins (th~se phy.. and Bhe and the Holy Ghost produce Bieal changes notwithstanding), and with in the Boul extraordinary things; and the necessary limitation expressed above, when the Holy Ghost finds Mary in the we may also say, and tlouly say, that the soul He flies there." blood of the Blessed Virgin was in her Surely this is a catalogue of sentiments Son from first to last; and is, therefore, about which it is sufficient to say they in that wondrous communication of Him- are shocking and detestable. It is self which He makes to us in the Blessed amazing how notions so eminently per- Eucharist." nicious could have been conceived by any What falsehood and fallacy are here! mind nurtured under the inflJIence of And how completely are the whole of any Christian knowledge; but here they these doctrines concerning the Virgin are the false fruits of a terrible system. driyen from the minds of those who They are quoted from Dr. Newman's adlnit the authority of Swedenborg letter to Dr. Pusey on his "Eirenicon," respecting her. He saJs-" Once only, who, while compelled to admit their 11 ary the mother of the Lord passed hy, accuracy, apologises by saying that they and appeared over head in white raiment; appear to him like a bad dream; that he and then stopping awhile sajd, that she knows not to what authority to go for was the mother of the Lord, and that II e . them, and that they are not known to was indeed born of her, but that when the vast majority of English Catholics 11 e became God, He put off also the Then, he observes, if they were the say- humanity derived from her; and that, ings of saints in extacy, he would know th(>refore, she now worships Him as her that they had a good meaning, though God, and is unwilling that anyone should he would not repeat them himself. Thus acknowledge Him as her, son, ~eeing he would not repeat a good thing though that in Him all is Divine." (Continua- uttered by saints in extacy! He con- tion of Last Jud.qment, 66.) 'This short siders such views calculated to prejudice extract spares us the necessity of further inquirers, to frighten t~e unlearned, to comment; but it was thought useful to unsettle consciences, to provoke blas- chroni~le the above Inodcrn inventions 'of phemy, and to work the loss of souls; a consummated church. yet he argues in defence of the doctrine or-the" Immaculate Conception" at great It was mentioned in the Inst numllcr length, and does not deny the existence of the Repository, that a society had been of the above development of it in the formed in Paris to effect a new Trflllsla- writings of Catholic scholars on the tion of the Scriptures. This work was Continent. to be undertaken in the interests of philo- Can any more forcible evidence be logical and literal truth, for' which purpose adduced of the thorough abandonment of .learned men of several parties had been all reasonable Christian truth than that engaged. But the Catholic church Ilns of setting up a creature above the Creator, become alarmed at the announcement. and making the creature an object of The Cure of St~ Louis d'Antin, who WfiS idolatry in the church? But some of to have taken part' in this useful labour, those shocking notions Beem to Le worm- ba.s been compelled to withdraw from the ing their way into the" Establishment." society, and to apologize for the part he Canon Oakley, in his letter on the leading had taken in support of it. Cardinal de topics of Dr. Pusey's "Eirenicon," says Bonald, Archbishop of Lyons, hRS issued - " It is 0. matter not of pious inference a circular to the clergy of his diocese on merely but of simple fact, that the pre- the subject, condemning the undeI'taking cious blood we receive in the Eucharist in unmistakable terms, and recalling tho is th"od derived fro,m l'lary, though right of the church as the sole authori- infinit~ exalted by its union with the tative interpreters of the Sacred Text. DIvinity in the person of her Son; and When will Papal arrogance cease from this is certain even though we adnlit, aB its attempts to interrupt the progress of we may safely do, the operation in the liberty, religious intelligence, and useful case of our Divine Lord of those physi- work in those directions ! cal changes which the human frame is Another remarkable instance of this considered to undergo in the progress of astounding presumption is repol'ted in the life. In the same sense, surely, in which " Union," by its Paris ccrl'cspondent. we say that the blood of our parents and Pio Nono, in reply to an address that
- 280. MISCELLANEOUS. 277 had been presented to him, said-' ,Alone, and. thus the precursor of some better in spite of my unworthiness, I am the Perceptions of the truth among those who successor of the apostles, the Vicar of have it not. Jesus Chrit;t; alone· I have the mission to conduct and direct the true bark of From a report of a meeting of the Peter; I aID the way, the truth, and the "Evangelical Continental Society," held, life. Those who are with ·me are with we. believe, in the l~st week in March, in the chnreh, those who are not with me London, in the Congregational Library, are out of the church,-they are out of the Secretary, the Rev. John Shedlock, the way, the truth, and the life." It is after referring to some financial matteJ'8, not necessary to argue in refutation of and making some general remarks on the such a tenible pretence; it is enough to progress of the work of the society, said record the atrocity, and to ask what that in Italy evangelists were no longer enonnity can Le greater than that of a persecuted as they had been, and that man arrogating to himself the attributes there was a wide scope for the circulation of God! of the Bible, and all kinds of religious books throughout the land. At Christmas The "Patriot," writing on the recent last, in the city of Naples there were no attempt to accomplish a union between the less than seven day-schools in connection Eastern and "1' e stern churches, says- with the society, where the children were " The mischief is that the Greeks regard recehing a sound education. At a recent them all as so many miserable heretics, Chlistmas treat, five hundred children of whose perdition is sure. They ignore the lazzaroni, together with two hundred their pretension to be a church at all, and of their parents, were gathered together, look dowll upon them with as much con- and the picture they presented fonned no tempt as they in their turn do npon insignificant representation of the con- Dissenters. The difficulties of antagon- trast between Naples eight years ago and ism begin at the very outset. The at the present day. All through Italy Anglican regenerates by sprinkling a few little congregations of Christians were d.rops of water and saying a few prayers; springing up. The Vaudois mission was and he dispises the Low-church brother, at work very earneBtly, and the society who, by quibbling with the words of the maintains six evangelist,s' in Italy. .In Prayer- book, tries to make out that bap- Belgium, twenty-five years ago, there tism is but a sign or seal of grace. The was not a single evangelist pastor, bllt ROlnan Catholic insists that the evil now there are twenty churches, with spirit must be exorcised from the infant, schools. France, Belgium, and Italy are a ~jgn of the' cross made with three fingers open to the society. They have a little on the foreheod, and other ceremonials liberty in Algiers, and have undertaken {)bserved, or the baptism is not complete; the support of a Spaniard there as a but the Greek admits none to salvation schoolmaster. Tl1ey are trying to reach who has not been thrice dipped, at the Bohemia, and to set up a gospel ministry Inention of each person in the Sacred in Austria. In Baden-Baden the grea.t Tlinity, into water into which the Priest majority of Protestant ministers are has breathed -three times, thus infusing Rationalists, and their door is open to into it the more richly Divine grace. the society, Recently a good man who .After all the ceremonies are completed ha(l been preaching there for three years, the laver is filled with the Holy Ghost, had as many as five hundred people to and the water contains the invisible hear him at five o'clock in the morning, Christ ! We believe that according to the so that there seemed to be an awa.kening. true and orthodox ceremonial, the babe " Again and again have we been praying -ought to be dipped thirty-seven times," that the doors of usefulness might ~be open These things being so, which pal'ty will to us," continued the Secretary, "and give way with a view to union? A great now that our prayers are answe1 ed, and g stumbling block is found at the very those places are opened, we are unpre- threshold: each regards the very intro- pared to go in and use freely the advQD- .duction into Christianity as containing tages which have been given to UB." differences not easily adjusted; still the Attention is called to the report nQt 'direction of attention to those remarkable merely on account of its own interesting sentiments may be a prelude to a rational matters, but alBO to show that the new discovery of their .puerility and error, influences of spiriqIaI freedom which now
- 281. 278 MISCELLANEOUS. exist are being developed in those very to say, now in Oxford and other places nations of Europe were the greatest re- that used to seem to be at anchor in the si8~ance to them was to be apprehended. stream of time, regardless of all changes, .they are getting into the highest humour of mutation, and all sorts of new ideas The new theological movements which are getting afloat. It is evident that are taking place in various branches of whatever is not made of asbestos will the church, are arresting the attention have to be burnt in this world. It will and invoking the frequent commentaries not stand the heat it is getting exposed of writers for the public press. The to. And in saying that, it is but saying, U }'reeman," in a recent article on those in other words, that we are in an epoch movements, says - "Beginning with of ana.rchy-anarchy plus the constable." Arnold and others of his time, a band of He earnestly cautioned his hearers theological tea~hers has arisen whose against mere eloquent speakers. "For," mental powers, eloquence, and general inquired he, I'; if a good speaker-an elo- liueralityof sentiment, have ga.ined them quent speaker-is not speaking the truth, the ear of thousands outside the Church is there II more horrid kind of object in of England. By learning, but far more creation ?" These are, no doubt, true by boldness, independence, and vigour relHj,}'ks on the state of our times; and a of thought, combined in some cases with fair pointing, with strong words, to the poetical. in others with philosophical danO'er to which' society is exposed by sentiments, and in others still with having the fallacies of those times de- attraction of beauty of style and illustra- fended by an eloquence which ma.y hide tion, they have been especially attractive their mischief. to the cultivated of all Christian churches -they have come forward cOlnploining " The Church 'and State Review" in:' at the same time of the narrowness of forms us that there is a negotiation going dogma and precept. The articles of on between the ritualistic party and a their own church they as it were volatilise section of the committee appointed on into the gaseous state, til~ all shape and that subject by Convocation. Some of form ha.ve vanished frolll them, and all those who desire to see peace and the practical and social lines which dis- unity in the church have put themselves tinguish the church from the world in communication with some of the lead- they efface, as being the oldness of the ing ritualists in charge of parishes, and It'tter, not the newness of the spirit. have invited a statement of the minimum The great reformation, and the refor- which those clergy would feel themselves mlltion which followed it, have neces- at liberty to accept. In the majority of sarily been too negative. Almost every the replies, vestments, and two altar article of every creed is an explicit or liO'hts, are made a sine quit non, while implicit negative of error. The new the use of incense on the greater festival theology makes silken bands of all creeds, days is generally claimed. The' mem- an4 starts from positive assumptions. It bers of the committee who have received uses creeds and ~cripture phraseology those Htatements,do not consider the only as the expression of quite new sen- demands excessive, and will lay them timents." All this it is encouraging to before their colleagues. It is believed, know, because we, in recognising the however, that the committee will not same occurrences, observe in them a endeavour to draw a line of ma.ximum breaking down of old theological error and minimum; but will issue an admo- and a striving after the enjoyment of nition inculcating the merit of mutual ihe liberty which is now abroad, and forbearance and common charity,. and a which is associated with a knowledge of report that it may be well that things the truth. should be left to themselves. It is amazing to think of the excitement l:lr. T. Carlyle, in his address on the which these non-essentials are producing, occasion of his installation as Rector of the and quite pitiable to see so manyedu- Edinburgh University, said-_ u We have cated and earnest minds devoting them- got into an age of revolutions. All kinds selves to a controversy about unscrip- of things are coming to be subjected to tural ceremonies and the mere millinery tire as it were; hotter an4l hotter the of their church. wind rises round everything. Curious
- 282. HISCELLANEOU8. 279 We leam from the public prints, that (Matt. xix. 4-6.) We understand that religious freedom is making some little the Rev. Mr. Woodman has written to progress in Sweden. A committee of the hone member on the snbject, and sent the Swedish diet has just adopted, by him a copy of his work on "lIarriage," eleven votes to eight, a propo~al to grant and that he has received a respectful to Jews and Christian dissenters, not acknowledgment of the communications. members of the National Protestant Church, admission to the civil service of GENERAL CIIURCII INTELLIGE~CE. the kingdom, with the exception of ANNIVERSARY OF THE MISSIONARY AND judicial or ecclesiastical fnnct.ions and TR.-.cT SOCIETy.-Theforty-fifth anniver- professorships of religion, philosophy, or sary meeting of the Missionary and Tract history. The States of the country have Soeiety of the New Church was celebrated now to examine the measure, which, if at Argyle-square, London. on Wednesday, finally adopted, will constitute a very May 9th, 1S')6. A preliminary tea meet- decided progress in the legislation of· ing was &s usual held, but was only thinly Sweden, in matters concerning liberty attended. The chair was taken (in the of conscience and public worship. church) by !lr. Butter, at seven o'clock. Wc regret that in consequence of a press The title" Bishop of Natal" is about to matter, we have only room for a mere be discontinued hy his successor, in con- sketch of the interesting proceedings. sequence of the nnhappr circumstances The Chairman caller} upon Dr. Bayley which have been connected with it in the to open the meeting with prayer. . . case of Dr. Colenso; tha t of Bishop of The Chairman said that they were met Maritzburg, the seat of the cathedral, is to celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary of to be substituted instead. This change, the Missionary anll Tract Society of the however, will not cause history to"forget New Church-an institution which had her duty in reference to the see. existed for a cotisiderable number of years, which had, as they were aware, In glancing down the last day's debates performed a great deal of vlllnable work on the Reform Franchise Bill of the in the New Church, and which was still Government, we came upon the following efficient for the performance of much pllssage, in the speech of Mr. Gregory, more. After some further remarks, he M.P. for Galway county :_U There was called upon the Secretary to read thtl a notion among a certain sect called report of the committee for the past Swedenborgians, that in heaven all year. . married people melted into one angel, The Secretary read the report of the (Loud laughter.) and it really sppellre(l operations of the society during the year ahnost as if the -theory prevailed near the just closed; and also a letter, datell the treasury benches," &c. It is not dear 2!th April last, from llr. Sandy, the late that the hone member intended to ridicule treasurer, c3ntainin,g his resigna.tion, on the idea which he quoted, though he pnt account of ill h~alth and absence from it in terms which seems to have provoli:ed town. The Seeretary explained that a the langhter of the House. It is quite cheque fo~ the balance of the accounts. true that Swe(lenborg, in describing a had been received with Mr. Sandy's eonjugial pair, as they appeared in the letter; and suggested that, as a new highest heaven, says-" They were seen treasurer would be elected by that meet- as one angel." (Conju.'1ial Love, 42.) ing, it would be desh-able to appoint a But why this idea should be a subject of committee, who in conjunction with the merriment it is not easy to conceive, new treasurer, might nUlke up the ac.. since every serious mind must see that it counts-which Mr. Sandy's illness had could mean nothing else than what the prevented his doing-and have them Lord Hilnself taught, when he said- ready for publication as usual in the " He who made them at the be~nning annual report. made them male and female; and said, The Chairman here mentioned to the For this cause shall a man leave father meeting that Mr. Sandy had suddenly and mother, and shall clea.ve to his ·wife : departed this life on the 7th instant, at and they twain shall be one flesh, where- Hastings. fore they are no more twain, but one The :first resolution-the reception of flesh. What therefore God has joined the report-was then moved by Mr. together, let not man put asunder." Watson, seconded by Mr. Thorn, an4
- 283. 280 KISCELLANEOUS. was supported by Mr. Moss, who ob- to send forth labourers into His harvest, served that some think the press does persevere, and their reward would be the . more for the people, and others look conviction that they had assisted in a mainly to the pulpit. He thought noble, an angelic, a Godlike work. tha.t in the present condition of the The resolution was supported by Mr. Church those two agencies must be Presland, who referred to the fitness of combined. The tract department he the truth!i of the New Church to meet conceived to be a most important branch and rectify the faulty, defective, and of the society's operations: tract dis- misera.ble spectacle :which societ.y too tribution he regarded as of vast im- aften presents. After an eloquent ex- portance; and he would like to see more position of the doctrines of the Church, zeal and energy imported into that in reply to the question-" Has the New matter. The society, he would remind Church a Gospel?" the speaker concluded them, possessed treatises on all the more as follows :-It was not to be supposed important points of the doctrines.-The because that meeting was small, and the resolution was then put and passed. society itself small, that the objects of It was proposed by Mr. Butter, the society themselves were small; or seconded by Mr. Watson, and carried that small things should be neglected or unanimously,-H That Mr. Gunton be despised. This society, beginning in the treasurer of this society for the en- weakness, making but a· small show, suing year." known but to few, limited in Jts opera- Proposed by Mr. Pitman, seconded tions, nevertheless he verily believed, by Mr. Watson, and passed,-that the does wield that leveJ: which, when more . balance of the accounts of the Tract thoroughly worked upon, shall help the Society and" Noble's Appeal," placed in whole world; and it should be considered his hands by the late treasurer, be handed a privilege to aid the society in carrying over to Mr. Gunton. forward its great work. Mr. Butter proposed the fourth resolu- Mr. Keene, in supporting the resolu- tion,-" That a letter of condolence be tion, observed that care should be taken sent to the widow of the late C. Sandy, in the use of tracts to distribute them Esq."-Mr. Pratt seconded the resolu- where there was some reasonable hope tion, which was unanimously carried. of their being prod uctive of good. He Mr. Gunton proposed,-" That the thonght that they onght not to be indis- treasurer's accounts, after examination criminately scattered. by the auditors appointed last year, be Dr. Bayley, in supporting the resolu- pDinted in conjunction with the report." tion, spoke of the importance of their Dr. Bayley seconded the resolution, reminding themselves from time to time which was then passed. of the great necessity there existed for Mr. Gunton moved the sixth resolution, the leading features of the New Church urging increased exertion in the dis- to be proclaimed far and wide. He re- semination of the doctrines. He referred ferred to the wrong conceptions men had to the many false ide3.s which have such for years past formed of the Lord Jesus firm hold on men at the present day, Christ, and said he would have, both by more especially as rega.rds the existence tracts and preachers, attention drawn to and nature of the Lord Jesus Christ, the the sublime fact that the Lord Jesus nature of the Divine Word, and the Christ is the supreme object of prayer, human soul, and also as regards regene- because he is God manifest. The practi- ration and the future life. In many cases cal feature of the New Church, the prin- it could not be said that it was any fault ciple which makes the church of such of the individuals themselves-they had indispensable value,' is the assertion of never heard of the doctrines of the New the unutterable importance of the rege- Church. It was the business of this neration of the soul. It was to make society to convey the light it possessed men loving and gentle and good, that to these men's minds, sinoe it was esta- the New Church was given. He had blished for the express purpose of per- observed with astonishment the article forming this great and important work. in the magazine headed-" Has the New But the labourers were few; and the Church a Gospel?" It was all Gospel. receptivity in the world was exceedingly Did the writer of that article ,vish to small. They however must be of good "know whether the New Church had the courage, and pray the Lord of the harvest oonsoience to deolare that tremendous
- 284. MISCELLANEOUS. 281 • fallacy of instantaneous regeneration which has deceived the world for ages past; that foulest pretence of a gos}lel, which allowed a man to put oft· all the duty of a New Chnrchman. The proper way was to think how to make that prac- ticable which had to be done. With regaTd to the question of tract diRtribu- duties of his life till his death- bed? The tion, he thought that tracts often proved New Church told them that they should effective when the effort apparently seemed do their life's work every day, overcoming thrown away. He remembered an inci- their evils. It should be remembered dent of a m~n walking along the street that the most important results hang and finding a tract adhering to his heel. upon those glorious doctrines ; ~and they After various attempts to detach the should say with Moses-" Now these paper, his curiosity was awakened, and commandments that I speak unto- you he picked it up and read it. The truths this day, they are not a vain thing for it contained entered into his heart and you, but they are your life." life, and he ultimately became.the means The seventh resolution, congratulating of converting .many persons to the New the retiring committee on the evident Church. He hoped everyone would leave success of their labours, was moved by that meeting with a determination by Mr. Austin. The speaker remarked that, God's help to be himself a missionary after all, the great question for us, as and a tract distributor-perhaps a tract practical people, was to consider the writer, thus carrying on the good work simple, hQmely question-" Wh~t are to ages yet unborn. the results of the Society's operations?" Mr. Seddon, in supporting th~ resolu- When he looked at the lnap of England, tion, observed that it was the hearty wish ancl considered how few counties there of every New Church fliend that the are which poss~s even a New Church committee might be eminently successful minister; when he thqught how many in spreading 'he truths of the new dis- places there were where the views are pensation. altogether unknown-the only conclu- The resolution was put and carried. sion he could come to was, "the harvest The names of the new committee 'were truly is plenteous, but the labourers are then read, and auditors for the ensuing few." Yet this Society, with an energy year chosen. The .meeting was con- and a perseverance worthy of all praise, cluded with the ben~diction. had been working during the past year; This opportunity is taken for calling and the resolution, he thought justly, the attention of our readers to the claims congratulated the committee on the fact of the lHssionary and Tract Society. that there have been some visible results. The important uses which the Society As the Society appealed to men's judg- has for a long series of years been per- ment, not to their feelings, it was not forming are well known, but not so ex- . remarkable that there should be no strik- tensively known or appreciated as they ing nu~erical success to announce at deserve to be. The society could well that meeting. And yet he had been employ a large addition to its annual delighted to hear what the Committee, income. Donations could hardly be made with their sma111'esources, had been able to a more worthy object. Subscribers to effect. are entitled to receive hill the amount Mr. Bateman, in seconding the resolu- of their subscriptions in tracts and other tion, said that it would be well if the publications. Subscriptions and dona- various societies of the· Church would tions will be gladly received by the exert themselves more actively, and avail treasurer, Mr. R. Gunton, 26, Lamb's themselves of what the Missionary and Conduit-atreet, London, W.G., or by the Tract Society could do for them. He following collectors :-Mr. Bailey, Mr. referred to the course which had been Isaac Gunton, :Mr. T. G. Watson, Mr. taken by the Islington Society, during C. P. Alvey, Mr. J. W. Boyle, Mr. the past year, in lecturing and distributing Rhodes, or by the secretary, Mr. F. Pit- tracts, which efforts had been attended man, 20, Paternoster-row, London, E.C. with very satisfactory results. There was no room for indolence in the New NOBWICH.-We have had in Norwich, Church. Some people prayed that la- to the great delight of our friends, a visit bourers might be sent into the harvest, from the Rev. Dr. Bayley. He arrived and then allowed the matter to pass from on the afternoon of the 24th of April, their minds. This was not the whole and on the eveninga of that and the two
- 285. 282 MISCELLANEOUS. following days, he addressed excellent audiences in the Lecture Hall, St. Andrew's, taking for his subjects- " Heaven, its nature and scenery; Why sentation was made, in a very excellent address, by Mr. Spilling. Other friends also expressed their high regard and deep affection for Mr. Harcourt, and the latter • C9.nnot all men enter it? " "Life- work ma/le a suitable acknowledgment. At and Eternity's R3ward," and; "Do you the same time, lIr. }'letcher, as senior pray to the Lord Jesus, the Manifested scholar, acting on behalf of the Sunday- God." On the following "Sunday, he school, presented a han(lsome dressing preached to large and deeply-interested C.lse, accompanied by Or written address, congregations in St. Andrew's Hall, to Mr. E. D: Rogers, on Iris retirement taking for the subject of the morning's from the office of Superintendent. discourse - "Ezckiel's Vision of the Resurrection of Dry-bones," and for the ST. IVEs.-Tbe eleventh anniversary evening's, the words-" He found him of the society in this place was celebrated in a desert land, and in the waste howling on Sunday, April 15th, and the following wilderness; he led him about, 'he in- Thursday. On the former occasion we strncted him, he kept him as the apple of were favoured with the valuable services his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her of our esteemed fri~nd R. Gunton, Esq.; nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth from Lou(loD, who gave us two excellent abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth and instructive disconrses-that in the them on her wings; so the Lord alone morning, on the Conception and Birth' did lead him, and there was no strange of the Lord; and that in the evening, on god with him." (Deut. xxxii. 10-12.) the Divine Purpose of the Incarnation. rrhe lectures and sermons were attended On the following evening (lIonday) a. by persons of various denominations, who conversation meeting ViaS held in the expressed their great gratification with church (at which Mr. Ganton presided) what they had heard. A vote of thanks for the purpose of talking over and more to the doctor, at the close of the last fully illustrating the great truths to which lecture, was proposed by a gentleman he lu.d on the previous day directed our who is an active member of one of the attention. Ou the Thursday a public tea Baptist churches of the city. On Tues- was held in the church, when between day, the 1st of May, the friends had a 6 I and 70 persons were present. After tea- meeting in the Schoolroom of the which a lecture was given by the Rev. Free Uhristian Church, by kin(l permis- Dr Bayley, on the important question- sion of the pastor, the Rev. J oseph "Where are the sonls of Dead Men?" Crompton. Severnl strangers attended. The church was well filled, and the and appeared to enjoy the proceedings audience showed evident interest in the greatly. Some beautiful music was given subject of the lecture. Dr. Ba.yley took by the New Church choir, and ad(lresses his text from Rev. vi." 9-" I saw under were delivered on "The Influence of the the altar the sonls," &c. He .adduced Church upon the 'Vorld," hy the Rev. a large amount" of evidence from the J. Crompton, Mr. E. D. Rogers, Mr. Word in support of his views, and de- Rous (of London), Mr. J. Harcourt, Mr. scribed the Bible as teaching that there J. Spilling, and the "Rev. Dr. Bayley. is an inner spiritual world as well as an Upon the whole, we feel assured that the outer natural world, Rncl that man is now doctor's visit was productive of much an inhabitant of both worlds-with his good, not only in refreshing and encou- body he commnnicates with the natural raging the society itself, but in preparing world, with his spirit he receives the the minds of very many others for the influence9 of the spiritual world. The reception of the seed of genuine truth. whole service was solemn, intere~ting, On the evening of Wednesday, May 9th, and very impressive. A vote of thanks at a general meeting of the society, held having been given to the ladies, Mr. in their own place of worship, the French Gunton, and Dr. Bayley for their kind Church, a testimonial was presented to services, the friends parted, highly grati- Mr. J. Hareourt, on hIS retirement from fied with their social and spiritual festi· the office of Leader, in token of their high vities. appreciation of his very valuable services. The testimonial consisted of complete JERSEy.-MISSIONARY VISIT.-I pro- sets of Swedenborg's Arcana C(J!lestia ceed to give you a brief outline of the and Apocalypse Revealed, and the pre- Rev. Wm. Hume Rothery's missionary
- 286. • MISOELLANEOUS. 288 visit to and sojourn among us. On his working day. The subjects selected for arrival, he wa.s taken to our friend Mr. the Sunday were "The Church," and Le Cras's residence, Valley des Vaux, " War." Both 8ervice~ were well at- where he received a warm welcome. On ten(lcd, particularly the Inst. 1'1 r. Friday evening, the 13th of April, he Rothery's Christiall courtesy, his ~ent1e opened the campaign by a lecture on bearing, the spirit of love which shines " The Divine Unity, Trinity, and Atone- 80 conspicuously thronghout his demea- ment. " On the Sunday morning follow- nour, won him golden opinions from all ing, he preached to a more numerous who enjoyed the privilegc of his company, congregation on "Brotherly love, the and stamp him the true Christian gentle- ·test of true Christianity." In the even- man. }D. ing the chJlrch was comfortably full. The subject on which our friend dis- LIVERPOOL.-NEW CnURCU, BEDFORD- coursed ,,·&s "The Commandments.~' STREET, NORTH.-This society having lost, On Wednesday evening, the friends held by death, its pastor, the Rev. C. G. Mac- a social tea soiree at one of the public pherson, 0. special lneeting of the mem- assembly rooms in the tom. They bers and seat- holders was held on Thurs- mustered to the number of about fifty. day, 11 ay 3r<l, to consider its position. After tea, the proprietor of the rooms and course of procedure. A letter of kindly allowed them the nse of the large condolence, expressing the great sym- room, and thither the company repaired, pathy felt for ~Irs. Macpherson in the when, having previously o})cned the severe bereavement she had so lately meeting with singing and prayer, lIr. sustained, having Lwen addressed to her, Bothery delivered an interesting address, the meeting was addressed by lfessrs. based on 1 John iv. 7-21, in which he Swift, Pixton, Skeaf, Craige, Hames, warned his audience against the spirit of Francis, (11£1 others. From the tenor sectarianism, which is selfishness, and, of each speaker's remarks it was evident . as such, opposed to that of Christia.nity, that the unaffected sympathy and genuine which is lo,·e. Our friend also enume- truthfulness of Mr. Macpherson's charac- rated various other evils equally opposed ter, combined with his universally ami- to the spirit of Christianity; after which, able and polished bearing, had endeared and the benediction, the assembly sepa- him to all, ana that between himself and rated, highly delighted and edified. his flock a closer unity had been esta- At this meeting the report of the Jersey blished than generally marks such a con- New Chnrch 11 issionary Association, nection, the nlore especiall)p when the instituted in 1860, was read, from which shortness of that connection iH considered. we make the following extract :-" This A hope was expressed that his sermons association was institute(l for the pnr- migllt be revised and published, as it pose of obtaining missionary visits from was felt that their inherent worth would, those who are recognised hy the New as that of their writer had done, work its Church as duly qualified to preach its way steadily but surely in the estimation doctrines; such missionaries to he en- of all. gaged from time to time as the funds The committee was requested to seek collected will warrant. Up to the pre- the aid of the ~lanchester Missionary sent time, there have been six missionary Society in their present emergency till visits, and about forty-five lectures de- the next annual meeting in July; and livered. During the same period, the in the meantime to take steps towards subscriptions and donations have been procuring a permanent supply for the about £35.; expenditure for the same pulpit. The proceedings closed by a vote time £36. and upwards; so that there is of thanks to Mr. Swift for presiding. a small balance due to the treasurer. These lectures have had the effect of RAMsBoTToM.-The Suriday-schoolser- removing prejudice, and their tendency mons of this society were preached by has been to produce a friendly spirit, Mr. W. Westall, of Bolton, on the 13th because truth has been advanced where inst. The sermon, in the afternoon, was misrepresentation existed." On Thurs- from Psalm xcii. 12.-" The righteous day evening, Mr. Rotherydelivered an in- shall flourish like the palm-tree: he teresting and instructive address, on " Re- shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon." ligion in its completeness," which was The discourse was earnestly listened to tolerably well attended, seeing it was a by a very respectable congregation of
- 287. 284 .. MISCELLANEOUS. about 500 people, many of them being and handbills freely circulated. The strangers. The evening's discourse was result has been that large audiences have from Matthew xviii. 14.-" Even so it is been attracted, and it is believed much not the will of your Heavenly Father good done, as regards the dissemination that one of these little ones should of the doctrines in the neighbourhood, l)crish." Mr. Westall also delivered a and the further strengthening the church very impressive address in the worning in this part of London. Appropriate to parents, teachers, and scholars, which tracts were distributed after each lecture. was well received by an attentive au- (Hence. The collections amounted to NEW CHURCH COLLEGE, ISLINGTON.- £25. 9s. lId., being in excess of last On Tuesday, May 1st, was celebrated the year's collection,. and very much so of twenty-first anniversary of the foundation former years. of the New Church College at Islington. The society beg most respectfully to A tea meeting was held in the school- return their sincere thanks to the com- roonl in Devonshire-street, which, not- Inittee. of the Bolton society for having withstanding the unseasonable severity allowed them the services of Mr. Westall of the weather, was well attended. After on this occasion. tea the company adjourned to the church, where several speeches of a most inte- OLDHAM.-BuILDING FUND.-Amonnt resting character were delivered, the chair previously acknowledged, £88.. 12s. Id. being ably occupied by Mr. H. Bateman, Received since, in cash and promises : - who commenced proceedings by giving Mr. Davld Fox .•...•.•...• -£1 0 0 a very clear and concise history of the " J.Broadfield •.:.. .• •. •• 5 0 0 foundation and subsequent stnlggles of " Gcorge ~Ieek .. • • . • • • . • 2 0 0 the college. The Rev. Dr. Goyder gave ." David Chadwick .•• '. • • • • 2 0 0 a very satisfactory account of the pros- " J. Holt 1 1 0 pects of the library, saying that many " Swallow............... 0 5 0 hundred volumes had been promised " Thomas Baxter ••.....• 0 5 0 on· condition that a good library wete " Holgate ••.•••.•...... 0 10 0 built to receive theln. Mr. Gunton next 1Iessrs. Ratcliffe and lfills .• 1 0 0 addressed the meeting in words of great Tea lleetings and sundry hope and encouragement, and was fol- small subscriptions 3 8 6 lowed by 1'11'. Moss, one of the students Mr. Hnghes ......•........ 5 0 0 of the college, who testified to the good Dr. Pillrington ....••.••... 0 10 0 feeling existing between teachers and The committee are very much ohliged pupils. The Rev. O. P. Hiller, the pro- to those friends who have contributed fessor of theology, next atldressed the the above, and beg to state that they meeting, dwelling on the importance of expect that the new school-room will be early education as a meallS of promoting qnit~ ready for opening towards the eild the welfare of the New Church. lIr. of June. The cost, when complete, will Gol<lsack, a student, who had come over be about £400., and as the funds at 'their fr01n Australia, expressly for the purpose disposal at present are far short of that of preparing himself for the New Church amount, they wouhl be very glad to re- nlinistry, and lIr. Deans, from Sheffield, ceive such assistance as will enable them gave an account of their studies, testify- to open their school comparatively free ing to the high ability of their instruc- of debt, and therefore earnestly invite tors, and the esteem ana affection in those friends who feel an interest in the which they were held. The company matter to forward such donations as they dispersed well pleased with this, one of may be .disposed to give as early as the most interesting meetings that has possible. taken place. GEORGE NEWTON, Treasurer. A circular has been addressed on be- D AN HODGSON, Secretary. half of the college to members of the New Church by the learned chairman, ISLINGTON. - Dr. Goyder delivered Mr. H. Bateman, who is the oliginator some able and interesting lectures, upon and zealous promoter of this most impor- the subjects of the Resurrection, the Last tant work, from which we regret that our Judgment, and the Life after Death, space will only allow of the extraction of during the months of April and May. a few pai'sages. The tenders for the They were advertised in the local papers, college buildiugs greatly exceeded the
- 288. MISCELLA.NEOUS. 285 architect's rough estimate of £5,000. ,- apparently in his usual health. Upon the lowest in fact was £6,595., exclusive the whole, this meeting was felt to be of certain internal fittings and of archi- among the most useful, as it was also tect's commission,-about .£500. more. among the most pleasant, of those which "Since our first meeting," proceeds have been held. In consequence of the the address, "Government Stock has Conference intervening, the next meet- fallen so that, were we flOW to sell out ing will not be held till the second Tues- the £3,000. Consols, they would fetch day in November, when it will take nearly .£100. less than we had calculated place at Kersley. upon. But even if we entered upon the work immediately, only u. small portion ;$aniagt. would be required at once, and the whole At the New Jerusalem Church, Bright- would not be needed until some months lingsea, on April 23rd, Mr. John Gees to after the buildings are completed. It is Miss Eliza Barber French, both of the very desirable we should commence as above-named place. speedily as possible; but, instead of re- quiring additional subscriptions to the amount of .£1,408. as originnlly contem- ~bituarp. plated, we should need £3,303. more. Departed intO' the spiritual world, on Of course a few hundred pounds could the 11th of April, in the 22nd year of her be saved by having a building of which age, of consumption, Am elia, youngest we sllould be all ashamed. This is not, daughter of Mr. Thomas De Faye, York- however, our intention. The pecuniary position of the Ney; Church is not flOW street, Jersey. _._' such as to make this necessary. The We have this month to record the re- Lord has provided us with the means of moval into the spiritual world, at the age having a respectable building in which of 66 years, of Mr. John Bogg, of Louth, His chi1m·en may be educated, and stu- who for nearly 00 years, had been known dents suitable for His ministry prepared as a consistent and active member of the for their holy office. . . . In the name New Church. During his apprenticeship, of our Heavenly Father let me appeal to his late uncle, Mr. Edward Bogg, brought you! The time has arrived, yea, the set under his notice Swedenborg's Hearen time has cmne when this .hollse of the and lIeU, as a curiQUS book he had just Lord shall be builded. The spring has bought. His nephew was much delighted arrived, and every week is precious to us. with it, and ultimately obtained other Stay not our hands from the work. works of the same author, and gave his 'Give, and it shall be given unto yOlt, ready assent to their teaching. His simple good measure pressed down (tnd running obedience to the truth, and thorough dis- over.' Strengthen us and encourage us taste for every form of evil, well fitted by what you can spare for this important his mind for tqe reception of doctrines use." which constantly teach that" all religion has relation to life," and that" the life of THE LANCASHIRE 1hNISTERS' QU.ln-· religion is to do good." In his own TERLY l1EETING. - This meeting was neighboul'hood he was preeulinently the held on Tuesday, the 15th ultimo, at friend of the poor, and his large heart· Accrington, when a paper on the Sabbath was alive to all their wants. He was for question, now agitating Scotland, was many years SUI'geon both to the Gaol and read by the l:ev. W. 'Voodman, and, by Workhouse at Louth; and when the ill- desire of the meeting, will be forwarded ness which terminatea his active career for insertion in the next month's Repo- rendered the resignation of these a!)point- sitory. Other Inatters of a practically ments necessary, universal regret was useful character were also canvassed. expressed by the pOOl' under his care, and Among these, the removal of our esteemed the following resolution was passed by friend, ~I r. lIacpherson, had a mournful the Boltrd of Guardians :-" That the interest, both from the general respect Guardians, in receiving Mr. Bogg's resig.. in which he was held and the affection "nation of the appointment of ?fledical entertained towards him by his clerical Officer of the Louth Dledical district, . brethren, and especially from the cir- cannot .but express their unfeigned regret cumstance of his having taken part in at the cause which has led to such resig- the proceedings of the previous meeting, nation; and in accepting it they have
- 289. 28~ MISCELLANEOUS. the pleasure of recording their high appre- cult questions he had always some clel!' ciation of Mr. Bogg's valuable services idea to offer, often new, and so strikingly for a period of upwards of twenty-two illustrative of the subject as quickly to years, during which he has discharged disperse all obscurity. His acquaintance his duties, not only with fidelity to the with the various branches of natural Guardians, but with most exemplary sci~nce was extensive; and iD the know- humanity and kindness to the poor under ledge and practice of his own profession his care." He was an earnest promoter he was surpassed by few. and supporter of all the schools and other A year and a half ago, the disease institutions calculated to benefit the which at length terminated his valuable poorer class. He was one of the first to life in this world began to deaden the originate an infant school in his native activity of a mind whose whole energIes town, and for that end invited the cele- were absorbed in unselfish devotion to brated Wilderspin, himself a brother in the good of his fellow-creatures, but he the ~aith, to visit him and assist in its never failed to the last day of his con- ,establishment. sciousness to take a lively interest in the In order to dissipate the ignorance prosperity of the New Church; and on which so lamentably prevails with respect the afternoon previous to his depa.rture to the doctrines taught .by Swedenborg, listened evidently with great attention to he frequently advertised some of. his a portion of 111'. Clissold's reply to the works in the local and provincial papers, misrepresentations concerning Sweden- and also instituted the Lincolnshire New borg, which had recently appeared in Church Association, to which he contri- the Englishman's Magazine and the buted freely, and by its means lectures Guardian. were delivered at some of the most impor- His long illness was borne with child- . tant towns in the connty. He a~so like patience. His departure from this engaged a· person at Boston to keep New world leaves a sad void in that happy Church tracts for sale; and at another home where all his purest joys were tiIne, in conjunction with some friends, founa. The bitterness of parting can formed a library in Louth for the circu- only be lessened to his family by the lation of Swedenborg's works and other conviction that he whose beloved pre- usefnl and instructive volumes on secular sence brought with it the peace of morn- subjects. Nor did ~Ir. Bogg confine his ing has now entered upon the pure and aid to efforts for the spread of the New ever-varie(l flelights which await those Church in England, but not nnfrequently whose work has been well and faithfully sent substantial help to its devoted ser- done. Though withdrawn from the natu- vant the late Dr. Tafel. As another ral sight of those he so tenderly loved, proof how eagerly Mr. B. sought out he nlay still be near them, and, by the means of usefulness, it may be mentioned, Divine blessing, be instrumental in lead- that having read in the monthly report ing them onwards and upwards in the of the Bible Society of the success of regenerate life. their colporteur in his sales at a fair in The subjoined letter, written, when a Manchester, he wrote to the secretary of medical student, to a younger brother, the Yorkshire Colportage Society, pro- will be read with interest, as manifesting posing to pa:r the expenses of their colpor- the religious tone of his mind, and con- teur if they would allow him to visit the taining a brief but clear statement of approaching Hull and York fairs. TIllS some important New Church doctIines : - scheme the society kindly allowed Mr. B. . " London, Sept. 4th, 1821. to carry ont, as wQ11 as one similar, last "I take this ollportunity of giving spring, when he undertook to pay the you a little more instruction, though I expenses of their colporteur in visiting have not received a letter from you since Knott-mill fair at Manchester. . I wrote last, when I endeavoured to . It may be thought that these- varied show, in as short a manner fiS possible, efforts were supported by an ample in- that there is onc God, in whom exists a come, whereas, during the greater part. Divine Trinity, and that He is in a of his life, owing to his endeavours to human forn1, or like a man surrounded assist two near }'elatives, Mr. Bogg was with brightness and glOlj- fal' more in- oppressed by heavy pecuniary responsi- tense than that which surrounds our bilities. In conversation he was cheer- sun; and if we would render unto Him ful and lively. In the discussion of diffi· acceptable worship, we must think of
- 290. • MI!CELLANEOUS~ 287 Him in some such manner as I have sire, of making others· happy out of stated above-:-for no one can worship a Himself; thus of forming an angelic Divine Being of who~ he has no idea.. heaven. U A certain person once askecl one of H Now, as every good man possesses the ancient fathers of the apostolic church this love of making others hapPJ-and what was the first step towards heaven, it can only be delived from the source and he replied-humility. Now, if this of goodness, for every m¥1 is naturally is the first step, it is surely our duty to seltish-:-the love of man is consequently inquire for the path that leads to it, that derived from the same source, for love we may tread thereon. Now, humility is the life of man, and this life, or love, n.ppears to be an humble acknowledgment dwells in everything that is created, but that all the blessings we enjoy, the produces different effects according to various good affections and truths of our the difference of form of the subject that minds, the useful actions we do, the life receives it; thus the same life dwells in which is in us and appears as our own, a tree as in a man, but the latter is 80 together with our substance and form, formed in his interiors that he will con- are all wholly and solely derived ftom tinue to receive life, or to live for ever- Him who is the only source of all bles- but the former soon perishes and decays. sing, truth, and goodness-who alone That you may understand these things possesses life in Himself, who is the more clearly, let me advise you to seek • only true substance -and form. after knowledge, which you have such H Now, another question naturally ample means of obtaining, but let your arises, viz. :-"'How lue we to arrive at constant endeavour be to apply it to this sincere and interior acknowledg- use; for- ment? " It can only be obtained by 'All wenlth is poor. unless with Ircnerou8 skill rejecting from our minds all evil inclina- The Jiueral hand the trusted gift impart; tions and thoughts, and abstaining from All power is weak, that dllth not curl> the 'ill: All science vain that does not mend the heart.' all evil actions; but we must always let this be our motive-because they are " 'Tis the same yith learning as with sins against God; for, if we resist evil wealth-iJ used properly it is a blessing, from any other motive. the motive itself if impropel'1y, a curse; for if we do Dot is bad. As for instance: If I abstain employ our learning or riches for the from telling a lie for fear of bein~ found good of others, we thwart the intention out, or from fear of punishment, or of of Him to whom all knowledge and losing my credit, &c., I do it from selfish riches belong, for all things are His. motives, which are evils themselves; But I fear I have tired you witbout but, if I will not tell a lie because it is a amusing, for I have made a long letter sin against God, my motive is good, of it; however, I shall always be exceed- because it is derived from the source ingly glad to give you all the instruction of goodness, for no one ha.s any good- I can. If th£::re is anything here that ness from himself-nay, we ha"e nothing you cannot understand, mention it in from ourselves but what is evil and false; your next, and I will explain it more but at the same time that we resist evil, fully.-I am, &c." we must believe in and look up to Jesus Christ, or the Lord of heaven and earth. Re~oved ~to the spiritual world, on " Though, as yet, I cannot demonstrate the 30th of April last, at his residence, to you clearly that He is the only sub- lIornington-roud, Southport, William stance and form, yet I will endeavour to Stott, Esq., in his 70th year. It was on sho~ that he is the only source of life. hearing the late Rev. J. Clowes tllat his It is acknowledged by all men that there serious attention to the New Church is some first cause or principle which is doctrines appears to ~ave been awakened; the canse of all things. Now, the first and this was afterwards fostered l)y his cause that moved the Deity to create attending the meetings held weeklJ by this world and all the other worlds was Mr. Clowes at his own house. For f;ome love; but ~ till this coul{l not produce years he was resident at Worsley, and those wonderful effects without the me- Ils30ciated with the small bond of re- dium of wisdom-so that this world was ceiyers there who met under the leader- created from Divine love by means of ship of Mr. Varey. About thirty Jears Divine wisdom. You may, perhaps, ask since he removed to Kersley, just at the what ~bis love is. It is the love, or de- time the Society-then newly organised
- 291. 288 MISCELLANEOUS. -contemplated the erection of their health had shown symptoms of giving- present church. The deceased at once way, and at length he suffered from a joined the society, and became 0. tnlstee cODlplication of diseases, as trying to the of the building, and likewise of the school powers of endurance as they were painful which was shortly added; and although in themselves. His Heavenly Father, he subsequently removed to the neigh- however, at length released him from bourhood of Prestwich, and -afterwards his sufferings, and his spirit peacefully to Southport·, he continued his relation- quitted its mortal tenement, to resusci- ship to the Kersley Society till the period tate in a spiritual body free from the of his decease. For several years his ravages of disease and decay. W. INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. . p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thursday 7-0 l'Iissionary an~ Tract 'Society, ditto.-First ~"rid.ay ..••....••••..••••..•• 6-30 Nntional Missionary Institution, and Students and ~inisters' Aid Fund, ditto.-Fourth Monday. . . . . • . . • . • • • • • • •• . • . . . . • • . . . • • • . . • . • • • . •• 6-30 College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Last TueBday •• •• . .•• .•.• •• .. .. •• ·8-0 MANCHESTER. Tract Society, Schoolroom. Peter-street.- Third Friday. • . • • • . . . . . • • . • • .• 6-30 Missionary Society' ditto ditto •••• •• ..•••• . . •• .• 7-0 Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TU READERS 'AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BRUCE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of recent meetings, lectures, &c., may appear if not later than the 18th. . We think it would be unjust to the memory of the writer, to insert the letter sent by A. J. L. H. C. will be attended to next month. Mr. Wilken willtind the subject of his inquiry treated of in the Repository for 1857. 1IISSIONARY AND TRACT SOCIETY OF THE NEW CHURCH.-NoTlCE.-"Th~ COln- mittee have decided, until further notice, to hold their meetings on the First Friday in each month, at Bloomsbury-street, at 6-30 p.m., instead of 'on the second 1lon- day of the month, as heretofore.. - SWEDENBORG- SC>CIETy.-The Fifty-sixth Annual GenerallIeeting of this Society is appointed to be held at the Church in Argyle-square, King's Cross, t>n Tuesday, June 19th, when the reports will be read, the usual business transacted, and much interesting information communicated. The important uses performed by this old- established Society heing so well known, the COlllruittee confidently hope to see.a numerous attendance of zealous friends. The chair will be taken by the Rev. A. Clissold, M.A., at 7 o'clock. Tea will be provided at 5-30; tickets for which, Is. each, may be had of Mr. Alvey, 3u, BloomsburJ-street, w.e.; of 11:1'. Pitman, 20, Paternoster-row, E.C.; a~d at the Churches. MANCHESTER AND SALFORD NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH lIISSIONARY SOCIETY.- The Fiftieth' Annual Meeting of this Society will be held on Tuesday evening, June 2Cth. in the School-room, Peter-street. Tea on the table at six o'clock. President, the Rev. W. Woo(lman. CAVE and SEVER, Printers by Steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.•
- 292. THE .INTELLECTUAL REPOSITOliY AND NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 151. JULY 2ND, 1866. VOL. XIII. THE SPIRITUAL USES OF PATIENCE. A Sermon, by the Rev. JOHN HYDE. H In your patience possess ye your souls. "-LuKE xxi. 19. WHEN Sir Isaac Newton was asked what was the special characteristic of his genius, he is said to have answered-" Patience." He exceeded other men in productive ability because he surpassed them in the power of continuous thought. His reply exemplifies an important law,-that patient .toiling must realize gre~t l·esu1ts. The effort to think opens the mind to the influx of thought from the spiritual world; patient perse- verance in thinking continues and increases that influx. The possession of intelligence is the consequence. Mighty thinkers must needs be patient men. A man may possess genius, which truly is a more than ordinary faculty of receiving impressions from the angels and spirits who surround all human beings, and yet be apparently an unproductive and unsuccess- ful man. The secret of all successful genius is 'patient and continued reception of thought; the secret of productiveness is the apt embody- ing or expression of the thought which ·such men have received. We receive thought, and must patiently think in order that we may receive: we express our thought, it may be in harmonious sounds, or in archi- tecture, or in painting, or' in manufactures, or in commerce, .or in statesmanship, or in words; and mnst again patiently labour in order that we may fitly express it. The biographies of earth's noblest men are full of illustrations of these facts. The great works of the 'world are monuments of patient labour; oflabolious thinking, and of laborious 19
- 293. 290 THE SPIRITUAL USES OF PATIENCE. effort to embody or express thought.. The pyramids, those human imitations of the "everlasting hills," Luxor and Baalbec, the Parthenon and the Coliseum, St. Peter's at Rome and St. Paul's at London, the tubular bridges and our leviathan steamships, the tunnel through the Alps and the Indian telegraph, the discovery of America by Columbns and its marvellous colonization, the march of civilization through the world, the progress of science, the triumphs of art, the developments of philosophy, the dissemination of the gospel, and the circulation of the Sacred Scriptures "without note or comment," are all but so many results of patient labour. Patience has achieved its prodigies in the physical, scientific, political, moral, and social planes of life; it has therein proved its importance as a virtue; and it thereby commands to our careful consideration the question-What are its spiritual uses? We may be sure of this: any principle which is useful and good in relation to any of the lower duties of life, has also its special relation to our spiritual duties. There is a spiritual side to every truth. This must be so, from the very nature and origin of truth. All troth comes from God. Each truth is a ray of Divine light proceeding from the Sun of Righteousness. It illuminates all things in its course from God to man. Could we attain to heavenly perception, we should see spiritual things illustrated by that ray. So far as we can attain to heavenly perception, so far may' we discern the spiritual aspect of all truths; tJ1e spiritual side of each truth will be turned towards us, and we may read its higher meanings and discover its broader relationships. Truth thus becomes exalted in our estimation, and our joy in truth is deepened. Our appreciation of the value of patience, therefore, will only be increased by considering its spiritual uses. What is patience .2 The word is a comprehensive one. It is derived from patior, which signifies "to suffer or endure." The primary meaning of patience, consequently, is "continuance in despite of suffering." Its secondary senses include several noble characteristics ;-the quality of waiting long for justice or expected good; perseverance or constancy in labour or exertion; the disposition of bearing offences or injustice without : animosity or seeking revenge. Patience is a virtue in man because it is a Divine attribute in God. This is the only accurate and worthy definition of virtue. That alone is' truly good which, in its highest manifestation, is Divine. Every Divine quality, ,vhich is infinite in the Deity, may be finitely received by angels and men. Received by angels, those Divine qualities become
- 294. THE SPIRITUAL USESOF PATIENCE. 291 heavenly graces. Received by man, those Divine qualities become human virtues. They form within man a heavenly character: they • are also its outgrowths and manifestations. By the acquisition and exercise of these Christian virtues men become, as says the Apostle, "partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the cOlTUption that is in the world through lust:" (2 Peter, i. 4.) they grow more and more "nnto 8 perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" (Eph. iv. 18.) they more nearly realise the object of their creation, and what may also be their destiny,-to become cc images and likenesses of God." We speak of Christian virtues and graces, not merely because they are the virtues and graces which should adorn the Christian, but because they are ~hose which were exemplified in the life of Christ. They are truly Christian because they are in reality Christ· like. He takes of His own, and gives unto His people. "Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." (J ohn i. 16.) Christ gives from Himself, in order to make His disciples like Himself. Christians should ever. strive to become "Godly;" and Godliness is God -like-ness. God is patient. The Scriptures declare how He suffers long; how He bears with man; how He perseveres in the efforts to bless His creatures, notwithstanding their forgetfulness, indifference, and rebellion. He is C ~ JEBOVAB, JEHOVAH Gon, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving. iniquity, transgression, and sin." (Ex. xxxiv. 6, 7.) " He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; for as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.'.' (Ps. ciii. 11, 12.) He hath ..stretched out His hands all the day to a rebellious people, which walked in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts. (laa. Ixv. 2.) He is the Redeemer, who was led as a Iamb to the slaughter, and when He was reviled opened not His mouth ;-who blessed His enemies while they rejected Him,-healed them when they seized on Him, and prayed for His executioners when they were mlil"dering Him on the cross. He is the true Father in that universal parable of real life, who runs to meet His once prodigal, but now repentant son. He is the merciful King in that other parable: the debtor only asked Him to "be patient;" and, more than patient merely, He "freely forgave him alL" The greater includes and over- laps the less. Mercy is larger than patience; and the name whereby God is made known to us is-"The lIERCIFPL !"
- 295. 292 THE SPIRITUAL USES OF PATIENCE. God is patient. Nature bears witness to it. The Divine purpose in the formation of the earth was that a habitation might be prepared for man. Man is the only solutio'n of the vast problem of nature. The- variety of minerals, the diversity of metals, the coal deposits, the medic~aI springs, herbs and plants, the succession of vegetation, and the orders of animal life, show that man was the end toward which pressed the Creator's work. Yet between the first act of creation and the advent' of man upon the earth, how immense the interval. Think of the long ages, now styled geologic periods, through which the Divine patience laboured and waited. Think of the periods, still more immense, during which this globe was perhaps gestating in the fecund womb of the SUll, becoming fitted for its genesis; so fashioned as to be ready for geologic changes to perform their series of preparations for man. Through these slow processes the Divine purpose worked itself out with the perseverance of immutability. Creation points to man; man looks up to God; and the chain of being is complete. God is patient. History confirms it. The all-loving Father followed with various and fitting instrumentalities the receding footsteps of His prodigal children ;-taught them by correspondence, then openly seen ;-instructed them by angels, when their minds became darkened by sin ;-guided them by prophets, when communion with angels became possible only to a few;-established the representative of a church in the family of Abraham, when men refused everything higher than a religion of forms and ceremonies ;-and~transcendant climax to ages of infinite mercy 1-" bowed the heavens " and Himself " came down," to seek that which was lost, if haply they would be willing to be found, redeem.ed, regenerated, saved. The" forty years long," during which the Lord was grieved with that "generation" of Israel, may well stand as a symbol of the forbearance of God, the patient ~ long-suffering of Infinite Love with all mankind. The history of the Christian church further proves the patience of God. ;How far short have Christians fallen of their heritage! Alas! the progress of the church has too often left a bloody stain on the pa.ges of the history of Christendom; and that which was hailed as a triumph of the gospel was only the temporary triumph of pl'iestcraft, superstition, and sin. Yet God has borne with it all. ~e waited for thousands of years, till "the fulness of times " had come, ere He came down to redeem and save His people. He has waited for more than seventeen hundred .years, till "these last days" were arrived, ere He set His hand a second time to the work of fulfilling the promises made to our fathers,
- 296. !'HE spmITUAL USESOF PATIENCE. or accomplishing the prophecies which He uttered in His Word, of establishing a church which shall never be overthrown, and never come to its end. Love is ever patient, and " God is love.'~ We need not extend the argument, though to extend it would be so easy. The New Church Christian lives in an atmosphere·of great thoughts: he can subsidise the univer~e to obtain the tribute, which he . desires to render unto God. The fact must be evident :-patience is indeed an attribute of the Deity, and well, then, should it be acquired and practised by men. Patience is sometjmes a hard thing to acquire. l'Ien are impatient, very often, when they feel the trials of their own lives. There are trials without and troubles within. We are impatient with those about us. We grow impatient with ourselves. We are sometimes impatient with God. We are impatient with those about us. We fail to bear wIth those less happily circumstanced, or less happily dispositioned, than our- selves. We are incensed by their want of perception, or exasperated. by their lack of deference. Our self-love is sensitive to feel, prompt to take offence, prone to exhibit the offence we have taken. We are greedy for gain, or we are greedy for power, or we are greedy for applause and honour; and too often we see no merit in those who oppose us, and discern no failings in those who minister to our greed.. Patience, and more than patience, is lacking here. Lust of any kind- of gain, of reputation, or of power-and impatience go hand in hand along the broad road which leadeth to destruction. Patience is in- separable from love: the origin of impatience is ever the love of self.. We are impatient with ourselves. Sometimes this impatience may put on a SUbtle disguise, and, seeming to be good, cheat our souls. We sometim.es .become impatient when we think of the slowness of our own spiritual growth in the knowledge of divine truth, or in the attain- ment of heavenly goodness. So far as this feeling teaches us humility, a a more prayerful longing wr increase in holiness, deeper penitence, and a more devoted obedience, so far it is good. So far as this im- patience leads us into doubt, makes us dispirited and discouraged in our pilgrimage heavenwards-gives us a heart of cowardice and the feet of the laggard-so far it is a temptation from beneath, and requires to be combatted with resolution and prayer. We are sometimes impatient with God. When we see the evils which the Divine Providence permits to deface and sully life; the crimes committed against God and man; the pride of the haughty;
- 297. 294: THE SpmITUAL USES OF PA.TIENCE'. the seeming success of the wicked; the worldly prosperity of notoriotm fraud; the apparent triumph of false principles, and the dominion of selfishness, we may well repeat the words of the Psalmist :-" But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped. For I wtI8 envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain ; l'iolence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fat- ness: they have more than heart CQuld wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly eoncerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh throngh the earth. They say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High? Behold, these are the ungodly who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." (Ps.lxxiii. 2-9, 11, 12, 17.) We cry, "How long, 0 Lord, holy and true ?" Too often would many of us, like James and John, call down fire from heaven to burn up the villages of unbelieving Samaria, and need the Lord's rebuke r " Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." (Luke ix. 54, 56.) God hath bome with the evil for many generations: yet we sometimes cajole ourselves into thinking that there is something virtuous in im- patience of this sort r There is another form of impatience against which we need to guard.. Wpen we remark the comparative slowness of the growth of the church among men; how difficult it is to find minds which have undergone the early stages of preparation to receive. the sublime verities of the New Jerusalem; and when we have found sueh, how.har4 it is to induce them to aecompany us more than a very little way in our rational investigations into spiritual things, we are apt to feel impatient~ and sometimes fancy that such impatience is almost meritorious. How different is this from the long-suffering of the Lord r Christianity has been in the world for nearly twenty centuries, and yet only a third part of the world's population is nominally acquainted with its holy precepts and sublime promises. Of those nominally Christian, how small a number are Christians in heart and life! This fact does not at all affect the truth of the Christian religion. Truth is equally true if it numbers its receivers by units or by billions. The Ohu'rck W&8.A8 much a reality when the disciples were shut in a small room, with closed doors, for fear of the Jews, as evel· it was when thousands have con-
- 298. TUB SPIRITUAL USESOF PATIENCE. 295 gregated in temples, and filled the air with their songs of praise. Let us remember the unerring rule :-80 far as our impatience prompts us to be more earnest in the dissemination of the troth, more devoted in our fidelity to its teachings, more fervent in our love of it, more humble in our obedience to it, more laborious in our efforts to bring others to its holy radiance, so far may our anxiety be productive of use. It will be useful to ourselves, because it will be useful to others. But in so far as our impatience leads us into doubting and into despondency, if not into despair, relaxes our efforts while it lessens our confidence, makes us willing to sit still with folded hands, or renders us selfish in our enjoyment of truth, so far our impatience is a temptation, and needs to be resiated to the end. God is patient, and yet the operations of His Holy Spirit are nnceas- ing. Let us learn from the Lord the lesson for our guidance to be diligent and eontinuous in our efforts, as. well as suffering and bearing long. Patience, i~ reality, includes both these. We have, however, encouragements in these matters if we would only think of them. The Church of Christ embraces all the good in the universe, both in the spiritual and natural worlds. We may hail . every new perception of truth ae. an increase of the spiritual riches of the church. We may welcome every humble seeker after the true gold of goodness 8S a new accession to our numbers. Truth is on our side; goodness is on our side; God and His angels are on our side; the I promises of the Word and the operations of God's Holy Spirit are on our side; "They that be with us are more than they that be with them;" therefore we need neither be impatient nor fear. Fear not, lonely pilgrim! when you feel most isolated and most desolate, your communion with the church of the First-born need not be at all inter- rupted; the church on earth is one with the church in heaven; the truths which you cherish are the wisdom and counsels of God, and He shall make them triumphant at last. We sometimes grow impatient when we discern how little the know- ledge of the truth seems to lead some who profess its possession into the graces of charity and the holiness of love. There is an unhappy tendency in all of us to see the mote in our brother's eye while we • forget the beam that is in onr own eye. We wonder and we mourn that the truth should prove so ineffectual, and so feeble a thing, in the cases of our fellow-receivers or the heavenly doctrines. Look at home. Does your practice set a better example? Are yOll more faithful in your obedience? Does truth in you complete its perfect work, and
- 299. 296 THE SPIRITUAL USES OF PATIENCE. introduee you into states of holiness and goodness? You mourn? It is right to mourn. Do you also mourn for yourself, or, puffed np with spiritnal pride, do you think yourself holier than he? Do you talk to. others conceming the defect which you see in your brother? Beware, lest you are led into slander, scandal, and "bearing false witness 1" We have glanced at the negative side of patience, now let us con- sider the positive duties which patience enjoins. The first duty of patience is forbearance-forgiveness of injuries. How emphatically this duty is taught may be seen by all .who remember the Lord's injunction-to forgive our brother though he sin against us seventy times seven times; to forgive as we wish to be forgiven-to remember that the measure we mete shall be measured to us again-that even in our prayers we are taught to ask forgiveness' for our debts "as we also forgive our debtors." The prayer is our guide to obtaining forgiveness; the duty to repeat the prayer is designed, regularly, day by day, to stir up our pure mind by way of remembrance. God teaching ns the prayer is the utterance of· His covenant with its conditions; our repeating the petition expresses our consent to the terms of it; it is- our acceptance of the covenant, our solemn declaration to abide by its conditions. The second duty of patience is endurance. Only he who endures to the end shall, or can, be saved. We all have to beaz the cross, to despise the shame, to follow the Lord. If in the world we shall have' tribulation we may be of good .cheer; for Christ has overcome the world. This does not merely mean' that, so long as we dwell in the natural body, tribulation is our heritage; it truly means that the state of worldly-mindedness, is necessarily a state of tribnlation. Harass- ment from temporal anxieties, business cares, the vexations of daily life, the disap~intments inseparable from worldly pursuits, chiefly and most deeply affect those who most love the world. Contrariety t() our loves is the cause of vexation. If we love the world most, then worldly disappointments eat most deeply into our happiness and peaee. There is no refuge from worldly anxiety except fleeing from worldly- mindedness-the absorbing love of the things of this life. Further, we mus' notice an important fact. Christ does not promise His people • any immunity from suffering. Suffering is the only road to perfection. and it must be travelled by all men. The Lord does promise, however~ that He will operr~ disciples a plane of thought and feeling int() which suffering from worldly cares cannot enter; a confidence in God!s Providence that no disappointment can shake and that DO grief can
- 300. THE SPIRITUAL USESOF PATIENCE. 291 undermine; a belief in God which shall lift the soul above the petty anxieties of daily life; a presence of the Saviour in the ship, who, when the storm is at its wor~t, when the waves run the' highest and the sky is most curtained with clouds, shall be able to arise and rebuke the winds and the waves, and say-" Peace, be stilL" While tribula- tions are inevitable, that" holy calm" may be obtained by all. The third duty of patience is perseverance -" patient continuance in well-doing." Endurance implies something of passive submission. Perseverance implies active obedience. Both are necessary. We must submit in order that we may obey. We must receive in order that we may impart. Submission opens the soul to receive the mercies of our Heavenly Father; obedience exercises the gifts which have been com- municated. Hence the process of regeneration is e.er described in the Word by such representations as involve the double duty. It is ever something received and something done. The seed is SOWD, and it springs up corn. The Christian is armed, and then he fights. The pilgrim is provided with his equipment, and then he journeys. The child is born, and then he acts. Power is communicated: obedience is required. Patience is the secret of fruit-bearing. Those" bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke viii. 15.) who are represented in the parable by the" good ground." Nothing is more patient than the acorn. Nothing unites greater activity with its patience. The oak, which endures for centuries, is the result. Yet is the oak growing during all the time it lives. It waits for the seasons to come round. Every season as it comes finds it an appropriate duty, and it perfolIDs its part. It co- operates with the rain and the storm, with the sunshine and gentle winds, and it stands the green monarch of the glade. " Let patience have its perfect work," says the Apostle, (James i. 4.) "that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." "We glory in tribnlation also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experi- ence; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not .ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy.Spirit which is given us." (Rom. v. 8, 4.) " Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness; fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life," (1 Tim. vi. 11.) is the wise counsel which Paul gives to Timothy. "Through faith and patience" our fathers have" in.. herited promises,," Perfect· trust, cOBtinued trust, trust unshaken and e:ver-abounding, is the only means whereby we can attain to the realiz~.. tion of the promises of God.
- 301. 298 'rHE SPIRITUAL USES OF PATIENOE. Let us see, then, the meaning of the promise, that the patient shall possess their souls. The literal meaning of "possess ye your souls" may be,-that by patience ye shall be masters of yourselves. Even in this comparatively inferior, because external, sense, the promise teaches an important truth. Only he who can wait as well as labonr,--only he who endures to the end, who forbears with foes, and by perseverance overcomes them, can lay hold on success. It is a grand power to acquire, the power of watchful waiting. As the smith waits till his iron glows among the coals, before he hammers it into shape, so waiting is as needful 8S working to all lasting success. But the real meaning of "possess ye your souls" is, "receive and secure ye eternal ~." . In the Word, "the heart" is spoken of as specifically referring to the life of love: "the soul" as specifically signi- fying the life ofJaith. "Save me, 0 God," exclaims the psalmist, "for the waters are come even to my soul." (Ps. lxix. 1.) This means that falsity threatens to overwhelm my knowledge of the truth; doubt destroys my trust; darkness shuts ont all light. The soul is also spoken of as signifying the whole spiritual life of a man. "God breathed into man's nostrils the breath of lives, and man became a living soul." Man then lived the double life of love and wisdom from the Lord; living in active manifestation of goodness and truth. He received and he acted: God was the source of the life: the Lord operating within him, and he cooperating with the Lord. The same destiny awaits all·men who will submit and obey. Our merciful Father designs to make the soul of each one of His children 8 temple, wherein He may dwell,~a tabernacle unto His own glory. Does it seem strange? .Only by giving our souls up to the Lord do we really possess our souls. We give ourselves away that we may tmly possess ourselves. "He that findeth his life- shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. x. 39.) We give up our old life of selfishness and sin in. order that we may find our new life ot righteousness, joy, and peace. We give up our faculties to the Lord, and He returns them to us, endowed with new powers, and able to delight in new kinds of happiness. We forsake all to follow Christ, and receive one hundred-fold in this world, and, in the world to come, life everlasting. Our seeming sacrifice was a real reward: our apparent 108s is our real gain. Patience is the God-appointed means. It is the expression of our love, the proof of our trust, the sign of onr perseverance. Patience, as
- 302. THE SPIRITUAL USESOF PATIENCE. 299 forbearance, makes the heart gentle, tender, susceptible. Patience, as endurance, sustains the load, obtains the heavenly gift, receives the operation of the Spirit of Christ. Patience, as perseverance, runs the race, fights the good fight of faith, completes the pilgrimage, gains the goal. "Let patience have its perfect work!" The lovely statue was once a rude block of marble; wrenched from the quarry where it grew; jolted along the- rough road to the port; tossed upon the sea; pitched into the statuary's yard; relentlessly drilled, chiselled, scraped, scratched, and polished: the artist saw in the rude block the graceful form which his mind had conceived, and dug into the solid mass till he Irrived at it; and now the purpose of all these harsh processes appears-the statue is "a thing of beauty" and " a joy for ever." So with man. There are the possibilities of eternal beauty, sweetness, goodness, wisdom, and love in his soul. The temptations and trials incident to regenera.. tion are the processes by which those possible graces shall become actually realised. Christ is the Divine Artist, and the result of His work will be to render the soul of man a loving and a lovely thing, a masterpiece of beauty, and an eternal joy. "In your patience, possess YE your souls! " EXPOSITION OF JOHN XX. 18-28. By LE Boys DES GUAYS. No.3. 18. Mary Magdalene came and told 18. The affection of good conJoln9 the disciples itself to the principal activities of the mind, to communicate to them That she had seen the Lord, That it has had a pe~ception of the Divine Human of th~ Lord, And that he had spoken these things And that, according to this perception, unto her. in order to receive it as Divine Love, it is necessary to be raised towards the Divine Good itself and towards the Divine Truth itself. Until now the Divine Human of the Lord has manifested itself only to the affection of good in the regenerate, because it falls to ths affection to prepare and excite the principal activities in the regenerate, to raise themselves towards Good itself and Truth itself, before th~ Divine Human can manifest itself to them. 19. Then the same day at evening, 19. Then in the dim light of this sa,me being the first of the Sabbaths,. state of rep08~, When the doors were shut, Communication with the things of the world being also closed, the princi:pal acthities,
- 303. 800 EXPOSITION OF JOHN XX. Where the disciples were assembled, Being gathered together (excepting the sensual) For fear of the Jews, For fear of evils, Came Jesus and stood in the midst, Receive the Lord as Divine Love flow- ing in and penetrating to the inmost, And saith unto them, Peace be unto And by this influx he introduces into you. the regenerate QJl inmost happiness. The manifestation of the Lord, or of the Divine Love, now takes place before the assembled disciples, but in the absence of Thomas. (See ver. 24.) Thomas was not present, because he represents the sensual. • Now, regeneration is effected according to the descending order of degrees, and the sensual is the last degree; the external is regenerated much later, and with m~re difficulty, than the internal. (A. C. 8469.) It is, then, conformable to the laws of order that the other principal activities in the regenerate recognise the Divine Human, before the Divine Human can be recognised by the sensual principle of the regenerate. 20. And when he had so said, 20. And in givlng this felicity, He showed them his hands and his He manifested his power and his love. side. Then were the disciples glad when These faculties of the mind are then they saw the Lord. in a state of joy, when they ~ecognise the Divine Human of the Lord. 21. Then said Jesus to them again, 21. Then the Lord imparts to the Peaee be unto you: regenerate a delight still more interior; As my Father hath sent me, even 80 With the conviction that, as from the send I you. Divine itself has proceeded Divine Truth, even so from internal good proceeds~ temal truth in the regenerate. In the internal sense, relatively to the church on earth, by "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you," it is signified that' men of the church should teach Divine truth proceeding from the Lord, from whom comes spiritual life; for the 1Jord, when in the world, was the Divine Truth itself, which He taught from His Divine Good, which was in·Him by conception. It is this Divine Good that the Lord here calls the Father; and as when He went out of the world He united Divine truth with Divine good, that they might be one in Him, and as ihe Divine truth then proceeded from Him, therefore He said-CC As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. h (A. E. 419.) But in the individual internal sense, where everything occurs in the regenerate, who is the image of the Lord, is signified that truth in the regenerate proceeds from good, as Divine tnlth in the Lord has proceeded from Diyine Good, or from the Diyine Itself, called the Father.
- 304. EXPOSITION OF JOHNXX. 801 22. And when he had said this, 22. And whilst he imparts this felicity and conviction, He breathed on them, He insinuates into the regenerate the life of faith, And saith nnto them, Receive ye the And the regenerate perceives that Holy Ghost. Divine Wisdom or Divine Truth flows into him. 23. Whosesoever sins ye remit, they· 23. That by this wisdom he should are remitted unto them, replace evils and falsities by goods and truths, And whosesoever sins ye retain, they And that evils and falsities will be kept are retained. in abeyance, and deprived of the power to injure. . I • Almost similar words were addressed to Peter, when the Lord'~ promised him the keys of ~he kingdom of heaven; (Matt. xvi. 19.) but it is to faith, proceeding from charity-faith represented by Peter, then called Simon, son of J onas-and not to Peter himself, that these keys belong. This faith has place only with those who are in love to the Lord and in charity towards their neighbour. This faith it ~s that shuts heaveD: to prevent the entrance of evil and false principles; and this faith it is that opens heaven for goodnesses and truths. The twelve apostles also represent all that belongs to such a faith. (A. C. Pref. Brd Part.) This faith is with the regenerate when he has received the Divine wisdom or the Divine truth: it is then that he receives in abundance goodnesses and truths, in place of evils and falsities, which have been driven out, and which are held at a distance and are deprived of the power of hurting him. BEAUTY. (Concluded from page 258.) ALL natural and intellectual beauties are subject to decay. Every year witnesses the withering away of some natural beauty, and time spares not, in his relentless grasp, the masterpiece of genius. Sad may be the truth, but reflection on it will teach us that we should not neglect a higher source of pleasure. The body may become enfeebled -by disease, or stricken by death; the senses may lose their perception, and the intellect its power, but the soul can never die. Its beauties never fade. Eternal in duration, they are infinite in progression. What is the bea~ty of the soul? for this will comprise all spiritual beauty. The soul, limited as our conceptions of it may be, is at least known to have two essential parts-the will and the understanding. The will gives birth to affections and desires, to sentiments and emotions, to
- 305. 802 BEAUTY. impulse and to passion; the understanding gathers together all know- ledge, and guides by its judgment and rational power the operations of the man. The more these are perfected the more does the soul become beautiful. God is the source of all beauty, and God is a Divine man. His beauty is ineffable and perfect, and therefore His character is the character which must be reflected in man. The Divine will manifests itself in Divine Love or Goodness, and the Divine understanding in Divine Wisdom or Truth. To become beautiful spiritUally, man must harmonise bis character with the Divine charaeter. He must make goodness the ruling ~desire and main-spring of his actions. He must • ·feel an affection for truth, and experience a pleasure in the acquisition · of it for the guidance of his life. But how few do this! How few are there who are beautiful in spirit! And yet we can readily see why. Man is bom into this world with tendencies to evil so strong that actual sin becomes an almost certainty. In proportion to the evil which becomes our own by sin, so far are we turned away from God. Evil or self-love is opposed to His Divine love, and falsehood is a perversion of His Divine truth. It will therefore cost many a struggle-many a heial and temptation; but after strife cometh victory, and the disfigurements of evil being removed, the soul will be radiant with heavenly splendour. It is true that some who have' not conquered their evil tendencies may appear to ns spiIitually beautiful. But this is to be attribu~d either to our own inability to perceive beneath the surface, or else to their possession of truth as mere mental knowledge. For all beauty is but the expression of truth, as truth is the expression of love, so that even the possession of truth will appear beautiful, although it cannot long exist without there be heavenly affection also. Truth can no more exist without love, than body without soul; and as the body without the soul is doomed to decay, so the appearance of truth in a spirit without love must soon be taken away. An Egyptian mummy, em- balmed with spices, may preserve the lineaments of the human form long after the soul has departed, although the face has lost its earthly freshness; so the man may retain the outlines of spiritual beauty, al- though the soul of goodness is wanting, and the appearance of truth nn assumed hypocrisy. This beauty cannot be acquired by speculation on theoretical doc- trines, it can only be obtained by a love and search for truth, and its realization in goodness of life. Who has not felt a pleasure, sweet and happy, in the intercourse with a man whose nnderstanding is filled with
- 306. BEAUTY. 808 heavenly wisdom and whose life .abounds with works of love? Is there not a sweetness, beyond all earthly joys, in a charitable and kind demeanour? Is there not a sublime and heavenly grace in a gentle and forgiving temper? Is there not a heavenly beauty in the character of a man who has returned love for hatred, who has spread truth among the ignorant, who has had pity for the suffering, and comfort for the oppressed, who has restrained evil and fostered goodness, and whose soul has been turned to his Divine Maker in gratitude and thanksgiving for His wonderful mercies ? The character of man diffuses around it an influence which may be for good or for evil, according to its own nature. There is a sphere around every human being which proceeds from his ruling love. H he love the good and the true, then spiritually beautiful will be the sphere which emanates from him, while hideous deformity will surround him who is immured in falsehood and immersed in sin. The natural world is not more essential to the natural body than is a spiritual world to the • soul. There is a spirit-world around every man, even in this world, but our spirits are so chained down to material things that we cannot per- ceive that world, although we derive strength from an influx proceeding therefrom. But when this mortal frame becomes resolved to dust, when- the spirit is free from its fetters, then will the inconoeivable beauties of heaven be unfolded to our view, if our souls are fitted to dwell where joy will never cease and beauty never fade. And lastly, in describing the kinds of beauty, let us consider human beauty in its various relations to the person, the intellect, and the soul. • Possessing 8, personal interest for each one of us, either subjective or objective, it must necessarily be attractive. But on few subjects is the consideration given more limited. We circumscribe our thoughts to the exterior, forgetting that man's true and supemal beauty is of the spirit. Yet, even on this low platform of personal beauty, opiniODS are almost as various as possible. All ~oncnr in admitting that the beauty of the face and figure is attractive; but what one man considers his ideal, another would consider subordinate to his O'WD. The harmony of a Grecian face like the Apollo Belvedere, or of female grace like the Venus de Medici may b: admitted as the standard of perfection, yet how many faces there are which cannot claim regul8.lity and correctness of outline, yet charm by their piquancy and expression. The flowing ringlets, the rounded forehead, the brilliant eye, the Grecian Dose, the delicately- curved mouth, the dimpled cheek, and the well-formed chin, these may constitute the essentials .of an artistically beautiful face, and these may
- 307. 804 BEAUTY. be very imperfectly developed, or considerably modified, and yet beauty will remain. In fact it is not so mu~h the strictly correct outline which constitutes the charm, as the sweet spirit shining from within. True, personal beauty may exist without soul beauty, but it is cold and corn· manding, rather than attractive; or if it become the latter, it is only through the influence of affections which are assumed. There is a higher kind of beauty than mere personal beauty, and that is the beauty of the mind. The mind that can appreciate the wisdom and the fervency of true genius, that delights in the creations of the poet, that can appreciate the works of great men, that can explore the realms of science and philosophy, and find their hidden treasures, has within itself the power which draws others within its circle of beauty. But there is a higher kind still, and that is the beauty of the spirit. This will cause everything around it to become beautiful like itself, "or be influenced in that direction. It will cause a loving smile to play around the lips, a k~dly look to beam from the eye, and a happy, serene expression to be displayed on the countenance. It will refine • the mind and elevate the intellect, by making it the minister to eternal bliss. These divisions of human beauty are sometimes found together, sometimes alone, and sometimes two combined. There may be the beauty of the person alone, but how contracted its sphere and how soon ~ere may be intellectual beauty alone, or combined-with does it fade! ,.. ... personal beauty, yet although its pleasures are great, they are not fitted to last for ever. The beauty of the soul, when combined with these, . how ennobling is it to the character! An angel on earth,-its influence is sublime. All these are more or less important, and none ol;lght to be despised, but the only twe beauty must be found in the soul, whether personal charms be wanting or not. And, with this, joy will always be present, for" " a thing of beauty is a joy for ever." These are the various phases which mark the existence of beauty, yet beauty may exist without man perceiving it. This may seem strange, but it is nevertheless true. How many are there who never 'care for nature's landscapes, who pass listlessly through art galleries, and who scarcely ever soar above the sphere of creature comforts! The reason is, because we require cultivation in order rightly to :ppreciate beauty. The senses must be brought into constant activity, the mind must be developed, and the spirit made pure. We cannot excuse ourselves by saying we have no opportunity, fOIe opportunities surrolmd us every day. Nature is an open book, ready for our perusal; works of genius are being multiplied around us, and the spirit is living amongst materials and
- 308. BEAUTY. 805 circumstances ready for its use. One great law which regulates our perception of beauty, and which will materially aid us in its cultivation, is that of sympathy. Sympathy is a kind of reciprocal blending, whereby the affections of the heart are kindly disposed towards some other object. It creates the desire of making our own what we perceive or feel in others. And he who has a large sympathy for nature will find most beauty in nature, and so of him who has a large sympatliy for genius or religion. The possession of sympathy is therefore a requisite for man's true perception of the beautiful. Sympathy may be acquired by association. It is singular how human nature becomes spmpathetic to certain circles simply from having mixed or lived among them. By associating with scenes of beauty we shall learn to appreciate the beautiful, in whatever form it may appear. This Rympathy is so attractive that it beautifies almost everything which COlnes within its influence. Take, for instance, an example with which all must be in some degree acquainted,~ young man and woman who ardently and truly love, desiring the welfare of each other. There is within their souls a sweet chord of sympathy, vhich binds them with a tender tie. To either of thenl no living being a1?pears so beautiful as • the other. There is something about the man (a strong manliness" a well-stored mind, and a powerful will) which makes him appear to the woman the only one worthy of being the subject of her choice~ while he regards her as a beautiful manifestation of human grace, tenderness, and affection. This accounts for the differences of opinion as to the merits of sonle peculiar beauty. The sympathies of men are so videly different in character that what one deems beautiful, because it is in agreement with his ruling love, another would deem otherwise, because contrary to his. And this leads to the conclusion that the nIore our sympathies are directed towards the perfect,-towards vhat is lastingly and truly beautiful,-the more extensive and correct vill bo our perception of beauty. From the above investigation of the subject of beauty, we find that beauty is that expression, either in nature, genius, or soul, vhich results from 'harmony, and which is pleasing in character. We find its divi- sions to be three-fold, viz., natural, intellectual, nnc1 spiritual, being combined in man; we find that the only beauty which never fades is the beauty of the spirit; and we also find that man's perception of beauty depends upon cultivation and sympathy, the latter being gained by association. 20
- 309. 806 BEAUTY. Considering that the tendency of beauty is to refine and elevate the senses, the mind, and the spirit, it becomes an imperative dnty upon us to cultivate the perception of it. Nothing is more likely to confer happiness, and send a thrill of pleasure through the soul. It should be regarded as a great means provided by God for the development of character, leading us' from the evil and false, and consequently hideous, to the good and true, and consequently beautiful. Whilst, therefore, we pursue our daily duties, endeavouring to promote the comfort of others, by ministering to the wants of society, let us not forget that men n~ed something more than food, and that we shall never attain a true a~d real progress, 'unless with the useful and necessary we combine the pure and the beautiful, by which we are led- To taste the pleasures of the earth, And feel the joys of heaven. Birmingham. W.M.C. THE SABBATH QUESTION. [An Essay read by the Rev. W. WOODMAN, before the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers held at .A.ccrington, Tuesday, May 15th, 1866.J THE object for which this subject was selected at our last meeting for ,. an essay, to be read at the present one, was not, I apprehend, so much on account of the subject itself, as on that of the excitement caused by the d~scussion of it in the Scotch Church. As regards ourselves, there does not exist, as least so 'far as I am aware, any divergence of thought which amounts to a real difference of opinion; it may not, neveliheless, be unprofitable-certainly not uninteresting-to l"eview the sanctions on which the observance of the Sabbath rests, as they are presented in the light of the New Church. As regards the aspect of the question that has obtained in Scotland, it appears to have been the custom there for the Presbyterians to issue, from time to time, what are termed" Pastorals," embracing various points of Christian duty and practice, especially such as bear on the due observance of the Christian Sabbath, and intended to serve as a guide to the members of the church., It is the issuing of one of these documents which has offered the occasion out of ,vhich the l·ecent controversy arose. There is one feature which cannot fail to afford pleasure to us, and, indeed, to every intelligent and liberally-minded person-that is, the decided approach to more sensible views in the presbytery on the Sabbath question than formerly prevailed. In some of their earlier "pastqrals,"
- 310. THE SABBATH QUESTION. IJ07 walking on the .sabbath, for any save strictly religious purposes, was denounced as a desecration of the day; in the one, however, just issued, far more enlightened and liberal sentiments prevail, if, at least, we judge from the remarks of Mr. Charteris, one of its most eloquent champions. He repudiates the idea of the Sabbath being a day of gloom, or of its being confined to church-going. "It is a day," he truly remarks, "when we are to remember our Master, and to have a religion like that which was" his-loving t·o God and kind to man-a day .. to be devoted to kind deeds and holy thoughts, to happy family intercourse, to blessed neighbourly charity, and to holy communion with God and the Father of our spirits." And he subsequently adds- "I am not here to forbid, if I could-and I am glad that I cannot-the hard- wrought mechanic to get away from the very sight of the smoky scenes of his daily toil, and to enjoy the air, and the sun-light, and the joy of the fair earth. I am glad to meet pale-faced men and women, with their children, which I often do, on a Sabbath afternoon; for I know they are likely to go home more thankful, and cheerful, and good than if they had been shut up all the Lord's day in some small. apartment opening on a common stair." The issuing of this new pastoral was, however, deemed by Dr. Norman Macleod a suitable opportnnity for reviewing the position and principles of the Scotch Church on this head, and to consider the whole question de novo, especially as he appears to have formed some very decided, and, in the opinion of his clerical brethren, somewhat novel views in relation to it. As far a~ can be gathered from his own statement (which, by the way, is not very clear), he distinguishes, to use his own words, "between the moral law which is eternal and unchangeable, and the decalogue qua decalogue, apart from the Mosaic institution." That is, as I understand him, the decalogue, as such, was binding to those nnder what he terms "the Mosaic institution," but that, apart from that institution, it ceases to be so, being dead and buried with Christ. The obligations of the moral law, he maintains, rest on other and higher sanctions; but what those sanctions are, does . not very plainly appear, since in one place p.e bases them on the law of nature, and in another he argues that these sanctions have become more powerfril and solemn through God having revealed Himself to us in Christ. The decalogue itself, he argues, belonged peculiarly to the Jews, and in proof of this view, refers to the introductory declara- tion-" I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt," and to the promise appended to the command to honour father and mother, "that thy days may be prolonged npon
- 311. 808 THE SABBATH QUESTION. the land," as being inapplicable to any but the Jews. He himself, he argues, was not brought out of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan there referred to, he has no personal interest; whence he contends that these portions, at least, are distinct from moral and eternal commands, and had only a local reference to the Israelites. When, however, Dr. Macleod thus argUes for the abrogation of what has been considered the moral law, he simply aims at carrying ,out, logically, one of the dogmas of the Scottish Church. Thus, Mr. Charteris, in alluding to the remark, of Dr. lVlacleod, "that the law is dead-dead and buried in the grave of Jesus Christ," adds,- U I could have wished that Dr. Macleod had been somewhat more explicit in telling us what it is that was buried in the grave of the Redeemer, whether it is the law as a rule of righteousness, or the law as a ground of justification. . • I know that the moral law is no longer to the Christian the law of life and death; but it still remains as the Divine standard of morality; its breach will not bring condemnation to the believer; he does not follow it as one who hopes that his obedience will justify. I venture to th:ink that the reasoning which was intended to prove that the law has ceased, only proved that the believer is no longer tried by it. • • If I am crucified with Christ, then every record of condemnation was nailed to His C1'05S, was buried in His grave; and I rise with Him in newness of life." On reading this statement one is inclined to ask,-What possible use the moral law-either as embodied in the Decalogue or as resting on the immutable principles of Nature-subserves? If the Christian is not saved by its observanc, why should it be enjoined? If it is replied that it is the rule of "life to the Christian, it may be rejoined, of what practical purpose is a rule of life the observance' of which brings no reward, and by' the breach of which no penalty is incurred? In short, it is difficult to see what logical objection persons holding this view can offer to that of Dr. Macleod. The fact is, the objection is not a logical, but a dogmatic one; it is not that the authority of the Decalogue, but that the doctrine of justification of faith alone, is contravened thereby. To return, however, to the question of the Sabbath, the bearing of the doctor's reasoning will be evident. His object is to combat the narrow views deduced by some of his brethren from the literal applica- tion of the Jewish law on the subject; and, whilst we must dissent from much of his reasoning, we cannot altogether withhold our sympathy from his effort. The reflection that will most forcibly strike the intelligent member of the New Church, is the inestimable value of the spiritual sense of the Word, and the incalculable advanta.ge conferred by an acquaintance
- 312. THE SABBATH QUESTION. 809 with it. Neither the declaration relative to the deliverance from Egypt) which occurs in the prefatory portion of the Decalogue, nor the promise of length of days in the land appended to the command to honour our father and mother, offers any difficulty when the spiritual sense 'of Egypt and Canaan, and of the terms here employed in referenee to them, is understood, and the practical application of the passage of the Jews from one to the other seen. Indeed, no language is adequate to express the privilege enjoyed by him who, in the inspired historical records, can trace the outlines of his own spiritual progress, and obtain a vivid sense of the same Divine presence attendant on his spiritual path in regeneration, as protected and guided the Israelites in their wanderings .through the wilderness. 1Iost evident it is to us, that for lack of this knowledge the people perish, their faith in the divinity of the Scriptures is undermined, and their appreciation of the personal application every portion of their pages bears to their individual expe- rience lost sight of; for since it is by virtue of the spiritual sense alone that the Word is divinely inspired, and of consequence holy, so it is only in proportion to the clear perception of this that its sanctity and divinity can be intelligibly seen. That the Jews constituted a representative church, or, more strictly speaking, the representative of a church, is not only recognized, but in part obscurely seen, by Christians in general. In the precepts of the decalogue there are accordingly both the representative and the moral elements. Considered in their essential character, they embrace the principles which underlie all social order; for what community coul< exist where murder, adultery, theft, false dealing, covetousness, and in- gratitude, or disregard to parental authority, prevailed? or even where no form of worship or veneration for spiritual things existed? Hence every society having any claim to civilization, in any period of the world, has been more or less cognizant of the civil and religious principles embodied in them. The divine~anctions under which they were given to the Jews were for the purpose, on the one hand, of stamping them with a spiritual character, and thus of showing that the observance of them rested on spiritual as well as on moral and civil grounds of obligation,- in other words, that the evils forbidden in them are to be shunned not only as evils against virtue and social order, but likewise as sins against God; and on the other, for the sake of the spiritual sense. From these considerations, then, it follows that the importance of the observance of the Sabbath is equal to that which attaches to the commands insisting upon abstinence from theft, murder, and adultery.
- 313. 810' THE SABBATH QUE8TION'_ To consider the Sabbath among the Jews in its representative bearing, it was instituted to typify the Sabbath of the soul, or the realisation of the celestial degree of regeneration in the spirit, when all our spiritual enemies have been subdued and cast out, and the reign or peace within,. based on the active sense of the Lord's presence, and full dependence on Him, are established. Essentially considered, it is a state of pure, unmixed love to the Lord, which, indeed, is also the essence of all worship, and thus of all that constitutes the genuine Sabbath in its external form; and a brief consideration of the nature of the ordinances recorded respecting it will show how fully they were adapted to give breadth and completeness to the representation it was designed to bear r In addressing my ministerial brethren, it is not neeessary to enter into an elaborate demonstration of the principles here contended for ;. it will suffice briefly to state the signification of the leading ordinances presented in connection with the observance of the day among the J eWSr First, as to the day, it was tIre seventh---" Six days shall thou labour and do all thy work; but the seventp day is the Sabbath of Jehovah thy God.." The six days' labour, and the reference to the six days of creation, will suggest to your minds the progress of regeneration through the varied states of temptation and eonflict, till the mind arrives at the sanctity of peace; whilst the declaration of the Lord's having" rested on the seventh day from all His labour" will direct your thoughts to the important truth, propounded in the spiritual sense, of regeneration being the work of the Lord alone, sinee it is He who fights in us and for us; whence, when it is completed, He is said t() rest. This- view, which has been hinted at rather than explained, imparts an almost inconceivable force and beauty to a variety of expressions in the" Word, where the rest of Jehovah is anuded to;" &9 where it is written-" This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell, for I have desired it;" and where, likewise, ~e after temptation is describ~d in the words-" Return unto thy 'rest, 0 my soul, fol" Jehovah hath dealt bountifully with Thee." To proceed. It was another ordinance of the Sabbath that it should commence on the evening of the preceding day, in order that the state or the spiritual man about to become celestial might thereby be represented.* * Among the Jews, and some other Eastern nations, the civil day was reckoned from evening to evening. It is also remarkable that in the Scriptural account of creation, the evening is described as preceding the morning from the outset,-" The evening and the morning were the first day." Geologically and astronomically: con..
- 314. THE SABBATH QUESTION. 811 The prohibition of all labour was that there might be the absence of • whatever could typify the activity of the proprium. To labour on the Sabbath, is,to be led by self; peace and rest on the Sabbath is to be led by the Lord. No fire was to burn within the Jewish "camp, save that which burned in the sacred lamps within the tabernacle, or upon its altars, that we might thereby learn representatively to eschew the unhallowed fire of self-love, which like the c, strange fire" profanes the sanctuary of the Lord, and brings destruction on the soul. Rest was also to extend to the whole household. " Thou, thy son and thy daughter, thy man-servant and maid-servant, thy beast, and thy sojourner within thy gates"; where "thou," indicates the man himself, " thy son," his intellectual, and" thy daughter," his voluntary principle, each in the internal man; the '.' man-servant and maid," the natural principle of good and truth, thus each in the external man; the" beast," the common principle of affection, or the affections in general; and the " sojourner within thy gates," whatsoever relates to knowledge, whether I"elating to spiritual, moral, or civil matters. Consequently the command that these should rest, thus understood, teaches the duty of bringing all things within the mind, both voluntary and intellectual, as well in the sidered, this could not he; since, as is quite obvious, whenever the light of the first day dawned upon the world it was morning, and the evening succeeded, not preceded it. But, as the readers of the Repos'itory are aware, the Genesis of revelation is not the genesis of geology, but contain8, under the form of a history of physical creation, a description of the regeneration, or the progressive stages whereby the religious principle was developed and built up among the primeval inhabitants, and in general the process of regeneration individually considered. The" days" in this process are the states which successively emerge from the evening of a preceding one into the morning of that which follows. In this progress of the soul the evening introduces the morning. Infancy thus is com- p8J, atively an evening state which opens into the dawn of childhood and youth; and o even old age with the regenerate is the evening which ushers in the day of immor- tality. This seeming inversion of the terms in Scripture, rests then on the well- <lefined law ewhereby, in the progress of regeneration, the evening of one state opens out into the morning of that which succeeds; whereas the reverse is employed to describe a declining state, as in' J ~remiah-' , Woe unto us! for the day goeth away,' for the shadows of evening are stretched out." (vi. 4.) This will also explain the singular response to the question-" How long shall be the vision con- cerning the dnily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? Even to the evening the morning, two thousand tIu'ee hundre(l." (Sce Dan. viii. 13, 14.) The text of the authorized version, it is to be observed, nlakcs no mention of "morning and evening," but substitutes the word " day"; the omission is however supplied in the margin of those Bibles which have marginal references.
- 315. 812 THE SABBA.'tH QUESTION. external as in the internal man, under the Lord's guidance. When the careful adaptation of all things' connected with the Jewish Sabbath, so .. that they might concur in this representation, is considered, how true are the ,vords in their literal sense, much more in their spiritual im- port,-" This is the day which J ehovah hath made: let us rejoice therein and be glad." Whilst, however, the key to the primary use of the Jewish Sabbath is furnished by the general law of representatives, ~he day had also its moral end and object among that people. Its principal moral use con- sisted in the restraint put by its ordinances upon their pursuit of gain, 'wherehy their cupidities were in some measure broken and checked. Primarily with them it ,vas necessarily a day of rest, indeed of enforced rest, from secular labour, and. it became devoted to instruction; and by this means also their minds were temporarily diverted-from the consi- deration of corporeal things. To proceed, ho,,~ever, to the consideration of the Christian Sabbath, this 'was distinguished from the Jewish as the antetype from the type. By the fulfilment and consequent abrogation of the types and shadows of the Israelitish econoluy, the church ceased to be representative, and became an internal church; or, rather, the Lord raised up an internal church in place of the representative one, which came to its end with the act whereby He fully glorified His Humanity. Representatives 'were no longer needed, as under tho C1?-ristian dispensation the member of the Church is introduced into the actual possession of those spiritual biessings which "rere only dimly apprehended through the symbols and ordinances of the Israelitish law. Hence the representatives of the Sabbath ceased, and internal worship has been substituted in its place, the only representatives which have been preserved being those embodied in the two Sacraments. 'Vith the introduction of internal worship, the object of the day has also been changed. The order of its uses has like- wise been inverted. The Jewish Sabbath was a day of instruction, because a day of rest; whereas the Ch~stian Sabbath is a day of rest, because a day to be devoted to instruction in spiritual things and to worship ;-a day for worship, because thereby the mind is better pre- pared and disposed to receive instruction; and a day of rest, because abstinence from worldly care and pursuits is an indispensable condition to the mind's concentrating its activities in the devotional and spiritual exercises of the day. The use of the Christian Sabbath was illustrated representatively by the Lord, when He went with His disciples through t.he corn field on
- 316. THE SABBATH QUESTION. 319 the Sabbath day, and permitted them to pluck the ears of corn. Corn- fields are typical of instruction from the 'Vord, which is the legitimate employment of the Christian Sabbath. From these facts may also be seen the fitness of the occasion for the Lord's propounding the then novel doctrine-" That the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath;" and that "the Son of Man was Lord also of the Sabbath." This leads me to revert to one signification of. the Jewish Sabbath which has been reserved to this point, viz., the reference it bore to that union of the Divine and Human in the Lord, whereby He entered into the Divine Sabbath. Moreover, it is thence that the Christian Sabbath derives its sancity and its blessedness. Hence the Christian Sabbath, under the providential guidance of the Lord, was transferred to the day of His resurrection-from the seventh to the first day of the week. The seventh day specifically represented the celestial state of the most ancient church-a state to which man cannot return, and from which the celestial state of the Chri'stian will essentially differ. The Christian Church is based on an adequate conception of God, consequent 'on His personal manifestation of Himself in Christ: prior to His incarnation God was only seen in His divine procedere. All the states of the Christian Church grow out of the glorification of the Lord's Humanity, and hence the Sabbath which, with the exception of the Sacraments, is the holiest ~rdinance of that church, has from the institution of Christi.. anity been celebrated in commemoration of the Lord's l·esurrection. A question much agitated among theologians has turned on the antiquity of the Sabbath, and the point of time from which the reckoning of seven days first dated. The subject was incidentally introduced into the presbytery at which the debate on the subject occun·ed in which this essay originated; and an antiquity dating from creation itself was claimed for it on the part of those who opposed Dr. Macleod's views. To this he offered no rejoinder. But in the face of the literal period of the six days of creation having been relinquished, it - is difficult to conceive of any data on which such a position can be satisfactorily based, and indeed how any intelligent person at the present day can hold such a view, still more, publicly contend for it. Without, however, attempting a critical investigation of the subject, it is certain that no intimation' of its observance occurs in the Bible before the time of Moses; and this is in connection with the institution of it among the Jews. Whilst the Israelites were encamped at Elim, with the announcement of the gift of manna Moses also intimated that on the sixth morning, the people were to gather a double portion,
- 317. 314 THE SABBATH QUESTION. because the day following was to be observed as a day of rest a~d full cessation from labour; (see Ex. xvi. 5.) and on the sixth day he reiterated the injunction, (ver. 22.) and likewise on the seventh, (vv. 25, 26.) from which it may be inferred that the Sabbath had its date from the period of manna being provided. That it had not been observed by the Israelites prior, seems clear from their difficulty to fall in with the institution, some having, contrary to express command, gone out on the Sabbath in expectation of finding manna, for which Moses chid them; (vv. 27-29.) whilst the Divine declaration that the Lord's Sabbaths were to be kept as a sign between Him and the Israelites throughout their generations (Ex. xxxi. 13-17.) is a strong evidence in favour of its having had its origin with the Jewish dispensation. Here, however, I must leave the question. Only one or two particulars remain to be added. First, that the feast- days, such as Easter and the Pentecost, and of course the anniversaries of the Lord's incarnation and crucifixion, have been, Swedenborg affirms, retained in the church, since representatives have ceased, for the sake of doctrine and instruction; and this being the case, they demand a stricter observance than they generally receive at our hands. Lastly, there are, according to Swedenborg, some things in the Jewish law-s which ought altogether to be observed and done; and he expressly ranks under this head the command not only to have no other gods but the Lord, but also to make no molten or graven image or idols to worship them; not to profane His name; to observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy; to honour and obey our parents, together with the remainder of the commandments.* [1here are other things which, he explains, may serve for use if people are so disposed, such as abstaining from all kind of work on the Sabbath day. Hence it appears that, where persons are 'disposed t~ carry out the precept on this subject in the strict manner contended for by some within the Scotch Church, it is quite legitimate for them to do so; but, as there is no imperative requirement to that end, it does not appear competent in them to enforce the same strictness on others, at least where they are in no way dependent on them. t . • See A..C. 9349, where there is a general review of the 20th and three follow- ing chapters of Exodus. It must, however, be noted that the verses of the 20th chapter in the Hebrew text, which Swedenborg has followea, do not answer to those in our vel·sion, which follows the Septuagint, and the reader must, therefore, refer to the text of that chn.pter in the A.C. + The paragt°aph refelTed to above will suffice, it is presumed, to settle the ques- tion of the observance of the Sabbath, and indeed of the claims of the Decalogue in
- 318. t'HB SABBATH QUESTION. 815 In closing these remarks, I beg to repeat that they are offered merely as Sa general view of the subject, suggestive rather than otherwise. They may, nevertheless, supply materials for interchange of thought, and food for future reflection; and as such I offer them to my clerical brethren. "ESSAYS IN ECCLESIASTICAL BIOGRAPHY." By Sir J. STEPHENS. WHEN one c, having authority" possesses the mental power to discover and the moral feeling to sympathise with whatever is excellent in the .two antagonistic religions of Europe~the Catholic and the Protestant; who has the skill and patience to collect the scattered rays of truth and trace them to their origin in the same Divine Sun; who can recognise the value of each guiding thought through whatever medium it may have come; and who withal pours the oil of charity on the troubled waters of controversy-such a man deserves the gratitude of society j and such a man was Sir James Stephens. As Professor of History in the University of Cambridge, his influence must. have been felt among an important class of men ~estined by their education to be leaders in the religion, law, and politics of this country. "Essays in Ecclesiastic~l Biography" has lately passed through a second edition. In this work an interesting sketch of the life and labours of the chief apostles of Catholicism and Protestantism is drawn with 8 masterly hand. Without palliating the errors or shortcomings of either party, he brings out their virtues in strong' relief, rightly arguing that those virtues must have been derived from God. The whole question-cc What is religion?" is summed up in an epilogue which combines the legal acumen of a judge with the affection of a friend. Truth, under the influence ,of charity, guides through the intricate paths of theology, and knowledge, unpretending and modest, lends a charm to what many would consider an unin~eresting subject. general, which has been raised in some quarters, at least so far as Swedenborg is concerned; and it is hardly conceivable that any persons possessing an ordinary share of self-respect and moral honesty would, under the profession of Sweden- borgianism, strive to undermine the just authority of Swedenborg himself. Persons taking exceptions to parts of his teachings are quite free to give effect to their views; but let them take an intelligible and fair position. Let them take an independent stand point, and no one will complain; but I, as a minister of the body which accepts the testimony of S,!"edenborg in its entirety, must protest against every attempt to invalidate the teachings of Swedenborg under the regis ot his name.
- 319. 816 "ESSAYS IN ECCLESIASTICAL BIOGRAPHY/' As the work of a good man, and one representing the most progres~ sive section of the Anglican Church, we look with much interest on its" leading lines of thought. The author represents a party who have emancipated themselves from traditional forms of thought, and with whom it is po~icy as well as principle to be charitable to others, as they would be charitably dealt with. This work has the advantage of its contempor~ries in being entirely free· from that dubious, misty style that prevents a general appreciation of Mc. Leod, Campbell, ~Iaurice, and other writers of the same school. Our author recognised the far-sighted ,visdom which planned the conj ugal ordinance as the foundation of all that is excellent in society; and consequently the error into which Pope Gregory fell when he sepa- rated the married priest from the sex who not only adorn the community, but to whom we often owe our highest aspirations and refinements. But while he deplores great errors in the Catholic system, he is fully sensible of the great spirituality of many of its worthies, as St. Francis of Assisi, who, although with great obscurity, recognised the principle of Correspondences. "The outer world" was to him cc instinct with the presence of the Redeemer"-" the Lamb he fondled reminded of the Pascall sacrifice" -" the worm" of " the outcast of the people; ,~ so or' " the stones," &c. He is equally charitable to Luther and the evange~ lical sections. He concludes with a defence of the principle of toleration, partly on the ground that thereby growth of thought is only attainable, viz., in defiance of ~pposition, and also because difference of opinions in man- kind formed part of the plan which 'Visdom had in view; and cites an analogy from Art to render plain his meaning. " What," .he says, " are the harmonies of tone, of colours, and of form, but the result of contrast-of contrast held in subjection to one all-pervading principle, which reconciles without confounding the component elements of the music, the painting, or the structure?" In" unity of spirit," or "the one-cementing principle of mutual love," he sees the req~isite medium. It is to the Epilogue, however, rather than to the Biographies we would direct attention. It opens with stating the essence of the Command- ments' Yiz., love to God and love to man, as being the poles to which his compass directs the believer. lIe is anchored to the truth that " God is Light, in ,vhom is no dal:klless at all." But its recipiency is otherwise with mankind in general. Light from God comes to them obscured, and frequently distorted, by the mediums through which it
- 320. " ERSA'f8 11'ECCLESIAHTICAI. DroURAPIl Y••• 317 flows. To illustrate this, he uses the various analogies with which Swedenborg has made us so familiar. Then follows Rn acknowledg- ment of the various gifts which the Creator has be8to,,~ed on man- animal and sensitive instincts, the intellectual faculties, judicial powers, moral powers, human authorities, and lastly revelation. No" Trinity of Persons" formed part of His creed. " God with us" "is revealed, not as a mere prophet or teacher, but a real and li"ing presonce in the church-an awful interior light," "dwelling in a reul communion with the intellect and affections of man;" so he steadily fixes his eyes on the Redeemer as that only God. We may differ on the theory of the ~tonement, which to him was an inscrutable mystery, und on "Penal Retribution," as he terms a belief which, as ordinarily understood, would prevent any good clergyman retaining his peace of mind if fully credited; and suggests whether the particular words of Christ on which this doctrine is founded fully represent His ideas, as they have come down to us only (as he assumes) by the medium of a translation. In every respect Christ is his ideal of God; and if He did utter them, such is Truth, however painful the thought. Seen by the life of Christ, every page in the Bible, as he truly saj~s, becomes instinct with life. Are we to conclude, then, that differences of opinion in the ",Vord result from the imperfection of the minds of men, or are they the consequence of dishonest reading? Or is it equivocal? Or would it have been other- wise if written in the language of Plato? In answer to these questions he shows its perfect humanity, or adaptation to our wants under the various grades and circumstances of life, "by a law applying to them alone," by which they who search deepest vlith " a Scriptural mind and Scriptural life," will perceiv~ treasures undreamt of by others. "It should, however, be considered, that it is to the pure in heart, and to them alone, that it is permitted to see God." The Hebrew psalmist, and even the heathen poet, could perceive that" God is loving unto every man." But" that God is Love, is an infinitely greater discovery." As man was called into existence, not for himself, but for God or goodness, he must find the essential happi- ness of his nature in being like him. To enable him to do so, ho,,·ever, free-will is necessary as a moral agent. An animal cannot be a moral agent, because wanting in this power. l1:embers of the New Church may read this argument to advantage, as it is a truth sparkling from these pages. " But moral evil, or the whhhGll1ing from the Author of our being the love which Ho demands, must be the parent of physical evil-that is, --.... .. -_ ..
- 321. 818 .... E89AYS IN ECCLESIASTICAL BIOGR.PBY." of pain, of suffering, or of sorrow." " For that which Infinite Love, directed by Omniscience, commands, must be the highest good to him to whom the command is addressed; and disobedience to such com- mands must be suicidal abandonment and rejection of happiness. tt Love Divine being the theme of a man who had to all appearance worked out these problems in his own life, he is enabled to see the principle as applied to all ages, countries, and intellects. For, to his pure mind, nought seemed hidden-but, as we have seen, dark hell. To remove man from its power had not the" Divine Logos" united Himself to one of the sons of men? Had He not '~in that human person lived in humiliation and died in agony"? Why, then, remained this fearful picture, when it is thus clearly proved that" God is love" ? "Was it not proclaimed from Bethlehem and from Cal~ry in a voice penetrating the inmost heart" ? Thus, while in a moral sense he could appreciate the great mystery of the at-oneing, or uniting nature of love, which has puzzled the unmarried doctors of the church, yet, like them, he was intellectually blind to its nature. It was no wonder, then, that he had no compre- hension of its opposite. Still, throughout this work, there is ample evidence that his eyes were opened to the monstrous evils existing in the world; and the causes that give rise to them. "The love of God will scarcely penetrate the heart of any man who believes that God is the author of instincts created but to be thwarted." So that asceticism-the abnegation of reason, self-will, sensuality, selfishness, fraud, and falsehood are destructive in their nature. Again, if the God in our minds be not the very God of our Bibles, as revealed in the person of His Son, He will not be the object of that supreme veneration which He demands. The deficiency of such truths is the canse that "so fatal a lethargy has benumbed the Church of Rome." But those who honestly protest against that church will not be the last to acknowledge that "the same results have followed from some of the mental habits of the churches" which receded from it. The same consequences ensue with those who regard "life as given not with the spirit, but the letter of the Word, nor to those who search the surface of the Scriptures, but to those only who laboriously penetrate its mines," not to '~hose who look on it as a "mint stored with coins, which disclose at a glance their exact weight an~ value." " Yet in neither of these provinces of the kingdom of Christ has the obscurity ever been so total as would be inferred by those who listen
- 322. ·, ESSAYS I~ECCLESIASTICAL BIOGRAPHY." 819 only to their reciprocal anathemas. Imperfectly, indeed, and through many a mist of prejudice, the Divine light has deeply penetrated many an intellect, gladdened many a heart, and directed many a life, which the doctors of Rome or the doctors of Geneva would teach us to regard as having been abandoned to a hopeless retribution." "The true church is composed of those who have the belief that God is light and love," and on the strength of that belief are endeavouring to realise "that He (Christ) is ever yearning over our fallen race with more than parental tenderness," and the knowledge that "He is ever resisting our suicidal self-will with the reluctant severity of a Father." We do not see how it could be possible for the Broad Church party to give an adequate theory of the Atonement with the light which they possess. Is it to be wondered at that they should refuse, while con- fessing they "know only in part," to theorise on a subject which has given nse to so much ill-will? Practically, say this school-It is not theory we want; a life Divine is taught in the Scriptures excelling that of any other religion, a life combined of faith and love. Jesus Christ not only taught its beauty, but ACTED it under most difficult circumstances, and fell a martyr to His efforts, leaving an injunction to us to follow in His steps, and we shall then be partakers in His glory. Is not this sufficient? We can hardly blame Stephens or the party whom he so ably advocated, considering how few, comparatively appreciate or aim thus high. Still, it was by the appointment of the Omniscient that man should desire to know these and other heavenly secrets, as well as to profit in pur- suing scientific ones. 'Vas not one of the objects the All-wise had in view when He designed the world, to present problems the pursuit of which might exercise our faculties, and by this means strengthen them? Undoubtedly it was so with 8cientifics, and can we questi9n but what the same law pervades the moral world? But'as it is from a centre that all growth commences, neither can we" wonder that, being deficient in central truth~, the influence they exercise in the religious world is so small. The work apportioned them by Providence appears to be that of pulling down effete systems more than ~uilding up fresh ones-an unsatisfactory work, but necessary to pioneer the way to truth. Therefore it is that we hail an essay in their cause 80 singu- larly free from mere negative teaching. It represents the tenets of that school of Divinity worked out with scientific precision with a piety that few are equal to. •
- 323. 820 " ESSA vs IN ECCLESIASTICAL BIOGRAPHY." However defective our outline may be, still if we' should induce others to read the work, we feel convinced it will excite gratefu~ feelings for the signs it ~ffords of increasing light. Before the perfect day the highest peaks are illumined while the' valley is still in shade; the highest class of minds will be the first to be influenced by our pure and heavenly principles, though they may be unaware of the source fr~m which they emanate. To Stephens himself we trust the welcome has been bestowed-" Enter thou into the joy ~f thy Lord." REFLECTOR. WORKS. IF all that is said in Scripture respecting" works" were collected together, and presented under one view, the mind would be' so deeply impressed with the vastness and importance of the subject, as to be utterly U1!able to conceive how it could have come to be a matter of confident and general 'belief that works, though necessary as the fruits and evidences of faith, form no part of the conditions of salvation. Not only in the Old Testament, which is supposed to have been a covenant of wOl"ks, under which the rev~rd was of merit, but alS'o in the New, which is said to be a covenant of faith, and the reward is of grace, works are so repeatedly insisted OD, as conditions of salvation, and as the tests of judgment, that there seems no possibility of evading the conclusion which the Scriptures themselves repeatedly draw for us, that we are saved by doing, not merely by believing. The Lord's answer to the young man who inquired of Him, what he should do to inherit eternal life, is so plain and so positive that no way of disposing of it has been found possible, but by asserting, that when He answered-" If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments," I He spoke as a Jew to a Jew, and directed him to the Old Testament means of salvation, not to those of the New. Everyone of the numerous passages which declare that we are to be judged according to onr works is a solemn appeal to our conscience, that we"must rest our hopes on a life according to the Divine commandmen,ts. In the Lord's address to the seven churches, eacb church is addressed in the same words-" I know thy works." And it is evident that this form of address is equivalent to saying, "I know thy character :" for the character of each is described minutely; but, however minute the description, or different the character described, in the eye of Omni- •
- 324. 821 science theworks comprehend and express them all. 'Vorks, in this comprehensive sense, present a very different. idea from that in which they are commonly regarded among men. It is a general opinion that works and actions are synonymous-that the act constitutes the work. And on this view of works is grounded a common objection against them, as conditions of salvation, that, if salvation were by works, the real and the formal, and even the true and the hypocrite believer, would be much upon a level, while those who die in infancy would be destitute of any claim to a place in heaven. The tendency to look upon and judge of works by the outward appearance is natural, and, when strengthened by religious opinions, is calculated to mislead, and draw the mind away from the contemplation of the true character of works, and prevent it from forming ~ just estimate of their importance. But, since the Lord knows us by our works, and will judge us by them, it is of the utmost consequence that we strive to know and judge ourselves by the same standard. It may be useful, therefore, to consider what every work comprehends, and how various and even opposite works are which have the same outward appearance, when they have a different inward character. We shall therefore inquire what works comprehend, and hov they aro dis- tinguished. . Every work consists of three distinct parts, which are its constituent elements. Every work consists. of motive, judgment, and action. These are the end, the cause, and the effect. Motive is the end, judg- ment is the cause, and action is the effect. These belong and answer to the three faculties of our nature-the will, the understanding, and the outward life or operation. The motive, which is the end, belongs to the will; judgment, which is the cause, belongs to the understand- ing; and action, which is the effect, belongs to the outward life. Every act or work which we perform includes all these parts or consti- tuents; and every action which does not include the ,vhole, or in which the whole do not in some way concur, is not properly a human action. It will be seen, therefore, that any works, and ·that every work ,vhich we perform, comprehends in it the whole of our mind and life, every particular of our veriest selves, from the highest and first spring of activity in the will down to the lowest and last mechanical operation in the body. As every work consists of three distinct parts, so. there are three different kinds of works, the kind or character of every work being determined by the relative character of the constituents which enter· 21
- 325. 822 WORKS. into it. These three are genuine, spurious, and hypocritical. Genuine works are good or sound in all their constituent-parts; they are good in motive, in judgment, and in act; in the will, in the understanding, and in the outward life. Works of this character, and works of this cha- racter only, are, strictly speaking, good works, for they are good from :first to last. Spurious works are such as are good as to the motive, but defective or wrong as to the judgment; and consequently defective, or, it may be, injurious in their operation. Hypocritical works are evil as to the motive; and however well informed.the judgment may be, and however apparently good the life, yet the works in their essential character are evil, because they proceed from.R selfish and worldly, and consequently an evil, end. All. these three different kinds of works are treated of in the Lord's addl"esB to the seven churches. Those who are in works that are genuine are signified by the church of Philadelphia, and their state and character are described in the address to that church. Of the church in Philadelphia it is said-" Thou hRst a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Because thou hast kept the word of my paiience, I will keep thee from the hour of tempta- tion, which shall come upon all the world. 'Hold that fast that thou hast, that no man take thy crown." To have strengt}J., to keep the Lord's word, and not to deny His name, are the three essentials of holinesss; for to have strength or power is to have the love of the Lord in the will, to keep His word is to havE1. His· truth in the under- standing,- and not to deny His name is to have integrity in the life. To such it is promised that they will be made pillars in the temple of God, and that the Lord will write upon them the. name of His God, and the name of the city New Jerusalem, and His new name; implying the inscription upon the whole mind and life of all the graces and blessings of the Lord'8 kingdom in heaven and the church. Those w~o are in spurious works are more especially described by the churches of Smyrna and Pergamas: by the church of Smyrna, those who. are not in possession of truth, but yet desire to obtain it ; by the church. of Pergamas, those who not only are not in truths, but who are in false persuasions. Of the Smyrnians it is said that the devil should cast some of them into prison, and that they should have tribu- lation ten days; for those who are without truths .are without the means of protection against evil. But of the church of Pergamas it is said that they had amongst them those who held the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling-hlock before the children
- 326. WORKS. 823 of Israel,. to eat things sacrificed to idols, a.nd to commit fornication; in which is described the tendency of false persuasions to lead away into falsities and the falsification of truth, and thus to the performance of spurious works. . But those who are in hypocritical works are signified by the church of the Laodiceans, who were neither cold nor hot, who say they' are rich and have need of nothing, and know not that they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, and of whom the Lord declares--" I will spew thee out of my mouth." It is possible that persons of all these different characters may per- form works which have a great similarity in their outward appearance; but ·it is· evident they must be extremely dissimilar in their inward and essential quality. Indeed, persons of all these different characters may unite in promoting the same visible object and in performing the same outward work, and yet their motives and views may, in many instances, be not only dissimilar but opposite. In the sight of men their works may be all equally good; but some which appear good in the sight of men, may be evil in the sight of Go'd. It is not, therefore, .by their . mere tutward aspect that the. Lord judges of our works, but by the whole of the elements which enter into them, and especially by "the motive in which they originate. It is this which principally determines the quality of our works in regard to ourselves. The motives from which useful works are done, do not so much determine their effects on others, or on society; the· advantage to those who are the objects of useful works being often little affected by the motive from which they proceed. We must not, however, by any means, imagine that it is of no consequence but to themselves from what motive or for what end men may. do good in the world. The character of every man has an influence on society arid on the church, or both on civil and religious society, besides his works having an effect upon it. Nor is the real utility of the works which men perform, or the good which they do in the world, unaffected by their own voluntary and intellectual state. It is obvious that those who do good to others for no other end than that it may be productive of good to themselves, cannot fail to injure as well as to benefit humanity, since their ·ipterested character must manifest itself in some way in which it has a pernicious influence and example. . But even in works which are done· from a good motive, when they -'." are not the result of a right judgment-when, however well disposed ..the heart may be, the understanding is under the misdirecti~n of
- 327. ·824 WORKS. error-the works performed are often such as are very imperfect, and sometimes positively injurious in their consequences. Works of this character are what we have called spurious works, and by such works we mean works that are not evil, and yet are not good; for a good work, we have seen, must be good in all its parts, but a spurious work is one which is only good in some of its parts-a work in which there is the love of good, but in which the element of wisdom is wanting or defective. Heathens fqrnish abundant examples of this spurious good- ness. We may see it in the benevolent Hindoo, who builds hospitals for the reception of diseased, helpless animals, but makes no provision for the relief of suffering human beings. There can be no reasonable doubt that many who sacrificed their children to Moloch, and many who have immolated themselves to their horrid deities, are now in the kingdom of heaven.. Such sacrifices do not necessarily proceed from a depraved will, but often from the sincerest piety-but are sadly defi- cient in the genuine truth which is required to direct it to its true object and in its right exercise. Yet, where the first essential of all good exists-an honest heart-the truth and the wisdom which are required to direct it in the right way will be given, if not here, aiP-Ieast hereafter. But we do not need to confine our investigations to heathen nations to see this defective state in operation and its defective works produced. GENERAL CONFERENCE. The meeting of the General Conference of the New Church will this year be held at Accrington; and will commence on the 14th of August next. Secretaries of Committees are requested to forward their reports to the Secretary of Conference at as ~rly a period as possible. . FREDK. PITMAN, Secretary, General Conference. The Accrington friends would be glad to receive from the Secretaries of the various New Church societies, as early as possible, information as to the number of delegates elected to attend the ensuing Conference. H the names of the representatives could be sent at the same time, it would be an additional favour. The Committee would also be glad to assist in ~engaging apartments for visitors not attending as members of Conference; but of this early intimation should be given. Communica- tions should be addressed to Mr. E. Riley, Midland-terrace, Accriilgton.
- 328. 825 THE KINGDOM OF GOD. By Archbishop TRENCH. (From the Christian Spectator.) I say to thee-Do thou repeat To the first man thou mayest meet In lane, highway, or open street- That he, and we, and all men move Under a canopy of love, As broad as the blue sky above ; That doubt and tronble, fear and pain, And anguish-all are shadows vain ; That death itself shall not remain ; That weary deserts we may tread,- A dreary labyrinth we may thread,- Through dark ways underground be led, Yet, if we will our Guide obey, The Meariest path, the darkest way; Shall issue out in heavenly day j And we, on divers shores now cast, Shall meet, our perilous voyage past, • • All in our Father's house at last. And ere thou leave him, say thou this~ Yet one word more :-they only miss The winning of that final bliss Who will not eaunt it true that Love---- Blessing, not cnrsing-rnles above, And that in it we live and move. _ i And one thing further make him know,- That to believe these things are so, This firm faith never to forego- Despite of all which seems at strife With blessing, all with curses rife- That this is blessing, this is life.
- 329. 826 MISCELLANEOUS. NOTES ON CHURCH MATTERS. prints, contain a great variety of inte- MAY MEETINGB.- These meetings, held resting matters showing the progress in London, which are the anniversaries which each is making in its own peculiar of many of the voluntary associations for work. We observe also.. that the claims the promotion of what is believed to be of each society have been advocated the Christian faith, have now become with great .ability and earnestness by " Institutions" of the country. The some of the foremost men in the co~try. existence of so many societies, all having Of course it is not possible in our limited for their object the furtherance of some space to present the merest outline of benevolent purpose, though by various the operations of those societies; but means and different agencies, is a feature we notice that each of them reports the peculiar to our times; it has grown up receipt of ~ge sums for the year's into vigorous action, and become a con- income, which, so far as we could ascer- spicuous part in the history of that new tain from the figures which have come era of the Divine Providence which is under our observation, reach an aggregate now striving to place charity in the of more than eight hundred thousand foremost rank of the Christian graces. pounds, besides considerable legacies, Whatsoever views may be theoretically and this, notwithstanding some of the held by those societies"respecting the pre- societies report their incomes to be less eminence of faith, it is plain that they by several thousand pounds than they practically recognize charity to be the were in the preceding year. Surely chief virtue; and, therefore, we hail their there must be an earnest love for what existence with pleasure,and view their is perceived to be a Christian duty, eft'orts with satisfaction. They are all which; after providing for the common channels of use, each having its own wants and necessary sustenance of the- particular direction, and striving to meet churches, will provide with such large specific necessities in the· religious liberality for the promotion of Christian elenlent of human nature. Their actions work in so lIlany forms at home and . are contributing something towards those abroad! beneficent changes which, doubtless, are One of those .societies, namely, the in the process of being effected in the life British and Foreign Bible Society, we and light of the Christian church. They always view with peculiar interest. It may not, they do not, teach those truths is a society in the maintenance of which of faith which appear so bright and Christians of every denomination may beautiful to us; but it is quite clear that cordially unite, since its main object is they inculcate a practical charity much the extensive distribution of the Scrip- valued by multitudes of the religious tures throughout the world, without note public, who annually provide, with re- or comment, and thus without interfer- markable liberality, large sums of money ing with the peculiar faith of any. Its to carry on the work which tho~e societies establishment has been viewed by us as have respectively undertaken. Among one of the peculiar evidences of the those which held their annual meetings Lord's second advent; and the last in May last we notice-the British and Conference of the New Church, by Foreign Bible Society, the Society for minute 164, "earnestly recommends it Promoting Christian Knowledge, the to the liberal support of all the societies Church Pastoral-Aid Society, the Home of the church." .We, therefore, con- and Colonial Sohool Society~ the Society dense from its Report, read at the meet- for the Propagation of the Gospel, the ing at Exeter Hall, over which Lord Religious Tract Society, the Church Shaftesbury presided, a few of the inte- Missionary Society. the Sunday School resting statements which it contained. Union, the Wesleyan Missionary So- Beginning with Ftance, it said that ciety, the London City Mission, the the aspect which that country now pre- Systematic Beneficence Society, the sented was very gloomy. The Papal Young Men's Christian Assooiation, the period was a seed-time of folly. The hish Evangelical Association, and some snares which Rome had laid had utterly others. . failed to hold the mind of the nation The reports of those meetings, as and to gain its affection, and now the they are presented to us in the public fearful reaction was setting in OD the
- 330. MISOELLANEOUS. 821 side of infidelity. Multitudes wer& bent window of the depOt at Vienna was not upon repudiating all belief, however one of the least attractive objects of the clear its proof, and there were among city,.containing on one side a collection them not only open infidels, but avowed of the Scriptures in the vernaculars of • atheists.· M. ·~e Presense reported a the empire, open to passers by; and on circulation of 92,000 copies of the Scrip- the other side specimens of the type and tures, an increase of 5,000 on the pre- language in which the Bible has been ceding year. The OPE:ning of depOts printed, with this heading-' , We do at Paris, Bordeaux, Marseilles, and hear them speak in our tongues the Nice was regarded with increasing wonderful works of God." From the favour, not only on account of the depl)t at Pesth there had been issued Scriptures sold therein, but because 30,000 copies; and from Prague, where through their instrumentality the atten- a depOt was opened only in August last, tion of a class of persons had been the circulation was 11,000. Efforts are arrested who did not come within the being made with a view to commencing reach of the colporteurs. On the occa- operations in Warsaw; and the agency sion of the death of the Grand Duke of in Denmark was being re-organised, Russia, at Nice, many noblemen and with a view to an extension of the work. others, attached to the suite of the In Iceland the edition of the Icelandio Empress, visited the de~t of the town Psalms was exhausted, and the whole in the time of their deep afBiction, to Bible in the Icelandic language was now purchase, in their own language, that passing through the press. A new depOt blessed book which pointed out the only had been opened in St. Petersburg, and true source of consolation and peace. under wise and careful supervision the Colportage was, however, still the main- work was extending; and the total spring of the work, and through that issues for the year had been 60,000. agency 67,000 copies of the Word had The services of an eminent scholar had been distributed exclusively among the been secnred for the translation of the Roman Catholic population. So con- books of the Old Testament into modem vinced had the government become of Russ, and the New Testament, with the moral benefits arising from this marginal references, was being prepared. work, that they no longer offered any Female talent had lent its aid for the opposition to it. In Belgium the circu- accomplishment of this work. In Por- lation of the year had been 11,000 tugal two editions of the New Testament copies; in Holland, 28,0~)0. In that and one edition of the Bible had passed country increased attention was being through the press, and a careful revision given to Sunday-schools, and grants had of Almeida's Testament was now being been made for their use. In Germany prepared. The way was not yet open in the cause eontinued to progress. The Spain, but in the hope that some way issue of the year at Frankfort amounted for circulation of the S~riptures_would to 214,000, and the receipts had reached be found, an edition of Valeria's Testa- £68,000. At Cologne the progress made ment was being printed. To Italy the was especially satisfactory; the circula- committee looked with trembling anxiety; tion of the year amounted to 185,000 still 36 colporteurs had been employed, copies. A depOt had been established and 28,000 copies of the Scriptures had at Baden, and the circulation during the been issued. In Turkey, though the season averaged 100.. copies per week. circulation had been checked by the pre- The Queen of Pruesia had visited the valence of the cholera, it amounted to store. In 'Berlin the work carried on 16,000 copies. The spiritual welfare of was of great magnitude and importance, India continued to occupy the anxious the issues of the year amounting to thoughts of the committee. The orga- 213,000 copies, being 36,000 more than nising secretary for Bengal had found the previons year. The King of Prussia his way beset with difficulties. He had, had become a contributor to the funds however, visited 18 mission stations, had for an annual subscription of £25. The offered the Scriptures for sale in 80 work wlUch had. been accomplished in towns and villages, and had succeeded Au~tria and Hungary was a most inte- in selling 1,200 copies. In China the resting chapter in the history of the work had been successfully prosecnted; society, and in the past year the ciroula- the colporteurs there had sold 48,000 tion rose from 25,000 to 58,000. The copies~ In Australia the cause of the
- 331. 828 MISOELLANEOUS. Bible continued to prosper. There were ence than our own; and feel that it must in that continent 16 auxiliary societies, be useful in stimulating religious thought with 140 branches. One of the most in many quarters where its existence is important results of modem Bible study, endangered. bearing on the translation of the Scrip- tures, was the completion of the Beyrout version of the Arabic Bible (undertaken At the Synod of the Free Church (Scotland) of Lo~hian and. Tweed~e, • which met in Edinburgh, m the begIJ!- by the. American Bible Society), begun ning of May, a long debate on the relati~e by Dr. Ell Smith, and completed under merits of hymns and psalms, resulted m the editorial superintendence of Dr. a resolution, carried by the casting vote of Vandyke. This one book placed the the Moderator, praying "the Assembly" Word of God within the rea.ch of more to inquire" whether the experience of than· 120 millions of the human race. other churches has not indicated that The committee of the British society the practical tendency of singing human applied to their brethren in Am~rica .for poems in the worship of God, is to super- copies of the stereotype plates; ID domg sede and set aside the inspired psalmody so they wished to pay for them, but they of Sctipture." During the sitting of the were furnished gratuitously, accompanied same Synod, a motion was submitted to with the remark that, the t wo nations it proposing union with other dissenting beino- engaged in diffusing the same Presbyterian bodies. In the course of truths, all translations should be used the discussion which followed, reference interchangeably, and any. ad van~age was made to the recent agitation, within which had been secured by Olther SOCIety the Scottish Establishment, to alter or should be regarded as a gain to the cause modify the law of patronage, and to give in which they were engaged. the people a choice of their own ministers, Surely this sketch is sufficient to shew so as to reconcile Dissenters. Dr. Begg the earnestness with which this important said "he did not see any signs of re- society is enO'ao-ed in scattering through- pentance in the Established Church, for out the earth that Divine Word which is her past sins: so far from that, he sa w not only the means of making men wise her sinking in corruption eve~ day; he unto salvation, but also the medium saw her sinking into false doctrine, and for maintaining the connection between a total abstinence of discipline and prin- heaven and the world. Ought not every ciple. He believed agitatibn for union m~n who sensibly reflects upon it, to feel with the Established Church would dam- some genuine pride in lending his assist- aae their own position; any hankering ance to such a gigantic and noble work? after EO'ypt would soon make her funds In Manchester, the Established Church go do;n." Dr. Co.ndlish said "he has among its agencies an "Evening looked with the deepest alarm, on the Visitin 0' Society:" it held its annual spread and prevalence of unsound doc- meeting duriug the first week in. May, trine in the Established Church, and on and we gather from t~e local paper~, the utter relaxation of discipline which which report the meetIng, that It IS prevailed in regard to i~. B~t, so far engaO'ed in doing some really useful from gloryinO' over her In thIS matter, work~ thouO'h the committee declined to they ouO'ht t~ humble themselves with give any details or statistics of their the sou~d men in that church, and ex- labonrs, saying that their experience had press sympathy with them in the battle been such as to warrant them in earnestly they were fighting." It is necessary to appealing- for public support, with a view be on the other side of the Tweed and to of extending their operations. N 0 dou~t mix up with the religious parties there, there is a large class of persons who, If to clearly understand the matters to they are to be visited for religio~s con- which these strong words refer: they ~e versation, would prefer the eyemng for recorded here simply to show the dis- the purpose. Any other time is not turbed condition of the churches there, unfrequently felt by them either an in- and the vastations which are going on trnsion upon their hours of labour, or the among them. privacy of their homes. We write with Some months ago attention was called some knowledge on this matter, and con- to the efforts which were making in the clude that this society has been founded Eno-lish establishment to institnte, among upon similar, though much wider experi- its °spiritual agencies, a Lay Diaconate.
- 332. llISOELLANEOUS. 829 It was felt to be a subject surrounded ency increased with anything like public with some difficulties; but we learn from approbation, and have but little doubt a recent letter to the Archbishop of Can- that the whole effort will prove a ~ai1ure. terbury by Archdeacon Hale, of London, The- new Bishop of Western New that th~ removal of them might be a York, the Rev. Arthur Cleveland Coxe, comparatively easy task, and certainly has issued a pastoral to candidates for loss difficult than that of devising mea- ol·dination, in which he condemns Dr. sures for the establishing of another Pusey's "Eirenicon" in very strong order of ministers. He so.ys-" Assum- terms. He regards it merely as a repro- ing that the church is prepared to accept duction, on a larger scale, of the princi- as deacons persons of private incomes, pIes set forth in " Tract 90," and says---- those who have served in the army and "On this point, my dear young friend, navy, lawyers, physicians, &c., and thus I must speak with solemnity_ As yet to include in the order other persons you have a good conscience, and are besides those who are qualified for and , shocked' by what you have seen in desirous of the priesthood; but three print. Keep that pore conscience, my obstacles a~ar to stand in the way. dear brother. and let no man deceive The first 1S that of the s~atute law, you. In a short time you will be called which prohibits all persons in holy orders on, in circumstances most awful, to affirm frOm trading. The second, that of the before me, your bishop, your sincere 14th canon, which requires in ~eac~ns acceptance of the doctrines summed up ability to give an account of theu faith in the thirty-nine articles. As a Chris- .in Latin. The third is that of the 73rd tian O'entleman, I am sure you will make canon, which prohibits the bishops f~om your°affirmation in none other than the ordaining deacons without an eccleslas- grammatical and historical sense of your tical stipend. Such are the preventa- words, but I think it well, before any tives which hinder men who are or have scandal arises, to let my rule of action been in professions, the country gentle- be known. Should anyone ever offer man, the banker, the merhant, or trader himself to me for holy orders on the from becoming deacons. There are no principle of subscription set forth in the other legal or ecclesiastical impediments; tract aforesaid, I should not only reject nor does it appear that the removal of him, but I should sustain his pastor in these would in any way affect the priest- suspending him from the· Holy Com- hood which wonld be kept clear, as at munion. We have not yet come to that prese~t, from. the ~ntrusion of p~~ons of pass that premeditated perjury is less inferior qualifications and pOSitIon, by than scandalous evil living; or that a the demand of superior learning and by man should be tolerated as a commu- the necessity of relinquishing all secwat" mcant who is prepared to lie to the Holy employment. The extension of the order Ghost. In the Church of England dis- of deacons may probably be safer than cipline is so hampered by the power of the creation of a new order; if found the state that many scandals go unpun- inoperative it would have much less the ished.. the which in this country can be appearance of failure, and if proved suppressed summarily. Now, I hold it useful the number of persons in respect- to be self-evident that if a clergyman or able stations seeking admission to· it candidate for orders in our church pro- would probably from time to time in- fess to hold any distinctly Romish doc- crease." From this it appears that the trines, and at the same time to accept the whole subject continues in abeyance, and thirty-nine articles, he is an immoral waits for the consideration of the Eccle- man. The thief and the counterfeiter siastica1 Bench. No doubt its adoption are not so bad in the sight of God. With would add a very powerful agency to t?e ijuch a hypocrite, I will deal as a bishop teaching influence of the church. It lS, should: I will use the degree of forbear- however, an effort of the High Church ance which Holy Scripture and the church party, and, therefore, may be resisted by enjoin, and then proceed to make an their Low Chur~h ?ppone~ts, . to say example of him." Does not t~i8 strong nothing of the objections which It meets. language suggest ~~at the bIshop had with from statute and canon laws. We some shrewd SUspicIon that there was cannot however readily believe that such growinO" up within his diocese something appliances for .the teaching of et;0neo~s of the ~vasion which he so ind~gnan~ly doctrine are lIkely to have theu efficl- con~emns? At all events he IS qUIte
- 333. 830 MISCELLANEOUS. alive to the dishonesty of signing the viewing its present position the society articles in a "non-natural sense;" and has every reason to be deeply thankful many of the Oxford clergy on this side for the measure of success which has of the Atlantic must writhe a little wider attended its efforts. the severity of his rebuke. On the following Tuesday, ~he anniver- The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, at a dinner sary tea meeting took place in the school- of the May meeting of the Baptist Union, room. After ad.jgurnment to the chnrch, in replYing to a vote of thanks which had Mr. Bateman took the chair. A hymn was been passed to the students of his college, sung, and the Chairman gave a brief. but said he "found, what a friend had re- interesting summary of New Church marked, that you get about one good doctrines, with the view of removing preacher out of every eight students, and lLlly difficulties, and also assisting those he believed that nothing could change present who were recent receivers, in this proportion." This is ,rather a curious their comprehension of them. Dr. Goy- e;perience, and certainly it is not very der followed, and in a brief speech encouraging to young men to hear, from expressed the pleasure with which he such quarter, that their chances of making regarded the steady progress of the good preachers are as one to eight. What society. He called the attention of the can be Mr. Spurgeon's idea of a iood society to the benefits and blessings of preacher? the Holy Supper, at the sallle time ex- horting the members to a more frequent Dr. Cummin, in his new work, "The participation of that sacred rite. The Last Warning-' Behold, the bridegroom Secretary then noticed .some of the more cometh ;' with reasons for the hope that striking feature"s of the report. Mr. is in me," repeats his accustomed view Austin afterwards adverted to the present of prophecy with grent seriousness, still position and future pl"ospects of the looking to the 'year 1867 as- the period South London Society in an admirable of a great crisis. He says-" How soon speech; Mr. Watson performing the after 1867 the Redeemp,r will return and same pleasant task for the powerful and take the kingdom, and reign over all energetic society at Argyle-square, which the earth, I cannot say; but we should terminated the proceedings. Letters 7 then, if never before, have our lamps regretting absence, were read from the ready, and oil in our vessels, and our Rev. W. Broce, the Rev. O. P. Hiller, ea.rs open to the voice that will be one and Mr. E. Madeley, jnn. day, and may be any day, heard sound- NOTTINGHAM (HEDDERLEY STREET).- ing from the skies-' Behold, the bride- groom cometh 1''' All the great prophetic SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY. - The dates, it is maintained, terminate about children of this school, to the number 1867 or 1868. We shall see what will of 40, were treated to a most excellent happen. The foretelling of events is tea, at the Arboretum, on Whit-Monday. rather a hazardous occupation. To-day About 45 members and friends of the only is ours; to-morrow is a futurity society joined them on the occasion, and known only to the Infinite. the evening Vas spent in a very pleasant and social manner. On Sunday evening, May 13th, the <JENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. friends of Mr. and 1Irs. Fowler assembled 'ISLINGTON.-The annual meeting of by invitation at the People's Hall, Not- this society was held on the 15th May, tingham, to hear from the gifted lecturer' when a ~eport of its proceedings during aBd author an exposition of the 1st verse the past year was read, from which it of the 12th chapter of Romans - Cl I appears that the funds are in a healthy beseech you therefore, brethren, by the condition. The Sabbath services show mercies of God, that ye present your an increased attendance as compared bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable with last year, which was largely in excess to God, which is your reasonable service.,,. of 1864; and the meetings for spiritual The room was crowded, and although the instruction on Tuesday evenin~8 have discourse occupied about one hour and a also benefited in a similar manner. A half, the most marked attention was paid fund for the purohase of the future rental to every word uttered. Mr. Fowler, with of the new chapel in connection with the his usual force and aptness of illustration, College bui1din~8 has been commenced dilated upon the va.rious physical, mental, . ~it.h conaiderable success; and in re· and spiritual influences which go to form
- 334. MISOELLANEOUS. 881 charaeter, asserting that we can only Bayley's lecture on the Tuesday evening, attain true perfection when the various on "the Glory of the Second Temple." parts of our complex nature are harmo- The strangers who were present mostly niously developed. His peroration on expressed a warm approval of the im- the value of time and its relation to provements made in the church. The eternity, was especially expressive and collections and private subscriptions are sublime. Mr. Fowler consented on the nearly equal to half the expense mcurred, present occasion to aid -the funds of the and th~ ut~ost effort of the society is Sunday-school held at the People's Hall, now bemg directed to the Bazaa,r which and the collection was liberal. Mr. Thos. will open on the 25 th of July, in the hope Stevenson conducted the devotional part of thereby providing for the removal of of the service. the remaining indebtedness. We hope that these efforts may be crowned with RE-OPENING OF TilE NEW JERUSALEM ~uc~ess, and that the society may possess CHURCH, HEYWooD.-The public services Its Improved house of worship clear of connected with this opening took place debt. To accomplish this will require on Whit Sunday, May 20th, and the fol- their own best efforts and also those of lowing Tuesday evening. The officiating their friends. ministers were the Revs. Dr. Bayley and R. Storry. The attendance, which was NORTH SUIELDs.-On the last Sab· }arge at all the services, was most nume- bath in May the Rev. W. Woodman rous on the Sunday morning and evening. preached two eloquent and interesting Appropriate hymns, chants, and anthems discourses, in the Oddfellows' Hall, No~th Shields, to very attentive congre- were published for the occasion, and sung by an efficient choir. The collections gatIons, many persons present being amounted to upwards of £154. The strangers, who were evidently much present is the fourth enlargement of this impressed with the enlightened views church which has taken place since the of spiritual truth ~resented to them. first building on this spot in the year 1832. On the following evening Mr_W oodman The first enlargement was an extension delivered a lecture, in the same place,. of about one-third in length. The seeond on-" Heaven: Where and What is consisted of the outer walls and gallery it? " He spoke for nearly an hour and of the present church,-the front of the a half on this attractive subject, showing: gallery resting on the outer walls of the clearly, both from reason and Holy . :first temple. This enlargement took Scripture, that the kingdom of God is- place in the year 1838. In the year 1854 within us and around UB in a world o~' the walls beneath the front of the gallery spiritual realities, not perceivable by the were ~emoved and the entire space in the bodily senses, &Ild independent of the floor of the building added to the church. laws of space and time, though pre- The improvements just completed consist, senting to its inhabitants all the appear- in the exterior, of an elegant stone front, ances of space and time. In ihe second' boundary wall, palisade, and gates. ~hese part of the lecture, Mr. Woodman °also' are an addition to the architectural im- proved that heaven is pure ].(we and> provements of the town. The windows charity, and concluded by affectionately are also new. In the interior, the pulpit, urging on his hearers the absolute ne-· gas fittings, fittings of the dome, pews in cessity of a life of repentance, obedience' the front gallery, and gallery for the !o.ve, an~ charity on ea~th, as the only accommodation of the choir and organ preparatlon for eterna~ life and happiness are new. The interior has also been ID heaven. The Shields, Society have entirely renovated and exten~vely deco- enjoyed this visit through the kindness. rated, all the work being done in an of th~ National l{issionary Institution,. elegant and artistic manner. The work,! to which they are much indebted for it~ which is not yet quite completed, has fostering care. The proceeds of these been in progress during the last six discourses and lecture are to. be added months. The extensions have added .to the harmonium fund. ' about fifty sittings to the church, which NEWCASTLE - UPON - T-YNE.-The New will now seat about five hundred persons. Church society in this town has issued a Notices of the opening services appeared memorial to the various societies of the in most of the local papers, and in one a Church to aid in the speedy liquidation report of a considerable portion of Dr. of a debt of £120., whioh has for som~
- 335. 982 MISOELLANEOUS. time crippled its operations. The memo- taken, and notices issued for the opening rial gives some interesting particulars as services to be held on Sunday, the 20th to the history and present state df the of May last. society, for the insertion of which we The attendance was most satisfactory, regret that our space is too limited. At and has continued so up to the present the annual meeting on Easter Monday, time. Upwards of one hundred sittingli the treasurer (Mr. R. Catcheside) ex· have been taken, and the attendance of plained the state of the society's finances, strangers has been particularly noticed. whereupon the following resolution was Many who never had sittings in the New nnanimouslyadopted :-" It is the opinion Church before, have taken them here; of this meeting that the debt of£120. on and it is, indeed, pleasing to observe the this building ought to be paid off without warm and affectionate spirit that animates delay, and hereby pledges itself to do its th, whole society, and the minister is utmost during the ensuing year to liqui- thereby encouraged in his efforts to be date one-half of that sum; and appeal to of the utmost use to those who have the chureh at large for the remaining patiently supported him in his hour of half, as advised by the treasurer of Con- trial and distress. Upwards of forty of ference." (Upwards of £30. was sub- our number have signed an address to the scribed at the meeting.) Appeal is made Secretary of the Summer -lane Society, to the various "members, friends, and requesting him to withdraw their names well-wishers of the New Church in the from its roll of membership; and as many' United Kingdom," and U one special of these are heads of families, having collection" at a convenient time, is sug- sons and daughters eligible for member· gested. Contributions may be sent to ship, we are at once placed in a good Richard Gunton, Esq., treasurer of Con- position amongst New Church societies. ference 26, Lamb's Conduit-street, Lon- With these hopeful and cheering prospects don, W.C.; or to Mr. R. Catcheside, 20, before us, we are encouraged to persevere, East Parade, Newcastle-upon- Tyne, who and by earnestly striving u to do the will will acknowledge the same. of our Lord" in all meekness and purity WILLLUI COUCHMAN, Chairman. of heart, so may we hope that He will ROBERT CATCBESIDE, Treasurer. bless our efforts, and the nucleus of a F.A.RADAY SPENCE, Secretary. new society will be formed, by means of WILLLUI fuY, Minister. which the "glad tidings of great joy" BIRMINGHAM.-To the Editor.-My may be more extensively made known. dear Sir, - As I feel assured that the All communications may be a4dressed unhappy differences which have existed to the Secretary to t;he Cannon-street New for so long a period in the Birmingham Church Society, Mr. Alfred Haywood, New Church society (much, it is to be 24, Braithwaite-road, Birmingham. feared, to the spiritual injury, and calm, [Copy.] , charitable frame of mind and conduct Address from the subscribers to a testi- ~hat should so eminently distinguish monial purse presented to the Rev. members of our church) have become E. Madeley, on the occasi&n of bis widely known, it will doubtless be highly retiring from the ministry of the gratifying to many of your readers to Summer-lane Society of the New know that a solution (though involving Church :- separation) has been arrived at. " Rev. and dear Sir,-It is with mingled The division of a society is at all times feelings of pleasure and of pain, that we a very painful event, in this case parti- now approach you in the performance of cularly so; but when unity of purpose this~the last act of the work committed and harmonious action are found to be to' Our charge. impossible, then separation becomes a " Herewith you will be pleased to accept necessity. The Rev. E. Madeley's friends a pliTse containing one hundred and fifty finding this to be the case, resolved, pounds, subscribed by the' members and after long and earnest attempts at recon- friends of the society over which, for a ciliation, to form themselves into a sepa- period of upwards of forty years, you pre- rate society, under his ministry. Two sided 8.S teacher and pastor. inflnential andnumerously attended meet- U We call to remembrance, with feelings' ings were held, a committee and officers of gratitude, the many opportunites we appointed, and a suitable room having have enjoyed of profiting by your in- been met with, measures were at once tellectual attainments, and your extensive
- 336. HISCELLANEOUS. 338 knowledge of the doctrines of our Church; Mr. Brueton .•••••.••• £1 0 0 and we earnestly desire that your labours " Glasgow.......... 1 0 0 in her cause may not be diminished by " W. H. Johnstone •• 0 10 0 your retiring from our midst, but that for " J ames .• • . • . • • . • • • 0 10 0 many years to come your voice may be Miss Simkiss........ . . 0 10 0 heard through the land, teaching the A Friend, per J. W. truth, edifying the Church, and pro- • Rolason ••••••• e.... 0 10 0 moting the general good of mankind. Mr. O. Simkiss . . • . . • • • 0 10 0 "We gladly avail ourSelves of this Mrs. and Miss Buckley. . 0 5 0 opportunity of expressing a prayerful " Howard... . . . •• •• 0 5 0 hope that it may be in the order of Pro- :Miss Rowley • • • • • • • • • • 0 5 0 vidence to spare you yet many years of Mr. Shakespeare •••••. 0 5 0 healthful nat~ life, that it may be well " Giles ••••••••• • . • 0 5 0 with you and your family, and that your Miss Lawrence........ 0 2 6 declining years may be years of peace. Mrs. Lawrence • • • • • • • • 0 2 6 Miss Peters •••••••.•. 0 6 2 " Signed, " Mary Peters. . . • • • 0 6 2 "THOMAS HUMPHREYS, " JOHN SANDERS, NEW CHURCH COLLEGE. - To the "G. C. HASELER, Editor.- Rev. and dear Sir,-Be so "JAMES Snnuss, good as to inform your readers in the U .Sub-Committee. Intellectual Repository for July, that, " Birmingham, April 28th, 1866."· owing to the munificence of the New Church Peabody, John Finnie, Esq., List of Subscribers. of Cheshire, we shall be enabled to Mr. W. Rolason •••..• £10 0 0 prosecute our college undertaking with- u Jno. Sanders •••••• 10 0 0 out much further delay. That gentle- " Geo. Benton .••••• 10 0 0 man has kindly promised us £2,000., " T. Humphries • • •• 10 0 0 and we Qxpect to receive it prior to the " Rd. Cooper 10 0 0 appearance of your next. number. I " Chas. Sanders • • •• 10 0 0 have also been authorised to address a " Wilkinson ••••••.. 10 0 0 circular to all the societies, and to all " and Mrs. Negus •••• 10 0 0 who minister in them for aid in the " A. Batler • • . • • • • • 5 0 0 way of collections for this college. It " J. Simkiss •••.•••• 5 0 0 ought to be a matter of general interest " A. Haywoo'd •••••• 5 0 0 with us to see it in full work and per- " G. C. Haseler.. ..•• 5 0 0 forming all the uses for which it was " H. Powell ••••..•• 5 5 0 designed. Our character as a· church " J. Rabone, jnn. •.•• 5 0 0 will, in some degree, be measured by " J. W. Rolason •.•• 2 10 0 that of our institutions, and the New " Buncher.......... 2 10 0 Church College will be either a groun~ " W. H. Haseler ••.• 2 10 0 of rejoicing or a means of reproach. " E. Jones.......... 2 2 0 Let us all then unite to make it what " J. H. Stone •.• • • . 2 2 0 we could wish, and in a short time we " J. Newby .•••..•• 2 0 0 shall have the pleasure of rejoicing in " T. Faraday.... .. •• 2 0 0 its prosperity. We "need about £1.400. " Chater and Family. • 2 0 0 more than we now have either in hand ., Saml. Barnett • • . • 2 0 0 or in promises, and we should be glad " Horner ..• • • • .. . 2 0 0 to have as much of this &s possible " G. H. Johnstone •• 1 1 0 without further trenching on the capital " Ed. Haseler. ...•• •• 1 1 0 of the Crompton Legacy. - Faithfully ". Molyneaux •• •••• •• 1 1 -0 yours, HENRY BATE:MAN. " W. Humphries •••• 1 1 0 June 15th, 1866. " Lee ••..•.••.••.•• 1 1 0 " . J. Butler. . • • • . • • . • 1 1 0 SA.NCTITY OF THE SABBATH. - Mr. " T. Anderson ••..•. 2 0 0 Thomas Stevenson, of Nottingham, has " A. Butler, jun. ••••. 1 1 0 recently done good service to the cause " T. C. Lowe. . • • • • • . 1 0 0 of the due observance of the Lord's Day, Mrs. Weetman ••..•••• 1 0 0 by calling attention to a most improper ]dr. llayell, jun.•.•.•• 1 0 0 advertisement which recently appeared Miss !(assey •• • • • • • • . . 1 0 0 in the local papers, for "navvies" on the
- 337. 834 ~nSCELLANEOU!. Midland Railway works between Buxton ~minently Dr. Spur~'s character, as, and New Mills, who were promised per- indeed, has been aclrnowledged by the mission "to work all the hours they profession; but he was also a man of like; also on Sundays." Mr. Stevenson's knowledge and wisdom; and instances judicious and well- timed interference are to be found, where his instructive brings from the Midland Company an conversation and heavenly philosophy answer, from which we make the fol- and reason have restored the mind to lowing satisfactory extract:- vigour and the body to health. "The names of the advertisers are not In the course of nearly half a century known to me as contractors to the Mid- in which Dr. Spurgin has known the land Railway; but it is probable they doctrines and philosophical principles of may be sub-contractors, and, if this be Swedenborg, he has had to. bear con- the case, I will give instructions to the tumely from some, private envy and engineer to prevent the work being pro- ridicule from others; but many who have secuted on Sundays.-I am, sir, yours since become valuable members, were respectfully, W. E. H UTCHINSON." led to inquire into the principles of the New Church from his estimable cha- CONJUGAL LOVE IN THE PALAcE.-It racter, and his ~nlarged intelligent mind. is known the Queen has the strongest He lived down contumely and envy; objection to the term "late" as applied while his amiability recommended the to the Prince. In a certain fashionable opposite virtues. He was a man in journal wmch enjoys the patronage of the advance of the present age. Posterity Court, you will find that when his Royal will be benefited by his essays and Highness is referred to it is always RS medical works; and the present young "the Prince Consort," and never as "the men will speak of him in their declining late Prince Consort." • days, as one who had cheered them by his presence and counsel, whose· mind was always firm in the truth and ever ~bitu4". enlightened by it, and whose converse DR. SPURGIN. left a living influence, like that of the As a member of t)le church of fifty morning dew upon the growing herbage. years' standing, I feel I ought, and.I He- take 9l"~at delight to add my sympathy - "Allured to brighter worlds and led the way." and testImony, however humhIe, to that ' which has alreadY,appeared in the pages A hen!en 'Yhere ~ucl! ~en (when pre- of the Repository, of the worth of -one p~red) live m theIr delights of loye, now removed from this world, whose Wisdom, and use, must be a heaven m- ability, scientitic acquirements, and posi- deed; o:nd the anticipation of enjoying tion, gave him a capacity of serving, de,;, the sOCiety of such persons now made fending, and promoting the cause of the perfect, must ~urely le~sen ev.~ry regret New Church in a sphere where theology we may have of leaVlng this natural and science are so much at variance, world. and where their union are so lamentably B'?t Dr. Spurgin's life was D:0t one of wanted. I allude to the late Dr. Spurgin. cont~ued peace and pr?spenty. He Perhaps, as a body of men, there is no had hIS trou?les both of mmd and estate; class with so large a proportion of sceptic some of whIch, perhaps,. aro~e fro.~ an thinkers, in referenoe to the prevailing e~sy confidence and sangUIne dISpoSitIon, theology, as there is among Inedical men. wIth. a lack of .that self-prudence and How dreadfully short of his usefUlness self-Interest which often gets a mlln and mission is a physician when he can- safely throngh. the wor~d, but does not- not administer the sacred consolations of always land hIm safely In heaven. But religion with the same confidence he he ?o~e his. ~roubles with a cheerful administers his drugs and specifics. C~rIstIa~ spmt; he made the .most of . .H ere Dr. Spurgin was an exception to ~IS blessmgs, and the least of ~s suffer- his class; he was equally ready, willing, ~gs; he was ever ready to aSSlst others and skilled in comforting the soul as he In any way he ~ould, and has often be- . was in curing the body, and his delight ~o~e the st?ppmg-stone .to others to the was in both, thus verifying a German m~ury of. hImself; and It may be truly writer, who said that the physician should SaId of hIm that- be a "man of love." This was pre- "Even his failing. leaned to virtue', lide."
- 338. :IISC~LLANEOUS. Dr. Spurgin's removal from us has painful character, were calmly and -pa- taken away one of the pillars of the New tiently borne. On the evening previous Church which supported it on the side of to her death, she received the sacra- true philosophy, enlightened theology, ment of the Lord's Supper, from which and spiritual Christianity. she appeared to derive much comfort Out of fifty years I have known the and strength, and at the last she church, forty of which Dr. Spurgin has passed away without a struggle. A 'bI.en a leading man, and a very highly few weeks subsequently, her funeral aful medium between the separated discourse was preached from Luke x. and non-separated readers of Sweden- 41, 42, by the Rev. J. B. Kennerley, b8rg. Succeeding the late Charles whose frequent visits to our society, Augustus Tulk, Esq., ID the chairman- and whose kind attentions to our de- ship of the· Swedenborg Society, then parted sister, rendered him peculiarly known as the Printing Society, which suitable to discourse upon her virtues to used to consist of several talented men, the benefit of her companions and to who were still members of the Estab- the comfort of her bereaved and sorrow- lished Church, aDlong others the great ing parents. All who knew her loved 8culptor Flaxman, the late Mr. Prichard, her; and feel assured that so dutiful a Dr. Wilkinson and his brother, and the daughter, so true a companion, so earnest Rev. Mr. t lissold, who, I believe, were and genuine a Cblistian, is gone where members of that society some time before these relationships are eternal; and that they left the Established ChuTch,-with Her 80ul's out of prison released. these and other readers of the writings And freed from her hcdily chain. of Swedenborg, Dr. Spurgin was for In thought let us follow her flight, And mount with her spirit above; many years a golden link in the chain of Escaped to the mansions of lillht, Swedenborgian readers. In position, And lodged in the Eden of ~ve! intelligence, and learning he was com- pamtively equal with any of them; and Departed into the spiritual world, on in profession, as medical doctor, he had the 17th of May, at Newcastle-upon- . access to and mingled with all classes of Tyne, Mr. tJohn Reed, in his 77th year. the New Church, and perhaps has been He was kno' vn to a large circle of ministers one of the most useful in making the and membel!'s of the New Church, as a. church what she is at present-a body of receiver of her light, in the dap of intelligent rational Christians, com- Clowes and Hin4marsh; since which manding respect from all those who time he has been a regular attender at understand her doctrines, and silencing the services of the society in his native all those who attempt to prove her prin- town, where .be was known and respected -ciples opposed to the Word, the law. and by 0. large ch'cle of acquaintances. the testimony. J. B. Departed into the eternal wOFld, on On the 29th March, 1866, in the 28th May 7th, age. I 46 years, Edwarsl, Crock- year of her age, Miss Sarah Ann,daughter nell Sandy; and none who knew his of Mr. Richard Ravenscroft, of Board- consistent, ufleful life here, can doubt man-lane, near Middleton. Connected his abundant· welcome into his Father's, from early childhood with the Sunday- house. Born at Andover, he became- school at Rhodes, she passed a happy acquainted wi'th New Church doctrines and successful career as a scholar and a from the late lfr.William Reader lending teacher. On attaining the required age him some trrtlcts, and was admitted a she became a member of the church, member of ..hgyle-square Society in which circumstance created in her a still 1849. In e'~ery relation of life, and deeper interest in the prosperity of the through life, the same patient, per- society, and opened the way for a more severing, brr "ve spirit was manifest. extensive usefulness, where the know- Bronchitis aD d heart disease were the ledge and virtues acquired and cultivated immediate cau ~f3e of death. His' passage in youth found ample room for exercise. through the cl ~rk valley was a privilege Her sweet disposition, which always and to see. At t &he commencement of the everywhere manifested itself in word attack, when incessantly coughing, and and deed, drew around her a circle of nearly exhan~ Jted, he was heard to say- friends to whom' she was most dear. " Patience!" and indeed no one ever Her sufferings t which were of the most a heard mur cnur, or saw a gesture con..
- 339. 836 MISCELLANEOUS. trary, to the end. Two nights before slightly rising, looked up, apparently his deParture, about midnight, standing answering a call, saying-" Yes t" when by his bedside, thinking over the pas- he rapidly went, saying - "The only sage-" Now is your hour and the power escape is in the Holy One." Those of darkness," he began-" Power of around, gazing at the peaceful face, felt darkness! - power of the evil one 1" the call had been-" Friend, come up and, as if assured this power was nearly higher! " The Psalms were his chief at an end, he continued-" Salvation's solace during his illness. As one !I near 1" 8S indeed it proved to be. About attendance remarked-" His was a ~ ten minutes before he breathed his last, racter one could not describe;" but I asked if he felt worse; he said-" No; happy are we in contemplating it still As I feel better;" and almost i.mme~iately, an existence. L. S. INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. Meetings of the CommUtees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thursday 7-0 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.-First }'riday ..••....•••••.••••.••• 6-30 N"'tional Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, ditto.-Fourth Monday •...••. '• ••••••••••......••...•••.•• , • • • • •• 6-30. College, Devonshire-street, Isllngton.-Last ,Tuesday. • . . . . • • . . . . . • . . • • . • 8-0 MANCHESTER. Tract Society, Schoolroom. Peter-street.-Third Friday .•..••...•..•.•..• 6-30 Missionary Society ditto ditto • • • • • • . . • • • • . . • • • • 7-0 Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Mis~nary, and when in Manchester, to at~d the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TO REA..-OERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to ba sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BaucE, 43, Kensington GardenfiJ Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received :not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of recent meetings, lectures, .lr.c., may appear if not later than the 18th. The Rev. Thomas Chalklen has removed to 17, Hanover-street, Islington, London. The paper on the Divinity of the Lord's body is respectfully declined. That the Lord's body was Divine from His birth, is a proposition that does not, in our opinion, come within iihe scope of New Church theology. Be. this as it may, the insertion of this pfLper would open the door to a controversy which we wish to avoid in the pages .)f the Repository. SWEDENBORG SOCIETY- ·ANNUAL MEETING.-We hope to furnish our readers with a report of this imp.,rtant meeting, held on the 19th of June last, in our next number. CAVlC and SEVER, PriI~ters by Steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.
- 340. THE INTELLECTUAL REPOSITORY AND NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 152. AUGUST 1ST, 1866. VOL. Xill. THE REUNION OF CHltISTENDOM, Being an Address to the S'wedenborg Society, by the Chairman, the Rev. A. CLISSOLD, on the occasion of its FiftY-Se1:e1lth Annit'ersary Meeting. . My DEAR FRIENDs,-The subject to which I invite your attention on this occasion is one of the most prominent in the present day, I mean the Reuni()n of Christendom; and my object is to set before you the state of the question, and consider it from a New Church point of view. You are all aware of the importance assigned by Swedenborg to the year 1757, as the commencement of a great change in the spiritual world, or world of cau~es, and of a corresponding change in the natnral world, or world of effects. This change was the commencement of the reduction of all things to Divine order in both worlds, with a view to the reunion of the church upon earth with the church in heaven, and thus the restoration of unity. It is remarkable that a great desire for unity in Christendom has recently sprung up in various quarters, in a ~ very extraordinary manner. In 1858, a society was established at · Rome, under the express sanction of the present Pope, and called the Ea.~tern Christian Society, for the purpose of reuniting Christendom, first, by restoring unity bet"reen the Eastern and Western churches; and secondly, by bringing the Protestant communities into fellowship with the main body of the church thus united. This society, however, failed in its object, because of the war with Russia-an empire which belungs to the communion of the Eastern church. Some time after this there Was a proposition on the part of some Roman Catholics for a Catholic Church Congress, which it was suggested might be held at 22
- 341. 88S- THE REUNION OF OHRISTENDOM. Paris, with a view to consider the subject of reunion; but the scheme met with objections. Several Bishops and other eminent members of the Greek Church have also recently expressed a fervent desire for reunion. Moreover, in the year 1857, just one eentury after the year 1757, an Association consisting of Roman Catholics, Greeks, and Anglicans l was formed in the parish of St. Clements in the Strand, and entitled the Association for Promoting the Unity of Christendoln, nu~bering at present about seven thousand members, and employing a considerable number of secretaries, principally, I believe, clergymen of the Church of England. These seven thousand members engage to offer up daily a given form of prayer for the peace and unity of the church, and it is remarkable that the prayer is addressed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Nearly two hundred clergymen of the Church of England, belonging to this Association, have addressed the Pope on the subject of reunion. Moreover, under the sanction of this Association have been published two volumes of sermons on the Reunion of Christendom, dedicated to the Pope, the Patriarch of Constantinople, and the Archbishop of Canter- bury; the sermons being written or preached by members of the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Anglican communions, and their object being to reconcile these separated bodies. In one of these sermons * the desire for reunion is expressed as follows : - ,, No, my brethren, the deepest thinkers of the day are stretching forth to a unity which shall comprehend all these scattered members. They feel that if the sixteenth century was one of dispersion, the nineteenth and the twentieth must be one of reunion, if the Son of Man, when He cometh, is to find the faith (as the original Greek is most correctly rendered) on the earth." I shall. particularly draw your attention; in the sequel, to the expres- sion " the faith." Besides, however, the Association for promoting th~ Unity or Christendom, we have been informed, in some of the daily periodicals, by Prince Orloff, that discussions were held at a meeting on the 15th ~ of November last, at which certain Anglican Bishops and about eighty persons, chiefly clergymen of High Church principles, were assembled, for the purpose of promoting union with the RU8~0-Greek Church; discussions which have laid the .foundation for further explanations, with a view to future reunion, so far as it can be e1fe~ted. Moreover, a meeting of Protestants is stated to have been recently held with a view to a Oatholic Ohurch Congress: I believe its proceedings have not been • First series, p. 261.
- 342. THE REUNION OFCHRISTENDOM. 889 published; but it is certain that the question of the unity of the church, or the reunion of Christendom, is one of growing importance, that it is giving rise to a most interesting literature, and may be regarded as a very unusual sign of the times. Now, my friends, this great desire for the unity of the church has naturally raised the question, in what true unity consists; and here we are called upon to distinguish between a genuine unity and a spurious unity. To seek after. the unity of the church or the reunion of Christendom, and yet to be mistaken with regard to the genuine principle of unity, would be only to seek in vain. Have, then, any of those writers who so solemnly inculcate the duty of unity pointed out the real first principle in which alone unity consists? I answer, they have; and I feel certain that you will say the s~me when you have heard what it is. We will take the case of the treatise on The Unity of the Church, by the Roman Catholic Archbishop Manning, and the sermons published by the Association for Promoting the Unity of Christendom. However the Archbishop and the Association may differ on other points, as we shall see in the sequel, they yet agree upon this. Dr. Manning observes, that *- " The chief end of the church is the restoration to the world of a true knowledge of God;" that-" the unity of Christians has, as its pattern or archetype, the oneness of nature which is between the Son and the Father;"t that-" the unity of the Godhead is both the archetype and. cause" t of the mrity of the Church. The Association I have referred to follows out, in its sermons, the very same principle. Thus speaking of the church 11- " Unity is her highest glory. God Himself, who is one, and is His own unity, is set before us as a pattern for our oneness. Therefore unity is her perfection." "Christians, you hear, ought to be one together, as the Father is with the Son."~ Now, if this be said with regard to the unity of God, what is further said with regard to the unity of the church? You will find the language upon this subject equally clear and consistent. Thus, Dr. Manning observes §- "The point, therefore, to be considered, is, how the unity of the church sub- serves the purpose of God in restoring a right knowledge of Himself to the world. And it sooms self-evident, that the property of unity is that aspect of the church, so to speak, which is divinely ordained to witness to the unity of God." "The oneliness of the church-the fact, I mean, that there is one only visible body, endowed with divine functions and prerogatives-is an earthly type of the one only Divine Being." •• • Unity of the Church, p. 176. + Ibid, p. 226. t Ibid, p. 228. 11 Second series, p. 221. ~ Ibid, p. 148. § Ibid, p. 186. •• Ibid, p. 212.
- 343. 840 THE REUNIO:N OF CHRISTENDOY. Accordingly Dr. ~ranning observes- " No consistent theory has ever been ventured on to explain the unity of the faith, on any principle which will not ultimately refer it to the unity of the Divine Mind." * Well! are not all these great and Catholic troths? But now allow me to put one plain question: If the unity of the church be a type of the unity of the Godhead, of what is the disunion of the church a type? Tho question almost answers itself; for if the unity of the church be a type of the unity of the Godhead, then disunion of the church is the type of disunion in the Godhead. Or put the question in another form: If the unity of the church be a type of- the union between the Father and the Son, is not the disunion of the church a type of disunion between the Father and the Son ? We need not in this case enter into any doctrinal argument. Let us take admitted facts; a.nd what is the fact admitted in these sermons? In one of them is the following passage: t- "The fact of the church being now visibly disunited is an infallible proof that she has fallen away somehow or other from the true and only centre of unity; and that there have been deflections to the right hand or to the left, in the way of subtraction or addition from the ancient faith. I say not where. Let all and each look to themselves." Now, my friends, what is the only centre of unity.'! We have ah-eady been told. It is the unity of God, the unity of the Father and the Son. A deflection therefore from the centre of unity is a deflection from the unity of God, the unity of the Father and the Son_ Has there been, then, any deflection from the unity of God? You shall hear Archbishop Whateley's answer to this question: !- " No point in these systems of speculative theology has so much exercised the perverted power of divines of this stamp, as the mystery of the Trinity; or, as they might with more propriety haye called it, -the mystery of the Divine Unity : for though in itself the doctrine, so sedulously inculcated throughout the Scriptures, that there is but one God, seems to present no revolting difficulty; yet, on rising from the disquisitions of many scholastic divines on the inherent distinctions of -the Three Divine Persons, a candid reader cannot but feel that they have made the Unity of God the great and difficult mystery; and have in fact so nearly explained it away, and BO bewildered the minds of their disciples, as to drive them to withdraw their thoughts habitually and deliberately from every thing connected with the suhject, us the only mocle left for the unlearned to keep clear of error." Indeed Dr. Newman hn,s himself admitted that the doctrine" of the TriperSOllality cannot in our ideas be reconciled vith that of the Unity- that the two are, in our ideas, mutually contradictory_ • Unity of the Church, p.218. t Ibid, p.288. t Errors of Romanism, p. 84.
- 344. • THE REUNION OF CHRISTENDOM. Now, my friends, if this be true, and if, as we have seen it admitted, the unity of God is the archetype and cause of the unity of the church, it follows that when the unity of God is destroyed, the unity of the Church is destroyed together with it. If, again, we regard the unity of the Father and Son as the arche- type and cause of the unity of the Church, what is the real state of the Church with regard to this unity? 'Ye have an answer in the sermons published by the Association. Thus in one sermon it is said- " The union or oneness of Christians in the one Church was evidently intended to be a picture and image and likeness of the union of the Father and Son. When, therefore, divisions abound in the Chlistian body, as they d0 among us, we commit two great evils; we first rend the body of Christ; and secondly, we destroy the visible picture of the oneness of the Eternal Trinity."* "Christ makes the mysterious union between the Father and the Son the reason why his people should be in like manner united." + Again: "'V ould any person, looking at the state of Christendom in the present day, believe that the Son of God had on the eye of his death prayed that its unity n:nght resemble that of the Godhead? "t There is another passage to the same effect. Speaking of the evils arising from the worshipping at separate altars, an eminent clergyman observes in one of these sermons, in a truly Christian spirit, that these are indeed grievous of themselves iJ- "But a profounder and more fatal wrong is wrought through such disunion, in the loss of the witness, which the Church is called into being in order to express before the creatures, of the unity and peace of the ever blessed Godhead, of the oneness of the adorable Trinity. The allgels fail to see what God intended they should see, in the broken fragments of the body of their Lord, even though still living in all their parts, this primal truth of his Being. The myt:teriO'll8 union of the Godhead and manhood in the Son of God is not discel''/led, as the Divine Love purposed it should be ~iscerned, in the growing together of the living members of the body:' What is all this but to say, that the actual state of the Church is such that it has ceased to be a witness to the unity of the Godhead, or to the uni6n of the Godhead and the manhood, the Father and the Son; for this unity or union is the essential of a true faith, and without it a true faith has no existenc.e. Now our Lord says-" When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find the faith upon the earth." What faith? - FaIth in the unity of God, faith in the unity of the Godhead and man- hood; thus faith in the unity of the Father and Son. The angels look down into the Church upon earth, and fail to see in its condition any witness for this faith. 'Vby do they fail to see any ,,~itness for t.hi~ * Serl110nS on the Unity of Christendom-second series, p. 192. t Ibid, p. 90. t Ibid, first series, p. 210. I; Second series, p.276.
- 345. 842 THE REUNION OF CHRISTENDOM. faith? Simply because the faith has departed, and what else is this but the very teaching of Swedenborg? * " That to believe in the Lord," says he, "is to believe in the Father, the Lord also Himself teaches in John-' He who believeth in me, believeth not in me but in Him who sent me; and he who seeth me, seeth Him who sent me :' by these words is understood, that he who believes in the Lord does not believe in Him separate from the Father, but believes also in the Father; wherefore it is added- 'He who sooth me, seeth Him who sent me.'" . . . "Thomas said, 'My Lord and my God:' inasmuch as the Lord was now fully united to the essential Divine principle which is called the Father, therefore Thomas calls Him his Lord and his God." Again, on the words' that ye may know and believe that the Father is in me and I in the Father.' . . . " That the Jews did not believe," says Sweden- borg, "is evident; " and then he adds-" That neither would they in the Christian world believe that the Lord is one with the Father, and thence the God of heaven and earth, is understood by the Lord's words in Luke--' When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith upon the earth?' " What faith? The faith that the Lord is one with the Father. Here, then, is a unity in which the church does not believe; and there- fore to the church it serves as no p~ciple of unity-in other words, the ehurch has departed from the real principle of unity, and therefore unity has departed from the church. Let me illustrate the case. It is agreed by all that the principle of church unity is contained in these words-', As thou, Father, art in me and I in Thee, that they may be one in us." But these words have received two different inter- pretations, involving two different principles of unity. Thus there is disunion at the outset. The first interpretation is, that the Son here referred to is the Son from everlasting; and both the Father and the Son being Divine, the unity implied is that of the Divine with the Divine, or of Divinity with Divinity. In this case you will perceive that the Incarnation is left out altogether; for the unity, being from everlasting, existed before the Incarnation, and as such has nothing to do with it. Now, my friends, without entering into metaphysical questions about identity of divine substance, consubstantiation, circum· incession of persons, and unanimity of w~lls, I will only say this, that if the union of the Divine with the Divine be the unity here spoken of as the archetype of the unity of the church, then the unity of the __ church has nothing to do with the Incarnation, and the Incarnation nothing to do with the unity of the church. Accordingly, as a matter of fact, we are told that the unity of the church does not exist. Well, then, is it not absurd to seek the reunion of Christendom upon this principle? in other words, to seek to reunite Christendom upon the principle of ignoring the Incarnation-I may say, ignoring Christianity. '" Apocalypse E;rplained, art. 815.
- 346. THE REUNION OFCHRISTENDOM. 848 We 'now come to the second interpretation of the words-cc As Thon, Father, art in me and I in Thee." In this case the unity here expresRed is the oneness, not of the Divine with the Divine, but of the Divine with the Human. Rupertus, a Roman Catholic commentator, acknow· ledges that this union is not that of the eODsubstantiality of the Fnther with the Word from everlasting, but is the union of the Divine with the Human. Nicholas De Lyra interprets it in the same sense. Heylin observes that *- " He was really and truly the Son 01 God by this his generation in the lulnes8 of time, the miraculous manner of his conception without any other father than the power of God, doth most assuredly evince." • . • " Nay, so peculiarly doth this miraculous manner of his generation entitle him to he the true and proper Son of Almighty God, that so he might be justly caied and accounted of had he not been the SOD of the living God by a preceding generation even before all time."t This interpretation would refer the words, cc as Thou, Father, art in me and I in Thee," to the union of the Divinity with the Ifumanity, thus to the Incarnation, yet this is the interpretation which in these days is universally rejected; it is the faith which is not to be found upon the earth; the unity which is ignored; and then we are told that as a matter of fact, in the church there is no unity. Well, then, have we not pointed out the source of a want of unity? This want of a real principle of unity is, however, 'attempted to be supplied by an abund- ance of fictitious principles of unity. There is the unity in the God- head arising from a communication of incommunicable essence from all eternity, the unity arising from a perichoresis of Persons, from a coeqnality and coetemity of Persons, from, a unanimity of Divine wills. Then in regard to the unity of the church, there is the unity arising from transubstantiation, in which all are one as partaking of one tran- Bubstantiated substance, the unity arising from communion of creeds, such as the Athanasian, Nicene, and Apostle's Creed; the unity arising from the adoption of ancient traditions, from apostolical succession, from subservience to Peter as the one head of the church, from decrees of synods and councils, from infallibility, and above all from absolute submission to absolute authority. Why, my friends, with all these principles of unity, what is the meaning of yearning after the reunion of Christendom? H these prin- ciples are genuine, the Christian church ought to present the most perfect pattem of unity in the world. Yet, what are we told by the Association? That it is the most disunited. I am aware that, on the * Apostles' Creed, p. 168. + See here Waterland's Works, vol. iv. p.25.
- 347. 844 THE REUNION OF CHRISTENDOM. contrary, Dr. Manning says this is not true; that to pray for the union of the church is to assume that it can be divided; "but," says he, ~:: "the unity of the church has never been lost, nor ever can be." He says, that "the unity of the church is absolute and' indivisible, and that the church has never lost its unity, nor for so much as a moment of time ever can." How so, when the fact is that the Church of Rome has signally failed to produce unity? Dr. Manning clearly saw that, upon his own principles, a church which, from its divided state, had ceased to be a witness to the unity of God, had for that reason ceased to be a church. Therefore, he says that Christendom is not divided into the Roman, Greek, and Anglican Churches, because the Greek and Anglican i, Churches are no churches at all: that there is only one church, and that one the Roman, ;Which one in virtue of being subject to one head, the successor of Peter. Hence, with. regard to the Church of Rome itself, if the whole of it should fall away with the exception of one,· two, or three members, the church could still be said to be indefectible and united, and therefore not to stand in need of reunion; because the one, two, or three remaining members would constitute the true church; while all the others would not be churches in any sense, but would be to the true church simply as heathens, pagans, or gentiles. Well, let it be so :.let the Church of Rome be regarded as the trne church, and Greeks, Anglicans, and all oth-er denominations as gentiles; in this case the world is divided into the true church and gentiles. Now this was the kind of distinction which. prevailed when our Lord came into the world; there. was the true church, which was the Jewish, and there were the Gentiles. Had the true church at that time sought a reunion of Jews and Gentiles, it would have been by the conversion of Gentiles into Jews; just as in the present day, the Roman Church seeks the reunion of the world by the conversion of the so called gentiles into ROplan Catholics. This was the exclush'e principle of unity: but our Lord introduced another-a conlprehen~it'e principle; one which should include all the disunited and scattered members of society, and which should gather together the Jew and the Gentile into one in Him. Do we, then, in seeking the reunion of Christendom, seek for any new principle of unity? Certainly not: we appeal to that principle of unity which our Lord introduced and from which the church has fallen away, for it has fallen away from the comprehensive principle of unity, into. the exclusive. And what is' the comprehensive? "As Thou Father art in me and I in Thee "-as the Divinity is in the Humanity • Reunion of Christendom, pp. 8, 28, 88.
- 348. THE REUNION OFCHRISTENDOM. 845 and the Humanity in the Divinity-that all may be one In the Divine or Glorified Humanity. But what do we mean by this ? We mean that the principle of unity in the moral world is the same with the principle of unity in the natural world. This has been beautifully illustrated in a work entitled Typical Fornls and Special Ends in C'reation, in which it is said : ~:~- " In the natural kingdom all inferior organisms point onward and upward to man ,. in the spiritual kingdom all life points onward and upward to Chri~t." . . . . " Thus the simplest organism points, by its structure, upward to man, and man's earthly frame points to his heavenly frame, and his heavenly frame to Christ's spiritual body,-and we see that all animated things on earth point onwards to His Glorified HUIITlanity as the grand Archetype of all that has life." Now this principle, which we are told has been wonderfully con- firmed by the discoveries of modern science, is the one advocated by the Apostle. Paul, and afterwards repeated by Irenoous. Thus, in Ephesians i. 10, on the words-" that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth," Suarez observes: t- " All created things are in a manner contained in the nature of man; and, there.. fore, in assuming that nature, God in a manner conjoined to Himself all creatures, 8S Cajetan upon this passage has well explained, and as many conceive to be indicated by Paul when he says that all t,hings are restored in Christ. For the Greek word signifies to recapitulate, as Jerome has there observed. But all things are said to be recapitulated in Christ, as is the opinion of Irenrous also; becaus~ since all things are contained in human nature as in their Bum total, so, when this nature was assumed by the Word and all things thus reduced to their sum, they are regarded as being conjoined to the Word." • So Cornelius a Lapide, who says- "Irenreus teaches that all things are recapitulated in Christ, because in human nature are contained all thin~s and all species and degrees of things, as in their sum. Whence man is said to be a 1nicl'ocosm; and consequently when the Divine Word assumed human nature, then all thin~s thus reduced to their sum he con- joined to Himself, and recalled to Himself as their author and first origin, namely, the WOl·d by whom all things were created," _In like manner a Protestant commentator, Dr. Gill, who says- " 'That He might gather together in one all things in Christ.' This supposes that all things were once united together in one. Angels and men we.re united to God by the ties of creation, and were under the same law of nature, and there were peace and friendship between them; and this union was in Christ as the beginning of the creation of God, in whom all things consist; and it supposes a. disunion and scattering of them, as of men from God and from good angels, which was done by sin; and of Jews and Gentiles from one another; and of one man • Pages 524, 54:5. t Incarnation, p. 29, disp, 3, sec. 3, quest.!.
- 349. 846 THE REUNION OF CHRISTENDOM. from another, every one turning to his own way; and then a gathering of them together again. The word here used signifies to restore, renew, and reduce to a former state, and 80 the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions render it; and aecording to this sense it may seem to have respect to the times of the restitution of all things, when there will be Dew heavens, and a new earth, and new inhabitants in them," &c. You will pereeive from these remarks that the archetype of unity in creation is the Glorified Hum anity, and the archetype of the unity of the church the Glorified Humanity. For as all things in creation have a tendency toward the human form 8S an image and likeness of the Divine Humanity, so all the affections and thoughts of the regenerated man tend more or less to be an image and likeness of the same humanity, and thus to become one in Christ; so that the law of unity in the church is the same with that in the natural world.. Humanity is, so to speak, the unity of both. Who has ever referred t4e unity of the natural world, or has ever seen depicted in it, a cireumincession of Divine Persons, or a consubstantiality of Three Persons, or their coequality and coetemity, or a unanimity of Three Divine Wills? Who h~s ever referred the unity of creation to submission to absolute authority, as if the Father and Son were one in virtue of the Son sub· mitting to the authority of the Father ? We see, on the contrary, that the unity of even the material world is summed up in humanity; above all, in the Glorified Humanity; and in this Glorified Humanity or the Word in the ultimate human form, the church finds her unity-the church as consisting of Jew and Gentile, who are thus gathered to" gether into one in Christ. But how gathered together into one? The primitive Christian- Church was not a mere confederation of Jews and Gentiles, living together in amity in one religious society, and under one organisation, 8S persons who agreed to differ. No I the Jew and the Gentile were gathered together into one, not because the Christian Church included or perpetuated these distinctions, but because it abolished them, and substituted for them the distinctions of Chmtian and Unchristian; and so it must be now, "From this time," says Swedenborg, in his Invitation to the New Church, "persons are not to be called Evangelicals, or the Reformed, much less Lutherans and Calvinists, but Christians." Why then, I ask, should there be Swedenborgians ? In this case the Reunion of Ohristendom, or the gathering together of all into one in Christ, is identical with the renovation of all; thus with the reconstruetion or reconstitution of Christendom; and this upon a prin- ciple which is new and yet old: new, because it is not adopted by any
- 350. THE REUNION OFCHRISTENDOM. 847 one of the Latin, Greek, or Anglican Churches: old, because it is that which was introduced by our Lord himself when He came into the world; comprehending all the separated parts of society, and by renovating all, inaugurating a new life and a new economy; so that if the reunion of Christendom were effected upon the same principle, and it can be effected upon no other, it would present to view a renovation equivalent to a New Dispensation and a New Church. It is obvious, then, that this reunion is not merely an affair of the adjustment of creeds, apostolical succession, external organisatio~, or mere submission to authority; it is something vaster-something higher and deeper; it is one of those grand movements of Divine Providence, who-being the Disposer of Ages, and U nity Himself~can alone gather together into one, recapitulate, and reunite the disunited parts of the world, and this upon the principle c'that they may be one as we are one," or that the Church may be one upon the same principle as the Father and Son are one; not by a consubstantiation of the Divine with the DiVine before the Incarnation, but by the union of the Divine with the Human after the Incarnation,-the union of the Father who is Divine Good or Love with the Son who is Divine Wisdom or Truth, and vice '1J6f'Ba. This inseparable union of Divine Love -and Troth in the Lord, involt;es a like union of charity and faith in the Church; in this union consists the unity of the Church; and thus it is that the unity of the Church is a type of the unity of God, a.nd the unity of God the central unity of the Church. The reunion, however, of which we have spoken, is not only of the scattered members of the church on earth with each other, but of the church on earth with the church in heaven. Now the church on earth is the Lord's heaven upon earth; but the regions above are classed into three heavens, and in this sense three churches. Hence, upon earth there will be three corresponding churches-one answerillg to the highest heaven as being preeminently in love; a second answering to the second heaven as being prOOminently in intelligence; a third answering to the lowest heaven as being preeminently in active life. All these correspond to so many classifications of the human mind npon earth; and as to each class pertains its own church or heaven upon earth, the reunion of Christendom involves the reunion of thE) three heavens upon earth with the three heavens of angels, which seems to give the full meaning of the expression " that He might gather together in one all things in heaven and that are upon the earth ~ "
- 351. 848 THE REUNION OF CHRISTENDOM. Each heaven being a distinct church, the church in heaven consists of three churches, just as heaven itself in the complex consists of three heavens. Each heaven in itself is one body, and all three collectively are ORe body; and so likewise upon earth each church is one body, and all three collectively are one body. So again each heaven in itself, though it is one body, yet relatively to the three is but part of that one body. If, however, the parallel is to be complete, then, according to the Roman system, as there is but one ruler· over the whole church upon~arth, there ought to be but one ruler over the Whole church in heaven. Accordingly, it is maintained by Roman Catholic writers that this is the case; and that the one ruler, the Vicar of Christ in heaven, is the archangel 1tlichael. But from the very nature of the three heavens as explained by Swedenborg, according to the doctrine of degrees, we know this to be impossible. The church in heaven, then, is not exclusively one, but comprehen- sively one, because· it is itself constituted of three churches, just as " heaven itself consists of three heavens. It is not one organization common to p,ll three, any more than the organization of the head is that of the breast, or the organization of the breast that of the legs and feet. But all these three churches constitute one body in Christ. It seems, therefore, to be quite unnecessary to suppose, that in order to the unity of' the church upon earth there ~hould be only a single organized body; for the unity of the church .is not a' simple but a·com- pound unity, and therefore it is not necessary in order to the reunion of Christendom that the Roman church should swallow up "the Greek and Anglican, or the Greek the Roman. and Anglican, or again the Anglican the Greek and Roman. Why may not all "three be a trinity and unity, and why may not the unity thus be compound? The church, while it is outwardly various in doctrine, is thus one, because it is nevertheless inwardly one in doctrine. And why is it thus one in doctrine? Because there is only one essential doctrine, and that essential doctrine is·this-r" Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and thy neighbour as thyself." It is by obedience to this one essential doctrine that the church is one, and as such fulfils the prayer of our Lord-" That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they may be one in us." Thousands there are upon earth who may not understand how the Father is in the S'on, and the Son ill the Father; but the loye of the Lord and of our neighbour is latent ill the truth of this doctrine, and is, in the church,· the e.rpression qf it .. so that wheresoever that lore
- 352. THE REUNION OFCHRISTENDO:I. 349 exists there that doctrine exists in the will, and thence in the life, though not in the understanding, just as the doctrine may be received into the understanding, but have no existence either in the will or the life. This view of the subject is embodied in the comment of Thomas .A.quinas upon John xvii. 20, 21:- " 'I pray that they all may be one.' For, as the Platonists say, every thing has its unitJ from that from which it has its own goodness. For it is good which is conservative of the thing. Nothing has its conservation but in unity. And therefore when the Lord prayed that His disciples might be made perfect, He prayed for their being made perfection in goodness, that they might be one in goodness, which was fulfilled in the fourth chapter of Acts-' The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul;' 'Behold how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.' " . In this case, the first principle of unity is good, love, charity, of which truth or faith is only the intellectual expression. Charity is thus before truth, and leads the intellect into truth. To place troth. before charity is to invert the Divine order; it is to place the Son before the Father; for truth is the Son and good is the F~ther; and no man cometh unto the Son except the Father draw him. Lacordaire therefore differed from Aquinas, and substituted a false principle of unity, when, in his letter to :Madame Swetchine, ::~ he placed truth before charity, and the unity of the church not in charity but in truth. " I had no· inten- tion," said he to her, "of insinuating that charity is before truth;" and· Archbishop Manning falls into the same error when he says, "Truth alone generates unity." Now certainly Swedenborg says, that truth derived from good is the first principle of the church; that Peter, as representing this truth, was called first, and was the first of the Apostles, and was also named Cephas, which is a stone or rock. But Peter did not repre~nt truth alone, but truth derived from good; and therefore he is called the Son of J onah, as signifying truth derived from love or charity. But truth derived from charity is not truth alone, any more than faith derived from charity is faith alone. I say, on the principle of Aquinas, it is good which is conservative of truth; charity which is conservative of faith. Truth without charity is but a body without a soul; truth that is dead; and how can what is dead generate unity? Peter without love denied his Master; and truth without love was the truth of the Church of Ephesus. If it be good which is the conservative principle of truth, and charity which is the conservative principle of faith, then the loss of charity is the loss of the conservative principle of faith, hence the loss • ADilicn.n Theory of Union, by Bishop Ullathome, p. 93.
- 353. 850 THE REUNION OF CHRISTENDOl-I. of the unity of faith---=-the candlestick becomes removed out of 'its place; for troth without love has no perpetuity. * Well, then, in one sense truth is better than life; but troth alone is truth without life: it cannot restore us to unity, beeause it has lost the essential principle of unity. "I am the way, the troth, and the life:" saith the Lord. " No man cometh to the Father but by Me." This we profoundly acknowledge; but then-', No man cometh unto Me exeept the Father which hath sent me draw him," i.e., no man cometh to the troth unless he be drawn by the Supreme Good. Now this Good flows down from the Divine Humanity, through the angelic societies into the church upon earth; and in proportion as these societies are strong or weak, so is their influx into the minds of men. We know that these societies are strengthened by the accession of those of whom it is said- "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord;" and I cannot doubt that these societies have been strengthened by the spirits of those friends who have departed from ns this last year. We have not lost the sympathy or the services of Dr. Spurgin, Mr. Maepherson, Mr. Trimen, and others who breathed only as the Church had breath, and whose very life seemed to ebb and flow with that of the Church. I may mention, more particularly, the name of Dr. Spurgin, as having been for so many years the Chairman of this Society, and my own intimate friend, who, with Mr. Macpherson and others of the Committee, were so faithful and trne to the specific objects of this Society, at a time when faithfulness and truth were tried to -the utmost. Shall we not all join with our departed friends in the song-" 0 Jerusalem, the Holy City! blessed are they which love thee; for they shall rejoice in thy peace. Blessed are they which have been sorrowful for all t1J,Y scourges; for they shall rejoice for th~e, when they have seen all thy glory; and shall be glad for ever.". • "But truth is better than life; and truth alone can restore us to unity. 'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.'''- Archbishop Manning on " The Reunion of Christendom," p. 72. EXPOSITION OF JOHN XX. 24-81. By LE Boys DES GUAYS. No. 4. 24. But Thomas, one of the twelve, 24. Now, the sensual, one of the principles, Called Didymus, ' Which ought to cooperate with the others in the regenerate,
- 354. EXPOSITION OF JOHNXX. 851 Was not' with them when Jesus came. Was not at first conjoined to them when they received the in1lux from the Lord.. Thomas, who represents the sensual of the regenerate, has been surnamed Didymus, that is to say, Twin, because the sensual, although constituting the external of the regenerate, is the twin brother of the internals, or of the other principles, and as such, it should be conjoined to them; or cooperate with them, in the regenerate; for as long as it remains separate, regeneration is imperfect. Thomas was not with the other apostles when Jesus came; that is to say, the sensual had no consciousness of the presence of the Divine Love in the interiors of the mind of the regenerate; and that because tAe sensual being plunged in worldly ideas, the interiors must be brought to order, and must recognise the presence of the Lord, in order that the sensual may next be acted upon; fQr it is by the internal that the external is regenerated. " Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." (Matt. xxiii. 26.) 25. The other disciples therefore said 25. The other Frinciples communi- unto him, We have seen the Lord. cated to it that they had had a manifes- tation of the Divine Human of the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall But it declares that if it does not see see in his hands the print of the nails, in the power of the-Divine Humanity , and put my finger into the print of the the adjunction of natural power, nails, And thrust my hand into his side, And that if natural power is not con- joined to Divine Love, I will not believe. It will not acknowledge it. Before it has been regenerated, the sensnal has difficulty in believing in the glorification of the Lord, or in the Divine Humanity, even when the other principles recognise it fully; that is to say, even when the regenerate is fully' convinced in his interior mind that the Lord has made His Human Divine; nevertheless, when his sensual is not yet regenerated, and at times when the sensual principle predominates, he can hardly recognise the Divine Human, and would then desire to have material and palpable proofs. 26. And after eight days, 26. And at the commencement of the following state, Again his disciples were within, The principles of the mind being again in aD interior perception, And Thomas with them. And the sensual being conjoined· to them, Then came Jesus, The Lord flows in, The doors being shut, Communication with the things of the world being closed,
- 355. 852 EXPOSITIO~ OF JOHN XX. And stood in the midst, And penetrates to the inmost, And said, Peace be unto you. Whilst by this influx, He imparts to the regenerate an inward felicity. 27. Then saith he to Thomas, 27. Then he flows specially into the sensual, Reach hither thy finger, and behold And by this influx the sensual per- my hands; ceives that in the Lord natural power is adjoined to Divine power, And reach hither thy hand, and thrust And that this natural power is also it into my side: conjoined with Divine Love: And be not faithless, but believing. And that thus it should no longer . deny, but that it should acknowledge. 28. And Thomas answered and said 28. And the sensual receives this unto him, My Lord and my God. influx, and acknowledges the Divine Humanity of the Lord to be the union of Divine Love and Divine Wisdom. By the glorification of His body, even to the ultimates, the ~ord can render himself accessible to the sensual in the regenerate. At verse 17, Jesus says to l"Iary-" Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father;" and now Jesus says to Thomas-" Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side." When He addressed himself to Mary, the union of the Human with the Divine was not yet complete; but eight days have elapsed, and during this time He had ascended to the Father, that is to say, he had completed the union of the Human with the Divine, to a degree that rendered Him accessible to the sensual-in the regenerate. In the particular internal sense, these eight days which have elapsed between the two manifestations, signify an entire period, during which the regenerate has made progress in regeneration analogous to that which the Lord made in His glorification; and this progression, in ,vhich the sensual has participated, enables the sensual to perceive the Divine Human. If internal proofs do not suffice, the Lord gives external proofs, by manifesting His power and His love in the natural degree. 29. Jesus sroth unto him, Thomas, 29. The Lord, by His influx, makes because thou hast seen me, thou hast the sensual perceive that instead of believed: recognising the Divine Human by exteI'llal means, Blessed are they that have not seen, It would be better that it recognised an.d yet have believed. Him by internal means. In the general internal sense, Thomas represents those who desire to see before believing; that is to say, those who desire miracles and visions; those, "on the contrary, who believe although they do not see, are they who do not desire signs, but truths from the Word, and believe
- 356. EXPOSITION OF JOHNXX. 858 them. (A. E. 1156; A. o. 7290, 8078.) This verse signifies also that at this day the men of the church ought to believe the things that they do not see, because miracles would deprive them of their liberty. (A.O. 5508.) Lastly, by these words, "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed," ~ust not be understood a faith separated from the internal acknowledgment of truth, but that those are 4,')lessed who do not see the Lord with their eyes, as Thomas did, and yet believe that HE IS Himself the Lord: for this is being in the light of truth by the Word. (D.F. 10.) Merely natural faith is that which is insinuated by an external, and not by an internal way; as sensual faith, which. consists in believing that a thing is, because the eye sees it and the hand touches it,. such is the faith concerning which the Lord addressed these words to Thomas; also as the faith of m~aclcs, which consists in believing a thing to be so merely from miracles; also as the faith of authority, which consists in believing a thing to be so because another, to whom credit is given, has said it. But spiritual faith, on the other hand, is that which is insinuated by an internal, and at the same time by an external way. Insinuation by an internal way causes a thing to be believed; and in this case, wha.t is insinuated by an external way causes it to be confirmed. What is spiritual in faith is the affection of charity, and hence the affection of truth for the sake of a good use, and of life; these cause faith to be spiritual. The insinuation of faith by an internal way is effected by the reading of the Word, and on such occasion by illumination' from the Lord, which is given according to the quality of the affection, that is, according to the end which is kept in view, in desiring to know the truth. (A. C. 8078.) so. And many other signs truly did so. The Lord truly works in the re- Jesus in the presence of his disciples, generate many other wonderful things, Which are not written in this book: Which are not manifested in his life, neither on earth nor in heaven. In the regeneration of man, there are innumerable arcana which can never enter into the understanding of any man or angel. (A. C. 5202.) 31. But these are written, SI. But the wonders related above, are manifested That ye might believe that Jesus is So that the men of the Church may the Christ, the SOD of God; recognise the Divine Love, united to the Divine Wisdom, in the Divine Human of the Lord, And that believing, And that by this recognition, Ye might have life eternal, They may enjoy eternal life, Through his name. By conjoining the good of love with the truth of faith. 28
- 357. 854 THE OMNIPRESENCE OF THE DIVINE HUMANITY. THE Christian religion has always taught that omnipresence is an attribute of the Deity. Belief in the same doctrine is also expressed by the PqJ.mist-" Whither shall I go from Thy spirit, or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there! H I make my bed in hell, behold Thou art there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Thy hand lead me and Thy right hand shall hold me." (Ps. cxxxix.) Indeed, the infinity of God could not be con- sistently held ,vithout believing that He must be everywhere present. A simple belief, however, in the divine omnipresence, although it may help to preserve Borne capacity for a future understanding of the truth, cannot satisfy the inquiring energies of an ~wakened rationality. The question-How can one being be everyvhere present? will present it.self for solution. In too many instances, the pride of self-derived intelligence has induced the unwise decision of declaring for its impos- sibility, ,vhere the range of knowledge acquired has been within limits not supplying data for rationally working out the great problem; as • though a finite creature, receiving all his existence and subsistence from a source above him, will not have, even for ever, repeated occasions for waiting for more communications of light and knowledge to qualify him for understanding truths respecting the Infinite which come first to his perception but as glimmering stars in the distance nround him. The rational faculty. should be used according to its developed strength - but it is not in that region of the mind that truth originates; we may not be able to reach higher after it, but we are capable of knowing that it must have a higher origin, and that it is only in its descent that "re can seize upon it. The most deeply-read of high angels in God's universal truth ,vill ever have to say-" "What we know not now we may know hereafter." Men have made them- selves acquainted with the phenomena of nature, have noted down the laws appearing to produce them, and having gone the whole range of their natural senses, have presumed that the whole universe of being has been luarshalled before them, and because they have not found any defined natural form capablo of ubiquity, have cop-eluded in their inward thought that· no being can be omnipresent, and have thence slid into the denial of any tnseen Supreme Being; or they have
- 358. THE OMNIPRESENCE OFTHE DIVINE HUMANITY. 855 concluded that if God be omnipresent, He must be without body-a notion which, if retained without modification, will also lead away into Atheism. It is an egregious sophism to say that because no subject of the kingdom of nature can be in more places than one at the. same time, therefore neither can one belonging to a higher kingdom of existence. Without considering the relation between the two kingdoms, how can we venture to assert that the laws of the natural are equally the laws of the spiritual? And when we can see that the "natural is the result, the outbirth, the subsiding deposit 'of the spiritual, so to speak, the error of dragging spiritual things down into nature's court to be judged by its lower laws, is obvious. If, then, for aught that nature can re veal, a spirit may be capable of being present si~u1taneously in several places, there surely can be nothing deducible from the entu, of nature's revelations that, can amount to one atom of evidence, in a truly spiritual court, 'against the absolute omnipresence of the Infinite,. It is clearly true that our ideas of spiritual and divine things catlnot be correct if limited -by the measure of time and space. Our thoughts must rise out of the dust into the atmosphere of heaven's light, other- ,vise our grovelling sense will know of nothing but the clods through which it grubs its darksome way. The Holy Word unequivocally testifies to God's omnipresence, and reason discovers nothing in nature to invalidate its testimony; but if' merely to hold the doctrine requires the subordination of the natural to the spiritual mind, much more will this be required for any right understanding of the doctrine. We cannot know how the Lord can be omnipresent, if indisposed to receive illumination from above, that we may in some degree trace the descent of Divine Truth through some of its down,vard developments, and observe somewhat of its workings in that direction. In so doing we shall find that the great verity which natural sophism finds necessary to dispe~se with, that it may retain the doctrine of the omnipresence, is the very key-stone of this arch in the temple of truth, for it is tho essential I-Iumanity of God that alone makes His omnipresence possible. Spiritual wisdom can see that, without the Divine Humanity,.t~ere could be no conjunction of man with God,-no communications of either inward or outward principles of receptible life from God to man. It is by the uncreated humanity that its image could be created, and" that this created image of God can be eternally replenished with every degree of living humanity. What, then~ is humanity? Shall we step outside of the interior
- 359. 856 THE OMNIPRESENCE OF THE DIVINE HUMANITY. temple into which our thoughts had entered, and look at those material forms that are walking the earth, and say-Behold! the images of God, the forms of humanity! Beautiful as they would have been, had not sin and disorder marred them, still what are they? Bones, flesh, sinews, and innumerable wonders of form and structure' constitute them. Do these things make them human? If so, then we may ask, by the way, being images and likenesses of God by creation, what must He be? But what are all the faculties of the human will ?-all the loving capabilities ?-all the powers of the understanding ?-all the social sensibilities? Is it of these or of-those that humanity consists? By w-hich is man more nearly related to heaven and to God? What can his material body be more than his representative in the natural world? The real man must be that which is to be an immortal resident in the eternal world. It is this, ~en, which is the image of the Divine Humanity. Shall we, then, take one of these samples, and see in it what true humanity is, and thence form our judgment concerning the Divine Humanity? Let us beware. This has been done: men have imagined God to be altogether such a one as themselves, and in consequence have set up as the object of their faith and worship a Moloch, instead of the adorable J ehovah; for sin has defaced the image of God, but the Divine Word reveals the features of the genuine humanity. It did so in its earlier instructions. It continued doing so until the falling condition of the human race rendered the Divine descriptions unintelligible, and then the mercy of the Infinite, the Unchangeable Humanity caused Him to put forth Himself even to an outward material form, which represented an All-perfect Humanity struggling with all that was false and evil to work out human redemption, and exhibiting, even in its most outward doings, the true features of human perfection, as an example, the following of ,vhich should restore the defaced images of God to heavenly degrees of perfection. By this manifestation of Himself, although it revealed Him on the sensuous plane of human life, we are led up to the source, the origin of the human in J ehovah Himself; thence to trace the descent of its manifestations and operations, that we may come to some right understanding of what humanity is, and be prepared to see how in its Divine degree it can, it must be omnipresent. By what physiology diseloses of humanity's external representative, man's material body, as an organism for the interior living man ;-by what psyel;wlogy
- 360. THE OMNIPRESENOE OFTHE DIVINE HUMANITY. 857 teaches, or should teach, of this living man as a mental organism of . spiritual receptacles for a still more interior living unity;-by 'what may be collected of the fragmentary remains of man's original moral structure from the ruins of the fall ;-by what the precepts of the Divine Word indicate as to the moral and spiritual capabilities of man;- by that living instance of moral excellence given in the sacred account of the life of J eSllS on the earth ;-by that perfect state of goodness, wisdom, and doing, to wh"ch the Divinity ·or Father within brought . the assumed humanity through the works of redemption, or, in other words, by that Glorification of the Humanity, the process of which is described even as to its minute particulars in the interior spiritual sense of the inspired Word ;-by the essential character of J ehovah, as displayed in all the genuine teachings of the Word, and the setting up thereof throughout, as the source and pattern of all human excellence ;-by all that can be known of the glorious state of human beings in the heavens ;-by all these things the true nature of humanity may be Been: what it is in its infinite perfection in J ehovah Himself, and that perfection exhibited in Himself as the First and the Last, in all degrees ;-what it is in its unperverted derivatives; what it is in regenerated men in their heavenly condition ;-what it is also in its mixed condition, as undergoing the process of purification ;-what it is in its fallen condition in our sinful race, and what it is in its altogether perverted condition in the regions of the lost. H, the», this be the true vie,v of humanity, in all respects infinite in its source, existing nowhere in any degree but as derivatives from the Infinite, and only perfect in any as it approaches to the Divine pattern, and only disordered and m~erable according to the degree of its perversion,-if it be thus, must there n~t be between every instance of finite humanity 4lroughout the universe and the one Infinite Di1line· Man a' perpetual connection and communication? Moreover, must there not be equally so this perpetual connection and communication between every item of each finite human and its corresponding particular in the Infinite Man? For if nothing in man is self-derived, thence must be its source and supply. Nor need the perception of this truth be very difficult. We know that like attracts its like, and that this attraction is in proportion to the living quality of its subjects, and their freedom from the power, so to call it, of inertia. Among .material substances, if the active forces be used to break up and separate auy conglomerations or masses of impenetrable matters, the tendency to unite like with like will appear. This law of attraction acts sluggishly
- 361. 858 THE OMNIPRESENCE OF THE DIVINE HUMANITY. in proportion as dead matter intervenes, but with immediate effects according to the volatility of its subjects, or' the absence of inertia in the intervening mediums i-thus evincing, even on this lowest plane of things, the existence of a living power that is ever in the effort to permeate all things with an active tendency to orderly arrangements, subservient at the least to life's requisite organisations. In short, it is an omnipre~nt power, subordinating all things to the purposes of the Divine Hnmanity of the Lord, that is ever working throughout the universe, even among the lowest substances, for the great ends of i~finite wisdom and love. The great end of all Divine operation is the security and eternal increase of :geaven. We are instructed that heaven in the aggregate is seen by the Lord as a grand humanity, and that the divine human is in this he~venly human as the soul in its body, and is omnipresent therein as a man's Boul is in every part of his body. The individuals of heaven are each in the heavenly human form, yet with such a variety in respect to each one's prevailing features, as to become altogether harmonised into one grand human form. Thus the Lord can be interiorly present, through the medium of the entire heaven, with every particular in the constitution of each individual angel; while each angel, by virtue of his own distinctive characteristics, can be in a more intimate conj unc- tion with tb.e Divine Humanity, because of the parapelism existing between the divine man and the grand man of heaven. Hence we see that the omnipresence of the Lord with the inhabitants of heaven, is a consequence of the truth that He is a divine man, and hence it is that He is universally and individually. the life· of heaven. With regard to the objects of the heavenly world-the innumerable things by ,vhich the senses of the angels are delighted and their minds instructed, which fQrIll around them their outward-world-these are all ~ representative form~ of their inward affections and thoughts; indeed they are -these affections and thoughts put forth into visible and tangible forms, so that all the rea.lity of their existence and life is therefrom, and this not in a merely general way, but most minutely so. Therefore, as the omnipresence of the Divine Human is the life of the affections and thoughts of the angels, so is it in these the essential life of all those external manifestations of them-is omnipresent in them. The Divine Human omnipresence being thus in all particulars of spirit existence, must be in all particulars of external or natural existence, since nothing exists naturally but from some spiritual origin, neither can anything continue to exist except by continuing in con-
- 362. THE OMNIPRESENCE OFTHE DIVINE HUMANITY. 359 junction with its essential life. The life, therefore, of all things must be present in them or they would cease to be, whether they be spiritual or natural things; and as no two things in the whole universe are altogether similar, the presence of the universal life must be respec· tively various throughout. It would be hard to conceive of all varieties of forms and qualities originating and subsisting from some one simple essence, however • profoundly such an essence may be thought of; but when the truth of the Divine Humanity is revealed, then it may be seen that the infinity of that divine form is equal to the filling all things, and working in them to the production of results, the harmony and beauty of which shall be the universal image of the infinite glory of the divine man Himself. It is by His Divine Humanity that the Lord is everywhere present~ The omnipresence of God, which must always have been, has become more immediate throughout the lower plains of existence by the assumption of humanity in its lower principles when the Lord came into the flesh; and it is because as a divine man in ultimate principles He became the life of th~ world, that, as to the .natural principles which He assumed and glorified, He is now everyvhere present, not only in heaven, but on the earth; and that by His presence, thus brought down, He is holding up the pillars of the earth, or sustaining and preserving all ultimate existences, and thus securing the safety and well-being of the heavens. The Divine Humanity being infinitely perfect, perfect in all its degrees from first to last-the one· underived form of all goodness, wisdom, and beauty, the in~ffable divine symmetry into ,vhich all the attributes of life itself, even as to their infinite ramifications, have resolved them- selves-all finite forms, and which are the creations of this, hold immediate and felicitous conjunction ,vith this their great original in proportion to the absence in their condition of disorder or perver- sion. The most disordered form in existence, however monstrous it may have become, still exists by virtue of a conjunction of its inner essence with the Divine Humanity. The stream is polluted by the impurity of the channel through which it flows, however pure in its source; but let the water as it flows be preserved free from contamina- tion, and it shall run on in clear Rnd healthy rivulets, carrying the sweetness and purity of the fountain along its delightful course. Where the outflowings of the Divine Humanity are received with pure delight, there is reciprocity between the infinite and the finite; there the presence of the Lord is working His will; He is there cou..
- 363. • 880 THE OMNIPRESENCE OF THE DIVINE BUJlANITY. joining heaven and earth to himself. But where this out:fiowing life- of the Lord meets with repugnance and is perverted, there the Lord is present, but working in His wisdom to turn the perveiiing recipient against itself, that it may be purged of its impurities, and receive the blessings which the omnipresent love of the Lord is always waiting to bestow; and when human perversity will not yield to this blessing, still the Lord forsakes not, but remains, bringing good out of evil, even to the utmost possibility, by His infinite wisdom. The results of the Lord's omnipresence with men are various, according to their various receptivities; not merely in reference ta their good or evil, but in reference to the various degrees and kinds of good or of evil. Men who are principled in the higher degrees of good are in conjunction more immediately with the higher degrees in the Divine Humanity. Thus, men whose hearts are open to the reception of ce.1estiallife-in whom goodness is the supreme principle, and truth is its servant, are in conjunction with the Divine celestial principle of the Lord's Humanity, and thereby is His most intimate presence with them. It is thus with them, whether they are living in the heavens or on the earth. With men who are in the spiritual degree, who, in submission to the instructions of truth, open their hearts to -good affections and strive to purify their deeds from evil, conjunc~ion with the Lo~d is effected by the presence of His 'Divine spiritual principle in their inward life. With such as have only reached the natural degree of goodness or of truth, and are looking unto Him, He is present, by His Divine natural principle, to help them onward to His kingdom. There are these distinctions in the Divine omnipresence with men because of their various capabilities. Those in the natural degree of good can think of and love in the Lord those external manifestations of His love and wisdom which appear on the plane of nature, but they cannot appreciate that Divine spiritual work by which He conquered the hells, and is still conqnering them within us. He condescends, therefore, to come down to them in a degree of life corresponding to theirs, that thus He may save to the uttermost. But spiritual and celestial men, being able to rise into higher degrees of goodness and truth, meet the Lord's descent on their respective planes, enjoying His Divine presence on those and every lower plane of their life also, and are able to love and worship Him as the First and the Last-their Alpha and Omega, and in all degrees Almighty. H we can see that the omnipresence of the Divine Hnmanity is with all mankind, in heaven and on earth, in every state of spiritual existence,
- 364. THE OKNIPRESENOE OFTHE DIVINE HUMANITY. 861 and with every variety of character, high and low, good and evil; and somewhat recognise the fact that the whole of outward nature is all outbirth from the spiritual world, subservient in every particular to humanity, in its universal sense, and thence from humanity in a Divine sense; and remember that there must be mutual presence to effect any eonjunction, and that the conjunctions of life are iITespective of space, we shall then be able to form some r~tional idea of the omnipresence of the Divine Humanity. T. C. TRIBULATION. LEAD me, lead me through the maze, This lab'rinth of life's dark ways- Great mystery of God! Onward, onward guide me still, Only, let me do Thy will, Though weary steps are trod! Dreary, dreary is the way, No light betokens coming day, Nothing but gloom I see; o God of light, Thyself appear I t. Dispel the mists that make me fear, And set my spirit free ! Upward, upward would I climb By faith into the light Divine, By doubt no more oppress'd ; Shielded in the coming strife, Strengthen'd for the higher life, Unti! the spirit's rest. Thus on earth b~ Thou my guide, Open all the portal wide- The knowledge of my God! Onward, onward lead me still, Only, let me do Thy will, Though weary steps are trod ! HI NIB.
- 365. 862 RELIANCE ON DIVINE PROVIDENCE. RELIANCE on Divine Providence, who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the grass of the field, is one of the most reasonable and yet one of the most difficult of the duties we owe to God. It is reasonable-- because, if a providential care is extended to the meanest creatures and lowest things of creation, much more must it be exercised over man, for whose sake all lower things exist: it is, nevertheless, difficult, because it is opposed both to the human will and to human prudence. Man's natural will desires not improvement, but gratification; but the Divine will desires that man should be improved, and all His Providence is directed to this end. In this respect the Divine and the human wills are opposed to each other. Nor is man's natural understanding less opposed to the Divine wisdom than his will is to the Divine love; for the intellect, so far as it acts under the influence of the will, trusts to its own prudence for the attainment of its ends. Man sees that his own exertion is necessary for the acquirement of temporal blessings; and because he exerts the power and employs the means which God 'ha~ given, he claims the merit of the successful result; but is too ready to arraign the goodness and wisdom of Providence, if his desires are not gratified and his expectations are not realised. The Lord teaches His disciples to take no· thought for the life, what they shall eat, nor for the' body, what they shall put on; but He does not teach that they are to trust to -Providence to supply them with these, without mental or bodily labour. It is obviously the appointed order of Divine wisdom that man shall cooperate with the Divine Providence, in order to procure a supply of what human life requires; and the thought and labour necessary for this purpose must be of Divine appointment "Iso. 'rhat which is prohibited is anxious, dis- trustful thought-thought that not only is not necessary either to the acquirement or the useful application of the blessings of a bountiful Providence, but is in some respects opposed to both. Care and prudence and labour are perfectly consistent with an entire reliance on Divine Providence; nor can there be any real dependence on Divine Providence without them. To expect, or f3ven to desire, results without using the appointed means for acquiring them, is as sinful as to use the means and murmur because the result does not meet our expectations. True reliance on Divine Providence is not only trust in God as the Giver of all good, but trnst in Him as the Disposer of
- 366. RELIANCE ON DIVINEPROVIDENCE. 868 all events. It is this reliance that unites in us obedience and content- ment, and turns even disappointment into a cause" of thankfulness. Such reliance can only be experienced by the spiritually-minded, who know that the world exists for the sake of heaven, the body for the sake of the soul, and temporal for the sake of eternal life. Such persons will be careful to plant and to water, but will look to the Lord for the increase~ confident that the harvest, if not commensurate to their natural desires, will at least be suitable to their spiritual states. In teaching His disciples the duty of an entire relianc~ on Divine Providence, the Lord appeals, for the troth of His doctrine, to their own judgment. They are able to see, and cannot but admit that the life is more than meat, and the body than raiment. And He instructs them to draw from this self-evident truth the necessary conclusion, that things which ~e of but secondary importance should be of but secondary consideration. .This is a principle of great importance, and admits of extensive practical application; since it may be carried out into the concerns of the spiritual as well as of, the natural life. Not only are temporal things secondary, when compared with eternal things, but in many things both temporal and eternal, there is a primary and a secondary, a principal and an instromental, an essential and a formal, an end and a means; and troe wisdom consists in making the first more than the last. This is so obvious that it must seem little less than folly to think of believing o~ acting otherwise. But, although it .is so self-evident as to be universally admitted in theory, it is often ~ntirely lost sight of or denied in practice. The inconsistency is one to which all are liable, not from the constitution of their minds, but from the state of theirr hearts; for tBe mind can recognise many a tr:uth as a principle in thought which it entirely neglects to adopt as a principle in action. Every one can see, and even acknowledge, that the pleasures of sense are secondary to satisfactions of mind,-that agreeable manners are secondary to an amiable disposition,-that accomplishments are secondary to solid acquirements,-that intellectual attainments are secondary to moral excellence,-that wealth is secondary to mental riches, and rank to true nobility of mind. And yet how often is the secondary made the prin- cipal, if not the only, object of regard, and the whole energies employed, and the whole life spent, in seeking to acquire or enjoy that which, b,. itself, is but the meat even of the natural man without the life which .it was intended to support, and but the raiment without the body it was designed to protect and adorn.
- 367. 864: RELIANCE ON DIVINE PROVIDENCE. But while it is of much importance to hold these secondary things in due subordination to higher and essential excellences, it is as necessary to avoid the opposite extreme of altogether despising them. To strip life of its agreeable forms and elegant aeeomplishments,-to deprive it of its innocent pleasures, its honest aequirements, its deserved di8tinCtions~ and to endeavour to sustain and invest it with the high power of moral integrity alone, is to separate from it that which, judiciously used, contributes materially to its improvement in virtue as well as to its advancement in happiness. The principles of the mind are not sus- tained by outward duties only, but are enriched by the delights of life, as the tree draws nourishment both from the earth by its roots and from the atmosphere throngh its leaves; and its inner life puts forth its energies in the production of blossoms as well as of fruit. And when we see that the Creator has not only filled the world with use, but has clothed it with beauty, we cannot but conclude that the useful and the beautiful are not only perfectly compatible with each other, but are both necessary, as being both designed, to accomplish the purposes of Divine benevolence, in the perfecting of the human being. Still we are instructed by the Divine wisdom, even in the Divine works, that the useful is more than the beautiful, that it is the principal, the essential, the end,-while -the other is the secondary, the formal, the means; for the leaves and the blossoms exist for the sake of the fruit and.the seed. So long therefore as, in the business of human life, the lower is held in subordination to the higher, its use will be innocent and beneficial. While use is regarded and pursued as the end of life, the eleganees and delights of life will exercise a beneficial influence upon the moral principles. But let it be observed, that in eternal as well as in temporal, in spiritual a-s well as in natural things, there is a primary and a secondary, a principal and an instrumental, an end and a means; and the same law of distinction and subordination which applies in one case is applicable in the other. As spiritual beings, we have a life thai requires to be nourished, and a body that requires to be clothed; but in this respect also the life is morE) than meat, and the body more than raiment. What is this life and the meat by which it is supported? this body and the raiment by which it is clothed ? • Love is the life of man; and such as the lo"e is such is the life. But the life of man is twofold; there is a life of the will and a life of the understanding. There are two terms in the Evangelists rendered by • the word" life," one of which signifies life in its largest and highest
- 368. RELIANCE ON DIVINEPROVIDENCE. 865 sense, the other signifies life in a limited and lower signification. The :first is used by the Evangelist John where 'he says of the Lord-" In Him was life, and the life was the light of men;" the second is used by the Lord where he says of himself-', I have power to lay down my life, and I have power to take it again." It signifies, therefore, when applied to man, the rational soul, or the life of the understanding. The first is the life of the will, the second is the life of the understanding; the first the life of the internal man, the second the life of the external. Faith is the life of the understanding, as charity is the life of the will. The life of the soul requires to be supported by food aij well as that of the body. The food of the soul consists of goodness and truth. To perceive good intellectually is spiritually to eat, and to perceive truth intellectually is spiritually to drink: and by the perception and appre. priation of truth and goodness the soul is nourished, or faith becomes enriched·with spiritual intelligence. As the spiritual life requires to be fed, the spiritual body requires to be clothed. The body spiritual means the good of love, for goodness is the embodiment of love. But wherever. there is a principle of good- ness, it desires to invest itself with truth for protection and adorIl1ient. Good has not the power either to defend or to commend itself but by means of truth. Good puts on truth as a garment; and it is from the correspondence betw-:en the use of truths to the soul and the use of garments to the body, that garments signify truths, as where the Lord exhorts his church, saying_CC Put on thy beautiful garments, 0 Jeru- salem, the holy city, for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean." Necessary, however, as is the knowledge of goodness and truth for the support of faith as the intellectual life of the soul, and external truth for the defence and active usefulness of the good of love, which is the voluntary life of man, we are yet instructed by the word of the Lord that they are· but secondary • and instrumental to the very essence and form of life, which are ever to be regarded as principal and primary. "The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment." It is of the greatest moment that, as members of the Lord's church, and candidates for eternal life, we should have a clear perception of the distinction and connection between the ends and the means of spiritual life; and consequently between the essential and formal in religion. While there is, on one hand, a danger of undervaluing and therefore of neglecting the means, there is, on the other hand, a tendency to fix the attention too exclusively upon them, to 'the neglect of the ,end; and a
- 369. 866 RELTAXCE ON DIVINE PROVIDENCE. consequent danger of making that primary which is only secondary, and that principal which is only instrumental. ·Whatever is more imme- diately an object of the intellect, or which affects the senses, we are liable to regard with especial interest; and in this way, that which is prominent may come to be preeminent, and that which is first in respect to time, may become first in respect to end. In this way has arisen, in all churches hitherto existing in the world, the preeminence which has been assigned to faith in respect to charity, and to piety in respect to holiness; in consequence of which religion has come to be too much regarded as consisting in the intellectual acknowledgment of a creed, without sufficient reference to practioe, and in the performance of devotions more for the purpose of producing an effect on the Object worshipped than on the worshipper. These are natural consequences·of inverting the order which God has introduced into the church and religion, and which is necessary to their welfare, and even to their existence. The Lord himself has declared that there are but two commandments on which hang all the law and the prophets; and these t,vo commandments-love to God and charity to man-form the essentials of all religion, to which all other things are subservient. Whether the law and the prophets require us to know God, to believe in Him, or to worship ~im, thewequire us to do so as means of attaining the ends 'which the law of love involves. When the outward things of religion are regarded and cultivated as means to this end, they become eminently useful. They look up,vards and inwards to something greater than themselves, and to which it is their office to minister. Their subordinate place and ministering office do not, how- ever, deprive them of any of their just importance. They are as necessary to the spiritual life as food and raiment are to the natural life. The vitality of religion cannot be maintained without its divinelY-- appointed means of support. The inward principle draws nourishment from the outward acquirement and act; and care and labour are not • less required to procure the necessaries of spiritual than those of tempol'allife. Yet in the one case as well as in the other, the Lord himself provides what is necessary for us. We are to take no thought for the life, what ve are to eat, nor for the body, what we' shall put' on. We are simply required to do onr duty, intelligently and conscientiously, and Providence will supply us with what our states require. The Lord points out a simple way of removing all intellectuaJ anxiety, when He says-" If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God." It is required of us to cultivate the means of a
- 370. RELIANCE ON IJIYINE PROVJDENC~. 867 true faith; but the power of discerning between truth and error has its root in the will to choose the good and refuse the evil. A good under- standing have all they that do His commandments. Doubt is nearly allied to distrust, and confidence in God is intimately connected with hope and faith. To be able to avoid all anxious thought for the morrow-for our prospective states as regards the means of spiritual life, we must endeavour to place the end above the means, knowing that if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all things shall be added unto us. Whether we contemplate this subject in its relation to the body or· to the spirit-in reference to the civil, moral, or spiritual life-we may learn a principle which is applicable to them all, .and which must be recognised and acted upon, to secure the benefits which Divine wisdom «esigns to convey to us through the Divinely-ordered economy of life. To give their due share of attention to the primary and secondary matters of religion, and to establish such a relation between them as will promote, by their mutual and reciprocal action, the improvement of the mind and the usefulness of the life, is the object we should ever keep in view. And while every thing which God has appointed for use must be deserving of careful cultivation, we are yet to reflect that these are essentials for the sake of which all lesser things exist, and which therefore should be the end of our pursuits. EXTRACTS FROM THE REV. F. R. RO:aERTSON'S LIFE AND LETTERS, Incumbent of Trinity Chapel. (Vol. 1. Brighton, .2nd Edition. 1866.) ONE grand truth he (Swedenborg) seems to have grasped-the fact of Divine Humanity as the only possible object of man's worship. He has, besides, identified Jesus Christ with this object. I have long felt the truth of the former of these positions, and I am more and more satisfied of the truth of the latter. Only a Human God, and none other, must be adored by man. The important thing in the worship is, that it be a Divine; and not a sensual, or even a rational Huma.nity. I extract a passag~ which also agrees with my creed, though I do not know that I ever bon·owed mine except from my own reflections. Sex is a permanent fact in human nature. Men are men and women women, in the highest heaven as here on earth. The difference of sexes is, therefore, brighter and more exquisite in proportion as the person is high and the sphere is pure. The distinction not only reaches to the
- 371. 868 EXTRACTS FROM BOBEBTSON'S LIFE AND LETTERS. individual, but it is atomically minute besides. Every thought, affec- tion, and sense of male is male, and of a female feminine. The smallest drop of intellect or will is inconvertible between the sexes. If man' 8 it can never become woman's, and t.-ice versa. The sexual distinction is founded upon two radical attributes of God,-His Divipe Love and Divine Wisdom, whereof the former is feminine, the latter masculine. The union of these in Him is the Divine marriage, and the creation proceeds distinctly from them, and images or aspires to a marriage in every part. Therefore there are marriages in heaven, and heaven itself is a marriage. (Letter 57.) I have been writing lately on Keble's lines-" Hymn for the Sunday next before Advent." I have little doubt that the Church of Rome has paid far more attention than we have to that which forms the subject of this hymn-the treatment of penitence. She has more power to sooth~ because she dwells chiefly on that which is the most. glorious element in the nature of God-Love. Whereas Protestantism fixes attention more on that which is the strongest principle in the bosom of man-faith. Accordingly, the Church of Rome treats the penitent by moving repre- sentations which touch the heart. Protestantism would do so by an appeal to the intellect, assuring you that if you will only believe, the whole pain has been suffered for ~You. When you state your mis- givings, 9n perceiving that many of the penal consequences of faults follow transgression, in spite of faith, the reply is-" Yes, in this world; but in the next, all the consequences are remitted." Now, .. this appeal to the intellect leaves the intellect to its own surmises. Why remitted there,.if not here.? On what principle, and how proved ? If no faith will save a drunkard from deUritun tre1nens, where is the proof that it will shield him from other consequences hereafter? You are then referred to the atonement, and informed in evangelical meta- physics that "infinite sin demanded infinite sacrifice, and the infinite sacrifice having been paid, it will be unjust to punish you again." Once more the intellect replies-" But I am punished; and if eternal punishment would be unjust, temporal punishment is also; the whole penalty' is not paid, and in spite of all my admiration of the clever scheme, the heart will have its dire misgivings." It appears to me that Protestantism throws upon the intellect the work of healing, which can only be performed by the heart. It comes with its parchment" signed, sealed, and delivered," making over heaven to you by a legal bond,-gives its receipt in full,-makes a debtor and creditor account, clears up the whole by a business-like arrange-
- 372. EXTRACTS nOM BOBERTSON'SLIFE AND LETTERS. 869 ment; and when the Shylock affair with the scales and weights is concluded, it bids you be sure that the mORt vigorous justice and savage cruelty can want no more. Whereupon selfishness shrewdly casts up the account and says-CC Audited! I am safe! " Nay, it even has a gratitude to Him who has bome the pain instead; a very low kind of affection-the same, differing only in degree, which young Peel felt for Byron, when he volunteered to receive half the blows which a young tyrant was administering. This love is a very poor love-it doos not open the heart wide. " The Protestant penitent, if the system succeeds, repents in his arm ch6ir, and does no noble deed such as boundless love could alone inspire. He reforms, and is very glad that broken-hearted remorse is distrnst of God-becomes a prosaic Pharisee, and patronises missionary societies, and is all safe, which is one great point in religion." (Letter 67.) GENERAL CONFERENCE. The meeting of the General Conference of the New Church will this year be held at Accrington; and will commence on the 14th instant• . Secretaries of Committees are requested to forward their reports to the Secretary of Conference at as early a period as possible. FUDK. PITMAN, Secretary, General Conference. The Committee of the Accrington New Church Society request that gentlemen attending Conference will make their way to the school immediately on arrival. The following programme is intended to be carried out as far as possible:- Monday Evening.-A meeting in the schoolroom to receive ministers and delegates, and introduce them to the friends with whom they will stay during Conference. Tuesday Et~ening.-Service in 'the church, to be followed by the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Wednesday E'vening.-Reserved for private parties. Thursday Evening.-Tea in the schoolroom, to be followed by a public meeting in the church. . Friday Evening.-The , Accrington Society will invite the Members .of Conference, together with such members of their families as may be present, to a soiree in the schoolroom. 24
- 373. 870 THOUGHTS BY THE WAY. When two young persons are in love truly conjugial, they must necessarily have a wish to marry, not for the sake of their own· satisfac- tion and delight, but each for the good of the' other; and thus they will consider marriage as no less a duty than a pleasure, and enter into it from purely unselfish motives. What a low and unworthy idea of marriage must that man entertain who can pray (as I have sometimes heard) that we may be finally raised to that state where there shall be no more marriage! To reason from the Word of God respecting natural things,---sueh 8S the length of man's life upon the earth, or what things we ought or ought not to eat and drink,-is in some degree to profane it; since in its true sense it treats of celestial and spiritual things only. The same remark applies to the interpretation of the Prophecies, as relating to historical personages and the fate of nations. J. T. P. REVIEW. Tu PLENARY INSPIRATION OF THE SORIPTURES, &c. By the Rev. S. Fourth edition. London: F. Pitman, 20, Paternoster- NOBLE. row, E.C. 1865. This work is so well known in the Church that nothing need be said, or rather repeated, in its praise. To those who have not read it, the name of its author is a sufficient guarantee of its excellence. It is perhaps still more adapted to the present age than to that in which it was originally produced and published. The inspiration ~nd divinity of the Scriptures are not perhaps so much denied by avowed infidels; but they are much more openly and widely assailed by those who pro- fess veneration for and avow belief in them. A work like the present is well adapted, if not to carry conviction of the true nature of DiVine revelation to writers of this school and their disciples, at least to save well-disposed and intelligent persons on the borders, from passing over the boundary line which will land them in pure rationalism. To the members of the New Church it will prove both interesting and instructive. The younger members e,specially will find it attractive, from its philosophical, scientific, and classical treatment and illustration.
- 374. 871 MISCELLANEOUS. ITEMS ABOUT THE CHURCH. this does not seem to have deterred The General Assembly of the Esta- those bold thinkers from holding sternly blished Church (Scotland) at some of its to the opinions they had avowed. The meetings, in the first week of June, drift of the proposed inquiry was to seems to have had a lively time of it make out that there was or ought to be when discussing some of the subjects such a relation between the church and brought under consideration. One of the professors of theology in the univer- these subjects was "The Relations of sities, that, when a professor should be the Church to Theology." An U over- considered heterodox by the church, he ture "-that is, a motion-was submitted should at once be thereby deprived of to the assembly by several Presbyteries, his professorship; and, thus, it was an having a preamble which declared U that exhibition ofthe old story of" the church" doubts prevailed as to the relations pre- attempting to stifle the progress of sently subsisting between the Church thought, and to thrust back that tide of and the Faculties of Theology in the liberty in spiritual things which is flow- Universities of Scotland, and that the ing in with such force upon all the theological training of future ministers, shores of the " orthodox" faith. It was always of value and importance, is now, resolved to appoint the committee sought more than ever, a subject of the deepest for, but the preamble of the motion was anxiety to the Church, as the doctrines rejected. of the Confessions of Faith are openly Another point which seems to have assailed, and by the current of much of created a remarkable interest in the the theological speculations of the day &sembly, was the circumstance of Dr. are secretly undermined, to the impair- Lee having adopted the practice of ing of the authority of the church's con- "reading prayers from a book," which fession as a testimony to revealed truth, prayers, however, were the doctor's own and the lowering it, as a standard by composition, but described by the ob- which the purity of doctrine is to be jectors as "a highly artificial form of maintained and defended, within the prayer, unlike what we know to have National Church." It then goes on to been practised by any Protestant church ask the Assembly to appoint a committee whatever," and a deviation from that to inquire into the subject of those course prescribed by the " Directory for. " relations," and to report generally re- Public Worship," which is the fonnal specting them. From this it seems evi- law of the Scotch Kirk. Dr. Lee's dent that there is growin~ up within the practice was condemned; but what this uniwrsities, and among some clergymen involves we are not sufficiently acquaint- of Scotland, a disposition to break loose ed with Scottish ecclesiastical law to from Bome of the ties set lorth in the say. It seems extraordinary that a grave "Confession of lfaith," and that the assembly of educated men should seri- force of this movement is being felt by ously give themselves up to several the Presbyteries. Professor Tulloch (to hours of severe discussion as to whether whose breadth and liberality of thought a minister should read, in public worship, we referred some months ago) spoke from a book, the prayers he has com- with great freedom on the point; and posed, compose them at the time of using Dr. Lee reminded the Assembly that the them, or utter them from his memory. Westminster Confession is merely a But apart from these considerations the human composition, and that it contains discussion brought out the knowledge of many matters whieh, however tl"1le, are several curious departures from "The not matters of faith; and that the pro- Directory." It was shown that all the gress of science may have rendered Bome laws and traditions of the Presbyterian interpretations of Scripture probable Church are opposed to any pIivate ad- which appeared improbable before science ministration of the sacraments, a practice had reached the stage it has now done. which, according to the" First Book of These views were felt to be very harras- Discipline," deserved to be punished sing, if not highly heterodox, and it was with death I-and yet, at the- present argued that they must exercise a dispa- time, there are said to be many churches raging influence npon the church; but in Scotland where public baptism is
- 375. 872 MISOELLANBOUS. scarcely known. The private solemniza- of the committee, nor did anyone of tion of marriages, the private adminis- them know that it would be moved. It tration of discipline, and the custom of was moved ai the end of the discussion praying at funerals, are all contrary to by an independent member of the board, "The Directory;" yet they are com- without consulting anyone." It appears monly practised, and it was maintained that the 8ubject of the appointment will that there was manifest inconsistency in not be permitted to rest, as notice was conniving at these innovations of "The given that the rescinding of it would be Directory," and causing a solemn de- moved at an early meeting after the claration that "reading prayers -from a recess. These are interesting facts; book" was a departure from the ordina- but the statements in the above letter tion vow to confonn to the form of wor- are 80mewhat remarkable. ,. The gentle- ship, doctrine, and discipline of the man was brought up in Swedenborgian church. Those atfairs will, we have opinions, but was grapually led to reject no doubt, work favourably for the libe- them." This rejection, after such a ration of religious thought from the bloinging up, supposing it to be a fact, bondage of "orthodox" inventions. is a phenomenon but little known to the We learn from "The Church Times" New Church, and we do not think it of June 9t~, a paper printed in the likely to have occurred in this instance. interests of "The Ritualists," that the Educated persons, who know the writ- Society for Promoting Christian Know- ings of Swedenborg, do not reject them: ledge some time ago determined to IJub- certainly the circumstance of attending lish a new periodical, and a sub-committee the Established Church for ten years is was appointed to select an editor. This no evidence of such an occurrence, sub-committee reported to the monthly particularly as some ministers in that meeting held on the 5th June, when the Church are known to preach the doctrines following resolution was moved by Mr. which those writings reveal. The Rev. Meymott :_U That in the opinion of J. Clowes did so for more than half-a- this meeting it is an ohjection to the century. appointment of the gentleman who has It appears that the Ritualistic party been selected as editor of the society's in the Established Church have pro- . periodical, that within a few years past ceeded to so great a length in their he has been a Swedenborgian." To this vestments, altar dressings, incense, cere- an amend ment was moved to the effect monies, &c., and that their lnfluence "that this meeting begs to thank the has become 80 wide, that the archbishops • sub-committee for the pains they have have tletennined on arresting its pro- taken in the selection of an editor, gress, if the law will give them the and hopes that the appointment may power to do so. From the " Guardian " be satisfactory." A warm discussion we learn that "a case" has been'sub- ensued, in which some of the members mitted to counsel, on behalf of several of the conlmittee defended the gentleman archbishops and bishops of the United of their choice, and the amendment was Church of England and Ireland, and carried. In the following issue of "The the opinion thereon obtained from the Church Times," an explanatory letter late Attorney-General and his predeces- appeared, in which the writer says- sor, with Mr. Mellish and lfr. Barrow, "The impression is" conveyed, ingeni- as to the legality of vestments, incense, ously enough, that the committee have altar-lights, and other restorations of appointed a S)vedenhorgian as editor of the Ritualists. The learned cOUDsel their new periodical, and that at the declare all these things to be illegal, last board they defended their choice and the use of them an o.ffence eog- and passed a resolution that they hoped nisable by a proceeding under the Church the appointment would prove satisfactory. Discipline Act, 1840. It remains to Here are facts: The gentleman in ques- be seen whether any action will be taken tion was brought up in Swedenborgian on this legal opinion. The Ritualists opinions, but was grarlually led to reject write very strongly and defiantly on the them (?) For ten years he has been a subject. and there are those who think member of the Church of England. that if they are' put down iD the The clergyman of his parish sends his way proposed, "they will, Sal1lson- testimonials to this effect. The amend- like, bring something else down with ment was not drawn up by any member them."
- 376. lIlSCELLA.N£OUS. 878 For several months past, some of the On Monday, the 14th May, at an leading Unitarians have been agi tating influential llleeting of Congregationalists, in that body the desirability of defining held at Uadley's Hotel, Blackfnars, the words" Unitarian Christianity," by London, Dr. Vaughan, who had recently the adoption of some clearly expressed retired from the editorship of the" British article or form of faith. The following Quarterly Review," was presented with a is the main text of a resolution by which cheque for £3,000. as all affectionate this has been attempted, namely :_U The acknowledgment of the talent with which recognition of the One God and Father he had for so many years conducted that of our Lord Jesus Christ as the only periodical. This handsome testimonial God, and the only proper object of re- -was gratefully accepted, and it speaks as ligious worship; and also the recognition a fine example of the recognition of of the special Divine Mission and au- literary merit by the religious community thority, as a religious teacher, of Jesns which it has served. Christ himself." It has been long felt The efforts after denominational union by this body that, without some such between the Congregationalists and declaration, their position was somewhat Baptists are being revived, and some anomalous-that as professing Christians correspondence has recently taken place they were not, as a body, in a position to on the subject, which appears in their declare their form of belief. The subject respective organs. Dr. Angus, on behalf was discussed o¥he 23rd of May last, of the Baptists, writes-" Only cease to at one of the most influential gatherings ma.ke agreement on baptism essential to 'Of ministers and members of that Church equal membership, and differences on 'Which has been held for many years; and the ordinances will be no bar to holy, it was finally decided, by a "forest of loving fellowship. You may have earnest hands," that no such proposed ~ticle Baptists and earnest Pcetlobaptists in the should be adopted; so that the old senti- same church, not only without mischief, ment ~ this body, namely, that they but with positive gain :" and he main- have no creed on which as a body they tains that the contents of the trest deeds can agree, still remains. The awtation of cha.pel property are doing every year of the questiou has provoked both strong what they can to make separations feelings and hard words. We dare Bay eternal. " Each," says he, " contains a these will soon subside into frien(lly co- clause providing that the church shall operation; and we think it preferable be substantially a Poodobaptist or a that opinions which reject the Deity of Baptist church for ever; and unless the Lord should be held in abeyance, clauses to this effect are inserted in new rather than they should obtain an au- deeds, the chapel-building societies on thoritative expression. No doubt there both sides will not render any assist- was a wise Providence influencing the ance; so that they are doing not only decision anived at. all they can by such means to keep We also observe that the Congre- themselves apart, but also to keep apart gationalists, who for years have been their children, and children's children. agitating a kindred question in connec- On this ground it is seriously questioned tion with the formation of a model trust "whether they understand what they deed, in which certain articles of belief are doing, or whether the desire for were to be inserted declaratory of the union is more than an empty name." orthodoxy of the body, have at the last To meet the diftlculty and promote the meeting of the "Congregational Union union, it is suggested that new deeds of England and Wales" resolved to should have a clause to this effect, abandon the attempt. The failure of namcly-" While we, the founders of thiR effort, and that of the Unitarians, this church, deeln infant baptisDl or each in its own way to declare in some believers' baptism most consistent with legal fonu certain questionable doctrines, the words of Christ, we do not deem may be contemplated a., revealing a sense divcrsity of judgment on that point a of the growing liberty of human thought bar to full and equal membership in the on spiritual things, and an unwillingness church, or to any office in it, care being to confirm, by modern resolutions, doc- taken that in the event of a Poodobaptist trines which it is felt may interfere with or :aaptist ministry, special facilities be that liberty, and probably require recon- gi ven for meeting the conscientious sideration" at some future titne. connctions of Baptists or Poodobaptists
- 377. 874 MISOBLLANEOUS. respectively." Whether anything will perpetually inhabited by mankind, and come of the new effort is very doubtful ; that the second advent of the Lord is to but the fact of its existence seems to be known among them by its effects only, show that the "denominations" are may not be without its use in drawing tiring of separation on views which each the attention of some to the arguments considers to be a simple ceremony of the by which such views are sustained. church, and that some, at least, feel that A modem miracle (?) is reported by union on the principles of holy fellow- the Romish ecclesiastical authorities to ship is a thing more to be desired than have taken place at Bracciano, & small separation on account of diJferent views town less than thirty miles from Rome. of the baptismal rite. JI1he history of the middle ages fur- A work has just appeared entitled nishes us with many attempts at miracle- " Le Livre des Visions; on l'Enfer et la working by the priests for the benefit of Ciel, decrits par ceux qui les ont vus"- the church, (?) and not many years ago (A Book of Visions; or Reaven and Hell, we heard of the clumsy imposition of the written by those who have seen them.) weeping Virgin being detected. But It has been issued in a very handsome that which comes to us from Italy just form by M. Octave Delepierre, of the now is said to have awed the faithful Belgian Legation. The work is one of and stirred up the 'sceptical; and there the Philobiblon Society series, but the can be little doubt of its having been an editor has permitted the sale of twenty- affair concocted by tl1. priesthood to five copies to collectors of curious books serve the purpose of ~ariolatry. It who may not happen to be members of appears that a brigand who had com'- the society. Amongst the remarkable mitted several murders and other acts of visions recorded are those of St. Theresa, cruelty, was arrested by the Papal Charles le Chauve, Swedenborg, and St. authorities, and subsequently sentenced Paul. At the end there is a bibliography to be decapitated. This was t~~~e of the works which the author has con- taken place on the 23rd of MaT 1&8t. sulted, or which the student interested The guillotine was erected for the pur- in the subject may refer to with advan- pose, and the criminal was led to it tage. bound in the usual way; but when the " The Apocalypse: a Commentary on instrument was set in motion, and before the Revelation of St. John, considered the blade could descend upon the man's as the Divine Book of History," &c. neck, the sides became suddenly de- By Samuel Garratt, M.A., Minister of ranged, and arrested its course. The Trinity Church, Lincoln's-in-fields. This machine by this seeming accident would work is mostly constructed on the old- have taken several hours to repair; but plan of finding the history of nations before this could be effected the crowd and the Papacy in the extraordinary clamoured for a reprieye, and the Pope, symbols of this remarkable book; and hearing of the occurrence, considered it we notice it mainly because we see in a as a Providence, and·ordered the wretch- review of it in "The Reader" of the ed criminal to be set free, who, on being 23rd June, that Swedenborg is brought released, said-" Oh, those confounded upon the scene. The writer says that priests are going to make a miracle· of "Mr. Garratt insists, like Swedenborg, it ;" and this appears to have been the on the permanent habitation of the earth case, for immediately after Rome was by human generations multiplying not inundated with a printed report of the only after the second advent, which in- occurrence, which attributed the entire augurates a new Jewish dispensation, but series of incidents to the personal inter- after the third, which introduces the position of the "Blessed Virgin." The millenium t" and in another place, after culprit is said to have expressed his regret stating some confused notions about the that his intended execution should conta- second coming, says-" It is consistent minate the purity of the month of May. even with such a 'coming as a thief' as because dedicated to the service of the Ma- Swedenborg describes-one to become donna, and that if he were not to die at that even to be so gradually known to the time, he would owe that grace entirely living by its effects only." The an- to the Virgin; and that at the iD.stant nouncement, in such a publication, that when the knife was about to fall, he was Swedcnborg teaches these two important addressing the Mother of God with the truths, namely, that the earth will bo wOl'(ls H Evvive Mana!" It was this
- 378. MISCELLANEOUS. 875 piety in reference to the Virgin which, Mr. C. W. SKITB, in proposing the according to the document, was the cause reception of the report and accounts~ of the miraculous interposition. The referred to one particularly interesting mattf-r, however, has been thoroughly fact mentioned in the report, namely, the investigated by secular persons, and presentation of the works of Swedenborg they report that it is impossible the to the National Library at Florence. If occurrence could have taken place with the events which have occurred in Italy the guillotine, unless the affair had been during the last ten years were looked at, previously arranged with the execu-· and the great change in public opinion tioner. It is not often that ecclesias- which has taken place during that time tical miracles (1) can be so clearly traced were noticed, the circulation of the to their source; and it has been satis- works of Swedenborg there would, by the factorily proved that the interposition Divine blessing, still further assist in the was not effected by the Virgin, but by advancement of truth in that interesting the executioner. How despicable it is country. Things apparently small in that there should be found among a themselves, are often found to be produc- priesthood those who would lend them- tive of results of the greatest magnitude. selves to such a terrible deception, and, The resolution was seconded by Mr. by means of it, attempt to force a dogma PRESLAND, and passed unanimously. upon the faith of the peorle whom they Mr. JOBSON proposed " That Mr.Watson may have under their authority! How be the treasurer for the ensuing year." deplorably fallen must be that dispensa- Mr. H. R. W ILLIAHS, in seconding the tion which would admit the perpetration resolution, said it had been thought that of such a contemptible and wicked im· the progress of intelligence had produced posture! Well did Swedenborg say of such an alteration Ut the ideas of the the rolers of this Babel-" That they religious world that there was less have transferred the Lord's Divine necessity than formerly for the dis- Power to themselves, and that, by their semination of the doctrines. It was no abominable arts and contrivances, they doubt true that a favourable change had have turned the minds of all from the taken place in the opinions of the religious holy worship of the Lord to the profane world, yet facts now and then presented worship of living and dead men and of themselves which showed that much idols." (Apocalypse Revealed, 800.). remained to be done. He would mention an incident in proof of this. He had GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. recently picked up a pamphlet the pemsal SWEDENBORG SOCIETY. of which was very painful to him, though The fifty-sixth anni versary meeting it might be considered by many rather of this society was held in the Argyle- amusing. This pamphlet was entitled square Church, London, on June 19th. "A religion of four letters." This The Rev. Augustus Clissold in the clair. mysterious title had puzzled him. The The meeting was opened with the Lord's pamphlet was a narrative of a conversa- Prayer. After some routine business, tion supposed to have been held between the secretary read the report of the com- a lady and gentleman respecting their mittee for the last year, from which we different religions. The lady observed gather that the amount received from the that her religion consisted of two letters, sales of the theological works has been while the gentleman remarked that his £141. 19s. 9d.; from the sales of the was composed of four. The religion of philosophical works, £28. 19s. Sd. There the lady was d-o, that of the gentleman has also been the sum of £20. received d-o-n-e. The dialogue resulted in the from the sale of "Spiritual Meditations," conversion of the lady from the error of given to the society by John Finnie, Esq. her ways, and she was convinced that The treasurer then read the audited cash she had herself nothing to do towards accounts. It appears that the ,subscrip- salvation, but that every thing was done tions and donations for the year haye for her. The pamphlet concluded as amounted to the sum of £235. lIs. 10d. follows :-" Reader, have you found your being an increase of above £30. on the happy portion and rest in d-o-n-e! Do amount received last year. For further think deeply and seriously of it, and may particulars as to the operations of the God's spirit lead you this moment to society, we refer our readers to the report cease from your do and to rest in Christ's itself, which will shortly be published. . eternal done." Now it had struck him,
- 379. 876 MISCELLANEOUS. when reading these words, that man was ner by our blessed Lord himself. The not merely an automaton, but that he Lord says-" As thou Father art in me, had to " work out his salvation with fear and I in 'thee, that they also may be one and trembling;" and that no one was in us." Here was not only the grand to think that he was saved because idea of the ani verse brought into a state "every thing was done for him." This of one-ness pointed out as the result of pamphlet was one evidence that there the yearnings of the Divine mind, but was a great neoessity for the spread of also the mode of effecting it-" Thou in that enlightenment which had come me and I in thee, that they also may be through Swedenborg into the world. one in us." Is there any language in The motion was then put and passed. which the great principle of the New The CUAlBllIAN then proposed the fifth Church, of the unity of the Trinity in resolution,-h That the members of this the Lord, could be set more definitely society cordially join in the prayer for before mankind than in that? The the speedy re-union of Christendom; perfect unity in the Divine Humanity, they express their conviotion that the as the centre and head, is primarily pre- first principle of this union is charity, sented; the idea precisely which the that trllth is next in order, and that a Apostle re-echoes when he says-" In Christian life is the result of both; and Him," the Lord Jesus, "dwelleth all that it is by the union of these three that the fulness of the godhead bodily." The the reunion of Christendom can alone be godhead in the Lord's person, and the effected." The rev. Chairman then gave whole universe complete in Him; this is a most interesting address on this im- the Faith. The more this subject is portant question, quoting at length the thought upon, the more completely will writings of many ancient and modern it be unfolded, until it will be seen that authors and divines on the subject. unity can only be attained by the har- It is intended that this valuable address mony of infinite varieties all coming into shall be pnblished in full. 0 nr readers congruity together. Unity can never be will be glad to have the opportunity attained by a union of like atoms. Take of perusing it. the human body. The only way in The Rev. Dr. BAYLEY, i. seconding which the human frame can be seen to the motion, observed that they could not exist as a unity is when all its varied have had their attention drawn to a. more parts are brought together and form one worthy subject than that which they had glorious body. So also the only way in been told is agitating the whole of the which the world can ever be truly Christian world, namely, the re-union united is not by making each nation of Christendom. Everyone who had a repetition of every other, but by beoome a faithful recipient of the great each working out its OWB individual principles of the New Church must have work from the spirit of love. The felt pressing upon him the desire to see result of so doing would be that all mankind united in love, wisdom, each nation would constitute one part of and peace. Whatever might be the a great manhood or humanity, and the result of the present yearning after this whole together would form one grand re-union in Christendom at large, it was man upon earth. This is the way in most satisfactory to learn that such a which unity exists in heaven. Some yearning existed, because where the of the heavenly societies are composed, spirit and desire for unity are born, as it were, of angels of the heart; others, strengthened, and persevered in, the of angels of the head; and so the grand likelihood is that thousands of men will assemblage of the immeasurable com- be led to re-oonsider the question, to pany of angels is formed into one angelic look back to first principles, and at length manhood. But this unity can only exist to get into that line of action by which from the first principle in the Creator, alone true unity can be effected. They from whieh it is derived. The Divine had had that way presented to them as Humanity does not simply mean the it, had to some extent been perceived by Lord's body. The great principles leading and heavenly-minded men at of humanity, as unfolded in the New dUrerent periods; but the only way in Church writings, are love and wisdom. which it is possible for union to be The humanity does not consist of a effected was pointed out with the greatest form, it consists of principles, form simplicity and in the most specific man· being only the outbirth of the Lord's
- 380. KISCELLANEOUS. 877 lnfinite divine providence-His infinite around them; and the Lord's will will ' love and wisdom, His infinite justice, be done upon earth as it is done in and all the divine attributes which heaven.-The motion was then put and compose His Divine majesty. It is passed. the outbirth of these, or the humanity llr. GUNTON proposed the sixth reao- in its infinite essence, that forms the Iution-" That this meeting rejoices iD first principles of the divine humanity- the success of this Society, now so long the Son brought the Father to view-and established, in the &cc.omplishment of it is these, therefore, which form the the object for which it was formed, only possible means by which angels namely, the printing and publishing of in all their glorious order are united the writings of the HonorabIe Emanuel with the Lord and exist from Him, and Swedenborg; and trusts that it may by which He lives in them. Each steadily pursue its object until countless society of angels takes that divine ex- numbers may be able to see the inesti- cellence which belongs to it, and thus mable value of these writings as exposi- the various angelic societies represent tions of the truths of the Holy Word." the whole of the divine perfections of The speaker said there was great reason the glorious body of the Lord; and as to rejoice in the success of the society's the societies of men on earth become efforts since its establishment. But more and more permeated with these notwithstanding the cheering aspects of truths, receiving the principles of the the society and of the church, which had Lord in true order and bringing them been presented to them that evening, i>ut into life, in this measure will this there was sUlI great necessity for con- world become an image of the eternal tinued. effort. Darkness extensively world, and man will be happy in en- prevailed. Yet encouraging incidents deavouring to become as the angels. from time to time came under their On this ground he congratulated the observation. A letter had lately been) meeting on the yearning after unity received from a gentleman in Glasgow which exists. He entreated them as who had recently been ordained as far as possible Dot only to put forward minister to an Independent congrega- those doctrines that unfolded these so.- tion, whose permission he has receited -cred truths, but also to endeavour to to preach New Church views. Another present a spectacle of true unity in the eneonraging incident he would mention. church, in the heart, and in the home. Mr. Finnie, whose liberality to the It was not without a special Divine Church had been long known, had significance that the Lord said-" All remitted to him £2,000. on account of power is given unto me in heaven and the New Church College, and £2,000. on earth." Earth and the outward state on account of the Students' and Ministers' of society exist from heaven and the Aid Fund. (Applause.) This noble act, inward state, and are emblems of them. he hoped, would have the effect of put.. Outward union is an emblem of interior ting a little fresh spirit into all of them. union; outward disunion an emblem of The time had come when wealth was of interior disunion; and if this be true, use to the church, and in the order of how important was the purpose they had Providence that wealth was forthcoming. in view in endeavouring to rectify the He trested that more subscribers would inner world in order to reform the outer. be added to the society, and that thus They were evidently starting from the the committee would be assisted in right point in endeavouring to get a judiciously' and faithfully carrying on truly united state of heart and mind in their great work. relation to great principles. Let them Mr. BATEMAN had great pleasure in keep well to their work, not aiming at eeconding the resolution. The success any mere outside demonstration, but of the society must always be a cause of while the world surged to and fro let heart-felt gratitude to our Heavenly them keep labouring earnestly, actively, Father, since, principally through its and perseveringly. As this heavenly means, the writings of Swedenborg are work is done, the kingdoms of this made known to mankind. Great advance- world will become the kingdoms of our ment had been made within the last few Lord and of His Christ; ignorance and years. Fonnerly they had, besides the vice will cease to be; men will be enabled English translation, only the original to spread the life and love of truth Latin editions of the writings; but now
- 381. 878 MISCELLANEOUS. editions in French, German, Russian, the New Church by' membership. .It" is Swedish, and Norwegian are published. known that there are scores, perhaps .The writings thus have been introduced hundreds of ministers in the old church into the east and north of Europe. The in America who are readers of the doc- Russian translation was the work of a trines of the New Church. Some of well-known gentleman, Mr.Djunkovskoy, these preach the truths taught by Swe- who was formerly a prelate in the Romish denborg openly, while others do so church. The works which were once secretly; and oocasionally a minister confined to a few readers are now, there- leaves the -old church entirely and joins fore, being made accessible to almost all the New Church. Several, cases ". of the inhabitants of Europe. He would ministers leaving the old church and refer to the subject the previous speaker joining the" New Church have been had mentioned,-the way in which the known within the last few years. Lord is continually advancing His church. The :People of America seem now to Eight years ago, he had first heard of be in a very favourable state for the Mr. Finnie, and now to hear that he had reception of the heavenly doctrines of become the largest living benefactor of the New Church, and the General Con- the New Church College, was a very vention of the New Jerusalem in the great pleasure. Alluding to.Mr. Finnie's United States of America is well eIlGUgk recent gifts, he said, the more the dis- organised to provide for their spiritual tinct institutions of the New Church wants. As its name implies, this general were supported and became developed, body of the church extends over the the more they would be able to assist whole area of the United States. It each other, and perfect the New Church has, therefore, a much larger field to by promoting that unity which is based work in, as to geographical extent, than upon harmonious variet~. The resolu- the General Conference. The General .fon was unanimously passed. Convention is a corporate body, an a~ Mr. COUSINS, in proposing the next of incorporation having been passed by resolution"--" That an address be pre- the legislature of the State of Dlinois pared, affectionately inviting all receivers in J anoary, 1861. There are four classes of the New Jerusalem doctrines, who of members composing the General Con... are not members of this society, to vention :-1. Ministers ordained in &e- become so"-said that for eight years cordance with the constitution of the he had been connected with and kept General Convention, of which there are the accounts of the Primitive MethodiHts' fifty; 2. ~ Associations, eight in number Society. There he had seen the power at present, exclusive of the association of the pence, and this was the power he of the New Jerusalem Church in Canada, would like to see used in the Sweden- which is not a member of the General borg Society. He thought it probable Convention; S. Isolated societies; 4. that an appeol to those who were not Members by election. The associations "now contributors would be of service. and societies are represented in the The treasurer then announced that sessions of the Convention by the the subscriptions received amounted to ministers and delegate~. Of the or· £79. 4s. The proceedings terminated dained ministers, eight are ordaining with the benediction. ministers and forty-two are ministers. Because the New Church in America THE NEW CHURCH IN THE UNITED is so large, and its affairs are so numer- STATES.- Since the termination of the ous and important, much of its busines!J American war, an increased interest has is transacted by the associations. The been manifested by the people of the associations have three" classes of mem- United States in regard to spiritual bers :-1. Ministers; 2. Societies, which things. One evidence of this is seen in are represented in the sessions of the the very considerable additions to the associations by theh· ministers and dele- membership of the New Church there gates; 3. Isolated members. Each as- lately; it is apparent also in the eager- sociation, when completely organised, ness with :whioh the people inqnire after has an ordaining minister, ministers and the literature of the true Christian licentiates, and societies under it. Each church, and the high estimation in which association meets for conference, and the writings of Swedenborg are held the transaction of the business of the by many who are not connected with church, once or twice a year. These
- 382. MISCELLANEOUS. 879 conferences are usually in session from It held its first annual meeting a year one to three or four days. the func- ago last May. During the first year of tions of associations are - to ordain its existence it collected upwards of ministers, license persons to preach, 2,000 dollars for missionary purposes, and ,and transact such other general business it keeps a missionary constantly employed of the, church as can be done by them in lecturing and preaching in places as well as the General Convention could within its bounds where the New Church do it. The power to consecrate ministers doctrines are little known. This asso- to the grade of ordaining ministers is ciation has six societies connected with reserved as an exclusive privilege of the it already. . General Convention. So, also, the At the forty-seventh annual session General Convention is the body that of the General Convention, held in conducts the foreign relations of the Boston from June 1st to 5th, there were churoh. . present upwards of one hundred min- The business affairs of the Convention isters and delegates-about thirty more are entrusted to an executive com- than had ever been known to assemble mittee, consisting of the president, vice- before. At the communion service, on president, secretary, and treasurer, and the Suuday during which the Convention twelve others, who are elected annually. was held, upwards of 6uO communicants The executive committee appoints a partook of the sacrament of the Holy Board of Publications, which has charge Supper. At this Convention measures of the publishing business of the church. were taken looking towards the estab- This Board issues a serial in Boston lishment of a theological. seminary; six called The New Jerusalem 1J'Iagazine, candidates for the ministry presented and also a juvenile magazine, at the themselves to be instnlcted, and thq same place, entitled The New Church Theological Institute was to be opened Magazine/or Children. These are both at Waltham, Massachusetts, on the Brd monthlies. Besides these they have a of July. J. H. publishing house in New York, where MELBOURNE, VICTORIA. - With the all the standard works of the church view of adopting the recommendation of are kept on sale, and where the weekly the General Conference, at its last meet- organ of the church--The New Je'ru- ing, to the members of the New Church, 'ale1n Messenger-is published. The to aid the British and Foreign Bible committee on ecclesiastical affairs has Society in the work of circulating the charge of those things relating to the Sacred Scriptures, it was determined by ministry and to divine worship. It con- the committee of the Melbourne New sists of the ordaining ministers and one Church Society that the formation of an or more ministers from each association, auxiliary should be proposed, at the every association being entitled to repre- society's quarterty meeting in April. On sentation in this committee by one that occasion the subject was accordingly minister, and one additional minister brought forward by Mr. Miller, the for every ten societies within its limits. treasurer of the society, in the following The foreign relations of the church are address:- in the hands of a standing committee The most superficial observer of the on foreign affairs, whose business it is signs of the present age, when compared to correspond with New Churchmen in with the time past, as depicted in the other countries, and report annually to page of history, mnst be impressed by the General Convention.. There is also the change which has during the past a standing committee on religious in- century passed over the minds of men, 'strnction, which reports annually to the especially among the members of the Convention. Christian church in our native land, in The largest and oldest of the associa- respect to all loving and philanthropic tions is the Massachusetts Association efforts for ameliorating the temporal and of the New Jerusalem Church, which spiritual condition of the human family. has sixteen societies and eighteen min- Those alike who believe that in the istelos. The other associations are com- close of the last century that great posed of from three to ten societies event, the Last Judgment, was accom- each, with ministers in propo~ion. The plished in the spiritum world, and those association last organised was the New who ma.y be at present ignorant of, or York Association of the New Church. not prepared to aseent to the revelations
- 383. 880 MISCELLANEOUS. of the scribe of the New Church regard- we see, by the exertions of this soclet)", ing that event, must admit that without not only all Christendom supplied with doubt a new and blessed influence has, the inestimable treasure, but almost all from the time he mentions as the period the nations of the earth, the multitudes of its accomplishment, been actively of a thousand tongues, who never knew operative, leading to all wise and loving before that God had given such a reve- efforts and unwearied exertion to raise lation of His will, enabled to read the and instruct the ignorant, to liberate and Word of God in their own languages, enlighten the en81&ved and degraded, and presented in their own languages For prior to the year 1757 none of with the Word of God to read; who those great religious and philanthropic can help exclaiming - 'This is the institutions which are now a blessing to Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in the worl:l were in existence; and Chris- our eyes'? Who can fail to discover tians were content to pray" Thy king- in it the effects of a new divine in- dom come," without seeming to feel the fluence, providing mOl'e extensively than personal obligation laid on themselves ever the means of human salvation?" to seek, by any means placed within Like a grain of mustard-seed was their power, its accomplishment, if we the first germ ~f this now fruitful tree. except a few self-denying efforts on the In the year 1802, the Rev. Mr. Charles, part of the Moravian brethren, and the a minister in Wales, finding that Bibles oldest Protestant missionary institution, in the Welsh language were so scarce the Society for the Propagation of the that there was but one copy to about Gospel in Foreign Parts, in connection eighty families, and that individuals had with the Church of England. in some cases to travel miles weekly to But no sooner had those clouds been obtain access to a copy, determined to removed which for centuries had ob- make an effort to provide for this great scured the Sun of Righteousness, and want .of the people, and to that end that sun arose, as it were, anew on the undertook a journey to London. There. men of the church, "with healing in on the morning of the 7th December, His rays," than their hearts were warmed 1802, he had a confer(nce on the subject with loving sympathy for the neglected with the committee of the Religious and ignorant of their own land, and the Tract Society. The necessities of Wales heathen dwelling in the dark places of led to a consideration of the wants of the earth, and in rapid succession were England, when a minister present said- formed those. great institutions for dif- " A Bible Society for Wales 1 A Bible fusiug the blessings of Christian civilisa- Society for England 1-Why not a Bible tion, and circulating the Sacred Scrip- Society for the world?" The happy tures, which, small and defective as idea was at once entertained, and in the they may be when compared with the course of a few months led to the forma- duties of the church and the necessities tion of the British and Foreign Bible of the world, and when we consider the Society, which has from that time gone amount of spiritual light now possessed, on and prospered-the society having have yet so manifestly experienced the been the means of circulating upwards Divine blessing as to form one of the of sixteen million copies of Bibles and chief glories of the day in which we live. Testaments in 160 different languages Chief among these is that noble in- and dialects, in 107 of which the Scrip- stitution the British and Foreign Bible tures had never before been printed. Society, whose claims on your support The claims of' an institution sO pre- we now attempt to advocate, and of eminently useful and unsectarian have which the late l{r. Noble justly ob- so much to commend them to every served-" The formation of such a society Christian mind, that it cannot be doubted is itself a phenomenon, and its opera- they have from the tirst been fnlly re- tions ha ye beeu a series of wonders. cognised by members of the New Church When we' behold men of all Christian individually. Those claims have indeed sects, abandqning their particular differ- from time to time been warmly advocated ences, unite to distribute the Scriptures in the "Conference Magazine;" and free from the glosses and corrupt expo- so far back as the year 1809, the friends sitions whieh most sects have appended of the church, in their meeting at to them, who can fail to discern in the Hawkstone, the Rev. John Clowes being work the mighty finger of God? When president, unanimously passed the fo1-
- 384. MISCELLANEOUS. 881 lowing resolution expressive of their to crown the labours of the British and deep interest in the cause, then in its Foreign Bible Society, and desiring to infancy-U That it be earnestly recom- co-operate in the great work of circula- mended to the receivers of the New ting the Sacred Scriptures among the Jerusalem throughout the earth to en- nations of the earth, resolves that an courage, by all possible means, the very auxiliary be formed in connection with laudable designs of the British and the Melbourne Branch of the Bible Foreign Bible Society, whose sole object Society, such auxiliary to be called the is to disperse Bibles into every country Melbourne New Church Auxiliary to the on the face of the globe, and for this British and Foreign Bible Society." purpose to procure translations of the This resolution, having been seconded sacred Scriptures into all known lan- by Mr. Isaac Fawcett in a few appro- guages." priate remarks, was unanimously adop- But, however gratifying these facts ted; and two ladies were subsequently may be, it must with humility be con- appointed collectors of the free-will fessed that, as a Christian community, offerings of members and friends. It the New Church has hitherto failed in only remains to hope, that u as there the duty of publicly identifying itself has been a readiness to will, so there with this great work of love, with the may be a performance also out of that exception of the so('iety at Birmingham; which we have," in respect to this good and it is occasion for much satisfaction work. that the neglectful omission is now recognised, and that the last General NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-The Messrs. Conference, on the subject being fully Do,"e are actively at work at the college, considered, determined to recommend pulling down the tower, altering the the members of the church to co-operate north wing, and commencing the erection with the local Bible societies in any or of the chapel and south wing. every way calculated to promote so BLACKBuRN. - On Monday evening, noble an object as the circulation of the July 2nd, the society in this large manu- Divine Word among the nations. facturing town held a special tea meeting. Thus, dear friends, it is no new, There were present about 90 members untried, or doubtful cause which is and friends of the church. The object commended to you. The entrance of of the meeting was to celebrate the recent the Word of the Lord giveth light; and liquidation of two hundred pounds, out wherever that Word has entered, there of the three hundred which had been we behold its blessed transforming owing on the Temple. One hundred had influence. -The strongholds of ancient been generously relinquished by a society idolatries are overthrown; systems of somewhat indirectly connected with the error and falsehood are shaken; nations, church~ from whom it had been borrowed; barbarous and rude, casting off the and the other hundred had been procured enslaving usages of ages, walk in the by subscriptions, during the last six liberty wherewith the Truth makes free, months. As a stimulus to this .latter and rejoice in the blessings of an orderly effort, the gentleman who some time since civilisation. presented a handsome donation of Swe- It is unnecessary to prolong these denborg's works to the Free Library of remarks. More than enough has been the town, offered fifty pounds on con4i- said to ensure your hearty concurrence tion that the society would raise another in a resolution that an auxiliary be fifty. This was instantly taken up, and formed in connection with our society, has since been realized; so that two for the purpose of identifying ourselves hundred pounds have been discharged, with this catholic institution, and aiding with some small amount in hand. This by our free-will offerings the great work was considered to be a proper occasion to which it is pledged; and that, as for mutual congratulations. The Revs. recommended by Conference, this be Messrs. Rendell and Boys were present, accomplished hy unition with the branch by invitation. Mr. Rendell, who for society of this city. The resolution, many years has taken an active interest which I feel it a great honour to pro- in this society, presided. The treasurer pose, is as follows : - presented his satisfactory account, which "That this meeting, rejoicing in the was received with acclamation; encour- blessing with which the Lord is pleased aging speeches were delivered, and reso-
- 385. 882 m~CELLANEOUS. lutions were passed heartily thanking Consul, Thess8.lonica. This inscription those friends who had, with so much is of much interest, as confirming the generosity, contributed so large a portion statement of St. Luke, in the 17th chapter of the money, and thus liberated the of the Acts of the Apostles, that Thessa- society from a considerable debt. Sing- lonica was governed by officers, called ing, prayer, and thanksgiving to the Politarchs; a title, curiously enough, Lord, for this additional instance of His found in no work of classical times. Mr. blessing, concluded the meeting, which Vaux traced the history of this inscrip- was felt to be one of great importance tion from its first publication by Muratori, and delight by the society. in 1740, through the successive works of Pococke, Beaujour, E. D. Clarke, Leake, Ip8WIcH.-On Sunday, July 1st, the Swan, Cousinery, Boeckh, &c., and members and friends of the New Church showed that, though some of the later ", 80ciety and congregation at this place copyists had recorded the inscription took advantage of the periodical visit of with tolerable fidelity, none of them Mr. Spilling of Norwich, to present to had produced a rendering of it 80 perfect their late leader, Mr. T. S. Colborne, a as that shown in the photograph sen~ testimonial of their appreciation of his to Mr. Morton, by Mr. Wilkin80n.- valuable services and of their estimation .Athenaum. of his worth as a Christian and a man. The testimonial consisted of a handsome writing desk, well fit~ed up and suitably A CHRISTMAS TREE! inscribed. Mr. Colborne has left Ipswich, To the Editor. and has taken up his residence in Nor- Dear Sir,-The friends of the Hed- wich. Mr. Spilling had the pleasure of derly-street Society, at Nottingham, have meeting on this occasion several isolated decided upon a Christmas tree, to raise receivers of New Church doctrines in funds to payoff a small existing debt, Su1folk, living at distances varying from and more especially to start a Building seven to nearly twenty miles. Fund for a new place of worship. This society has existed only seven NATIONAL MISSIONARY INSTITUTION.- years; but, unlike the old society, pos- To the Editor.-Dear Sir,-In addition sessing no chapel of its own, is still to other means employed, I beg, through labouring under great disadvantages in the medium of the Conference Magazine, its present meeting-house. It is the only the opportunity of calling the attention available place at a moderate rental; but of the various societies of the New Church there are certain inconvenient restric- to the following important minute Passed tions, as to times for holding meetings, by the 58th General Confer~nce: - and the time the place has, by a clause " Resolved,-That the several societies in the deed of gift, to be closed. The of the Church who have no Home hall in which Divine worship is held is Missionary organization be earnestly re- also available for meetings of trades' commended at once 'to organize Local unions, clubs, and other secular purposes. Associations for Missionary effort, in The committee are pleased to be able to connection with the National Missionary append the following certificate : - Institution, and that the secretary of that "We have great pleasure in recommend- Institution be directed to call the atten- ing the claims of the Hedderly-street tion of the various societies of the Church Society, at Nottingham, as deserving the to this minute." support of the friends of the Church With respects, I am, dear Sir, faith- generally. fully yours, }'RED. PITMAN, Sec., "J. BAYLEY, U E. D. RENDELL, J 1Mini· sters. National Missionary Institution. " June 5th, 1866." London, July 18th•. Contributions, in money or articles, ROYAL SOCIETY 0)' LITERATuRE.-On may be forwarded to the secretary (who Wednesday, July 4th (Sir C. Nicholson, will pay the carriage of parcels sent), Bart., in the chair), Mr. Vaux rend a and will be thankfully acknowledged.- paper "On a Greek Inscription from I am, &c., . WILLUH HOABE, Sec. Thessalonica," which had been procured 114, Mansfie1d-road, by the Rev. D. Morton, through the Nottingham, July 16th. kindness of R. Wilkinson, Esq., H. M.
- 386. MI~CELLANEOU~. 883 "aniagt. of Barnstaple. Simple-minded, prayerful. At Babington Lane Chapel, Derby, loving the Divine Word by living accord- on June 28th, by the Rev. Edward ing to its precepts, she was loved by all Madeley, of Binningham, the Rev. John who knew her. She had a most tender Hyde, of Derby, to Anne, eldest daughter love for infants, and often said how great of Mr. George Holme, manufacturer, her delight would be to have the care of Derby. them in the other life. On May 24th, at Ashton-under-Lyne, 8tJftua1l. aged 48 years, Mrs. Harriet Livsey, Departed this life, May 2nd, in her daughter of the late E. Moorhouse, Esq. 51st year, after many months of severe The dear departed was brought up in the suffering, Mary Anne, wife of Herbert principles of the Lord's New Church, Williams, of the Royal Humane Society, and was ever readv to render what service Hyde Pa.rk, and youngest daughter of she could to the iilfant cause. Affection the late Mr. Alexander Mc.Nab, known predominated in her mental composition, for so many years as one of the oldest and it was strikingly manifested not only and most attached members of the Lord's to her beloved family, but also to those New Church. Although long separated of tha society to which she belonged. by failing health and other preventing Often have the missionaries been hos- causes, from outward communion with pitably welcomed at her happy home. the church, except at intervals, Mrs. When on the bed of death, she was per- Williams' attachment to its doctrines fectly resigned to the will of her Saviour remained unabated; and one of the most God, looking forward with humble, yet earnest desires of her heart was that of with confident expectation, that in the seeing her children grow up in the heavenly mansions above she would be love and practice of that enlightened usefully and happily employed in pre- and pure faith into which she had paring the young for a joyful entrance been so early initiated herself. To a into the Redeemer's kingdom, where most kind and sympathizing heart, she endless joy and gladness prevail, and united talents of no common order, where sorrow and sighing are for ever combined with a very refined and culti- unknown. !PSIUS FILIUS. vated taste-; but with her everything Departed this life, June 10th, at was subordinated to family duties,-her Brightlingsea, aged 28 years, Thomas, youngest and only surviving son requir- son of Mr. Thomas Riches. He was ing, ,in an especial degree, that care brought up in the principles of the New which few besides a mother can bestow. Church, and although of a delicate con- But the effort was too great, and other stitution, he was anxious to do all he causes operating, her health, which was could to advance the doctrines and life always delicate, began seriously to de- of the heavenly Jerusalem, in which he cline, and her sufferings proportionately liveu and died. He performed several to increase; all of which she bore with uses to the society at Brightlingsea, and the greatest patience and resignation, took great delight, when his health would her anxieties being for those whom she permit, in being useful in the Sunday- felt she was so soon to leave,-among school. He seemed conscious of the them, a sorrowing mother, who has lost great fact that the foundation of the the 'dearest tie that bound her to exis- Lord's last and best dispensation must be tence. All that affectionate solicitude laid in the hearts and minds of the rising could achieve was achieved, more espe- generation. He seemed never to be weary cially on the part of her husband, to in well-doing; and those who from time. ameliorate her condition, but neither care to time had the pleasure of his tiociety, nor skill availed; and she sank, as her can testily how lovingly and tenderly he belove~ father had done before her, was attached to those sacred truths which calmly and peacefully to rest. Her • remains have been interred in the same grave with her father's, together with had been his support through life, and which gave him so much courage during his last moments, that he was enabled to those of her two eldest sons, in the realize the truth as expressed by the Cemetery at. Brompton. apostle-" 0 death, where is thy sting? • On the Brd of May, in her 66th year, Mary, the beloved wife of Thomas Berry, o grave, where is thy victory?" A funeral discourse was preached by Mr.
- 387. 884 HI80ELL.UBOUS. S. Jepson, on Sunday, June 17th, from in their fruit; for "every good tre& John xi. 25,26, to a numerous audience. bringeth forth good fruit ;" and " by their s. J. fruits ye shall know them." A1fected Departed suddenly, on the 16th of with chronic disease of the heart, he June, aged 69 years, Mr. Samuel Hook, always expected his departure would be of the Veles, Snodland, Kent. Mr. Hook sudden. He frequently said he did not received the doctrines of the New Church fear death; and the last conversation I about thirty-five years ago, through his ever held with him related almost entirely atrectionate partner and relict, Mrs. Hook, to the states of life after death, a subject who had learned them under the minis- on which he often and freely conversed. trations of the Rev. ThoDJas Goyder, His loss to his family and friends is great, when he officiated in the city of Norwich. but they do not sorrow as those who have Mr. Hook was a man of most liberal and no hope; for they haye the solace of kind feeling, and gained the esteem and believing that the husband, the father, respect of all classes, by an affability and friend has entered where there shall truly Christian. His life appears to have be no more" death, neither sorrow, nor been based on the great duty of doing crying, neither shall there be any more good. He was a man of great but un- pain; for the former things are passed ostentatious benevolence: he "did good away." C. G. by stealth, and blushed to find it fame." Departed this life, June 24th, ..after His religious convictions did not lead a long and painful illness, bome with him to make much outward show, or to exemplary patience, Alleyne, eldest appear what he was not. The true nature daughter of the Rev. Richard Stony, of his faith and his life was but known of Heywood, aged 23 years. INSTITUTIONS. OF THE CHURCH., Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.~. SwedenborgSociety, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thursday 7-0 Missionary and Troot Society, ditto.-First Friday. . • • . . . . •• • • . . • • • • • • •• 6-30 National ?rIissionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund. ditto.-Fourth Monday. . . . • • . . • . • • • • • • •• . • . . . . • • . . . . • • • • • . •• • • •• 6-30 College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Last Tuesday.. .• ..•• .... •• .. •• •• 8-0 MANCHESTER. Tract Society, SChoolroom, Peter-street.-Third Friday ••.••••..••••••••• 6-30 Missionary Society ditto ditto • • • • •• . . • • • • . . • • • • 7 -0 Members of Conference are invited, when'in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BRucE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of • recent meetings, lectures, &c., may appear if not later than the 18th. CAVE and SEVER, Printers by Steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.. •
- 388. THE INTELLECTUAL REPOSITOHY AND NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 158. SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1866. VOL. xm. ADDRESS FROM THE GENERAL CONFERENCE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW CHURCH IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. BELOVED BRETHREN, It is one of the great duties of life to occasionally review our position, to ascertain our privileges, to secure our present attainments, and to make prudent provision .for future progress. The assembly 'of the General Conference affords a suitable season for this review, and for the expression. of a word of caution or admonition, of encouragement or guidance, to the members of the Church. We live in a time of great mental activity, and when this activity is directed. in the most marked manner to questions of religion and theology. lIodern inquiry has brought to light many precious troths from the rich mines of the Word of God, discovering and also obtaining some of the gold and silver, the precious stones aud pearls of the Holy City. "The hand of the dIligent maketh rich," is as troe of spiritual as of natural things. The possession of these spiritual treasures by the diligent labourers outside the pale 'of the visible body of the New Church, does not im- poverish but.enriches us. " They that are not against us are for us." Whoever is the medium of discovering and spreading the light of troth, is a fellow-worker with us. The New Church hai, and must ever have, an interest in the extended knowledge of the truth, and a fellowship in 25
- 389. 886 ADDRESS FROM THE GENERAL CONFERENCE all goodness and wisdom. All her sympathies are on the side of the mental and moral progress of society, and she cannot fail, therefore, to welcome heartily and encourage earnestly whatever tends to set free the minds of men, to give wings to thought, and to extend the boundaries of knowledge and virtue. Truth compels us, however, to confess that modern progress is not always in the direction of genuine truth. There is much negative thought in regard to the 'Vord and to the central truth of the Word, the Deity of the 9hristian Saviour and the' divinity of His Humanity. The acknowledgment of the divinity of the Lord's . Humanity is essential to the maintenance of the Deity of His person. It is the rock on which the Church is to be buili, and builded on which the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. The progress of religious inquiry and the advancement of Christian intelligence, enforce on members of the New Church important duties. We are to let our light shine before men, not only in the open teaching of the truths we have received, but also in the manifestation of their natural fruitage of love and good works. The bulk of mankind are not yet advanced to that condition in which they can judge wisely of the truths we offer for their acceptance. Those 'whose mental culture might be supposed to qualify them for such judgment are too often preoccupied with favourite theories, ·or turned aside by some secret bias of early education, some pride of the intellect, or by some subtle or scarcely concealed self-love.' But all can judge of the moral worth of truth when they. see it exemplified in a good and useful life. It becomes, therefore, most important that all the members of the New· Church should let their light shine before men in the' purity of their conversation and the excellency of their conduct-in their good works, vhereby they glorify their Father who is in heaven. . The jmportance of truth is readily admitted by all thoughtful men; yet few realise the ground of this importance. It is common to regard it from an exclusively intellectual ground-as a means of rational delight and satisfaction, of enlarged acquaintance with men and things, of subtle inquiries and supelior intelligence. l~egarded from this ground only it charms by its novelty, delights by the richness and varietJ of the objects it presents to our mental vision, and by the perfection and beauty of their arrangement in the understanding, but it leaves the heart unpuri- fied, the affections selfish, the sympathies narrow and contracted. Men under the influence of an- exclusively intellectual training fail to discover that truth is moral as ~ell as intellectual, that its purpose is to purify the heart quite as much as to enlighten the understanding, that all
- 390. TO THE MEMBERSOF THE NEW CHUROH. 887 truth, indeed,. has relation to good, that it comes out from good, and hence that it loves good and perpetually seeks its fellowship, or desires to be united with it. • It is the peculiar privilege of the members of the New Church to see the truth in this moral aspect, i.e., in its relation to good, in which are its beginning and ending. The uncreated wisdom is the refulgent brightness of the infinite benevolence and love. Its light, which is truth, comes out from God and adapts itself to the finite intelligences of men, that it may lead them to the good from which it has come forth, and fill them with its felicity and joy. Every genuine truth, therefore, is the radiant manifestation of some element of Christian benevolence and love; and its grand mission is to plant this love in the heart and to develope it in the life. The test of genuine intelligence is seen, therefore, not merely in natural erudition and intellectual prowess, but in moral worth, in spiritual excellence, and in the ripened wisdom of a pure and holy life. Truth separate from good inflates the mind with the pride of self-intelligence, generates contempt of others, and renders the life exclusive 'and haughty. Truth uni~ with good fills the mind with humility, imbues the will with meekness, and adorns the life with the graces of Christian charity and active benevolence. As members of the New Church, our great duty is to unite the truth we know with the good which it teaches, and to which it leads. Nor can it be doubted that the more correctly we understand the truth, the more powerfully will it help us to this union. It is the strongest recom- mendation of the doctrines of the New Church, that however imperfectly they may yet have accomplished this purpose, it is yet their natural tendency, as it is their avowed intention, to unite the good and the true in the closest fellowship of purified affection and enlig1?-tened thought, and to embody these sublime excellences in a life of genuine good works. We say, of genuine good works, because good -works are only genuine in the degree they spring from pUl"e motives, and are guided into act by enlightened wisdom. All the actions of a :tnan's life are the embodied forms of his secret motives and acquired intelligence. If he does good while the heart remains selfish and evil, the life is hypocri- tical,-it is not in harmony with the motives which are within. If, on the other hand, a man purify his motives from the evils of selfishness and guile, he then acts justly and uprightly, and his life becomes wise and good. And the opportunities for the exercise' of this life are not far to seek. They are found in all the ordinary duties of life. All religion, indeed, has relation to life, and the life of -religion is to do
- 391. 888 ADDRESS FROM THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, ETC. good. Under the influence of onr heavenly doctrines, every action of our lives ii to become an exemplification of religious truth and love. Our eating and drinking, our marrying and giving in maniage, our duties as parents or children, masters or servants,-our life itself, in all its multiform and varied transactions, is not only to be brought under the control and government of our religion, it is to be penetrated and pervaded by it. Our religion is to give life to our affections, purity to our motives, and wisdom to all our active thoughts,-it is to make the life itself religious in all its secret motives and active outgoings. The Church is thus to become a medium of spiritual health. Its doc- trines are to be instrumental in forming spiritual character. This character does not arise from truth intell~~tuallyreceived, but spiritually appropriated. It is truth in the inward· parts, that is, truth in the will, or the good of truth, which is the love of the Lord manifesting itself in the love of the neighbour. It is this love that constitutes the spiritual life ; and a church which does not develope the spiritual life, fails to plant heaven in the souls of its members, and thus to obtain fellowship with the spirits of just men made perfect. But a· church which is not conjoined with the heavens by the reception and recipro- cation of angeliQ qualities, is a church cut off from the spiritual family of God, and having, therefore, neither part nor lot in the great move- ments whereby the world is to be converted to God, and the kingdoms of this world are to become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.. If we are merely charmed and entertained by intellectual knowledge, we may be a philosophical sect, but are not then a Christian church. To become a church, truth must culminate in good. Th~ love of God and the love of the neighbour must <?ccupy the heart, and be the animating principle of the life. Let us give all diligence, therefore, that our truth be not a barren speculation of the intellect, but a realised wisdom in the life. Let us remember that superior knowledge is to be manifested in superior holiness and virtue; and that we who have received so largely of the good gifts of our. Heavenly Father's wisdom, are to manifest our rgratitude by the diligent employment of these gifts in their ~estined and intended use. Especially are we to employ them in the building up of the Church within ourselves, and then in the exten~ sion of its influences to those around us. On behalf of the General Conference, Affectionately and truly yOW"S, RICIlARD STORRY.
- 392. 389 THE HONOUR DUE TO GOD. .'rUE honour we are to render to the Lord may be divided into immediate -and mediate. Immediate honour and service consists, for the most part, in those acts of worship which we offer to the Lord as our Creator, Redeemer, and Saviour. This service is necessary to preserve a remembrance and sense of His goodness and mercy, and to open OlLr minds to the reception of a still greater measure of His Divine influence. It is true that this kind of service is not the end which God has in view in requiring His creatures to worship Him. An infinite Being cannot desire worship for His own sake, but for the sake of. the worshipper.. We are required to honour the Lord, but it is that we may become like unto Him. The effect of all true worship is to form the worshipper U> the image of the Object worshipped.. And worship is only so far true as it includes the desire of being remoulded into the Divine image and likeness. In every act Df true devotion, the worshipper is withdrawn from self, in the contemplation and adoration of the all-perfect One. There is no true worship where there is no elevation of the worshipper ·above himself. Hence the deadness of all worship. which does not spring from love. Worship from fear is only so far acceptable as fear has love within it. Without love it is slavish fear: fear without con- fidence or admiration, and therefore without elevation. It is worship grounded in the idea of power, unconnected with the idea of goodness. Yet there is fear in all true worship, but it is such fear as is in all true love. The fear that is in love is not a dread 6f the object loved, but a fear of injuring or offending that object. Slavish fear is a fear of receiving injury; holy fear is Jt fear of doing injury. So much as we fear for ourselves, so little we love; but so much as we love and desire to be loved in return, so much of fear have we for the loss of that love. The fear that is in love is genuine fear, and when it is felt in relation to . God it is holy fear. Perfect love casts out slavish fear. Love removes fear from the centre to the circumference, from the higher to the lower affections, but it does not extinguish it; and .when fear is removed from the seat of rule and is made to serve, it becomes a guard and protection to that love which it formerly governed, but which it now o,,~s as a Lord and Master. But the honour and service which we owe to God are to be rendered mediately or indirectly, as well as immediately aild directly to Him. We are to honour the Lord in His laws and ordinances. This is real
- 393. 890 THE HONOUR DUE TO GOD. practical honour; it is the test of the genuineness of our love, and faith, and devotionr A subject. honours his sovereign by obeying the laws; a child honours a parent by doing his will. There may be much apparent love and much personal attachment, and yet. little obedience, "and less voluntary service; but the love, in such instances, will be found to be, in its essence, self-love, because it does not principally regard the will and satisfaction of the object loved, but is intensely influenced by self-will, and principally regards self-gratification. This is a truth which is placed in clear light by our Lord himself in the Gospel. "He that doeth my commandments," saith the Lord, " he it is that loveth me." Obedience is here laid down as the grand test of affection; not only as the evidence, but as the use or ultimate' end of its existence. Affection without obedience, is not only without proof, but without value. Affection is the impulse to action; and if action do not follow from it, it is because it is impeded by some oppo- site affection; as the love of God and the neighbour may be by the love- of self and the world. Every love exists for the sake of some nse as its end. The love which God implants in the minds of parents for their ehildren, exists fo~ the sake of the support, preservation, and improve- ment of the young; and the love which children have for their parents exists for the sake of that dependence, teachableness, and general obedience, without which the best exertions of parents for their chil- dren's welfare would be in a great measure lost. If in either of these eases we could suppose duty to be entirely separated from love, the purpos~ £Or which love exists would be defeated. It is in its duties and nses that love really exists. Alone, it is only ideal love; un- practical, it is rather of the imagination than the heart; it is like the love we feel for an imaginary person 1 an abstraction, which has no influence over .our conduct towards real objects. It floats in the mind as a pleasing and flattering vision, but has no real existence, because it is reduced to no useful action., This is a kind of love which we are liable to feel towards the Divine B'eing, when directed to Him as a . person; and which has undoubtedly led to m~ch or to all of that mere eontemplative religion and solitary piety which many in the Christian ehurch itself have dreamed of as constituting an entire devotion of themselves to God. It is a deeply seated and widely prevailing error, that God is princi- pally jealous of His personal honour and fear. Religion has, therefore, eome to be regarded, in its primary state, as a service directly and personally rendered to the Most High. Without undervaluing imme-
- 394. THE HONOUR DUETO GOD. 891 illate communion with, and love to God, it still must be considered that God deserves eminently to be honoured and feaJ:ed in His laws. A wise sovereign, although he accepts personal honour, will not be ~ati8fied with that alone; his satisfaction does not arise from the homage offered to himself, but from the homage and respect which is thereby offered to the laws of which he is the representative. He derives satisfaction from homage, as indicating a united and happy, because an obedient people. Take this consideration away, and all personal respect and devotion will lose its only real value, in the esti- mation of a ruler who has any just claims to true wisdom. Indeed, under such circumstances,. 'the incense of praise will he UDwateful to him as the breath of flattery. It is like that service of which the Lord complains to the Jews, who so often mocked' Him with specious but insincere devotion, drawing near to Him with their lips, while their hearts were far removed from Him, and offering the blind and the lame while they reserved for themselves the males of their flock; conduct which Christians spiritually are guilty of when they worship without holiness, and offer their own corrupt and selfish petitions on the altar which should be sacred to the llighcst thoughts and purest affections of the soul. How, then, shall we honour and fear the Lord, our Heavenly King and Father? By loving Him for His goodness, and fearing Him for His tmth,-by regarding and worshipping Him as essential goodness, O and as the origin of all the good t.hat we recognise in created beings, and are conscious of in ourselves; and especially by cultivating goodness in our lives, which .should be devoted to His service, having at all times ,a holy fear lest we neglect the duties which His law enjoins. We must avoid the state which is content with rendering 'unto Him mere lip 8erVi~e-saying " Lord, Lord," but neglecting to do the things which He says. If we call Him Master and Lord, owe must honour Him as such. While we honour and serve Him as the Divine object of our worship, we must at the same tiJJle remember that " to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. " ON THE POWER OF THE SUN. THE natural univel'se, as the work of an Almighty Creator, bears witness ()f the Divine hand which framed it, so that we see everywhere around us a multitude of the most marvellous and beautiful objects. Of all
- 395. 892 ON THB POWER OF Till: SUN. these, perhaps no one so excites our admiration as the active, ever.. glowing sun. He manifests qualities so different from any we find possessed by matter on the earth, that even the least inquisitive must be supposed to desire to know all they can about so remarkable an object. Perhaps what first strikes us and excites our curiosity, is his unweariedness: he never tires,-never rests. Our earthly fires require constant feeding, else they sink and finally die out; not so the sun. Day after day we behold him, still walking in his strength, and pouring forth with undiminished energy, floods of light and heat. It requires but a slight acquaintance with astronomical science tt? enable us to know that he is not ruler of the day alone, but of the night also. The moon bears witness that though we see him not, she, sees him still, and bright as ever; and she sends us a share of the light she receives from him, to aid and cheer us, by mitigating the darkness of our nights. Any inquiry professing to treat of so important an object as the sun might be the work of a lifetime, and would fill volumes, leaving then much unexplained, and a mine of wonders unexhausted. What we are now about to consider relates more particularly to the motive power of the SUD, or the' work done by him upon our earth. An expo'sition such as an astronomer might give, we shall not now attempt. The researc~es of scientific men have led to the discovery of many new and beautiful truths, which, I may say, have thrown a new light on the nature of the sun, a~d which tend to confirm the theory now advanced,-that the sun is the means through which all power is exerted on the earth. By motive force, or power, is meant something capable of producing in bodies a change of place or state. Heat is power: it causes sub- stances to expand, converts ice into water, and excites an internal movement in the particles of all bodies to which it may be applied.. Light is also a power, or we should have none of the colours of the rainbow, nor any photographic pictu;es. There are many forms of force already known, and probably many more of which we know nothing. Some of those whose mode of action is best unders~ood are heat, light, magnetism, electricity, and chemical power, or the force of affinity, and which is related to all the others.. Separately, or united, these are concerned in all motion, in all mechanical action. As effects of heat, we have steam, wind, and water power. The power of animals, magnetism and electricity, comes
- 396. ON THB POWEROF THE SUN. 898 under the head of light and chemical action chiefly; or may be con~ sidered as effects due to all of these. First, let us inquire into the nature of the power exerted by the steam engine, and see how it is connected with the SUD. Probably all have seen the steam engine, in one or other of its forms; either as stationary, turning the many wheels of the mill or factory, pumping water, or lifting mineral·from the mines, or, let loose, sweeping along, like a high· bred racer, on the railway. Those who have studied its construction and action will have discovered that th:e secret of its power lies not in its ribs and limbs of iron or steel, neither in the skilful arrangement of its various parts, nor in the water with which it is supplied. For these, though" all necessary to guide and give effect to the power when excited, are not themselves sources of power. It is heat from the burning of the fuel which gives the impulse. The particles of water in the boiler lie closely together until the heat reaches them, and then they strive each one to get as far away from the other as possible: they repel each other, occupy far more space than before, and are ready to do their work as steam. For heat causes expansion in all bodies, whether solid or gaseous, and can be used to move machinery without water. Common air, carbonic acid gas, alcohol, and ether have all been made use of; but water is, of course, by far the most economical agent. " To canJT our inquiry a step further, it may be asked, Whence is this heat? That it comes from the burning of the wood or coal is evident, only we see that, after burning, this power is lost; and to maintain the heat fresh supplies of fuel are necessary. We must, therefore, learn the history of fuel, and inquire into its nature. Any single substance by itself is not fuel; because there are, in all cases, two substances required before combustion can take place. Gases are substances, though not generally recognised as such. Now, common coal gas will not burn by itself. If a bottle be filled with it and a ligh~ be introduced, it will extinguish that light; but when allowed to stream forth into the air it kindles readily enough, and it does so because it can then com- bine with the air, which is that second substance which is necessary for its combustion. It is commonly supposed that the atmospheric air is not inflammable, but that coal gas is highly so; the fact being that one is just as much 80 as the other. Supposing the gasometer at the gasworks and the gas pipes to be filled" with common air, and the room, instead of air, be filled with coal gas, then, on applying a lig~t to the burners, com-
- 397. 894 ON THE POWER oP- THE SUN. bustion would proceed without any apparent dift'erence. So that the air is fuel just as much as is wood or coal; and in fact there is no sub- stance known that will not burn by uniting itself with some other substance. It is a property common to matter: anyone element is in the constant effort to unite itself with some other, and, in doing this, gives out more or less of heat and light. The knowledge of these marriages and intermarriages of the elements and their affinities and aversions, is what constitutes chemical science. Burning or the union of two substances does not destroy or annihi- late them; they remain combined thongh in a dift'erent form. Thus water and quick-lime unite and give off heat. The product is as heavy 88 the united weight of the lime and water. .. But its nature is ~hanged ; the lime is no longer quick lime, and it has absorbed the water, which cannot now be seen, though we know that it is 'there. In this instance a solid and a liquid combine, and the result is solid; but there are cases where a solid and a gas combine, producing an invisible gas. This takes place when wood and air unite in a common fire. It will have been noticed that, after burning, the greater part of the substances pass away as vapour or gas. We lay on the fire heavy pieces of coal; they burn, and all pass away excepting a very small quantity of light ashes. All the coal, excepting these ashes, has united itself with the air, and passed up the chimney. In this way tons weight of gases are given oft' by the steam-engine chimneys, remembering that the weight of the coal alone is not all, but that it includes the air with which it has combined. Heat then comes from combination; but after combination the evo- lution of heat ceases. Supposing all the substances in the earth to have combined, or, in other ~ords, all our fuel to have been nsed, we should perish with cold were it not that the sun possesses, and con- stantly exer~ises, the wonderful faculty of separating these substances from combination, restoring their heat and light-giving powers, and returning them to run their round of nses again and again. In natural operations nothing is lost; there is a perfect compensation everywhere. The ':V0rId, change it as we may, is as self-contained and compact as ever", All things move in ci!·cles,-not geometrical circles, such as are made with compasses, but such as the Egyptians represented hieroglyphically by the serpent with his tail in his mouth. That is, everything goes out and returns. We will see how our fuel does this. The wood a;nd the air combine, and give us light and heat as fire; the once imprisoned
- 398. ON THE POWEROF THE SUN. 895 but now released gases pass into the atmosphere again. There they meet once more with the active operation of the sun; they are utilised, recombined into vegetation, become wood again, and thus are fitted for proceeding on a similar round, and sp on for ever. The ashes describe a circle of their own. They go to the ground whence they were taken; vegetation by means of roots takes them up; and in the tree they again assist in. the composition of wood. The roots of the tree are in the ground what the leaves are in the air, acting as feeders. The heat and light received from the sun on one side are thus retained, carried over, and given out on t~e othe!. It would have been difficult or impossible for us to have stored up the light and heat of summer to use in winter, or during the long dark nights when the sun is not seen. But the wisdom of the Supreme One has not left us unprovided for. He foresaw what man would need before man was. When the earth was young and was covered with an enormous vegeta- tion, it was not allowed to waste; but was, by compression and other processes, made into coal, and stored for future use deep in the cellars of the world. So that coal is of the s~me nature as wood, and gives us the benefit of the light of other days long since passed away. This, then, is the lllstory and derivation of the power of the steam engine. We see how beautifully it is adapted to give opt the power derived from the SUD. There is no w~ste, no loss, no accumulation of dead material; because it is in perfect agreement with the ord8r of nature. Doubtless there will come a time when all the coal will be exhausted, though, as yet, very far in the future. But as long as the sun shines we cannot be without a plentiful supply of fuel, though it may not be coal, but sOl1l,ething better, which we shall learn how to pre- pare, before we suffer from actua~ want. Let us remember that what we now burn is not lost, nor does it accumulate in the air. The SUD has hitherto separated it as fast as formed, and ·this is an assurance that it must be somewhere on the earth, and that it has in it the light and heat received from him when that separation took place, and can there- fore be again made use of. When man is born h~ finds food prepared for him; but does not subsist on the mother's milk all his days. He obtains, when old enough, other food. The nations, children of the earth, are yet in their infancy; when they become wise and vigorous they will obtain power without coal. (To be continued.)
- 399. 896 EXPOSITION OF JOHN XXI. 1-11. By M. LE Boys DES GUAYS. 1. After these thin,s Jesus shewed 1. After that, the Lord. manifests himself again to the disciples himself anew to the regenerate, At the sea of Tiberias ; In the region of the collective bow· ledges in the natural principle; And on this wise shewed He himself. Now, He manifests himself. thus : After these preceding manifestations, one would think that the man of the church was completely regenerated, since his sensual principle, which constitutes the lowest degree of his nature, has been conjoined to the internals, and has recognised the Divine Human of the Lord; but it does not suffice that the sensual principle has arri~ed at this conjunction and at this recognition; it is still needful that all that is in the lowest degree, or in the natural principle, be restored to order, or what is the same thing, regenerated. Thus the complete regeneration of the natural principle is here treated of. 2. There were together 2. About these knowledges are as- sembled, Simon Peter, The faith of the will And Thomas called Didymus, And the sensual principle then con- joined to faith; And Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, And truth which proceeds from natural good,. And the sons of Zebedee, And charity and the good of charity, And two other of His disciples. All conjoined to the other principles of the regenerate.• Natural knowledges are not reformed and regenerated until spiritual knowledges have been perceived and recognised, because regeneration proceeds from the interior towards the exterior. Here the chief prin- ciples in the regenerate have descended from the interiors where they were previously, and all unite in the exteriors, in which are natural knowledges. s. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go 8. The faith of the will causes them a fishing. to reflect that it is necessary to regene- rate the natural principle. They say unto him, We also go with All, in consequence of this refiection, thee. join themselves to tbe faith of the will in order to regenerate it. • Two signifying conjunction, and the disciples being of the number of seven, which signifies all (A..E. 20.), t'wo other of HiB disciples, signifies that they were all conjoined to the other principles of the regenerate.
- 400. EXPOSITION OF JOHNXXI. 897 They went forth, and entered into a They apply themselves to the work, ship immediately; and immediately enter upon the doctrine 01 natural knowledges ; And that night they caught nothing. And being in obscurity produced by their self-hood, they find nothing therein. The chief principles, stimulated. by the faith of the will, undertake to reform the natural principle; -they have, in consequence, recourse to the doctrine of natural knowledges; but as they act from the proprinm or from themselves, they find nothing therein, for it is by the Lord that we find all that is useful. (A.E. 518.) When .the regenerate under- takes a new work of regeneration, he acts generally from himself, and notwithstanding all the trouble he gives himself, he obtains no result; nevertheless, this labour is not without utility, for, wearied with this fruitless search, he is led to recognise that he has only acted from himself, and that by himself he can do nothing; this is also seen in the . following verses, the chief principles acknowledging not to have found anything there which could be appropriated. 4. But when the morning was now 4. A state of illustration having now come, Jesus stood on the shore: dawned, the Lord manifests himself in the extremes of knowledges, But the disciples knew not that it was Nevertheless, the principles in the Jesus. regenerate are in too great obscurity to recognise that it is the Lord. As there are few men who arrive, on the earth, at the stage of regeneration which is here describe.d, it is difficult for us well to com- prehend it. The extremes of knowledges are natural knowledges, and the extremes of the natural principle are the sensuals. (A. O. 9881.) The regenerate having undertaken to reform. the natural by means of the doctrine of natural knowledges, and having obtained no result, because he acted from himself, the Lord manifests himself in sensual knowledges, which are the eftremes or ultimates of natural knowledges, in order from thence to point out to him the path that he should follow; but the regenerate is still ignorant that it is the ·Lord, that is to say, he still does not perceive the inftux from the Divine Love into the sensual· natural knowledges. 5. Then Jesus sroth unto them, Chil- 5. The Lord then leads them to make dren, have ye any meat? t his reflection: Have we found anything which we can appropriate? They answered Hin;l, No. They acknowledge that they have tOli'Dd nothing sueb• •
- 401. 898 EXPOSITION OF JOHN XXI. By this first influx from the Lord, the regenerate sees that he has acted from his own selfhood, Md that it is for that reason he has obtained no result from his inquiries. 6. And He said unto them, Cast the 6. Now, by a new influx, He suggests net on the right side of the ship. . to them to lead the natural ~ * towards the good of knowledges, from whence proceed truths. And ye shall find. And that they will find. They cast, therefore; and now they They then do so, and are not able to were not able to draw it for the multi- derive any advantage from the natural tude of fishes. mind because of the great number of scientific! t which fill it. The regenerate, acting from his own selfhood in order to reform the natural man, had entered on the doctrine of natural knowledges without obtaining any result; now that he follows the prompting of the Lord, .by leading his natural mind, that is to say, his natural will and under- standing, towards the good of doctrine, scientifics pl'esen~ themselves in so great a number, that the mind is filled with them, and that the superior principles of the regenerate can reap no advantage from it by reason of the great number of scientifics. This comes of the circum- stance that, in his present state, the regenerate should act from good and not from truth; in the first period of regeneration, he arrived at good by truth, now it is by good that he perceives truth, for real truth proceeds from good. 7. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus 7. The good of chal°ity then suggests loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. to faith "that it is a manifestation of the Divine Human of the L01'd. Now, when Simon Peter heard that it Faith of the will then comprehending was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat that it is a manifestation of the Divine unto him, Human of the Lord, disposes itself to receive natural truth, For he was naked, For by itself it possessed nothing that belongs to this truth, And did cast himself into the sea. And 4ft penetrates into the collective natural knQwledges. * The mind of man, or the human mind (Mens humana), consists of two partlil, the will and the understanding. (.~4..C. 310.) Mon has two minds, the rational mind and the natural mind; the rational mind is of the internal man, but the natural mind is of the external man. (A.C.5301.) The natural mind is regenerate~l by means of the rational mind. (A.C. 3509.) t J;Jetween doctrinals, knowledges, and scientifics, there is this distinction:- Doctrinals are things which have been drawn from the Word; knowledges are such as have been taken from these doctrinals on one part, and from scientifics on the other; 8cient~fic8 are such as belong to experience acquired by oneself and by others. (A. C. 9386.) •
- 402. EXPOSITION OF JOHNXXI. 899 Faith of the will belongs to the interior man, and so long as the exterior man has not been regenerated, this faith still possesses nothing of that which concerns natural truth, which is external; this is why it is said that Simon Peter was naked; he girt his fisher's coat unto him, and did cast himself into the sea, that is to say, this faith disposes . itself to receive this truth by penetrating into the midst of natural knowledges, for the subject here treated of is the regeneration of the external man, and of all that concerns him. 8. And the other disciples came in a 8. But the other principles in the little ship; (for they were not far from regenerate draw near to the ~xternnl land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) sensual, by the doctrine of the most exterior knowledges (for they were Dot. far removed from this sensual principle, but almost conjoined to it by quality), Dragging the net with fishes, Profiting by the natural mind filled with scientifics. In order that the principal activities of the regenerate mayacknow- ledge and appropriate the scientifics which are of tlie lowest degre'e (fishes), they must necessarily draw near to the external sensual principle (the land), where these scientifics maybe rendered evident and examined; and it is by the doctrine of the most exterior knowledges (the little ship) that they draw nigh to this sensual principle, availing themselves of the natural mind (the net), that is to say, of the natural will and under- standing of the regenerate in which these scientifics are; but they do not cause this mind. to enter into the external sensual man; it is the faith of the will which is charged with this task. (See verse 11.) 9. As soon as they were come to 9. When they have come down into land, the. external sensual man, They saw a fire of coals there, ' They perceive the good which is there, . And fish laid ther~on, and bread. And from this good the truth of spili- tual good, and the good of love. 10. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of 10. The Lord, by His infiux, makes the. fish which ye have now caught. them reflect that. they should examine the scientifics that they have now dis- covered.. Having reached the external sensual principle after all the~e prelimi: naries, the chief principles in the regenerate perceive the good therein, and consequently the truth' of spiritual good and the gooi of love, which will enable them to make an examination of the scientifics. Mter having perceived good and truth in the external sensual man, the principles in the regenerate are fitted to examine scientifics, and the Lord by his influx leads them to this examination.
- 403. 400 EXPOSITION OF JOHN XXI. 11. Simon Peter went up, and drew 11. The faith of the will elevates itself the net to land full of great fishes, an towards good, and it causes the 'natural hundred and fifty and three: mind, filled with all the scientifics, to enter into the external sensual principle: And for all there were so many, yet And although the numbe" of scientifics was not the net broken. is very great, the natural mind does not suft'er on this account. This miraculous draught of fishes, made on the right side of the ship, shows, that in acting from natural good, the regenerate discovers in- . numerable things which belong to natural truth, and which are called scientifics; that his natural will and understanding are filled with them, and that notwithstanding the excessive multiplication of scientifics, thia will and understanding suffer no harm. TRUST. WHY should we yearn towards the past,- Lost friends, lost joys, and still Look back as if they left a void Which nought can ever fill ? Why should we oft be anxious,-. Ofttimes fear some coming hour, When some seeming Fate's relentless grasp Shall crush us with its power? Can we not trust our Father's love? And have we ne'er heard tell That howsoe'er it seem to us, He " doeth all things well" ? Let us not doubt, though all around Dark storms of trouble roll, And hide the light of heaven from The tired and tempted soul ; Though that still voice which guides us on • I May almost seem to die, Still let us murmur not nor fear, But trnst that God is nigh! For so believed the good of old, When troubles round them fell, And now they feel His love, and_know He " doeth all things well." T.P.
- 404. 4:01 ADDRESS DELIVERED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MANCHESTER PRINTING SOCIETY OF THE NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH, At their Annual Meeting, July 6th, 1866. BELOVED BBETHREN,-The New Church in its source is universal, because from the Omnipotent and Omnipresent. It is the Divine influx seeking a.dmission into the hearts and m~ds of all men, for their present welfare and future glory. He who "is no respecter of persons,' 'and who calls all His children, seeks to lead all to their ' home in heaven, and so provides this new outpouring of heavenly, nay Divine Light. How deep and long-suffering is the love of God for our frail and sinning race! Yet even this Infinite desire and ontpouring is only efficacious so far as human hearts are willing to receive its grace and leading, for man is a finite image of the Deity, and can either receive or reject the holiest and noblest influ- ences for his good. Hence we need not, if reflective or observing, wonder at the apparent limited advance of true spiritual life. When rationally and spiritually discerned, .the marvel will be, rather that 80 much has been accomplished than that so little is realized. With mental light alone, apart from the inward experience of life-struggle for purification, it appears comparatively easy to regenerate the world and purify humanity; but more life-experience of individual need and here- ditary taint modifies first-sanguinary hopes, and teaches more utile lessons. It is with and not without our consent that light can become life; and the latter with and not without the former is the New Dispen- sation. Not that, for a moment, should. the importance of genuine formal doctrine be overlooked or disparaged, but it should be regarded paramount as the means to the preparation of those mental and spiritual conditions in which alone the new life of higher JIlotive can only be received and manifested. The New Church is, and ever will be, new in all things. Yet no new Revelation nEed be given for its foundation, only higher and more refulgent light vouchsafed for its perception and understanding. As science and phil080phy give no new conditions to the creation, but only indicate, record, and develop what have ever existed, 80 the New Dis- pensation gives, and ever will, no new laws to humanity, but only brings to vivid light what has always been, but still long hidden. In this view the New Church is and ever must be regarded as a power of intel- . 26
- 405. 402 ADDRESS TO THE MANCHESTER PRINTING SOOIETY lectual and moral influence, leading all to see more of their capabilities, duties, and negligencies, and as such, to the devout seeker for genuine truth and inward emotion, will be hailed with delight, received with gladness, and believed with the whole heart's best affections. But as the longest-lived members of the kingdoms of organie nature are the most sluggish in growth, so, doubtless, the highest dispensations of truth will be the most tardy in. their influence. upon the mental, moral, and spiritual planes of human development. This is rather an evidence of gtabiJj.ty and power than a manifestation of ephemeracy and weakness. It is only obedience to the universal law of creation; for even in mechanics it is an axiom "that what is gained in force is lost in time, and vice versa." Let us then, if we have ever felt inclined to be amazed at what we may have, from our too precipitate conclusions, regarded as the slow growth of the New Church, take fresh heart from these reflections, and see in the source of our fears evidences of true permanency. Nevertheless, human apathy may and does retard the progress of truth. In every age the Saviour may be rejected, condemned, and crucified. In mode, not in fact, alone is the change. With the Jew of old, perchance as he did, in ignorance, or from ,over-zeal for the time-honoured and miracle-ushered law of his forefathers, we may be beguiled, unwittingly, into a rejection of "the truth as it is in Jesus." To the New Church the adoration of the" DIVINUM HUMANUM" is the central sun. Did not a light, certainly not human, direct the hitherto uninitiated mind of the pious Clowes to these heaven-born words? Without this where would have been the formal New Church? Did not he, with indefatigable labour now well-nigh forgotten (for others have entered into his labours, perchance with less zeal but not more simplicity and unselfish devotion), give to the world English, the means of reading largely the tru,ths of the New Jerusalem? And why and wherefore? Because like Paul of old, and like some '11wdern, but perchance despised or misled, though maybe true souls, he went where heaven, not interest, earthly or human, directed. But children torget their parents; and generation succeeding, perhaps in a qualified sense not unwisely, conceive that their moth-like life of knowledge transcends the accumulated stores of past life-scene, and neglect to remember the "rock from whence they were hewn." Still we, members of this time-honoured Society, adhere firmly to the truth revealed by the Divine Word, that Jesus was JEHOVAH INOARNA'rE. To us the Divine Humanity and its adoration, with the
- 406. OF THE NEWJERUSALEM CHURCH. 40S ]lew life thence, is the New Jerusalem. Is it not the stone "which the builders of olden time" have rejected; but which, nevertheless, has become the head-stone of the corner? And is not this "the Lord's doings," and should it not be "marvellous in our eyes"? While this Society shall unde~ Divine Providence exist, notwithstanding into whose .hands its snperintendenc.e shall be permitted for the passing moment of years even to rest, the doctrine of the "Divine Humanity" will be' upheld. We with our founder can say-We believe and we adore. Either the Lord's Body is Infinite or finite, Divine or human. If the former of either couplet, it is ever so; if the latter, where is our Lord and Saviour? Where the testimony of the letter of the Divine Word, from which Swedenborg assures us genuine doctrine can alone be drawn ? We may be reminded that this can only be done by one ,~ illuminated for the purpose." But who is to illuminate, and who has so been illuminated? Has not Emanuel Swedenborg? And does not he declare that the Lord rose again with the body which He had in the world, and this different from any man? Let finite minds bow before an Infinite Redeeming Saviour, and worship. But we may be reminded that this is not a vital point, only a mere minor speculation of peculiarity. Why,- then, resist any and every view that may be propounded by human reflection concerning it ? It either is vital or it is not. If the former, all that can elucidate it is valuable; if the latter, all that can be advanced is futile, and need only to be named to be. exploded. Notwithstanding, however, Jesus is Jehovah in a Glorified Human Form, "begotten, not made," of one substance with the Father, and ever will so be, ~atever we may think and believe, or deny. The how may to finite minds be inexplicable because Infinite; but the fact is revealed, and endorsed by the" Lord's servant, Emanuel Swedenborg," and was the means of inciting, under Divine Provision, the classic mind of the venerable Clowes to give to the world what had so deeply impressed his own mind. We, at least, are and ever will be true to our standard, now unfurled for more than eighty years in new light, and for nearly nineteen hundred in gospel truth. Next to this central sun is the nwon of faith, A rational, affectionate, and intelligent understanding of our nature, the Divine Influences upon it, and our cooperation with or opposition to those ever-present and ever-active spheres of Divine Love and Wisdom for our soul's good.. The want of genuine faith, or faith too little, is a sad evil in this our . day. The mustard-seed of the Gospel may ~e here-who shall. say it.
- 407. ~04 ADDRESS TO THE MANCHESTER PRINTING SOCIETY, ETC. is not ?-but it is very small as of old. If by its fruits it is to be known, where are they? In kindness, Ohristian forllearance, and mutual love between man and his neighbour? In self-respect, charity, and innocence? In self-denial, probity, and justice? In unanimity or variety in harmony? In endeavour for public good in contradistinc- tion to private advantage? Let the experiences of life, in wide and universal, or narrow and limited circles reply;. and if the answer be truthful, it cannot endorse the affirmative'. How sad that Christian families and Christian nations combine for mutual discomfort; misery, and destruction! This is neither the Divine will nor intention, but only Divine permission; but it is man's selfish, morose, and haughty will. The New Jerusalem is to teach and lead' us to resign ourselves to the will of our Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus -Christ, so that we may have these " stony hearts" changed into "hearts of flesh," and be bom again. That this may be in each of us, and in all men, 80 far as they are willing and obedient, is the earnest prayer of the Members of this Society; but when, wh~re, and how the glorious result will be accom- plished, is known only to Omniscience. In the meantime, while our remnant of earth's pilgrimage shall obtain; let us remain:firm in our adoration of the "Divinum Humanum," and in our faith practical, intelligent, and rational in the doctrines of the True Christian Religion," H and leave the ultimate issue to Him who knoweth all hearts, and needeth not that any should testify of man, for He knoweth what is in man. JOHN B. KENNERLEY, President. • THOUGHTS ON TRUTH AND ERROR. By JOHN HAMILTON, of St. Ernan's, M.A. of St. John's College, Cambridge. A VOLUME bearing this title, published several years ago, contains some interesting results of an earnest examination of the Scriptures, for the purpose of learning the truth, in order to teach it. The Author .says- "I was many years ago led by the urge~t and faithful words of a sermon, to see the great duty of caring and workipg for others." Under this awakened sense of duty, he engaged in Sunday-school teaching. From teaching children, he came to teach adults. Then his difficulties began. Where children had listened, grown-up persons criticised and inquired. This imposed on the teacher the necessity of carefully weigh- ing the language of Scripture, and "a jealous watchfulness not to receive, as taught by any ptssage, anything that is not really said in it.
- 408. THOUGHTS ON TRUTHiND ERROR. 405 I was (he continued) led to separate, in my reading, those passages which were plainly meant to prove, or to point out proofs, and I soon found that they all ranged thetnSelVfs against ~te views I Wtu trying to prove true." "I wu (he says) astounded. at this, and at first paralysed. It seemed as if Christianity was proved false by the very Book which I expected to prove it true; and my hands hung down, for my heart failed me. But the' same higher Spirit which had led me so far urged me on-would not let me be quiet. I pressed on, or rather was pressed on, till my doctrine of salvation gave way to God's doctrine of salvation. The first was salvation from punish'ment hereafter; tbe latter was salvation from sin. "My doctrine of reconciliation gave way to God's doctrine of reconciliation. The first was reconciliation of God to man. The latter was, that man, God's enemy, is 'reconciled to God by the death of His Son.' "My doctrine of atonement gave way to God's doctrine of atonement. The first was, that God, being far from us on account of our sins, receives the atonement which is to bring Him favourably near'to us. The latter is, that we, being far from God by reason of our sins, and being thereby sunk in destruction and in misery, are led to 'joy in God through our Lord J esns Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.' "There are other doctrines, b~sideB those mentioned, which necessarily take another aspect, when we are forced to change our view of salvation, reconciliation; and atonement. Indeed, the whole Christian system takes a different complexion, as one may say. But it may safely be affirmed, that God's own truth, when it roots out any plant that is of another planting, will plant in a plant of incalculably mor.e wortb,-that the doctrines of salvation, reconciliation, atonement, and of all that is for God's glory in man's salvation, instead of being shaken by a searching scrutiny. will be found to be more true, more gloriously divine, and far more efficacious, than could be conceived until they are subjected to the proof. And he who, in that fearlessness which love founded on conviction of God's love can only produce, has had courage to take God at His word, and to prove all things, will, in proportion to his sincerity in bringing all to the proof, find that, so far from becoming sceptical and having his faith shaken, he will be built as upon a rock, and be inabled to rejoice in the Lord as he had no idea of doing before. It is, therefore, that I, after a quarter of a century's inquiry and trial, urge thus upon others the consideration of those things which I now lay before them. " My purpose is not to give a compendium of true Christian doctrine, but to lead men to see how they have perverted the words and meaning of Scripture, and made a vapid, inefficacious religion, while they have used in general the very words of troth, but in a false meaning; and to point out, in some cases, where the truth lies, and so promote the proving of all things, and the fast holding of that which is good." Having thus presented the results of the Author's reading and reflection, and which have brought him, doctrinally, almost within the gates of the Holy Jerusalem, we leave him for the present, intending occasionally to give some extracts from his generally excellent work.
- 409. 406 THOUGHTS BY THE WAY. There is a more twe and acceptable worship of the Lord in the Parsee's adoration of the sun that pours down his enlivening beams npon all, than in that of the Christian who believes that his God,- "the Sun of Righteousness, "-dispenses His choicest blessings among a favoured few,-that He has created unnumbered millions only to devote them to eternal perdition, in order to manifest thereby His own sove- reignty and glory, and that He does not, rather, equally love and desire to bless and save every one of His erring and disobedient children. The latter can only selfishly praise Him for the good he has himself :received from Him, whilst the former praises and honours his God for His universal love an~ goodness, by which in some degree all the dwellers upon earth are benefited. I cannot but think what a Jack of trne faith in eternal things is evinced by so-called Christian people, in the frequent use of the term " resignation," in reference to death. "I know I shall not be here much'longer," says one who is approaching the gates of the Qther world, " but I am perfectly resigned to meet death whenever it comes." "Mr. So-and-so," ~ays another, "met his death with Christian resig.. nation." Thus death is looked upon as an evil which we cannot escape, but which it behoves us to make the best of, and to meet in that frame of mind which is called resignation. But this feeling is 'really more the virtue of a Stoic than of a Christian. Death (that is, what we usually call death, namely, the dissolution of .the body) in itself is no evil, but rather a great good. It is but the lifting of the veil that separates the natural and spiritual worlds,- the passing of the gateway that leads to a higher, a nobler, a more real life. To him who realizes internally the . nearness-nay, the oneness--of the spiritual ·life here and hereafter, and fears no death but the spiritual (that is, "to be carnally minded ") -to him death has no existence. Extremes moot: there is but little difference between the ignorant, Irish or Spanish Romanist's adoration of the senseless crucifix and the more cultivated Protestant's teaching his children (not an unCO~OD. case) that it is sinful to burn a stray leaf of a worn-out Bible. The one is the worship of wood and metal, the other of paper and printer's ink. Genuine truth must surely bear to be always practically carried out to its full extent. If what we suppose to be truth will not bear this test, we should be cautious in accepting it.
- 410. THOUGHTS BY THEWAY. 401 It should not be thought that any station or condition of life neoes- sarily shuts out a man from the practice of any particular virtue. ,The rich man may practice humility and contentment, and the poor man generosity and magnanimity; the gaoler may manifest a kind and merciful disposition; the soldier may be a peace-maker, and the inn- keeper a temperate man; the surgeon may feel a true and teI;lder sympathy for the sufferings of those whose bodily frame his knife tortures. Hence we may see that there is no excellence of character beyond the reach of anyone of us. We should "covet earnestly the best gifts," and remember "the more excellent way" recommended by the Apostle Paul. Thus by constantly keeping before us the great truth, that LOVE is the complex of every virtue-" the fulfilling of the law," we shall be ever drawing nearer to the perfection of life set forth in our Lord's Sermon on the Mount. When we are angry or offended at the misconduct of a friend towards us, it is because we feel our self-love wounded thereby: we ought rather to grieve for the injury which his fault does to himself, than for that which it may do us; we should then cherish no angry or vindic14ve feelings towards him, but should be able to forgive him as soon as the • wrong is committed. J. T. P. RJJVIEW. LU'E AND LETTERS OF FREDERICK W. ROBERTSON, M.A., Incumbent of Trinity Chapel, Brighton, 1847-53. Edited by'STOPFOBD A. ~ROOKE, M.A. London: Smith, Elder,and Co. 1865: Mr. RoBERTSON was well-known to the general public as a~ eloquent popular preacher, at a fashionable watering-place; but they who recog- nised him only in this capacity had very inadequate ideas ofhis individual merits and claims to regard. He posse.ssed an intellect of a high order, and a fervid imagination; an artist's perceptive faculty, and a poet's power of expression; and these gifts he improved' by a liberal ~lassic .and· literary culture. His mor~l nature was or corresponding excellence; .for nothing mean or sordid rested on his charaoter, and he had a·heart that appieciated all forms of goodness, and actively sym- pathised with all kinds of suffering. These qualities were. crowned by a life of purity and usefulness, consistently maintained·, through the whole of his career; based on an early resolve "that, by God's help, he would b~ a man after the pattern of phrist J eaus." And to all this were added the inferior advantages of handsome features and a graceful
- 411. '08 bVIEW. figure. It is not, however, principally for these qualities, nor with any attempt to represent them fully, that he is made the subject of these pages; but because his history exhibits some of the effects of modem free inquiry and discussion, and suggests the urgent necessity for the new doctrines of religious truth authoritatively delivered by 8wedenborg, to guide that inquiry aright. Robertson was born with an enthusiasm for a military life, and was rocked and cradled to the sound of artillery. The traditions of his family, too, both suggested and fostered a passionate love of arms, and by the time he left school, the secret wish of his heart to enter the army had become a settled purpose. After some delay, he obtained the promise of a commission, and began his military education with the utmost ardour and earnestness. He became a first-rate rider, a good shot, and an excellent draughtsman; and expecting India to be the scene of his future exertions, he endeavoured to qualify himself for a wide sphere of usefulness, by studying both its history and its religions. The anticipated preferment, however, was so long delayed that, fearing. his application to the Horse Guards had been forgotten, he yielded, • contrary to his own cherished inclination, to his father's urgent and repeated solicitations, and entered college in preparation for the church. Only a fortnight after he had matriculated, the offer of a commission in a regiment of cavalry arrived; but this being dec.1ined by his father, he accepted his destiny somewhat sternly, and began, at th~ age of twenty- one years, his university career. But his was a warrior's nature; and, though he devoted himself unflinchingly to the studies and duties ofthe clerical profession, he retained his military enthusiasm; he was all his life long a soldier at heart, and more willing "to lead a forlorn hope than to mount the pulpit stairs." The noticeable features of his college life are, a narrow escape from the Tractarian school, and the acquisition of an accurate alid critical knowledge of the Scriptures. Indeed, he comDiittedto memory the entire New Testament, in both Greek and English. In due time he was ordained, and entered with stern devotion on his ministry; and such was the severity of his labours, joined to his ascetic austerities, that in a year he inflicted injuries on his constitution from which it 'never recovered. His principles at this time were those of a ferVent evangelical,'though even then he began to see that it was "redemption from sin, and not so much from untrue opinion, which the world required;" but in less than three years "doubts and questionings began to stir in his mind.
- 412. RETIE"~. 409 He could not get rid of them. They were forced upon him by his reading and his intercourse with men." He' read Carlyle continuously, Emerson, Kant, Fichte, &c.; and "plunged deeply into German meta- physics and theology." His doubts "grew and tortured him. His' teaching in the pulpit altered, and it became painfui to him to preach. He was reckoned of the Evangelical school, and he began to feel that his position was becoming a false one. . . In his strong reaction from its extreme tendencies, he understood with' shock, which upturned his whole inward life for a time, that the system on which he had founded his whole faith and work could never be received by him again. Within its pale, for him, there was henceforward neither life, peace, nor reality. An outward blow, from which he never afterwards wholly recovered, accelerated the inward crisis, and the result was, a period of spiritual agony, 80 awful that it n~t only shook his health to its centre, but smote his spirit into so profound a darkness, that of all his early faiths but one remained: 'It must be right to do right.'" The following extract paints his experience during this struggle for spiritual existence, in his own words, and affords an exact illustration of Emanuel Swedenborg's account of the nature of spiritual temptation:- "It is an awful moment when the soul begins to find that the props on which it has blindly r~sted so long are, many of them, rotten, and begins to suspect them all; when it begins to feel the nothingness of many of the traditiott'ary opinions which have been received with implicit confidence, and in that horrible ma.curity begins also to doubt whether there be anything to believe at all. It is aJt awful hour-let him who has passed through it say how awful~when this life has lost its meaning, and seems shrivelled into a span; when the grave appears to be the end of all, human goodness nothing but a name, and the sky above this universe a dead expanse, black with the void from whicb God himself has disappeared. In that fearful loneliness of spirit, when those who should have been his friends and counsellors only frown upon his misgivings, and profanely bid him stifle doubts, which, for aught he knows, may arise from the fountain of truth itself,-to ex- tinguish, as a glare froIn hell, that which, for aught he knows, may be light from heaven, and everything seems wrapped in hideous uncertainty, I know but one way in which a man may come forth from his agony scathless; it is by holding fast to those things which are certain still,-the grand, simple landmarks of morality. In the darkest hour through which a human soul can pass, whatever else is doubt- ful, this at least is certain. n there be no God, Rll(l no future state, yet, even then, it is better to be generous than selfish,-better to be chaste than licentious,- better to be true than false,-better to be brave than to be a coward. Blessed beyond all ~arthly blessedness is the man who, in the tempestuous darkness of the soul, has dared to hold fast to. these venerable landmarks. Thrice blessed is he who-when all is drear and cheerless within and without, when his teachers terrify him, and his friends shrink from him-has obstinately clung to moral. good. Thrice blessed, because his night shall pass into clear, bright day.
- 413. 410 REVIE'V. "I appeal to the recollection of any man who has passed through that hour of agony, and stood upon the rock at last, the surges stilled below him, and the las~ cloud drifted from the sky above, with a faith, and hope, and trust, no longer traditional, but of his own,-a trust which neither earth nor hell shall. shake thenceforth for ever." This passage reveals, in a general manner, the nature of the doubts injected into his mind; but the character of his reading at the time, and allusions in his let_s, furnish more specific indications. Is there a God at all? or has He any existence distinct from the external universe? Is there a future life? Has the human soul an individual consciousness after death, or is it absorbed in the great ocean of life? Is the Bible true? Who was Christ? Was the resurrection a fact or a myth? Are goodness and truth anything but will-o'-the-wisps? These, and such as these, were the questions that rent his spiritual frame. "The rain descended, and the floods came, and the wind blew, and beat upon his house, and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock,"-a long-formed habit of do~g, as well as hearing the Lord's words. He thus came out of this temptation victorious, but not unscathed. Victorious, because he attained full conviction of certain great truths that form the very basis of all religion; but not unscathed, for the "great calm" that should follow, when the surging waves Of troubled thought have subsided, never entered fully into his mind, and this because he took to his bosom some of the falsities by which he was assailed. "He was ill at ease, life lay upon him very heavily; it • seemed, do what he might, he could not be happy." It took a few years to bring the agitated elements· of his thought into clearness; but tha.t work accomplished, "his religious convictions never wavered, and the principles of his teaching never changed." He resumed his clerical duties, and" at once awoke criticism and interest." "He had a presentiment, which was not altogether painful to him, that his work-done as he did it, with a throbbing brain, with nerves strung to their utmost tension, and with a physical excitement which was all the more consuming from being mastered in "its outward forms-would kill him in a few years. He resolved to crowd into this short time all he could. He had long felt that Christianity was too much preached as theology, too little as the religion of daily life; too much &8 a religion of feeling, to little as a religion of principles; too much 8S a re~on for individuals, too little as a religion for nations and for the world. He determinecl to make it bear ..Jlpon the social state of all classes, upon the questions which agitated society, upon the great movements of the world." In carrying out this determination, he was misunderstood and mis- represented,-alternately suspected 'and accused of being Tract~an or Pantheist, Unitarian or Swedenborgian. He enterta~eda high estimate
- 414. REYIE"o. 411 of his function as a teacher, though he never asserted it alTogantly; his biographer, too, puts forth lofty claims in his behalf, ranks him as a " prophet," and affirms of him,-" He had a message to give, and he gave it." Nay, still further reasons are assigned why he "never became the leader of a sect, never founded a schooL" It thus becomes an interesting subject of inquiry : -What were his principles? What did he teach? His principles of religious belief, presented under a general expres- sion, may be described as a graft from the transcendental philosophy inserted on the original stock of Church of England doctrine, after its Calvinism had been eradicated. His own statement on the subject is the following : - " The principles on which I have taught :-First, The establishment of positive troth, instead of the negative destruction of error. Secondly, That truth is made up of two opposite propositions [separately untrue], and Dot found in a via· media between the two. Thirdly, That spiritual truth is discerned by the spirit, instead of intellectually in propositions; and, therefore, truth should be taught suggestively', not dogmatically. Fourthly, That belief in the human character of Christ's humanity must be antecedent to belief in His Divine origin. Fifthly, That Christianity, as' its teachers should, works from the inward to the outward, and not vice versa. Sixthly, The soul of goodness in things evil." . To examine fully all these "principles," would extend this review to an inconvenient length; but neither is it desirable to leave them wholly without comment. A few remarks in elucidation of their real signi- ficance may be permitted. " The second principle, that truth is made up of two opposite proposi- tions, suggests an inquiry whether there are t~ths which stand in opposition to each other, and the observation that great truths are evolved, not by combining propositions separately untrue, but by har.. monising and bringing into unity, truths distinctly and separately apprehended. In relation to the third principle, that spiritual truth is not seen intellectually in propositions, the correct statement appears to be this: Spiritual ,truth is discemible only by the spiritual mind; but w hen it descends into the natural mind, the region of logical forms and sharp definitions, it necessarily puts on such forms of expression, or remains altogether unseen and inoperative. And, indeed, one of the higher exercises of thought is to bring this purer truth into those lower but corresponding forms that adapt it to the apprehension of the natural mind. Robertson" believed that the highest truths were poetry " - "Religion is poetry, all or most poetry is the half-way house to religion "-" to be felt, not provec1; resting ultin~ately, not on the
- 415. 412 REVIEW. authority of the Bible or the church, but ~n that "witness of God's spirit in the heart of man which is to be realised, not through the cultivation of the understanding, but by the loving obedience of the 4eart." At the very centre of the system of thought now pervading Christen- dom, which originated with the great thinkers of Germany, and has been rendered familiar to the general reader in this country by the writings of Carlyle, is .this assumption: that the human soul is the subject of immediate revelation; and that thus, prim~rily, not by external instruction from a divinely-inspired written Word, but by an internal way from God himself, does every man learn the laws of moral rectitude and the obligations of duty. This belief RobertsOJl fully accepted and embraced, and it permeated his whole mind and thought; thongh he rejected the kindred falsity that the human soul is continuous with, and a part of Deity itself. From this assumption flow the pre- valent ideas on the nature of the inspiration of the Scriptures-also accepted by him-as being precis.ely similar in kind to the inspiration of the poets and other writers. "The difference between Moses and Anaxagoras, the Epistles and the 'Excur- sion,' I believe is in degree. The. Light or the Word which dwells in all men, dwells in loftier degree in some than in o.thers, and'is also a nobler kind of inspira- tion. Bezaleel and Aboliah, artificers, were men inspired, we are told. Why they more than other seers of the beautiful? But who would compare their enlighten- ment with that which ennobles the life, instead of purifying the taste? • . • • One department is higher than another; in each department, too, the degree of knowledge· may vary frtlt a glimmering glimpse to infallibility: so that all is properly inspiration, but' immensely differing in value and degree. . . • I think this view of the matter is important, because in the other way some twenty or thirty men in the world's history have had a special comDlnnication, miraculous, and from God. - In this, all haye it, and by devout and earnest cultivation of mind and heart may have it increased illimitably." In his idea, the Bible was a better book than others, but only because its penmen lived nearer to God, and thu~ had a higher moral sense than the modems. " The prophetic power . . . . depends almost entirely on moral greatness. The prophet disce~ed large principles true for all time-principles social, political, ecclesiastical, and principles of life-chiefly by largeness of heart and sympathy of spirit with God's spirit." . His maxim was-" God and my own sonl; there is nothing else in this world I 'will trust for the truth. To Him and His voioe within us. From all else we must appeal." Commenting on his fourth principle, that belief in the human character of Christ mnst be antecedent to belief in His divine origin, bis bio~l'apher writes thus : -
- 416. REVIEW. 418 "He felt that an historical Christianity was absolutely essential; that only through a visible life of the divinest in the flesh could God become intelligible to men; that Christ was God's idea of our nature realised. • . • The Incarnation was to him the centre of all history, the blossoming of humanity. The life which followed the Incarnation was the explanation of the life of God, and the only 80lution of the problem of the life of man. He did noi sPeak much of loving Christ; his love was fiU,. mingled with that veneration which makes love Perfect, his voice was solemn, and he paused before he spoke His name in common talk. . . . He had sPent a worli of study, of reverent meditation, of adoring contemplation on the Gospel history. Nothing comes forward more visibly in his letters than the way he had entered into the human life of Christ. To that every- thing is referred-by that everything is explained. The gossip of a drawing-room, the tendencies of the time, the religious questions of the day, • • • • were not so much argued upon or combatted, as at once and instinctively brought to the test of a life which was lived out eighteen centuries ago, but which went everywhere with him." (To be continued.) MISCELLANEOUS. SAYINGS AND DOINGS OF THE the purposes of Christianity. The con- CHURCHES. version of the world, it wa's said, is to "The Instant Coming of the Lord be looked for through the instrumentality Jesus Christ." Such was the headini of the converted Jewish nation, and not of an immense number of bills and by the efforts of the church. Men, in posters which appear~d .in the metro- thinking of heaven and hell, had lost polis during the month of June, an- sight of the coming of Christ, and had nouncing a series of addresses to be forgotten that the salvation of the soul delivered upon the subject at St. James's was not so wecious in God's sight as Hall, and St. Martin's Hall, respectively. the gathering unto Himself a people! They were attende4 by numerous audi- In concluding, it was asserted that the ences, and the last, in St. James's Hall, church of the apostles was restored; that is described to have been a large and the Holy Ghost had been again heard in fashionable assembly, filling every inch the church, and that the only way in of the spacious area and platform. The which to prepare to meet Christ is to addresses on Thursday, the 28th of June, receive the Holy Ghost from the hands and on the Sunday following, were by of the apostles. At the close, it turned the Rev. F. W. Layton, B.A., and a Mr. out that those apostles were the minis- Walker. In glancing over the reports ters of the Irvingite church, that the of these two addresses, we have· not been hearing of the Holy Ghost in the able to discover a single thought which churches was the hearing of unknown bears upon the subject announced; and tongues, and that the main effort of the topics which were treated of, in both those sensation bills was to draw the eases, presented but very little of that public to hear some expositions of the religious intelligence by which the mind doctrines of the ~gites. can be satisfied, or the character be Jewish College. There is a project formed. The excited state of the Con- on foot among the Jews in the United tinent of Europe was spoken of as indi.. States of America, to build a magnificent cations of the fulfilment of prophecy; college for the purpose of educating the the divided condition of the church was young men professing that faith, in all viewed as a great calamity, and the re- the scientific and classical branClhes of turn of the Jews to Jerusalem, in a con- learning, but particularly in Jewish theo- verted state, was contemplated as among logy. Hitherto it appears that the J ewe
- 417. 414 MISCELLANEOUS. in America have had to send their sons, 'dogmas' advisedly, for one of the per- designed for the ministry, to Europe for nicious characteristics of the age was a their education. great dislike to doctrines, and a tendency . A learned Icelander is now, or was to reduce all religion to mere senti- very recently in Paris, on a theological mentalism. Another tendency of the age mission of inquiry. It appears that some was to assume an attitude and tone of Roman Catholic priests had so unsettled piety, and to write books, and to speak the minds of the Icelanders in their with an unction which deceived the un- Lutheran faith, that they deputed a wise descerning and unstable. Never was .,,~~,:., man among them to search the records there a greater realization than now of of the Louvre for documentary evidence the words 'Satan himself is transformed 011 the subject, which the priests said into an angel of light:' women wel"e, it were to be found there. The result of was to be feared, more carried away by the report sent back by the Icelandic the prevailing errors-ritualism on the theologian is stated· to haye been the one hand and neology on the other- expulsion of the priests from the country. than men." The students could hardly The Icelandic gentleman is now busily accept this portion of his lordship's engaged in translating the Bible into his address as presenting to them a hopeful native tongue. He is accompanied by future for the " dogmas" of their church. his wife, the :first lady of her nation who " The Westminster Review" for the has -'sited the Continent of Europe. current quarter, in treating of the state The Archbishop of Paris has postponed of parties in the English church, re- his proposed visit to Rome. The cause marks that "the liberal theologians and of this detennination is said to be the the men of science form one camp; Ro- reproof which had been administered to man Catholics and high churchmen of him by the Pope, for having given his various grades form 8.llother. The evan- sanction to the plan of a new unsectarian gelical school hav~ no heart, no respect, translation of the Bible, some particulars no influence; they never had any learn- of which we reported some months ago. ing, they affected to despise intellectual attainments, and find they are not in A Service and a Vestment. " The possession of the weapons which are Church Review" relates with gusto the necessary in the present conflict. They recent celebration on St. Alban's Day, in are conscious they have no future; in the the church dedicated to that saint in next generation their name will be clean Baldwin's Gardens. "Ai 11-15, the gone. On the other hand, the party solemn celebration took place; it was attached to the so-called catholic revival, preceded by a procession in which banners is a rapidly growing one, by the absorp- were borne, the hymll C<£lestes Urbs tion into itself of other sections of being chanted by the choir and congre- Christians with whom the idea of a gation. The music for the service was revelation necessarily implies the mira- that of the Missa de Angelis. The culous." So far as we have had the oppor- preacher was the Rev. H. P. Liddon. tunityof 'observing, that which is here .At the high celebration, the celebrant said of the evangelical party among and his minister wore a splendid set of churchmen is equally tree of the same gold-coloured silk damask vestments with party among the " denominations." The blue orpheys, presented to the Rev. A. H. narrowness of their religious thought is Mackonochie on the morning of the causing them to be thlllst aside by the festival." The show is all that is re- better educated and more intelligent ported; nothing is said of instruction portion of the community. being communicated to the people. I Theology in Scotland. Dr. Robert The Earl of Shafteshury, the repre- Lee, Principal Tulloch, Dr. Norman sentative of the evangelical party in the Macleod, Dr. Boyd, and a number of Church of England, in addressing the their friends belonging to the broad students, in the first week in July, at the church party in the church of Scotland, opening of the Theological Institution at took breakfast together in Edinburgh the Highbury Park, said "he hoped they morning after the closing of the General would retain, with a firm grasp, the Assembly, to consider what steps should leading and fundamental dogmas of the be taken in consequence of the recent Christian religion. He used- the word reverses they had sustained. Principal
- 418. MISOELLANEOUS. 415 Tnlloch stated that there was a strong allowed to prevail, matters seem ~y feeling among many eminent men that to right themselves iD a way little dreamt. it there were noi fair play for the im- of by chutehmen. Already the Non- pa1ses of religious thought within the conformists have passed us by in Biblical national churches, those churches must scholarship and ministerial training; the both go. The private and official specimens which we have given of their powers of restraint in the Church of sermons are such as the Church of Eng- England were tremendous, although land in our day could hardly show. The there was apparent legal scope, which labourer is worthy of his hire. If it be their church had .not. He loved the 80 that on their side is found modest Church of Scotland; but if it did not and successful labour under difficulty allow freedom to a Christian man, in the and disadvantage, and on our side a light of God's Word, to search the truth resting on self-assertion, and the pride for himself, it could have no interest for of our social and ecclesiastical position, him. He would soon bid good-bye to it will require no prophet and no long the church if he was convinced that a interval to manifest the inevitable re- certain meastlre of freedom of inquiry sult. " This from such a quarter is a was hopeless within it. Dr. Lee had no very candid statement, and by no means idea of leaving the church, but hoped to complimentary to the church to which see their principles, if he lived long the writer belongs. enough, predominate in it. Dr. Macleod " Why do I not repeat tlie Athauasian made a speech, which was not reported, Creed?" The" Wesleyan Times" gives, on "the true idea of a national church." in one of its own regular articles, the Hence it appears that considerable ex- following answers to this question:- citement on theological questions is pre- 1. Because there is no warrant in the vailing on the other side of the Tweed; Bible for the imposition of such a creed. and we have a strong faith that it will 2. Because the creed is controversial, and result in the establishment of greater therefore unfit for devotional service. S. liberty for religious thought among the Because it pretends to define what is un- members of the church, than that which definable by huma.n language. 4. Be- is allowed them at the present time. cause the word "Trinity," of which it The Dean of Canterbury (Dr. ~ord) commands reception, is not a Scriptural in noticing in the "Contemporary Re- word. 5. Because a Son" Eternal," yet view" some sermons which have been "begotten before all worlds" (clauses 10 recently published by Nonconformist and 31), is a contradiction. 6. Because ministers, observes-u It may be that that the Holy Spirit is eternal (10), and Nonconformists and ourselves do not yet proceeding from the Father and the fraternise well. Theirs is a work having Son (23), that is, in the sense of an eternal its distinctive climate and soil. Their proceeding, is likewise a contradiction. manners will naturally be somewhat 7. Because the alternative is unwarrant- different to ours, and their vocabulary able, that "unless a man believes" this also. In these very distinctions consist human exposition of the nature of the the value of their influence, and their Divine existence, "he cannot be saved" obliteration would destroy it. All we (42). 8. Because this creed imposes the ask for is that that influence should be article, that" Christ descended into hell " fairly acknowledged and taken. into (S8), instead of into the grave. 9. Be- account; that there should pass away cause it presumes to pronounce the from among us that ignoring and conse- unauthorised and shocking anathema- quent ignorance of oN onconformity and "except every one do keep this faith its professors which is now almost uni- . (creed), he shall perish everlastingly." (?) versal; thaJ; without any compromise 10. Because the co-essential existence of on either side, we be fonnd working the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, with them on all good matters of public not being explained in the Bible, to that utility and Christian benevolence. The mystery,. along with others intimated authors of such sermons as we have now therein, but beyond my comprehension, been reviewinp: are not men whom any I reverently bow, awaiting, that what I portion of Christian society ought to know not concerning them in the flesh, allow itself to treat with _neglect. If may be understood hereafter. N.B. This such neglect be continued, and the arro- creed was composed 100 years after the pnce of those who promote it be death of Athanasius by nobody knows
- 419. 416 HISCELLANEOUS. whcAI. Same B. June 20, 1866. . . . see the way to accomplish the object Other reasons for the repudiation of this sought, but the Conference said that it creed could be easily adduced, but the was ready to listen to any proposals above are remarkable as coming from a respecting it. quarter so closely allied to the church, The Annual Conference of the Oxford the ministers of' which are legally bound Clergy. At this Conference, held in the to use it thirteen times a-year in their early part of July, one of the subjects public services; and we note it as among discussed was lay agency. At the con- the signs of the times, which are becom- clusion the Bishop of Oxford said that ing impatient of those restraints which evidently all the speakers had an earnest theological errors have laid upon reli- craving for lay help: they would be in- gious thought. . terested to learn that on Holy Thursday, Among the efforts after union which after prayer and communion, this 8ubject are being made by some of the sections had engaged the anxious attention of a of the divided churches, and which have large meeting of the episcopate, including been noticed in some paragraphs of pre- all the archbishops, and several of the ceding numbers of the Repository, we colonial bishops. They had resolved, have now to add that of the Methodists. subject to the inquiry as to whether one One of the first things to which the atten- point of their scheme could be carried tion of the .Wesleyan Conference was out consistently with the Act of Uni- callef, after its opening at Leeds, on form ity, and that an order of H readers " the 28th of July, was a letter from the should be established-" lay deacons," President of the Methodist New Con- as a designation had been rejected. nexion Conference, expressing sentiments Those "readers" were to be publicly of Christian regard, and forwarding a appointed, with prayer (not imposition series of resolutions expressing a general of hands), and were to labour, under the desire for the Conference to take steps pa.rish clergyman, after episcopal ex- to effect a union amongst the various amination, and with episcopal authority, Methodist bodies. The reading of those in the outlying districts, in minis~ering documents is said to have been listened the Word, &c. The clergy would visit to with great interest, and to have elicited the stations periodicolly and administer unmistakable expressions of sympathy in the communion. The commtmicants the Conference. The matter was placed thus gathered in would be invited once in the hands of a committee, composed annually, at least, to communicate in the of some of the most prominent members mother church. In this church the of the Conference, to prepare a proper " readers " were not to officiate, nor were reply. It was felt th4t the object thus they to be addressed as "reverend;" but sought to be accomplished is one that, on to wear the surplice in the ministrations. many grounds, appears to be highly That which was needed for them was desirable, and much to the credit of the official recognition and status. Methodist New Connexion that it should Roman Catholics and Ritualism. A be so anxious to promote it. But it is sermon on the subject of, Ritualism was said there are difficulties, .almost in- recently preached by the Catholic clergy- superable, lying in the way, which, how- man in St. Peter's Chapel, Liverpool. ever, will be carefully considered by the The sermon had been extensively adver- committee appointed, and the judgment tised, and though the price of admission of the Conference thereon will be elicited. to the galleries was a shilling, the chapel We are pleased to recognize the activity was quite full. The preacher considered of this sentiment after Christian union, ritual under three aspects-first, its con- because it implies the growth of charity; formity with the nature of man; second, but we have but little hope of its' speedy its conformity with Holy Scripture; and accomplishment, because of the legal third, its necessity to the Christian reli- trammels which, in respect to property, gion. Under the first head, be argtl€d have been created during the separation, that the nature of man being composed to say nothing of the difficulties arising of body and spirit, each influencing the from the various phases of faith and dis- other, no emotion could stir the heart cipline, and for the mutual modification without a corresponding outward expres- of which it does not appear that charity sion of it; sorrow, joy, fear, all had their is as yet sufficiently matured. The outward manifestations, and so with the committee reported that they did not deeper emotions of religion. The savage
- 420. 1IlSCELLANEOUS. 417 must bow his head and raise his hands and exalted state. Though he ';I),S un- in prayer. The history of every nation able to explain the increase of Romanism testified to the innateness of ritual. So in England, be believed the heart of the particular were the old Romans, about country wos still true to Protestantism. the minutest ceremonial of their religion, In 1792 there were 5,000 priests in that it was said of them they sometimes Paris; but though the population of the began it as many as thirty times, to cor- city had doubled itself since that time, rect some little flaw. Referring to the there were now only 900 priests in I second aSPect of the subject, he pointed Paris. He believed the Saturday even· out that of the five books of the old law, ing of the .world was very near, and that one was almost filled with instructions on the sabbath of 1,000 years which was about religious rites and ceremonies; at hand, there would be a sunrise which and another very largely occupied with would experience no western declension. the same matter. The only objection to This is not very definite, and by no be advanced to this argument-and there means very edifying talk, and yet it is was no illustration against which some- remarkable that large audiences were thing could not be said-was that these attracted by it. Surely the gratification observances were now di~pensed with, of curiosity about the future, rather than and that we now worshipped in spirit the love of instruction, must have great and in truth. In reply to this, he referred influence in the production of such to John's description of worship in heaven results. .~, as recorded in the Apocalypse; though it might be said that was a vision, it THE CONFERENCE. showed at least the feeling of the apostolic The fifty-ninth Conference assembled, ag~ Coming to the third division of his according to appointment, at Accring- subject, he said that the church on earth, ton, on Tuesday, the 14th August. It whether taken as the whole body of consisted of 12 ministers and 52 repre- Christians, or as mem bel'S of the Catholic sentatives, a larger number than ever church, must be regarded as the beginning met at any previous Conference. The Rev. of the church in heaven. As Catholics, E. D. Rendell was elected president, they helieved that opon their altars was and the Rev. W.Woodman vice-president. offered up, though in an unbloodymanner, Mr. Pitmnn was re-elected secretary. the same sacrifice as at Calvary. 'Vith The amount of business, which seems the Christians around them they had annually increasing, was this year larger many things in commOD- the belief in than usual; and the book containing the the Trinity, in the great ~ystery of the minutes· and the other matters connected Atonement, in the sacrifice of Christ; with the business will be found valuable but they have, over and above that, as a and interesting. Information presented distinctive mark-however a minority in the form of minutes and statistics is outside their church might seek to deny generally regarded as rather dry reading; it-the real presence of the body, and yet it really is only from these merely blood, and soul of Christ. That was matter-of-fact statements that we can their belief, and being their belief, was acquire a true knowledge, or form a real not their ritual consistent with itself? estimate, of the use of the Conference It is marvellous that so many sensible and the outward condition of the church observations as were contained in this which it represents. The long list ot discourse should have been associated documents laid before the Conference with so much wretched logic, and such on the :first day of its meeting would outrageous conclusions. give some idea of these points. Th~re Dr. Cummin again. This celebrated are reports of committees appointed by student of prophecy recently delivered a the last Conference; reports of officers lecture in Halifax on the "Signs of the of Conference, and addresses to and Times." He said he did not claim to be from the church in this country and a prophet; but he believed that these were other branches of the church abroad; solemn and startling times, and that the and applications received by this Con- world was on the point of great events. ference for ordinations, licences, and The great lines of prophecy seem to grants of money for schools and other intersect the year 1867. The world he objects and uses. The business arising believed would not be destroyed, but out of all these occupies much time, and would endure for ever in a more purified shows no startling results, but indicates 27
- 421. 418 MISCELLANEOUS. the means by which our organisation is late the church on the certainty of steadily working out its greatest uses,- accommodation be~g provided, in about the more important uses, in fact, for a year from this time, for the students the sake of which the societies and whom the Conference has this year ministers of the church unite and co- adopted, and which it may hereafter operate with each other. The report of adopt, and for the opening, should it be the National Missionary Institution shows otherwise practicable, of a collegiate that about 30 different places have been school, if we may so call it, for the visited by several ministers and other education of the youth of the church. missionaries, and that much good has In connection with the college, we been effected both to societies and in may notice the appointment of, and ar- the way of diffusing a lmowledge of the rangements for the instruction of the doctlines. Grants of money have been students for the present year. In addi- made to a number of schools, which tion to the three students of last year, insure instruction in the doctrines, who have again been adopted by the and, what is still more important, their present Conference, Mr. James Chester training in the true spirit of two prin- has been recommended to the Committee, ciples-the princil)les of love to the who are authorised to place him o:p. the Lord and to each other. The Sunday- fund, that he may prosecute his studies schools are also performing very YRluable as a clergyman; and, in consequence uses, and an increasing number of socie- of the present }>ortion of the college ties are forming distinct classes for the building being rendered unfit for use special and systematic religious instruc- during the progress of the work of erec- tion of the children of members. This tion, it is recomme,ded that the education additional means of assisting societies of the students be for the ensuing year and parents to instruct their younger carried on. in lIanchester. The Bev. children, mentioned as in preparation W. Woodman ha.s been appointed 8.f last ~rear, is now supplied. The cate- their theological tutor, and Mr. E. J. chism for young children is now pub- Broadfield has undertaken to superin- lished; and the editor of the H.epository tend their secular instruction. That has been instructed to call the special the education of students to supply attention of the members of the church future ministers for the church may not to this successful accommodation of the be prevented for want of funds, Mr. doctrines of the Word to the faculties of Finnie, in addition to the £2,000. to the children in their tender years. college, has given £2,000. to the Students From schools and the instructing and and Ministers' Aid Fund, to be likewise training of children, we now pass to the invested, by his sanction, in a way that College and the education of students. will make it as productive as possible. The subject of the college again occu- pied the attention of the Conference. MONDAY EVENING. It will be recollected that the sum of A reception meeting was held in the £3.000. was voted by the last Confer- schoolroom, where tea was provided, and ence to complete the college buildings. where the representatives assembled or This. however, was found inadequate to repaired, and were met by a number of the carrying out· of the plans, about the Accrington friends on their arrival. £7,000. being required for that purpose. Some new friends and many old ones A further sum of £4,000. has been had thus an opportunity of meeting granted, which, with the £3,000. voted together, and exchanging gratulations last year, will be sufficient to cover all and sentiments of love and friendship. the expenses necessary for its completion. This grant will not, however, materially THURSDAY EVENING. diminish the income for the education The friends partook of tea in the of the students, as Mr. Finnie, in addi- school-room, and afterwards, to the num- tion to his other munificent gifts, has ber of several hundreds, adjourned to this year given £2,000. to the college the church, where a very interesting fund, and has authorised its investtnent meeting was held, presided over by the in such a way as will realise a much Rev. E. D. Rendell, of Preston. The larger annual income from it than would subject selected for the evening's consi- be derived from its investment in govern- deration was-" The evidences of --the ment securities. We may now congratu- Second Coming of the Lord as mani-
- 422. 419 • MISCELLANEOUS. fested in the religious, moral, and intel- quired the assumption of the humanity; lectual condition OWhe world at the but He provided against the possibility present day." of a reCUlTence of such a state of things The CHAIRMAN, in introducing the with man, and therefore the necessity subject, observed that it had been usual, for a personal coming conIc! no more for several years past, on the assembly exist. His first advent was as the Son of the General Conference of the Church, of ·God-it was for the maintenance of to hold such a meeting as the present, that title that the Jews rejected him; and he trusted that they would have an but wherever the second coming is interesting, edifying, and affectionate treated of, it is always mentioned as the one. Our views of the phenomena of "coming of the Son of Man."· The the Second Coming of the Lord, and the Lord, when in the world, glorified his execution of a judgment, eveIlts pre- Humanity; and when that process was dicted by the Sacred Scriptures, are comp~ted, He could be seen with the very different to- those whicll commonly spiritual sight only. When the Lord prevail- we believing that both these appeared to the apostles, after His resur- events have actually taken place, that rection, "their eyes were' opened, and the scene of these phenomena was the they knew Him." By glorifying His world of spirits, and that their effects Humanity, He finally withdrew Himself would, sooner or later, become manifested from the natural sight of natural men. in the world of men. Extraordinary When the disciples, at the transfiguration, effects are proofs of uncommon causes; saw with their spiritnal sight the Lord if, therefore, we saw that the world was "taken up, and received by a cloud the scene of a series o.emarkable events, out of their sight," the angel said to it was reasonable to conclude that they them-" This same Jesus which is taken were the effects of eminent, though up from you into heaven, shall so CODle unseen, causes taking their rise in the in like manner as you have seen Him spiritual world. The ultimate effects go ;" these terms plainly referring to of the Second Coming would be visible His personal coming into the spiritual in the advancement of civilisation in world, and not to any natural advent. the earth, and especially in the de- But the exposition of the prediction is velopment of liberty of thought with not to be considered as being confined respect to theological subjects. Such to the history of occurrences in the spi- effects are visible in our own times, and ritual world. It is from the spiritual we are bound to refer them to the acti- world that men think and act; and when vity of some beneficent causes of which the Lord comes personally into the spi- the Lord must have been the primary ritual world, it is for the purpose of Author. The Lord had said-" Then establishing a condition of order there; shall the sign of the Son of Man appear but He also comes, influentially, into in heaven, and then shall the tribes of the world of man to bring about a state the earth mourn and see the Son of Man of intelligence and order there. The come in the clouds of heaven with power ultimate purpose of the Divine Coming and great glory." The terms of this must be to benefit the world by commu- promise were eminently figurative. A nicating to men some. superior informa- purely literal interpretation of this pas- tion especially concerning the true nature sage was rather adapted to terrify the of His Word. How is this coming to be ignorant than to instruct the thoughtful. recognised amongst men? By the s.»Pe- By the sign of the Son of Man appearing rior views which will be taken ot-'tbe in heaven, is not meant any remarkable whole Word, and of the Divine teachings appearance in the sky; phenomena in which that Word unfolds; and by such the clouds would be visible to very few improvements as' will take place in the of the inhabitants of the earth. The moral states and spiritual reql)irements mistake in understanding this passage of the world. All will see that the Divine has arisen through fastening natural Word is in the process of being lifted ideas upon figurative terms, and can only higher in man's spiritual estimation. be rectified by .the acceptance of a true No matter to what quarter we turn our spiritual philosophy. The Lord's first attention, improvement and discovery advent had of necessity been a personal are eyerywhere to be observed; and no one, since there were then circnmstances doubt, sooner or later, every one will be in man's spiritual condition which re- able more or less to recognise and trace
- 423. 420 MISCELLANEOUS. • these effects to their real cause-the the Gospels, that walking by the Sea of Second Coming of the Lord. Galilee, He saw ta men,Peter and An- Mr. GOLDSACK, in a few preliminary drew, fisheTS, who"M'He called to become observations, took occasion heartily to fishers of men. We read also that He thank the Accrington friends for the very went a little further and saw two other great kindness he had received at their men, James and John, whom He also hands during this his :first visit. He was called to be His disciples. If the Second pleased to see the church there greater Coming of the Lord is to be a spiritual and grander than he had seen it any- coming, and to be an interior fulfilment where in the world. There were two of His first coming, then what He did at phases in which the subject of the even- that time for the purpose -of establishing ing might be viewed. Looking for a His kingdom in the world, must be done moment on the dark side of the subject, now in a spiritual manner. There are he would mention that but very recently certain spiritual graces, required for the he had heard a minister of a very large purpose of establishint that kingdom, congregation give out the following no- the first of which is faith; and this is tice :_U We shall meet here next Thurs- represented by the first choice which the day evening. if the Lord has not come Lord made, that of Peter. The interior in the meantime." But the grand and spiritual significance of Peter is that of glorious morning was showing itself in a rock. faith, or truth. In order to esta- every department of life and literature. blish His kingdom in the soul, for which By way of illustration of the advance of purpose He is to come a second time by public opinion, Mr. Goldsack read the the revelation of His Word, the Lord report of a speech recently made by Earl comes to man th.gh his affections and Russell at a meeting, in .which his lord- into his thoughts. He comes into the ship traced the progress religious ideas affections of man by meanij of the reci- were making in all parts of the world, piency of goodness, and into l1is thoughts and the great desire for religious liberty by his perception of truth. It is by the which eyerywhere existed, concluding unfolding of the Word that men obtain with these words-" If, however, all perception of the troth, which makes its these churches and religious commu- advent into the intellectual faculty of the nities, keeping their own creeds and mind. The second disciple chosen was systems of faith, would insist upon those Andrew, which signifies obedience. If lessons of love, of mercy, and forgive- the second coming of the Lord is to be a ness, which are contained in the Gospel, spiritual fulfilment of His· first coming, the unity of spirit might be obtained; then there must be a corresponding spiri- then the Divine words-' If you love me, tual grace called up in the soul of man, keep my commandments,' would receive by which the Lord can establish His universal application; then indeed we coming. This is p'ractice. Faith is the might hope to see the vices of onr great first spiritual disciple, and practice the cities, the ignorance, the superstition of second. We read that the Lord then went our villages and rural districts, the a little farther; spiritually speaking, to go crimes of omission of both rebuked by a little farther, is to be more interiorl,. the spirit of Christianity." Swedenborg received through the means of man's used, if not. the same words, nearly the affections and thoughts. Man then re- same sentiments. Love to God and to ceives the Word more interiorly. The our,jellow-men are the great constituents consequence is, it brings forth anoth~r of universal welfare and eternal happi- state of spiritual life; that state is cha- ness hereafter. When the members of rity ;-charity for all men,-charitv that the New Church exhibited more of this knows no bounds,-charity that makes love in their acts und lives, the world men love each other with the love which would receive that church gladly. prevails in the kingdom of heaven. The IVlr. LE CRAS observed that the worthy third apostle called by the Lord was chairman had shown that the Second named J ames. It is noteworthy that the Coming of the Lord is a spiritual com- name James signifies one who supplants. rug,-an interior coming, by which all In the progress of man's regeneration, the things that took place naturally which is by an interior reception of good- when He came in the flesh, are now to ness and truth, unfolding itself in all the take place spiritually. When the Lord activities of human life, making the earth was present in the world, it is said in below a heaven, and preparing us for an
- 424. MISCELLANEOUS. 421 eternity of bliss, spiritual love supplants his actions, and interiorly regenerated faith; this is signified by J ames being as to his affections and thoughts, and the third apostle chosen. Charity sup- thus become fitted for an angel in heaven. plants faith by the more interior re- He trusted all might realise that happy ception of faith unfolding charity, and state. making man become more angelic. We The CHAIRMAN here mentioned that read also that the Lord called another Mr. Le Cras was the gentleman through - disciple, whose name was John, to follow whom, forty-five years ago, he had first Him. This denotes a state of grace and met with the doctrines of the New blessedness, which is an interior state of Church. practice. By the Lord's going a little Mr. Renden being unavoidably called farther in space, is represented a further away, the Rev. R. Storry took the chair. progress in the mind. The Lord thus Mr. J. F. POTTS observed that the became more periectly received, unfolded subject was one which conveyed feelings more goodness, more henevolence, more of delight and pleasure in the proportion perception of His truth and wisdom, and that we realised its nature. If we thus brought man into a closer union brought our minds to contemplate the with angels and with Himself. These evidences which exist of the second four disciples, Peter, Audrew, James, and coming of the Lord, they must delight John, were the first disciples whom the our minds by the prospect of a new state Lord chose at His first advent. At His and the new light breaking into the ~piritua1 advent, or second coming, the world. These evidences might be looked four disciples that Heo;then chose to esta- for in two directions. The positive blish in His heaven1y kingdom in the evidences had been dwelt upon by the -soul, were faith, practice, charity, and a previous speakel·s. He would now direct good life. The doctrine which tL!-ught their attention to 8 few of the negative that, could not be a bad doctrine. The evidences. It was necessary thoroughly Lord not only chose these four disciples, to investigate the dark side of the subject but afterwards increased their number in order to be able to overcome it, and to twelve, whom He sent throughout the prepare the way for the bright and . world to "preach the Gospel to every beautiful. The bright and true comes creature." We nnderstand these dis- out into stron~er relief by contrast with ciples to mean all the truths of His Holy that which it is intended to remove. Word. The disciples siKJluy these truths, The Lord declared that his second because truths are messengers, sent upon oomin~ should take place immediately a mission to unfold goodness in men's after the "tribulation of those days;" affections and hearts, and to bring them if, therefore, we could discern the forth in life. The number twelve, in- evidences of this· tribulation we could teriorly and spiritually 'understood, sig- see the evidences of that which is to nifies all; disciples signify truths; thus follow the tribulation-the second coming the twelve disciples represent all ilruths. of the Lord. If the thoughtful and' The world into which they are sent is Christian man looked forth into the the naturaJ. mind of man, which is at en- world, he could not fail to be filled with mity with God, and full of all unclean- feelings of the deepest grief and sorrow ness; and all the evils and falRities which at the evidences that he sees of this cause it to be unclean, must be removed. tribulation. Not that we are -to conclude When the natural mind of man is cleansed, from this that now is the time of greatest the whole mind is cleansed, and he be- tribnlation; but that these things are comes fitted for an angelic abode. The the remains of tribulation, which remain Lord, instead of sending twelve disciples as evidences of a state which has now throughout the world, as when in the indeed passed- away, but which has left flesh, now sends the truths of the Holy its long trail of misery as an evidence of Word into the natural mind of man. its existence. But the most profitable This is the object of the second coming effort of the mind is that which brings of the Lord. It is a spiritual coming, itself home, and looks within. How far unfolding the goodness of Hi! Holy Word has the New Church shown evidences of by means of its truths, in order that man, the state of tribulation which we have by the perception of these truths, and by seen must precede the second coming of the affection for the goodness which the Lord? They were to be found in the they unfold, may become reformed as to most important aspect within ourselves.
- 425. 422 MISCELLANE-OU5~ Addressing, through the representatives, activity of man's understanding tbat. the whole church, he would ask whether men's material bounties are being multi- the New Church were not itself an plied upon every hand. Yet, while thi& evidence, a city set on a hill, of love to understanding is so very active in thus- God anll man, which could not fail to be multiplying the material benefits of man- seen. If we wish to have the evidences kind, it is dqing another work; it is at and witnesses of the Lord's second the same time bren.king up all the old coming within ourselves, wc must have interpretations of the Word and the the love of that spiritual truth which is doctrines of the church; for the Word contained in the Divine Word. It is itself cannot be understood by reading within, in our love of Divine truth and and interpreting it in a merely natural of the Divine Word, and the setting of light. The light from heaven must. our light before men by good works, descend-a spiritual light must dawn in that we should seek for evidence of the the human mind, and -after it has 80' second comi.ng of the Lord. descended, it will be found that the- Mr. WESTALL said, that while mllny in understanding of man is in greater the Christian church were looking for- freedom and liberty, that it will come- ward with some degree of awe and fear out with greater beauty and power, and to the coming of some great and terrible see truths and wonders that are impOs- day-a day of judgment, when it is said sible to be beheld by men in a natural the Lord will come again into the world condition. purposely to judge the earth-the New Mr. E. J. BROADFIELD- observed that.. Church, on the other hand, declares some time ago a dissenting minister had with characteristic boldness that He has said to him--" Have you ever noticed.. already come, or is now in the process and thought of the fact that there has- of coming; not personally, but influen- been a general revival in the last century, tially; and evidence can be enumerated far beyond anything ever known before? ,,. on eyery hand to show that this is really This was only an illustration of what. the case. Notwithstanding this great men were every day observing-that we- difference in the two views, they are pro- are enjoying fessedly drawn from the same source- " A wondrous store the 24th chapter of Matthew. The dif- Of blessings never known before_" ference results from the first view being The evidences of revival which ar~ to be- merely a literal interpretation of the found in every sphere are exhaustless. text. But the New Church submitted If we looked at science, and saw the won- to the consideration of every thoughtful derful effects it accomplished, we shoulcf mind the fact that no really consistent see that they surpassed, on account of or intelligible idea can be drawn from their uses, all the works of antiquity. a merely literal interpretation of that In the intellectual world the wonderful chapter. The prophecy contained therein evidences of progress are so numerous- .is giyen ns in the language of symbols, that a-much longer time than is allotted and relates to the mind; and, therefore, to us would be required to run over the- we must look for its fulfilment, not in catalogue. Modem literature is evidence- the world of nature, but in the world of of what inquiry is doing. Many were- mind. Why has th~re been such an being led to see the troth in its purity advancement in- science and literature and brightness. What glorious evidences since the middle of the last century? was poetry affording of the new out- In consequence of that fact which was pouring of truth into the world t In the- mentioned by the Chairman-namely, well-known lines- that a judgment has been effected in the "Ring in the valiant man and free, world of spirits, by which the prejudices The larger heart, the kindlier hand- which bowed men's understandings to- Ring out the darkness from the land- personal authority, and which, in this Ring in the Christ ibat is to be," world, chained that understanding to we have an illustration of the spirit of a ecclesiastical dominion, were thrown great man's poetry. From Mrs. Brown- off-man's understanding could stand ing, who fairly shares the laurel wreat~ forth with greater freedom, greater with that author, we have the express liberty; and to that liberty we are in- declaration that this world, in all its debted for all the acti'ities that have bea.uty and grandeur, stands connectecl. gince been manifested. It is hy this by mutual correspondence with the worl4
- 426. MISCELLANEOU~. 428· 'Of canses; and that there is a nobler enlightened and prepared; and now that and more beautiful world - a spiritual the Lord has appeared the second time, world-the existence of which is the very those who are in charity, and are only eause of all the beauty and joy of the divided doctrinally, will be enabled to natural world. Charles Dickens and receive all the true life and love which. William Thackeray have, in the garb of will unite them, and the new dispen- fiction, presented equally noble truths. sation will be fnlly established in the In all these things we have evidences world. that there is an actual manifestation of The Rev. JOHN HYDE said it had often -something that men generally cannot been remarked by persons who were understand, but which we believe to be inclined to take a gloomy view of things, the result of the Second Coming of the and to regard this earth as a calamitous Lord. Do we find commensurate evi- blot upon the fair universe of God, that dences of progress within our own deno- this world is absolutely growing worse mination? We hear the expression very and worse. They tell us that the nations often that the New Church is to be the of the earth are diminishing in stature, -erown of all other churches. It is a and lessening in vital ene.rgy and power, glorious thing to think we are enjoying and if not decreasing in intelligence, llome of the blessings of the New Church; certainly developing a large amount of but it is time we all realised this lesson, crime. They say that there are many· that unless we make ourselves worthy of dreadful evidences that the world is receiving the spirit of the church, we rapidly approaching the consummation must pass away. He (Mr. Broadfield) of the age, and that soon it will be wiped loved the chutch extremely; and because out of existence altogether. On this he loved and regarded it, he longed to point the New Church is at issue witk see the time when it shall see clearly such people. The New Church declares that it has to regenerate its external, that since the first advent of the Lord and at the same time that this can only Jesus Christ, the earth, so far from take place by the internal first being growing worse, has been growing better regenerated. He urged all to have oil and better. That this was so, might be in their lamps while waiting for the easily seen from a considet"ation of the coming of the Lord, so that the church work which the Lord Jesus Christ came might go on and become externally to perform. If it were true that at that worthy to represent that crown of all time man was so beset with spirit_al ~hurches, and march gloriously under enemies that he had not only lost the the banner of the New Jerusalem. desire of doing good, but that he had Mr. GLADWELL observed, that the almost forfeited his spiritual liberty, Christian church had been gradually then the Lord, having subdued man's decaying; it had been dismembered, enemies and placed them under His feet, disunited, and made void by its tradi- must have given to man the power also tions. But there is appearing in the to overcome, and to grow in gra.ce, virtue, -clouds a light shining more and more- and holiness. We are sUlTounded with a light which will increase in brilliancy evidences of moral, spiritual, and in- till it is as the light of perfect day. The tellectual improvement in the world. winter in the history of the church is We have but to contrast the world of passing away. As in the natural world, to-day and the condition of religious while in winter everything is cold and thought with the state of the world icebound, and of a death-like character, prior to the Lord's mst advent, to· and on the arrival of spring a change see this improvement. The world is takes place, the darkness is dispersed improving in the desire to benefit and little by little, and heat and light flow bless mankind, in the perception of the in from the great centre,-so in the spiri- fact that individuals have rights, and tual world has been taking place a cor- that having rights they ought to be responding change. The church has been maintained and acknowledged. There dead and lifeless through the want of is progress in the intellectual condition :charity and truth; but this state is pass- of the world. It is impossible to take ing away, and we are beholding mighty up any of the best CUlTent literature of ~hanges which can only be attributed to the day without being surprised to find the influx of Divine goodness and truth. how the ideas of the New Church are The world is being, to a great extent, penetrating it·, working their way in
- 427. 424 MISCELLANEOUS. every direction, and acting upon the religion hath relation to life, and the' minds of many writers universally for life of religion is to do good." This is good. In science there is a greater and the grand morality after which we growing perception of the forces and should seek. As an encouraging sign of' powers of nature. The ability to apply the times, he would mention that since science so that it may become the means the liberation of the slaves in Ameri~ of enhancing and extending the happiness hundreds of them who had before been of the universal race of mankind has living together without marriage, had, vastly increased. These are all signs of feeling themselves new and free people, Ule operation of some causes which are and desiring to assume the character of adequate to their production. Wc know men, come forward to have that rite Ulat the spiritual world operates within performed. During the last few years the natural. Natural effects are the the millions of slaves who had previously outgrowths of spiritual causes, and the existed in Russia. had been emancipated. spiritual causes emanate from the Lord; 1.'ms was a striking proof of the descent· so that all the great improvements which of the New Jerusalem upon the earth. we may discern and which we still hope It might not be known to all that the for are the operations of the Lord work~ councillor of state who, 40 years ago, ing through the heavens and the world first proposed that these slaves should be "Of spirits, and ultimating such operations freed was a New Churchman. In con- in the natural plane in which we at clusion, he would heartily thank the- present dwell. In granting this we Accrington friends for the liberality and attribute to God all the progress of man~ kindness which had been received at kind. But as we hope to share in the their hands by the members of Confer- triumph, let us be willing to partake of ence. the labour; for triumph can only be the The meeting was, then brought to & • result of earnest war. If, in this present close by the Rev. W. Bruce pronoClcing day of comparatively small things, the the Benediction. triumph appears slow in coming, we can trust Him who has promised; and co- FRIDAY EVENING. operating with the influence of His Holy The Accrington friends entertained Spirit, we can find our own joy in the the members of Conference at a soiree joy of others. in the hall of the Peel Institute. In ~r. BATEMAN congratulated the meet- this spacious and elegant hall, friends ing on the large number of persons assembled to the number of about 700. present, which spoke well for the state It was said to be the largest meeting oC of the Accrington Society. That society the kind that has ever yet been held in had been begun by a few men in humble this country-and the members of the circumstances, but of high moral attain- Accrington society had done everything ments, having the "honest and good they could to insure its being one of heart," which made them desire the truth the most agreeable and happy. J amea. of the Lord's kingdom, in order that Grimshaw, Esq., occupied the chair. they might themselves become examples In a few appropriate remarks he stated of righteousness. This was the true the object of the meeting, and the basis upon which all progressive Chris- measures which the members of the tianity must rest. It was not merely church had adopted to promote it. After that we should desire to hold certain the mental labour and bodily fatigue opinions; we should have impressed which a close attention to the business upon our hearts and minds the convic- of the Conference had necessitated, tion that we are placed here by our relaxation was desirable, nnd the mem- Heavenly Father to live an angelic life, bers had judiciously arranged that the- and to prepare ourselves to live with evening should be devoted principally angels hereafter. It is in religious lives to music. The choir of the Aoorington that we should manifest that we are Society rendered., with admirable taste, real members of the New Church, and several pieces, mostly of a simple- that the Lord ha.s made His second and homely character. Besides the atIvent into onr hearts. Thus onr reli- musical staff of the society, several gious duty becomes our moral duty, for musical friends from other societies. all true religion luust rest upon outward contributed to the pleasure of the acts. Swedenborg'tJ words arc-" All evening. At intervals, many short
- 428. MISCELLANEOUS. 425 Bpeeches were delivered by chosen and which will shortly be possessed, must popular speakers, among whom we may soon occupy an itnportant place among mention Dr. Bayley, who made his first the New Church societies of this country. appearance at this meeting after a long The following sums are thankfully ac- tour on the Continent, w here he had knowledged : - • been engaged in some useful work, Mr. James Heywood £2 0 0 and a full report of whose journey we " J. Fletcher..... .. .. •..• 2 0 0 hope to give at large in a subsequent U A. Hindle •..•.....•.. 1 0 0 number. Refreshments in great abund- " J. Rindle •.....• • . . 1 0 0 ance and variety had been provided, U H. Rawsthome 1 0 0 which the rather crowded state of the " J. Barnes ..••• . • • • • • • 1 0 0 room rendered exceedingly agreeable. UT. Wild ....••..••••.. 1 0 0 The meeting was continued till eleven Messrs. Radcliffe and Mills. . 1 0 0 o'clock, and the delighted company Mr. Wolstenholme 1 0 0 seemed reluctant even then to. separate. " E. Lowe •• . • •. . . . • • • •• 1 0 0 Thanks were given by the President of " Cragie................ 1 0 0 the Conference for the large and warm " Pixton, sen. ..•.•. . • . • 1 0 0 hospitality with which the Accrington U A. Pixton ...•••.••• ~ . 1 0 0 friends had entertained the mem bel'S of H M. Hartley .....•....••• 1 0 0 Conference; and the chairman of the H James Isherwood .••.•• 0 10 0 meeting expressed the great pleasure John Lightfoot, Esq. •.•••• 0 10 0 which he, and he was sure all others, felt Mr. S. Spencer.. • • . . • . • . . • 0 10' 6 in entertaining their visitors. H E. J. Broadfield.. •. .• .. 0 10 0 A Friend ....••...••..•.• 0 10 0 GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. Mr. G. Bury. ... ..•• ..•• •• 0 10 0 NO~TINGHAM NEW CHURCH AND H John Whittaker • • • • • • • • 0 10 0 SCHOOL.-The erection of our new place Miss Whittaker . . . • • • • • • • . • 0 10 0 of worship (Emmannel Church)and school Mr. Isherwood .....••••••• 0 10 6 will shortly be commenced, and will in U R. Holt ..••.•••.••••• 0 10 0 all probability be opened about Christ- " J. Walker 0 10 0 mas. The lowest tender received was H S. Pickstone •..•••..•• 0 10 0 £930., a much larger sum than we anti- H W. AlIen ...••.••. , ••.• 0 10 0 cipated; but being unable to curtail the H William Hodgson •••••• 0 10 0 expense without detriment to the beauty H J. B. Lomax 0 10 0 and usefulness of the building, this ten- " William Fraucis. • • • • • • • 0 10 0 der was accepted. The plans have been Dr. Bames.... .•••.•..•• •• 0 10 0 seen by many Lancashire friends, 8Jld Mr. J. Crankshaw.. ..•• .•.. 0 10 0 greatly admired; indeed, with the ex- " N. Waddington .. ..•• •• O· 10 0 ception of our larg~st churches, Emma- U Pickering . • • . • • . . • • • • 0 5 0 Duel Church, Nottingham, will take the " Swift ..•.......••.••• 0 5 0 first rank for design, convenience, and " R. Haworth •• ' • • • • • . . 0 5 0 _extemal appearance. We are yet far short- " Jas. !{enyon (Accrington) 0 5 0 of the requisite means, and ardently trust " J. Grimshaw .....••••• 0 5 0 some kind friends will come to our rescue. " W. Grimshaw • . •• • . . • 0 5 0 A few members of some of the Lancashire " Jas. Kenyon (Blackburn) 0 5 0 societies (whose names are appended) " J. Whittaker •..•..••.• 0 5 0 have generously aided us, others have A Friend ..• .. . . • • . . • • . . • • 0 5 0 promised donations before the completion Friends, in smaller sums.. • • 1 15 0 of the building, and we doubt not that Our Treasurer's address is-Mr. J. A4 members of other societies in the North, Clarke, Addi.son-terrace, Nottingham. not yet canvassed, will be equally ready J.D. B. to assist in the great and good work we have undertaken. We beg, however, that TEBTUIONUL TO THE REv. D. GII friends in the Midland and Southern GOYDER.-To the Ed{tor.-Dear Sir,- counties will also consider our case, and The letter of which the accompanying timely strengthen our hands. Our society is a copy, with the purse mentioned has added eighteen members within the therein, was handed to me by William last year, and has every prospect of a Prowse, Esq., of Stroud-green, London; steady and enduring prosperity; and with and I beg leave to forward it to you for the suitable position and convenience insertion in the Intellectual Repository.
- 429. 426 MISCELLANEOUS. 1 am entirely ignorant of the names of few members of the Argyle-squaresociety, the kind friends who have thus marked assisted by Mr. Bateman and four other their approval of my humble labours in New Church friends, is presented to the church. Dr. Goyder (for personal use and com- Of course my grateful thanks were fort) as a slight testimonial in reeogni- expressed to Mr. Prowse for the feeling tion of his valuable services as 'a minister terms in which the letter accompanying of the church, and of his many kind and the gift was conveyed; and he was re- courteOt18 qualities, which constitute quested to convey my respectful thanks him a prominent example of a Christian to the generous donors. Perhaps some gentleman. As it has given great plea- may deem this sufficient. But from the sure to those who have assisted in its contents of the latter part of the letter, formation, so, it is trusted, that in its I feel it is my duty to make it known to acceptance this trifling memento may the readers of the Repository, and thus afford Dr. Goyder a corresponding satis- publicly to express my grateful acknow- faction; while, should it in any way be ledgments. the means of exciting other societies to Having laboured in the ministry for similar expressions of good feeling nearly half alcentury, it cannot be other- towards those to whom they owe 80 wise than-gr&teful to my feelings to.learn, much, it will have contributed to a wider through the medium of these unknown and more general field of usefulness. friends, that my services are so kindly "London, 24th July, 1866." appreciated. HEYWOOD NEW JERUSALEM CHuncH At the period when I entered on the BAzAAR.-On Wednesday morning, the duties of the sacred office the church was 25th of July, a grand bazaar was opened in too infantile a state to allow of remu- in the New Jerusalem School-room, neration to its ministers. But the Lord's Hornby-street, on a scale of magnificence providence is the minister's inheritance, quite unprecedented in the history of any and that providence to me has been all- similar exhibition in the town of Hey- sufficient. wood. The church, as many of our Now the Lord has raised up insVu- readers will no doubt be aware, has ments wher~by the early ministers of the undergone considerable alterations. A church have been provided with decent new stone front, of considerable &rchi- means of subsistence; even to old age tectural beauty, has been added to the He is with us; and His chnrch has now edifice, and several alterations haTe been funds for the support of the early made in the interior of the church, labourers in HiB vineyard who still whereby the comfort and convenience rem~in on eart~, and frolll those funds I of the congregation has been greatly receIve my portIon; and although I ha!e enhanced. These improvements have lived to a fulnesB of. days, yet.I ~m still been effected at a cost of upwards of able to labour a lit~e; and It IS. very £1,000., and in order to liquidate this grateful to my feelings to know that .,debt the ladies of the congreO'ation very little is so acceptable to my brethren. I gene'rously offered to get up a bazaar, nee.d sc~rcel~ say, what I can do I feel which has been accomplished in a highly dehght ID domg. creditable manner. They have been ~he approval. expressed by the letter materially assisted in their praiseworthy which accompamed the present, calls for undertaking by the generous contribu- my ~evout thankfulness to the Lord. I tions of a large quantity of usefuland can m truth say, that to Ute the Lord's ornamental articles wherewith to furnish providence has be~n" a goodly heritage." the several stalls, by their friends in I offer thus ?ublicly my g~ateful thanks Heywood and the surrounding locality, to the contributors to thiS handsome as well as by others from a distance. te~timonial, . as I am pre~luded from The bazaar was announced to open at do~g so pnvately by !DY I~oranc~ of ha.lf-past ten o'clock, and about that time their names; and remam theIr affection- visitors began to arrive the room being ate and faithful servant, soon filled by a large' and respectable DAVID GEO. GOYDER. company. 4, St. John's Terrace, St. Peter's, The Rev. R. STORRY, in opening the Islington, London, N., Aug. 1, 1866. proceedings, read a letter from Mr. " The accompanying purse of gold [con- Alderlnan Agn~w, who had ~een an- t~liniug thirty guineas 1, contributed by a . notmccd to preSIde at the openmg cere-
- 430. MISCELLANEOUS. mony, stating hisinability to be present, church. Since he arrived in Heywood on the ground of ill health, and enclosing he had seen their church, and he. paid Q donation of £5. to the funds of the them a very high compliment for the bazaar. "I am sure," continued Mr. improvements which had been made in Storry, "that we all deeply regret Mr. it, and for its beautiful appearance. He ~anew's absence, and still m9re the cause also complim€.nted them upon the very of that absence. I am happy, however, beautiful bazaar which they ha.d got up; to state that Mr. Agnew's sympathies are and remarked that when he looked round with us, and that nothing but the state the room, and saw so many beautiful of his health has prevented his presence." ladies, attired in such beautiful dresses, Under these circumstances, therefoloe, he presiding at the stalls, which were so would call upon his esteemed friend Mr. replete with articles of an ornamental G. Hinchcliffe, to oblige him by taking and useful character, he hoped those the chair. ladies would be able to do a good busi- The choir belonging to the church ness, and that the end of their work were present, and they joined in sinw.ng would be e,qual to the beginning. They the 100th Psalm, Master l'1. S. Fair- had made a good beginning, and if they brother presiding at the pianoforte. Mr. only continued successful, the probability J. Lee, organist of the church, ably was that the debt would be wiped Offf officiated as conductor. and he hoped that this would be the ~ase. The Rev. R. STORRY then offered up He concluded by expressing a hope that the following prayer :-" Most merciful their little church would multiply as the Saviour, we bow in Thy presence to waters cover the earth. acknowledge Thy merciful goodness as The Rev. J. B. KENNERLEY, having manifested in all the ways of Thy pro- alluded to the great principle of Christian vidence, and in all the means of providing charity which had been taught them by for Thy church. Every good work has the great Teacher, concluded by ex- its beginning in Thee. May this work, pressing a hope that they would all be commenced in Thy name, be sanctified animated by that principle,-that the by Thy presence, and conducted in Thy blessing of God would rest upon their fear to a successful issue. ' Establish work, and that it would be crowned with Thou the work of our hands upon us, success. yea, the work of our hands establish Thou The choir here sang the anthem, " The it.' Our Father, who art in heaven," &c. marvellous work," very oreditably, the The CHAIRMAN then called npon W. solo being well sustained by Miss Pickstone, Esq., of Manchester,. to ad- Buckley. dress the assembly. The CHAIRMAN then declared the 1Ir. PICKSTONE said he was glad to be bazaar open, expressing a hope that their present with them and see such a large anticipations of success would be more company at the opening of the bazaar, than realised. and he hoped his friends would be able to The bazaar being now open, the busi- realise the object they had in view; and ness of inspecting the stalls by the visi- he thought they well deserved the support tors was forthwith commenced, and we and assistance of all the friends of the are happy to say that during the day they church, in carrying out this work which were very largely patronised, and many they had so ably commenced. Speeches purchases were made, a large number of were not the general order of a bazaar, the most valuable articles which were and he thonght they were out of place. offered for sale being disposed of. The However, he had much pleasure in con- bazaar sustained the interest it excited gratulating them upon the presence of to the end. During the Friday and such a large company, and he would con- Saturday evenings, it was visited by the clude by wishing them the best snccess. workpeople of Messrs. Radcliffe and Dr. PILKINGTON, in a brief address, N ewhouse, and Messrs" Radcliffe and said it afforded him great pleasure to see Mills, amounting to upwards of 400. 80 many ladies and gentlemen present, At one time during the Saturday evening for the purpose of assisting them to pro- there were upwards of 500 persons in mote such a desirable object as raising the room~ Most of the persons present funds to enable them to wipe off the debt seemed desirous of possessing Borne of which had been incurred in renovating the articles for sale, and at the close only and beautifying their beautiful little a few things were undisposed of. The
- 431. 428 MISCELLANEOUS. room was well filled at the time for clos- "An Address from the members and ing, when the Rev. R. Storry, in a short friends of the Derby New Church but earnest address, expressed the warm Society to the Rev. John Hyde, on and hearty thanks of the committee, and his leaving Derby. August, 1866. of all interested in the success of the "Dear Mr. Hyde,-It is now more bazaar, to the ladies who had, with so than five years since we had the pleasure mu~h energy and self-denial, ministered of receiving you in Derby, and of elect- to its beauty and success; to the con- ing you to be the leader of our society. tributors, many at a distance, and not a Since that period..you have been ordained, few members of other religious com- according to the regulations of the General munities, who helped to fill the bazaar Conference of the New Church, and then with articles of value, and to inerease the you became our minister. You have now amount of the receipts; and to the visitors elected to leave us; and you are going to and purchasers, some of whom had at- reeide in another part of the kingdom. tended at considerable inconvenience to It is with deep regret that minister and themselves, all the time the bazaar was people are so soon to be separated. open. To each and all he tendered, on Though you may live far away from us, behalf of himself, as the minister, and we trust that the bond of affection and on behalf of the congregation under his brotherhood which has hitherto cemented charge, which had been so largely bene- ns may never be broken. You will at all fitted by this display of zeal and liberality, times be a welcome visitor at Derby, and the sincerest and most hearty thanks. you will be received as an old and valued At the close of this address, Mr. Fair- friend. We could not permit this oppor- brother annonnced that the amount re- tunity to pass without doing ourselves ceived that day was £109. Is. 8d., making the pleasure of making known to you the with the receipts of tne previous days, love and sincere regard we feel towards the total sum of £674. 14s. Od., for which you. We admire your ability as an ex- he had to thank them on behalf of the pounder of the Word of God according committee. This amount has been since to the heavell1y doctrines of the New increased,' chiefly by a private sale of .Church. W{) believe in your piety and goods, to £700. The proceedings were devotion as a Christian minister, and as bronght to a close by the singing of the a worker in the Lord's vineyard. Your National Anthem, and a short prayer and intimate and friendly connections with thanksgiving by the minister. Through- us will always be remembered with plea- out the proceedings the utmost harmony sure and satisfaction, and we hope and and good feeling prevailed, and this was believ~ that you will not have cause to at no time more. manifest than at the regret that more than five years of your close. valuable life have been passed in Derby. The ~umerous lessons of wisdom you DERBy.-On Monday evening, August have from time, to time taught us, in the 6th, a very large number of members public as well as in the private circle, and friends of the New Church in Derby will, under the Divine Providence, assist met in order to bid farewell· to the nev. us and support ns during the trials and J. Hyde, on his leaving the Derby society temptations we shall have to endure, on to become the minister of the Peter-street our passage tllrough the wilderness; and society, Manchester. Various valuable so far as we appropriate the truth in and elegant mementos of affection, from our lives, it will promote our eternal the society, had previously been given to happiness. . The Lord will assuredly Mr. and Mrs. Hyde, and an address, prosper the work of that minister who is which had been prepared to present to actuated by the love of nse for its own him,' was impressively read by the chair- sake,-he who' gives, hoping for nothing man, Mr. Alderman Madeley, who, while again', he who has realised the everlast- fully endorsing all that was contained ing truth that 'it is more blessed to give therein, also pointed out the visible in- than to receive.' And we trust that crease of the society and congregation you, having been a faithful servant and during Mr.- Hyde's ministrations; and laboured in the Lord's vineyard, will thanked him for the many useful lessons receive your reward. In taking leave of which he had taught them, both from you, we sincerely wish you every blessing the pulpit and in the private circle. The and success, in all your future efforts for following is a copy of the address : - the advancement of the Lord's New •
- 432. MISCELLANEOUS. 429 Church. We also wish you every happi- shall be added ll.DjQ you," it was beauti- ness and joy in the family and social fully shown that ~od can only bless as circle. May that link of love by which we are prepared to receive; that He does you have united yourself to Derby, by not force the harvest, but that it must taking a wife from amongst us, ever be a. be drawn out of the earth, and that 80 bond of affection and a source of lively by patient labour, all needful blessings satisfaction, whenever your mind reverts would be added, not all at once, but as to Derby and the Derby friends! Again we laboured for them, and were prepared we wis!:! you and your dear partner every to receive them. The evening discourse happiness, both temporal and eternal. was from Luke v. 4,-" Launch out into Signed, on behalf of the society and the deep." The deep· signified the great friends, FRED. WARD, Secretary." ocean of truth, which was to be explored, Very able and interesting speeches all improvement being the result of were afterwards made by Messrs. Clem- launching out. Tbe great secret of suc- son, Ward, Austin, Coggan, Duesbury, cess of individuals or societies was for- Cook, Morley, and Bates, and Mrs. Roe, cibly shown to consist in a clear percep- the whole of whom bore high testimony tion of what was wanted to be done, a to the deep respect and love they felt hearty confidence in the object under- towards Mr. Hyde; expressing, at the taken, and a resolute persistent action same time, many wishes for his future until the thing was accomplished. These welfare and happiness, and exhorting principles of action were shown to be each other to be brave in their loss, and necessary for success, whether in busi- try to make np that loss again, by work- ness, in intellectual pursuits, or in moral ing harder .and becoming more united; or spiritual objects, and were enforced to which Mr. Hyde made an appropriate by the preacher with great earnestness and impressive reply. and affection. At the close of this ser- vice, the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's YORKSHIRE NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH Supper was administered to a goodly MISSIONARY AND COJ"PORTAGE ASSOCIA- number of communicants. . TION. - The siXth anniversary of this On Monday evening, Mr. Hyde de- association was held on the 15th, 16th, livered a lecture in King-street chapel, and 17th July, 1866.• Keighley, on "The Bible, the inspired On Sunday, the 15th, the Rev. J. Hyde Word, and the Law by which it can be preached two sermons in Albion Chapel, interpreted," which was so favourably Leeds. In the morning from Matthew received that some strangers present ex- vi. 33,-" Seek ye first the kingdom of pressed a desire that it might be printed God and his righteousness, and a~hese for circulation. things shall be added unto you." The On Tuesday, the friends and supporters preacher showed that man was intended of the association met together at Kirk- to be a snperior being to animals,-a stall Abbey, where, after spending an being to be governed by rationality rather hour or two in recreation and amusement, than by instinct; that all his actions were they sat down to tea, about eighty in dictated by some impelling motive. The number. Mter tea, the sixth annual text declared, that in relation to this life, meeting was held. Dr. Goyder, of Brad- it was of the first importaace for'man to ford, who presided, at once introduced seek, yea, strive for the kingdom of God, the business of the evening by calling .hich is goodness, righteousness, and upon Mr. Aspinall, the secretary, to read truth; that these embrace all that is good the report, which showed that the col- for man, not only spiritually, but physi- porteur of the association, Mr. Swinburn, cally, socially, and morally; good alike had been regularly enlployed on the Sab- for the body and the soul, for this life, bath, preaching to the societies at Leeds, as well as the next; good for our chil- Bradford, Keighley, Embsay, &c.; that dren, for our servants, for our work- he had been engaged three days in each people, and for all mankind. That to week in visiting the above places and seek His kingdom. was to strive after villages surrounding, besides other loca- truth, the rays of which, like rays of lities, where, in the course of his labours, light, not only showed the object which he had distributed 15,270 tracts, and sold they illumined, but were directed back upwards of 800 books and pamphlets, to their source, which was God. In besides attending various reading and illustrating the words-" all these things conversational meetings at Bingley, Sal..
- 433. 430 MISCELLA.~EOUS. taire, &c. After the gport was read, the distressing barriers of any body of men, chairman called on ~ Soppitt, of Brad- but embraced all who believed and wor- ford, to mo'"e its adoption, which he, &S shipped Jesus Christ as the only God, an outsider· (being in connection with reyered the Ten Commandments, and another body of Christians, yet an ad- made them the rule of their lives, and mirer of the 1ew Church and its doc- this, however they riright differ in par- trines, and feeling great sympathy with ticulars of doctrine. Men diffeted partly the objects of the association). yet most by reason of education, partly from a cer- cordially and warmly approved; he ex- tain defectiveness of mind of which each pressed his great satisfaction at the pro- was possessed. These facts should pre- gress of the society Rnd the work it vent us from condemning our brother. had done. Mr. Rust, of Leeds, briefly It was enough that there was a. belief seconded the motion. The second reso- above slight -differences, that the Lord lution, expressing satisfaction with the had given a system of doctrine so alto- past usefulness of the association, and gether in consonance with the Divine pledging future support, was spoken to attributes, so suited to the exigences of by the Rev. J. Hyde, who, after rem9.1'k- our nature, and so deeply consolatory in ing upon the peculiarity and suitability all our distresses, that men who hereto- of the place of meeting (" Kirkstall Abbey fore differed, might now be united under ruins," and upon that part of it in which the regis of its influence. One reason we were assembled, •• The Refectory "), wby the New Church should become said that it would point a moral if it did uni versal was, that its great distinguish- not adorn a tale. The old abbots here ing peculiarity was its doctrine of charity. prepared their material food and dole; Others had fought about tpeir creeds, ·we were met to communicate intellectual because they gave more importance to food to each other, OMd provide for its faith than charity; they had, like Cain, propagation to our fellow-men. He re- slaughtered charity- out of the church. marked upon the stupendous structures ~Ir. Hyde, after ascribing the origin of raised by the religious enthusiasm (eyen the Colportage Association to the influ- though it was of a false kind) of an age ence of this charity, alluded to the object poor alike in capital and labour, as con- and working of the institution, and what trasted with the difficulty experienced at colporteurs were calculated to effect, and the present time, when riches abounded, considering the resolution, sentence by in gathering a few hundreds of pounds sentence, made a strong appeal to the to spread the real truths of Christianity. meeting for increased support for it. He then passed to a consideration of the Their present duty in this neighbourhood means adopted by the first ChIistian was _ support this association. A secret church to propagate its doctrines, Yiz., to be written on the tables of their me- by preaching. In the New Church there mories was, that the whole duty of maD was an important difterence. The instru- lay in duing the work which met his ment used by the Divine Providence was hands from moment to moment, and a writer, and the press, under that same doing it with all his might. Providence, had been so prepared as to Mr. S. Brooke, of Upper Heaton, se- furnish an immense power for the dis- conded this resolution. The appointment senrination of those wonderful truths. of a committEW for the ensuing year was Contrasting the character of New Church moved and seconded by :rt'Ir. Crowther, of principles with old, he showed that sec- Leeds, and Mr. Musgrove, of Bradforde tarians could not assume that their opi- Mr. Swinburn, at the call of the chairman, nions would become nniyersal, but aNew made a few remarks, which were well Churchman would at once say that it was received. of the Divine Providence tha.t the New Mr. Levi Stead, of Batley, and Mr. Church should become universal. This Atkinson, of Leeds, supported by the universality was indicated by their secretary, moved a hearty vote of thanks greatt'r breadth, and by the ohservable to Mr. Hyde, for his kind services at this fact that all the thoughts emanating from anni vers9.1-Y, which was warmly responded the more thinking and better men around to 'by the meeting. Mr. Hy(le proposed us, approximated themselves to the noble a cordial vote of thanks to the chairman, and lofty doctrineR of the Lord's New who, in replying, took occasion to remark Jerusalem. The Church of the Lord was upon the advanced position of the associ- not limited within the insignificant and ation as compared with its preyiouB year.
- 434. MISOELLANEOl;S. 431 The association was now out of debt and of En1ield, to Hannah Margaret Craig might be fairly said to have overco~e its Mc. Connell, of Accrington. at one time serious difficulties, and to At the New Jerusalem Church, Peter- have become an established institution of street, Manchester, on July 19th, by the the church. The Rev. Mr. Hyde closed R~v..R. Storry, Mr. Edward Mundye, of the meeting with prayer; and thus ter- BU'JIllIlgham, to Annie, sixth daughter of ~ted 8ne of the m08~ interesting and the late Mr. Thomas Moss, of Manchester. satisfactory annual meetings the associ- ation has yet held. At the same place, on August 9th, by the Rev. John Hyde, Jesse Henry, the ISLINOToN.-Dr. Goyder has concluded se~ond son of TIwmas Watson, Esq., of a course of nine lectures on Christian life Hlghbury, London, to Emily, the second and morals, which have been listened to daughter of William Atkinson, Esq., of with deep interest, and have attracted Arlington House, Broughton, Man- more than average congregations. The chester. IUbjee:t~ taken up were-" Marriage," " Training and Education of Children," U Love of Country," "Regulation of the Obituarp. Temper," "Government of the Tongue H Departed this life, at Bury, on the 4th "The Evil of Covetousness," "Pride'" of July last, lJr. Richard How8.1,th, son U Vanity," and "The Dignity of Labour:" of Mr. John Howarth, in the 23rd year The works in connection with the new of his agc. The deceased was brought up chapel are rapidly progressing, and the in the doctrines of the New Church, and committee of the bazaar in aid of the had been for many years connected with • rental fund, and which has been an- the society at Bury as a teacher in the nounced by special cireular,. hope very Sunday-school, and, for some time as shortly to be able to hold the bazaar in a secretary of the s~iety. He was a yo~ portion of the new buildings, when they man of amiable conduct and of great trust those friends who are able and promise, active and useful in the church willing to help them will. be prepared to and warmly esteemed by those who best do so. knew him: His d~parture at so early an age, and .In t~e mIdst of opening uses, is NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-The chief felt by hIS fnends as a blank-not easily corner stone is to be laid (n. v.) on Tues-filled up. R. S. H. day, 18th September, at 5 p.m. Some unexpected obstacles have existed in the At Kersley! ~n the 21st of July last, nature of the ground on which the James Shaw, m..the 76th year of his age. foundation had to be laid. These have The deceased, when residing at Tyldsley been overcome, and the work of building received the doctrines, abeut 40 year~ is progressing satisfactorily. since, through the instrumentality of Mr. H. BATEMAN. John Stanfield. Rather more than 20 years ago he removed to the neighbour- H ULL.-The society at this place re- hood of Kersley, and immediately con- ceived a visit from the Rev. T. L. Mars- nected himself with the New Church den, of Dalton, on Sunday, July 22nd. society located there. As a working man The services were tolerably well attended, he had a more than ordinary knowledge of and all who, were present were extremely the doctrine~, of whi~h he possessed very gratified by the beautiful and instructive c~ear per~eptions. His confidence during expositions of the word given by the hIS last illness was such as might be reverend gentleman. On Monday even- expected from one so long and so well ing, the friends and members of the acquainted with the troths of the New society held a meeting for conversation, Dispensation. W. W. when Mr. Marsden was prescnt. The services were under the auspices of the On Wednesday, July 25th, at Upper National Missionary Institution, to the Bomsey Rise, London, in the 84th year committee of which the Hull society of his age, Mr. Robert Woolterton, late . desire to express their gratitude. of Norwich. For many years Mr. W001- terton was an active member of the New ;j¥laniagtl. Church society at Norwich, of which he At the New Jerusalem Church, Ac- acted as treasurer. He embraced the erington, on the 12th July, by Mr. E. J. New Church doctrines, to which he was Broadfield, B.A., Thomas Pilkington, devotedly attached, upwards of forty
- 435. 482 MISCELLANEOUS. years ago, through the instrumentality commencement of the present year, when of Mr. Clover, then barrack-master of he left Norwich to reside with a married Norwich. Mr. Noble invariably stayed daughter in London. Before leaving, a at his house during his memorable mis- meeting of the New Church society was sionary visits to Norwich, and wrote there held for the purpose of presenting him. a considerable portion of the" Appeal," with an address acknowledging his which, it will be remembered, was called lengthened services, and commending forth by the attacks of the Rev. Mr. him to Divine protection. Early in July Beaumont, one of the Norwich dissenting an attack of pleurisy, originating in a. cold, ministers. Mr. Woolterton actively as- confined him to his bed, and terminated sisted in the formatien of the Norwich fatally. Frequently in the course of his society, and in the practice of his pro- illne8s he expressed an earnest wish that fession as a medical man was instru- it might please his Heavenly Father to mental in introducing the doctrines to remove him; his desire was granted, and, a large number of persons, some of whom with all his family around him, his spirit became thankful recipients. He was passed gently and peacefully to heaven. universally beloved for his genial dis- On Sunday, August 12th, Mr. Woolter- position, scrupulous integrity, and un- ton's death was made the occasion of an varying kindness to all around him. excellent discourse, by Mr. Spilling, in With a profound conviction of the truth the old French Church, Norwich, for of the doctrines he had espous~d he united many years occupied by the New Church a constant effort to exemplify them in his society; and one of the largest congre- daily life. He possessed an excellent gations ever assembled within ita walls physical constitution, which, with his listened attentively to an able and im- peculiarly temperate mode of life, enabled pressive exposition of the New Church him to continue his "rofelsion till the doctrine of the future life. T. A. R. INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thursday 7-0 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.-First }-'riday ..••....••••..••••..•• 6-30 National Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, ditto.-Fourth Monday. . . . . • . . • . • . • • • • •• . . • . . . • • . . • • • . • • • . • • • . •. 6-30 College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Last Tuesday.. •. ..•• .... .••. .• •• 8-0 MANCHESTER. Tract Society, Schoolroom, Peter-street.-Third Friday ••...•........•••• 6-30 Missionary Society ditto . ditto • • . • •• . . • • • • . . • • • • 7-0 Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BRUCE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of recent meetings, lectures, &c., may appear if not later than the 18th. We have received from Nottingham a copy of recent correspondence between the Societies there, relative to a proposed union of the two Churches in that town. We think its appearance in the columns of the Magazine would not promote the object, which is more likely to be effected by each Society making such generous concessions as would be honourable to both. CAVE and SEVER, Printers by SteatD Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.
- 436. THE INTELLECTUAL REPOSITOHY AND' NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 154. OCTOBER 1ST, 1866. VOL. Xill. AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO NOWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND, AND RUSSIA. An Address delivered by the Rev. Dr. BAYLEY, in the Schoolroom of the Accrington New Jerusalem Church, August 20th, 1866. BE~OVED FRIENDS,-I haTe no doubt that you will perfectly agree with me that one of the most improving means of spending a holiday, or having a profitable change, is that of from time to time going to see a country or people with whom you have not previously been acquainted. There are valuable results attendant on this practice that are unattain- able in any other manner. One of the forms that selfishness often takes is that of quietly assuming that we are everything that is excellent, and of supposing everyone who differs from us, whether it be in religion or nationality, or anything else, should be treated with contempt and Bcom. Nothing can be a greater mistake than this; God has not poured His benefits upon only one land or class of people,' or one denomination of religion; nor has He favorites of any kind. He is the universal Lord, and gives good to His children everywhere. How beautiful is His own description of His mercy-" He maketh His sun to shine upon the evil and upon the good: and sendeth rain upon the just and upon the unjust." The opinion that the habits we have at home are just the true thing, and that our people, ways, denominations, and countries form just the standard of excellence, can scarcely ever be got over except by occasionally going to other lands, seeing their people, 28
- 437. 484 AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO observing their ways, looking for the excellencies that may be found in them, and observing the blessings that God has vouchsafed to all nations. It is therefore most profitable to go occasionally from one's home, and see what is to be seen in the world in various directions. But in going away we should be careful, as far as possible, to leave the old spectacles behind us. We should not go away determined to see only what we want to see, as too often happens. We should observe what there is in other lands and other ways, and estimate them at what they are really worth, and not call everything stupid and wrong that does not agree with our pre-conceived ideas. A person who aots in this way gathers up very little more than a blind man would gather, and comes back no wiser than he was before, having most likely had a dis- agreeable time, and made it disagreeable for other people. A person should endeavour to go away with -a kindly, cheerful spirit, determined to be pleased with everything that ought to please him, to admire every- thing that he sees worthy of admiration, and, while he never forgets the excellencies of his own conntry, to be prepared to admire the excellencies of other countries ~nu other people. H he do this he will see much that is edifying and Clelightful to him, and sometimes, when he is found to be a reasonable person and wishful to receive good from others, he will finu peoplo glad to receivQ auvice frolH him. For ma.ny years I have been endeavouring to take my holidays in this spirit. I have always found, wherever I have gone, though not forgetting the beauties of my own land, that God has made other lands beautiful also. While never forgetting the excellence of my own people, never suffering the English nation, name, or character to be scorned in my presence without rebuke, yet, ever trying to maintain onr own part and place in the business of the world, I have found a vast number-oC things to admire in other nations. There are a great number of excel- lencies both of heart, mind, and life, in other nations, and I am quite satisfied that the longer I live and the more opportunities I have oC observing o'~her countries and their ways, the more I shall be confirmed in the view that vhile the Lord blesses us, He abundantly blesses others also, and that His intention is that all nations become one grand family. As it is beautifully said in His divine Word-" The time shall come in which the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in which there shall be one Lord, and His name one." It was in "this spirit that, on the 23rd of last June, I took advantage of an invitation I had received from a kind friend of mine, who is engaged in the mackerel fishery, and who employed two steamers I1
- 438. NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA. 485 well as other vessels trading between Norw&y and Lowestoft, to visit that notable land of the north-Norway. The distance acrOBS the North Sea was about 850 miles, and we were about three days in making the voyage. We had fine weather, a delightful sea, a pleasant captain and crew, the cabin was placed at my entire disposal, and so I had a very enjoyable voyage to Egersund, in Norway. It must be remembered that this land is about 2,000 miles from south to north, and that from about the middle of the country up to the north cape, at midsummer-the time when I was there-the sun does not set at all. At the south of Norway, to which I came after spending some eight or nine days up higher north, the sun descended below the horizon for about tlp-ee hours. During this time, from eleven in the evening till two in the morning, ther-e was a sort of dim twilight. At eleven one could read by its light. From about the centre of Norway, where the old capital Trondhjem is, until you come' to Hammerfest, near the northern end of the country, and to the North Cape, the sun does not go beneath the horizon for days, and at the extreme north for about six weeks. I asked how the people managed to get to bed, and how they knew when to get up; and found that they had w~ys of regulating themselves, and took their repose generally when they felt wearied. In the winter they have a corresponding period of six weeks during which the sun never appears above the horizon, and during which, conse- quently, it is always dark. This country, you see, differs considerably in this respect from ours; notwithstanding this the inhabitants of both ends and the middle of the country agree in saying that it is to them the most agreeable and delightful land that is to be met with on the face of the earth. They have their varieties of pleasure; finding the winter time an exceedingly pleasant time: the boys indulging in snow-balling, skating, and the construction of snow houses and ice houses; an occu- pation which would suit some of our English boys uncommonly well. They enjoy themselves immensely in this way, and do not at all suffer from the absence of the sun, as we might suppose. Their summer, though short, is so quick and lively that they get plenty of hay, and vegetation generally grows well. As you approach Norway, you notice that all along the coast there are grand, bold rocky heights, which stand out as if they said-cc Come on, sea; we are quite able to defend ourselves against you." All along the coast there are an immense number of islands. Hundreds, I may say thousands of islands, of every size; small islets large enough only fOl a few birds to settle on, and IMger islands of from 20 to 80 miles
- 439. 486 AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO long. Between these islands nnd the wide sea there is a portion of the sea shut in, so as to make a channel like a broad canal or wideish river; and you can sail up this channel, on well-regulated steamers, day after day for a fortnight; it forming a most delightful trip. The scene is constantly changing, the islands appearing now in front and now at the side, in every variety of form. and beauty. The steamers provide every accommodation; the people are very civil and obliging; in fact it is like enjoying the luxury of a continued succession of beautiful scenery, having at the same time all the comforts of a very tolerable hotel. This is one of not the least enjoyable things in relation to Norway. A remarkable feature bf the country is, that in many places the sea runs for a considerable distance into the land, sometimes 20, 80, or even 40 miles. The arm of the sea that runs up to Christiania is 90 miles long. The most extensive of these arms, or fiords as they are called, is about 150 miles long. Sailing up these fiords to the towns which lie at their extremities, coming occasionally across a porpoise or other large fish · that has wandered out of the ocean, having all the varieties of sea life with those of land life combined, forms a very pleasant way of seeing the country, as it unfolds a continuous succession of glorious things. In viewing the stretching waters, glorious forests, and mighty mountains capped with snow that never melts, one is led still further to feel how beautiful and manifold are the wondrous works of our Almighty Father. Christiania, the capital of Norway, is situated in the very loveliest situation that one can possibly conceive. I am not quite sure that Napl~s is more beautifully placed. The loveliest spots are taken advantage of as sites for the erection of beautiful residences. The king ha-a here a summer palace, called Oscar's Ralle. You can see from thence a glorious scene of wood and water, and mountain and hill, and forest and sunshine gilding the whole, and then think that all that is . needed to make this scene even a heaven itself is that the people should be like angels. It is glorious and beautiful enough for the scenes of the very highest happiness. One day I went out with some friends to see what they considered one of the most lovely parts of the country. It is a place called Krokleven, a term which in Norwegian means the crow clough,-an immense hollow of the sort we here call a clough-where the crows build their nests. It is about 80 miles from Christiania. My friends took me there in a carriage to see the sun-rise, and in .our journey we went up a high mountain where there are, as in some parts of Switzer.. land, what are termed "Seater houses." These Seater houses are only
- 440. NORWAY, SWEJ)EN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA. 487 inhabited during the summer-time; they are places np the high monn· tains, where the shepherds have little farms, and are constructed of wood, as ar~ nearly all the houses of Norway. They build these small wooden farm-houses towards the top of a mountain; and when summer· time comes they send up their sheep and cows, and stop there for some months. They have milk-maids to assist them, who take care of the milk and prepare it for cheese. After stopping about four months they descend; and the place is left till that time nex·t year. It is con· sidered to be an understood thing that any body travelling should make themselves quite at home in these Seater houses, beds and everything comfortable in a simple way being provided, to which they are to help themselves. We went to see the snn-rise at Krokleven. From this lofty mountain, which is covered for miles around with forests, we obtained a good view of three beautiful lakes joined together, making a space of water 50 miles long and about 10 miles broad. There are beautiful little islands in these lakes, looking so calm, of a size suitable for two or three farms. At the other side we Bee still higher moun-- , tains, with snow-capped giants in the distance. We arrived at the Seater house about ten o'clock, and then went to bed. The people of the place awakened us at half-past two to see the Bun-rise at three. It is beautiful to see the SUD gradually coming up, brightening and irradiating the clouds before his approach, then rising like a beautiful star, and slowly illuminating the sky, with the whole grand silent landscape before you, the star getting larger and larger, till at last it comes glittering up like a sea of gold, gilding the whole glorious scene of hills, lakes, woods, mountains, and islands as they lie before you. It is one of the grandest sights that can possibly be seen ~ny where. This enjoyment my friends and myself had. Such scenes can be observed in different parts of the country, with more or less variety, but this is unquestionably one of the loveliest. After we had enjoyed it to the full, my friends retired again to rest. I could not go withont fust giving expression to my own feelings. I will read you the lines I wrote before retiring : - How lovely is Thy world, 0 God J Words fail to speak its worth; Might it not be by angels trod? How grand, how grand is earth! The sun poUfS forth his glorious beams, A sea of molten gold; Mountain and lake, like wondrous dreams. Their loveliness unfold.
- 441. .AN AOOOUNT OFA RECENT VISIT TO The islands lie in soft repose, Like children still in sleep; The distant mountains, crowned with snows, As guards their stations keep. The trees all bright with varied hues, Clouds, meadows, forests grand; Light, glorious light, the scene renews, Fresh beauties still expand. Is there a heart with sorrow prest, Whom praise has caused to move; Sure scenes BO bright must give him rest,- Let him come here and love! o God! if here such views of blis& Are by Thy mercy given, We praise Thee for a world like this, But what must be Thy heaven! In the scenes of this beautiful country I saw quite enongh to justify my observation at the ontset, that God gives His beauties to every land, . while He certainly has not neglected ours. The people of Norway are eminently simple; not simple'in the sense of stupid, but straightforward, npright, genial. They are a most honest, hearty, excellent race. They are very strict in their management of all things; they look well after the roads, and, considering the character of the land, many of them are excellent. In many parts the land is so rocky that there is scarcely any soil; you wonder how the trees get their nourishment. These rocks are for the most part primitive rocks ; hard granite, and the rooks which are first formed from the granite. Although you find little trees wherever there is a possibility of their growing, it is hard work for the farmers to wring anything like a decent bed of vegetable-growing earth out of these hard rooks. On the coast you soo range after range of rock, and wonder how the people obtain even a bare Bubsistence. But they are very persevering and hardy; simple in their habits, and hospitable. I remember on one occasion, when I had been to visit a water-fall, I asked for a glass of milk at one of the farm-houses, when, in answer to my request, they brought me & great bowl full, enough almost to fill a bucket! These people certainly would have great difficulty in obtaining a living, were it not that the sea is their farm as well. With their boats they manage to catch a good supply of fish, which ekes out their provisions both in summer and whiter, and thus satisfies many wants which the land would have left, them, were it not for this provision of the Divine Providence. Norway
- 442. NORWA.Y, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AN]) RUSSIA. is a cheap land. All the arrangements are made on a very simple., moderate, and modest scale, 80 -that travelling there is easy and beauti~ ful, without being costly. The religion of the people is Lutheran. This is the Protestant 1'eligion, with that kind of addition to it which the Pnseyites aim at in this country. They use crucifixes in the churches, they have the emcifix affixed above the altar. And the clergy have changes of dress, rather showy, particularly for the administration of the Holy Supper.. In other. respects theJ are quite as Protestant --as the people of this eountry. They have a starling regard for the Bible; they preach from the Bible, and encourage the reading and cultivation of a knowledge of the Bible as much as they possibly can. They regard with great favour the operations of our Bible Society, and receive with great earnestness the cheap editions that have been sent out to every part of their country from the Bible Society. I occasionally met the clergy there, and lbnnd them friendly, social, kind, and cheerful, ready to enter into conversation; and I had much delightful intercourse with. some of them. But it was to me a special advantage that I was aware that many of these people had begun to think very highly of the doc- trines of the New Church, and at least a few thoronghly to embmce them. I have had communications with Captain Boyesen, of Hovind, near Christiania., for some years, and knew of the earnest desire of lUmself and his three excellent brothers for '~he spread of Divine Truth.. Throngh them some other Norwegians had become acquainted with the principles of the New Church, and had earnestly commenced to make them more widely known" They commenced their labow-s by trans- lating the beautiful lit~le book called "TIle New Jerusalem and its Heavenly. Doctrines." The translation was made by Captain A.. Boyesen, who is equally competent and earnest. By the assistance of the Swedenborg Society it was published more than a year ago. When I was over there I had the pleasure of learning that the person who bought the first copy ,vas the chief clergyman in Christiania. Others have been. sold to the number of 100; allU I was glau to hear that 100 copies of this excellent translation, well printeu on good pe.per, ill "neit pocket fonn, of that exceedingly valu$blo boo~ 4Ad be~n 9is$~IQ.iJlit~d in th~t very interesting cQuntry. The publication of "The :New Jeru- salem and its Heavenly Doctrines" was followed up by a determinatiQB ~ translate and print the treatise on "Heaven and Hell." This wQrk has alsp been translated, and a third part about printed. I had the opportunity of reading it over an4 of seeing about one-third of it in
- 443. 440 AN ACCOUNT OF A BEOENT VISIT T() print. When that book is fully printed and brought out our friends hope that a still greater impetus will be given to the reception of New Church principles in that country, and so the number of New Church- men will gradually increase. At present, in ,Christiania there is a small band of receivers of the doctrines of the New Church. In six other towns there are also a few receivers. In one town, about 50 miles from Christiania, there is a person who has translated my small work "Great Troths on Great .Subjects " into Norwegian. They are anxious that next year I may go again, spend a month in Norway, in great pari; with them, and commence the regular operations of a New Ohurch society in that country. I partly promised, if the Lord blessed me with health, to comply with this desire. There were some persons who had not heard of the doctrines before, who seemed to be very much interested in the conversation I held with the friends, some of them hearty, genial, noble souls ;-one, a gentleman named Young, whose family I conceive must at some time or other have gone over from England or Scotland. I did my best to persuade him tJ1at he was & Yorkshireman, for he was so hearty, broad-shouldered, genial, clear, and frank, with all the excellent qualities of our Yorkshiremen. I had many happy honrs with hIm, and he seemed delighted with what I explained to him of the doctrines of the Church, the science of cor.. re~pondence, and a rational idea of spiritual things. The company of himself and friends was a great pleasure to me, and I hope the inter- course was, as they said, not without profit to them. Before passing away from Norway, I should like to enlist your sym.. pathies for our New Church friends in that coutUry. They are leamed f kind, good, and earnest, but not wealthy, and to finish and advertise the treatise on "Heaven and Hell" they will require about £40. This sum will suffice for the printing of an edition of 1,000 copies. If we can help them with this sum, it will not be spent in vain. I have no doubt our friends generally will see this subject as I do, when they are fully acquainted with the facts of the case, and will come forward and help our excellent brothers in Norway, so that they can be possessed, at an early period, of these two beautiful trQatises--" The New Jem· salem and its Heavenly Doctrines," and the treatise on "Heaven and Hell." We have an excellent translator in Captain Boyesen, who joyfully gives his time and labour, and so far as their means permit, himself and his brothers, and friends contribute also. Let us help them while we have the opportunity.
- 444. NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA• 441 .After passing this pleasant and profitable period in Norway, the time came for me to go towards Sweden. I took the boat at Christiania, and sailed about ~o hours towards Sweden, to a place called in our geographies Gottenberg, but by the people themselves Goteborg. This Goteborg is one of the most important mercantile towns in Sweden. It is a very handsome town of 50,000 inhabitants, with good broad streets, wide quays, and handsome buildings, and is often called the Liverpool of Sweden. It has a large shipping trade, and has thu8 constant communication with many places. In relation to the New Church it has afforded one circumstance of interest, in the events of SWedenborg'slife. Those familiar with the doctrines ofthe New Church will know that we make nothing of miracles, in the way of proving what is tme. We always say to persons-cc You must think about what is true by the evidences of truth itself, till you see them clearly to be truth, by their harmony and agreement with first principles and with each other. As when teaching a child to understand that 7 and 8 are 10, we do not say-" Here are 7 and here are 8, now we will do some wonderful feat,. and then you will know they make 10 ;" but we explain it rationally, and show that they actually are ten. To turn a horse into a greyhound would not assist the understanding of any matter or religious or scientific truth. We in the New Church do not lay much stress on those things which in Swedenborg's life-time seemed occa" sionally like miracles, but we nevertheless believe them to be facts. Well, it was at this famous town of Goteborg that Swedenborg was when there occurred a great fire at Stockholm, nearly 800 miles. away. In the company where he was he said that he had been informed in -the spiritual world that there..had a great fire broken out in Stockholm; that it was near his house, which it seemed to be approaching. But after a little time, he said that he was informed that the fire was dying out, and had not reached his house. In those days there was only a very slow communication between one town and another, no telegraphs or railways or course being as yet constructed; no stage coaches even, for there are ~one yet. In about three days, news came that there had been such a fire, which had narrowly missed Swedenborg's house, as he had described. This was related then and frequently afterwards, by those present, aa something very marvellous. So it was. ~ For a long time it was said by . a great many people-" This story cannot be true. It is impossible. tt Since mesmerism and clairvoyanoe have been made known, however, during the last 40 years, a great numb~r of peogle have said-" Persons in a clairvoyant state have done such things," and have endeavoured so
- 445. 442 AN ACCOUNT OF A BBOENT VIBI~ TO to explain it in the ease of Swedenborg. Supposing we allow it to be explained in that way, it then proves that Swedenborg's Wa& a true account, 8 real thing; and not the result of either pretence or insanity. It was a real thing, explain it how you will. You admit the fact to have been as related, and proved by trustworthy evidence. His account of it is that he was informed of it from the spiritual world. It was just a sma.ll incident among the remarkable occurrences of his wonderful life, and if now admitted to be a fact, may lead to the admission of other facts also hitherto rejected and denied. It was at this place, Goteborg, just at the west side of Sweden, that this remarkable incident took place; Stockholm is on the east side, between two and thr~e hanch"ed miles distant, directly across the country. Swedeu is a country considerably different ill some respects from Norway. It is :flatter and richer. It is intersected also by a larger number of lakes. You can go from one side of Sweden to the other, 500 miles, and be passing all the while from lake to lake; some of them 100 miles long, some smaller; and where two lie within tolerable distance, five or six miles, the Swedes have cut a canal through from one to th~ other. The steamers can thus go in almost every direction. Not far from Goteborg is the famous Trolhetta canal, leading into the Venller lake. We sailed through this canal to the Venner lake, and sailed all day on its waters. I had observed on the map that Or place I wanted v~ry much to see, n~arly in the middle of Sweden, lay in that direction. This was the place where Swedenborg was brought up, and where.his father was bishop-Skara. His father was higWyesteemed ill his time, and wrote many very beautiful hymns that are still sung in the ch~ches of Sweden; and at Skara he died, and at the· famous cloister church some twenty miles off his remains. wer~ buried.· I wished much to see this place, and I saw that by going on this lake to a place ~aUed Lidkoping, I s.hould get within twenty miles of Skara. I directed the C$ptain of the st~aDler when he came to Lidkoping to put me down th~re. I was deposited there, with my luggage, at seven in the evening. I inquired wher~ there was a good hotel. A man offered to carry my luggage and to show ~e the w~y. As I passed 1 noticed that Lidkoping was ~ther 8 spacious, clean, well arranged town, of probably some 6,000 inhabitants. The houses were nearly all of wood, yet nice, com- . fortabl~ house~ too. At the hotel I found that there was a party of Swedish gentlemen ha~ng a dinner, or 8()m~thing of that kIDd; and I was ushered into the dining-room. I inquired if any ODe could tell me
- 446. NORWA.Y, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA. 448 at what time the post went to Skara, and also its distance. They informed me that the post did not go till five the next day. They also told me the distance, and then most politely and kindly invited me to join them at their party. I said that, having been travelling all night and all day, I was weary and tired; that I was much obliged for. their invitation, but should prefer having my own room, and taking my light supper before going to bed. They accepted this apology, and the mis~ tress of the house and one of the servants showed me to my apartment. I retired delighted with manifest kindness, but feeling how much I should enjoy a quiet night. But before my simple supper was fully prepared, up came two gentlemen of the company, dressed in first-rate style, again presenting the compliments of the whole party, and asking me to oblige them by eoming down, and at least drinking a gla8s or two of whisky with them I I again expressed my deep sense of their polite- ness to a perfect stranger, but told them I was weary, and that it would be the greatest possible kindness to let me retire for the night, with this additional observation, that I never drank whisky. They bowed politely and expressed the pleasure it would have given them had I accepted their invitation. I could not help but think that these circnmstances, occurring in the heart of a country like Sweden, where they perhaps did not see an Englishman for five or six years together, was a mark of real friendliness that showed a large amount of genuine and kindly feeling. The next morning I made myself acquainted with the particulars of the case, and went to the Post-office-for all the travelling is done in connection with the Post-office-had my luggage weighed and paid for, and ordered to be sent on to Skara by the conveyance at five in the evening, and said that I myself was going to walk. I had learned that the distance was 16 miles, and I did not wish to spend all the day at Lidkoping, which would leave me only a night at Skara, as the coach left Skara on the following morning at five. They were surprised. They do not understand gentlemen walking there. But it is not my habit to inquire what people understand, but to understand myself what is right, and to do it. I had just settled these affairs when up came one of the gentlemen I had met the previous evening, who said he had an estate in the country, Would not I come and pass the day wiQl him 'I He would be delighted, his lady would be delighted also; and he would show me all their modes of farming. Again I told him what my arrangements were, that I was much obliged to him, but that I was going to walk to Skara. When he found I persevered, he walked two or tijree miles with~, and we had a great deal of interesting conver-
- 447. 444 AN ACOOUNT OF A. RECENt VISIT TO NORWAY, I:Te• • sation. I mention this circumstance to show how much friendly and good feeling there is in thise parts of the world, and how sure you are of a kindly and hospitable reception. I walked on, and on, and on till I at length arrived at 8kara. The towers of the cathedral are visible at some·distance from the town, and I could not but view with interest the immediate scene of the happy boyhood of Swedenborg, prepared, as he tells us he was, from infancy for the mission he was appointed of the Lord to fulfil. Here was the scene of that .sweet little anecdote he related himself, when he tells us, he was addicted in early childhood to listen to his parents and their friends, while they spoke of God, faith, salvation, and heaven; and was himself led to make observations that induced the good bishop, his father, to say to his mother sometimes, that really it seemed as if angels spoke by that b~y's mouth. Thinking of this circumstance, I entered Skara. (To be continued.) ON THE POWER OF THE SUN. (Ooncludedfrom page 395.) LET us next see how the sun moves the water-wheel, the ship on the . ocean, and the sails of the windmill. A large portion of the sun's heat is absorbed by evaporation of water. When he shines on the damp earth, and on the broad seas and rivers, part of the water becomes vapour, and rises into the atmosphere; much in the same way as the heat of a fire will cause the water to go out of a wet garment. This steam, or vapour, rises high; becomes cooler, and forms cloud; cooled still more, it becomes water and falls as rain, some of it into the seas at once, and some of it upon the land. But as the land is higher than the sea, it runs off; gathering itself together, drops uniting making streamlets, streamlets brooks, brooks swell to rivers, and back it goes to the sea again, to be lifted up afresh by the sun; thus making another of the great circles in which power is exerted. An idea of the immense weight of water thus lifted may be formed, when we remember that all the water in rivers and brooks now pouring into the sea, was lifted by the sun from the earth. But even this would fall far short of a true estimate; for much of the rain-fall never reaches the sea, being re- evaporated; and what falls in the sea. greatly exceeds all that falls on the land, since the sea covers the greater part of the earth's surface. To return to the water-wheel. Suppose that the wheel, instead of water, be moved by weights, which, being put on at the top of the wheel, in their descent carned it round; and that as they descended
- 448. ON THE POWEROF THE SUN. 445 some one took them and replaced them on the wheel, so as to continue the motion. In this case, what would be doing the work, the weights, or he who lifted them? Without doubt, the lifter of the weights. Now this is what the sun does: he is continnally lifting these weights in the form of water, and we avail ourselves of their power in falling. Were he to cease doing this, our streams would fail; there would be no water power: the water would find the lowest level, and there remain. So that the power which turns our water-wheels represents a small portion of the work done by the sun in lifting water from the earth. All the steam engines in the world would not be able to accomplish anything like an equal amount of work. The work done by the wind, as seen in the windmill, in like manner, is to be attributed to the sun. When air is heated it expands, and so becomes lighter. A pint of hot air weighs less than a pint of cold air; and a pint of hot water is lighter than an equal bulk of cold water. In both cases the lighter body rises upwards. The heated air from a fire rises up the chimney from the same cause. Now the earth is encom- passed by air on all sides, the depth or thickness of which is about 80 or 40 miles. The SUD heats this mass of air unequally, and so makes it move from colder to hotter and hotter to colder places; thus causing currents in it called winds. One of the uses of these winds is that they help to equalise temperature, sending heated air from -the equator to the poles, and bringing cold air from the poles to the equator. They also prevent any accumulation of air that has been burned and become useless, by mingling it with the general volume of air; so that plants and trees may feed upon it, and restore its purity. They also urge along the "gallant ships," grind corn, and pump water, and do not disdain to raise and sustain the boy's kite. Sometimes this motion of the air becomes very rapid, giving rise to storms and hurricanes, and producing the greatest uproar and devastation. That this motion takes place in a great circle is easily seen; for the earth being of a round form, if the wind moved straight-forward it would go away from the earth altogether. But besides describing vertical circles, it moves also in horizontal ones. It is now believed that great storms have this whirling motion. As there are whirlpools in water, so there are whirl- winds in the air; and in many other cases the two elements have a similarity of movement. All these movements, on consideration, resolve themselves into the action of the SUD. Next we have to consider animal or manual power. The steam engine derives its power from the fuel it consumes, and in which the
- 449. 446 ON THE POWER OP THE SUN. power is hidden and stored, this power being originally given by the sun. Now, as is well known, man and animals receive strength from their food; and this food, whether animal or vegetable, comes originally from the plant or tree. It is the fuel that feeds our fires, and, though neither wood nor coal, it is equally fuel, and equally combustible. For there is going on in us, though much slower, a similar combustion to that of the fire of the steam engine.. The place where this slow com- bustion takes place is in the interior of that body which is described as being "fearfully and wonderfully made." The food taken in at the mouth, there meets with the air inspired through the nostrils. The two combine, and are in part breathed forth as an invisible gas, which is of the very same nature and constitution as that produced by the burning of wood or coal, and which is separated and renewed by the sun in the same manner. The circle performed is also similar. That part of the food which corresponds to the ashes in the fire, should, in the natural order of things, find its way to the roots of the tree, that, like the ashes, it might again help to form fruit or wood; but when men, eager for gain, are too closely packed together, as they are now in some of our large towns and cities, this order is violated. These ejected matters, which should be mingled with the ashes of fires and other refuse, and carried a,vay to be applied to the land as manure, are, instead, poured into the rivers where they are not required, and after poisoning the fish and some of the inhabitants-dwellers near their banks-finally find their way to the sea. How the food of man gives him the power of motion we do not know. Nor do ,ve know how the fire causes water to become steam. But we do know that in both cases the matter consumed does this. Also, that if we cease to supply this food or fuel, the machinery may move for a time-the man or .animal may exist for a few days-but, sboner or later, both become lifeless and cold; for though there is a soul or spirit in man, yet is ~is body of the earth, earthy, and subject to natural laws ; being, therefore, equally dependent on the sun for the power of motion manifested. There is another particular in which the analogy of the food used by man to the fuel of the fire may be seen. When food is abundant and is supplied faster than it is consumed in the system, it is stored up in the body in beds or layers as fat, and remains till it is needed. This peculiar power of storing up fat for future consumption is very like what took place on the earth when there was a superabundance which was laid up JB eoo,l; 80 that coal may be called the fat of the earth, or fat the coal
- 450. ON THE POWEROF THE SUN. 447 of the body. • The similarity of the two substances is further remark- able i-we use animal fat and oil to produce light and heat just as we do coal. In regard to the electric or magnetic powers, as exemplified in the telegraph and magnet, both are equally dependent on the sun, though more remotely. These peculiar powers are given out by the combina- tion of metals and water, analogous to the burning of wood and air. The result of this combination is solid; it is not, as in the former cases, an invisible gas, but an oxide or met, a compound of metal and water. The sun does not p09Sess the power of separating the metal from the water directly, but he does it indirectly. By submitting this rust with charcoal to' the action of fire, separation takes place, and the eleetric power is restored. This power it takes from the fuel used, which :first had it from the sun, and in this case the fuel passes the power of producing motion to the metal melted. But the sun can directly excite in conducting substanoes an electric current and magnetism; so that it is quite possible to make a magnet by the action of his rays. He shines upon the earth and makes it magnetic; so that the needle of the mariner's compass is made to point north and south. Hence the sun not only supplies the power which moves the ship, whether a steam or sailing vessel, but also furnishes a guide and director ,vhich helps to point out the path the vessel should take. Perhaps the da.y is not far distant when an increased knowledge of dynamics may enable ns to refer all action to the sun. This cannot as yet be done; the force of gravitation, for instance, how little is known of it! Sufficient is known, however, of the action of other forces as to make it almost a matter of certainty that power is in all eases derived, and that we receive it through or by the sun. This power is not known to suffer diminution or change, and is not intermitting, but is supplied continuously. Its profuseness is wonderful; for the sun sends out his light and heat on all sides, performing-as we are justified in supposing-on the other earths in our system the same good offices he does for us. Even then, so wide are the spaces inter- vening between these earths, that the appearance is, that many of the solar rays pass by and are wasted. Not that they are really wasted; but that we cannot see the uses they then perform in the universal economy. Truth, if genuine, will always be found to agree with all other truth i jnst as water will unite with water everywhere, and in all propor. tiona; or like the brick or stone used in building an edifice, and which
- 451. 448 ON THE POWER OF THE SUN. must be made of a regular figure and fitness. Hence the faculty of the mind which tries the fitness of things, truth or falsity, is called the rational faculty, or that which recognises ratio, or proportion. The poet Milton speaks of the sun in "Paradise Lost" as being the- " Bright image of his Maker, here below." He saw then, as poets only do see, a truth which natural science now only more and more confirms. There is in fact a perfect analogy or resemblance between the qualities of the sun and the Divine Attributes.-- The consideration of this correspondence cannot here be entered upon; but it is full of series of the most beautiful illustrative truths. What has been shown respecting the power of the sun may serve to teach us humility; for we see how entirely we are dependent for all the powers which seem to be so much our own, on Him who gives the sun his power, and who said of Himself when on earth- "WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING." Swepstone.• w. A. THEOLOGICAL ESSAYS. No. Vil.-THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. THAT man is gifted with free-will, as it is termed, or the power of choice between good and evil, is attested by consciousness, by reason. and by Divine Revelation. First, by man's own consciousness. It may be remarked, that an impression of consciousness, like an axiom .of mathematics, though incapable of demonstration, is above and beyond all demonstration. It is a truth of perception too interior for demonstration to reach, but which carries with it conviction more forcible than any demonstration can. And when such consciousness, in regard to any particular truth, is found to be common and universal among mankind, the certainty of that truth is greater than can be attained by any amount of reasoning whatever; for in carrying out a train of reasoning, we are liable to fall into error at some step in the course, and that is sufficient to invalidate the conclusion. But a perception by consciousness does not follow the slow winding course of argument, but comes like a lightning-flash direct from heaven, carrying with it irresistible conviction. Now, such a consciousness has every man of his moral freedom. Every man knows and feels that he is free. In time of temptation he feels that he has the power either to yield or to resist-to sm or to refrain from sinning. And by exercising this faculty again and again,-
- 452. THE FREEDOM OFTHE WILL. 449 continnaliy, daily, hourly,-he gradually forms to himself It character, high or low, good or evil; and when this character becomes at length fixed and settled, it constitutes his identity for ever. Every one is conscious of possessing the faculty of choosing between two courses of action, and we all exercise it constantly; and according as we choose well or ill, do we enjoy or suffer, rise or fall. This great power is a continual gift of the Lord to every one; and He gi:ves it to the end that man may be man, and not a mere machine pulled by strings, acted upon by irresistible forces. "Will any person of candor deny," says an able writer, "that; in the very act of transgressing an acknowledged duty, he is impressed with a conviction as complete as that of his own existence that his will is free, and that he is abusing his ~oral liberty, contrary t<) the suggestions of reason aI1d conscience ?";:: A person, it is true, by continually resisting these convictions, by habitual indulgence in sin, may become so hardened as well nigh to lose this consciousness of his moral freedom. But this is no proof that he did not originally possess that faculty. By continually doing violence to it he has so nearly destroyed its elasticity (so to speak) that it can 8carcely react against his evil inclinations. He is on that downward path" which all the lost have trod-where, at the ~ottom, lies the scale • of Free Will, turned to rise no more, its beam motionless and broken. For all in hell have desiroyed their moral freedom, and are slaves to their own lusts for evermore. " He that committeth sin," said the Lord, "is the slavet of sin." Yet," while there is life there is hope:" while the man still remains in this natural world his moral freedom is not absolutely destroyed; there is still a possibility of his recovering him. self, though the difficulty is continually greater the longer and more deeply he indulges in sin, "It is to be known," says Swedenborg, "that the difficulty of resisting evils increases in propol'tion RS man from the will commits evils; for, in the same pro.. * Stewart's Moral Philosophy. Appendix, Sect. vi. Anyone may be satisfied of the truth of this view by carefully noting his own thoughts and feelings, and the dealings of Providence with him. For myself, I have continually observed how careful Divine Providence is not to restrict my freedom. When I have fallen ill temptation and grieved over my full, I have often thought to myself, Why did the Lord nQt put forth His hand and stop me? Why did He not impress mo "ith such horror as to frighten me from yielding? And it has been then given me to perceive why: because my freedom as a human being would in that case have beel~ violated. He rather let me fall, and so learn by hard experience to restrain myself. That is the way in which a rational being is managed. t John viii. S4-4ovAos, sl4ve. 29
- 453. 450 THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL • . portion, he accustoms himself to them till at length he does not see them, and afterwards loves them, and from the delight of love excuses them, and by all kinds of fallacies confirms them, saying that they are allowable and good.; but this is the case with those who in adult age plunge into evils as without restraint, and then at the same time reject DiviDe things from the heart."- To pass now from the argument from consciousness to the argument from reason. If man be not possessed of free-will, then God is 'the author of evil-whic~ is absurd, for it implies a contradiction. God is essential goodness, as His Word declares, and as all His works manifest. Now, a thing cannot produce its own opposite, for that would be an effect contrary to its cause-a thing can communicate only that which it has in itself. Essential goodness, therefore, cannot produce evil, for good and evil are opposites, and there is nothing in goodDess from which evil can spring. Therefore, to suppose God the author of evil iJivolves a contradiction. Yet this charge is necessarily implied in denying man's free-will; for the~ are but two beings in the universe, who are intelligent and sentient, and therefore are oapable of producing or devising anything from themselves, namely, God,-and man who is God's likeness. It is tme indeed that, strictly speaking, God alone is 'the sourc~ and Creator of all things, but He has given to , man the faculty of being a quasi creator or producer, by giving him the appearance that he lives from himself, and with it the liberty of using his faculties at will, and thus the power-not indeed of creating-but of bending or moulding created substances into new forms, and thus of producing something different from what existed before. Now, such a new thing was evil, for it formed no part of the original creation; when God had finished His work, it is deelared that everything He had made was "good," and "very good:" Then it must have been man who pro- duced evil~ But this is impossible, except on the supposition 'that he possessed free-will; for moral freedom means the power of using or of abusing the faculties with which man is gifted. How, by the abuHe of his faculties, man became the author of evil, this is not the place to show-that subject is reserved for another Essay. The only point now before us is to make it plain that that result followed from the possession of free-will, and could have been produced in no other way; for, if man did not produce evil through the abuse of his faculties, he must have pr~duced it in the regular and orderly use of those faculties"; and, in that case, God the Creator would have been properly chargeable with it, because it flowed legitimately from the faculties He gave to man, and this still leaves God the author of evil. But this, as before .. Treatist3 an "Heaven and Hell," n. 53"8.
- 454. TJtE FREEDOM OFTHE WILL. 451 shown, is absurd. Henee it follows that man must have produced evil, Dot in the use, but by the abuse of his faculties j and such capability of abuse implies free-will. This is the abstract argument; and in this condensed form. ·it may appear dry and uninteresting, yet consider how much is mvolved in it. He who denies that man is possessed of free-will, or in other words, the power to abuse his faculties, and that in this way he first brought evil into existence, must believe that God is the author of evil. And consider what this charge involves. It charges God, the good Creator and Father of men, with all the horrid crimes that have been com- mitted, and all the dreadful miseries that have been suffered, by the human race since the beginning of the world. It makes Him the author, ,directly or indirectly, of every robbery and every murder-of bloody wars, of hate, rage, revenge, blasphemy, and of everything monstrous and wicked that exists, or has ever existed in the inner world of man's heart, or in the outer world of life and aation, from the beginning- of time; and consequently the author also of all the miseries, horrors, anguish, and despair, even to the torments of hell, that men or spirits have ever experienced. Deny man's free-will, and you. charge God with all this. Is not that blasphemous? Then the denial of man's free-will amounts, in effect, to blasphemy. But there are two grounds on which man's free-will has been denied -the one a philosophical, and the other a theological ground. We will examine them both. In the first place, it is maintained that man's free-will is inconsistent with God's foreknowledge. Now,' at the very outset of the discussion, we might set up a veto, and deny tllat any valid argument 'whatever can possibly be based on such a ground. That which, in such case, the reasoner undertakes to found an argument upon, is something of the nature and character of which man can have DO just conception; and, therefore, in undertaking to argue from it, he is deducing an argument from the unknown,-from that which he has DO proper under.. standing of. Such an argument, consequently, can have no soundness, no one can have any assurance of its truth; and especially when such an argument" is found to stand opposed to truths which we certainly know, it becomes absolutely worthless. Of such a character is an argument which attempts to support itself upon reasonings about God's 'foreknowledge. God's foreknowledge is something about which we can have no jnst understanding whatever. Being a Divine quality, it is infinite, and therefore to our finite minds is utterly incomprehensible;
- 455. 452 THE FREEDOM OF THE ~~LL. we can have no correct ideas in respect to it, and consequently any argument founded on such ideas as we may form, must be fallacious. This great troth is declared in God's Word, by the Divine Himself, where Ha 8&Y8-" My thoughts are not as your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. * When Jonathan Edwards, H therefore, or other N ecessitarian writers, seek to argue upon such grounds, we say that they are simply presumptuous. But when, so arguing, they deduce conclusions which are, as we shall by-and-by show, directly in opposition to the teachings of God's Word, to the perceptions of man's consciousness, to the dictates of sound reason, and which make the good God the author of evil and sin,-then we say they become blasphemers; with or without intending it, they are violating the maJesty and blackening the loveliness of the. Divine character. Wa might, therefore, with entire justice and propriety, pass by this argument altogether, as matter irrelevant and not fit to be considered; as Professor Stewart justly remarks in alluding to this point- U In reviewing the ar~ments which have been advanced on the opposite sides of this question, I have hitherto taken .no notice of those which the Necessitariana have founded on the prescience or jOfreknowledge oj the Deity, because I do not think them fairly applicable to the subject, inasmuch as they draw an inference from what is altogether placed beyond the reach of our faculties." t Nevertheless, though we cannot, by any human reasonings in regard to Divine qualities, ascertain truth, yet we can oppose the errors and expose the fallacies of those who have thus sought to reason, and 80 far perlorm a service, by breaking the fetters that have been thrOWI I'round soma minds by those fallacies. The neoessitarian argument ia, that man's possession of free-will would be inconsistent with God's foreknowledge, because free-will implies contingency-that is, the possibility that an event either may o;r may not happen, as man's choice may decide; whereas, a thing foreknown is certain; it could not be foreknowp if it was not certainly to be. That is the argument. Now, does not any just mind at once perceive that the reasoner is here entangling himself with metaphysical subtleties, and trying to grasp something above human reach? I repeat, that man can know nothing about the Divine foreknowledge, cab form nQ just idea of it, and thus can base no sound argument upon it. To the forementioned argument, however, it may be replied, that so far as we can aee or say anything about foreknowledge, it need not • Isaiah Iv. 8. f 'twwlMi's Phi1<11fophy of the ActiTe ed Moral Powers of Man. Appelldh I. t S. 8.
- 456. THE FREEDOM OFTHE WILL. 458 interfere with man's possession of free-will at all. God foreknows what man will'wiU to do-what, in the exercise of his free-will, he will choose to do. God foresees the cause as well as' the effect; He foresees the exertion of the free-will that leads to the event, as well as He foresees the event that will result from that exertion. Then, man's possession of free-will remains untouched by the Divine foreknowledge. The argument that a thing must certainly be, because God foreknows it, is a mere fallacy, a mere play upon words-it is a departing from the point at issue. The question is, not whether an event will take place or not, but how it will take place-from what cause it will be produced. We assert that an event, if an act of man, will be the effect of an exercise of his free- will; then, whether that event be foreknown or afterknoWD a or known simultaneously, the cause that 'produced the effect is the same-namely, man's free-will; and that is the whole point at issue. The foreknowledge-as has been-j1l8tly argued-is the effect, not the cause. God foreknows that a thing will take place because He foresees the man will choose that it sball take place. God foresees both the act of choice and its result- 80 .far as we may presume to form QUy idea at all of the Divine foreknowledge, it is to be looked upon rather as a1'terknowledge, and as resembling man's knowledge of a thing that is past. For if God looks forward a thousand years, He also looks forward a thousand and one years, so that what will have happened in the thousandth year of futurity is to Him like a thing that happened last year. "A thousand years, in Thy sight," says the Psalmist, " are but as ye8terday when it is P{l$t." He looks back upon it--He sees it as certain, of COUlse, because there it is-the thing is done; in His view, it already has a . real existence. But at the same time that He sees the effect, He sees, too, what produced that effect-namely," man in the exercise of his free- will. If one thing is certain, so is the other. So far) then, as we can form any idea of God's foreknowledge, man's possession of free- will is not in the least inconsistent with it. This truth is thus briefly expressed by the poet of "Paradise Lost," the words being put into the Divine mouth- l' If I foreknow, Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault; " And the wise conclusion of St. Angustine on this point is, as Professor Stewart remarks, eqnally pious and philosophical : - " Wherefore," he says, "we are nowise reduced to the necessity, either by ad- mitting the foreknowledge of God, to deny the freedom of the human will; nor, by admitting the freedom of the will, to doubt the foreknowledge of God. But, OD the
- 457. 454 'tHE P'RBEDOM 011 TSE WILL. contrary, we are disposed to embraee both doctrines, the one that our faith may bG IOUDd, the other that our lives may be good." The ease of Hazael (2 Kings viii. 8-15) may be adduced, &a a striking instance of the consistency· of God's foreknowledge and man's free-will. His master, Benhadad f lring of Syria, being sick, sent Hazael to inquire of the prophet Elisha whether he should recover. The prophet replied that he certainly might recover. " Howbeit," says he, "the Lord bath shown me that he will surely die. And he settJed his countenance stedfastly until he was ashamed, and the man of God wept. And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strongholds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and will dash in pieces their children, ~d rip np their· women with child. And Husel said, But what I is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing '} And Elisha answered f The Lord hath shown me that thou wilt be king over Syria. 80 he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee '} And he answered him, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover. And it came to pass, on the morrow, that he took a thick oloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his faCe, BO that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead." Now, here there was, in the natural order of things, an entire possibility of Benhadad's recovering, yet.the Lord foresaw that a wicked man's will would interfere f and cause him to die. Aad this fact foreseen (not foreordained) He announced to His prophet-" The Lord hath shown me that he will surely die." The Lord commtmieated to the prophet a further perception of what Hazael . would do, namely, distress and destroy the Israelites. And, though Hazael ,had not as yet formed any such purpose, and was therefore him.. self surprised at the announcement (" Is thy servant a dog," said he., that he should,do this thing'}"), yet the Divine wisdom perceived in Hazael's mind the wicked capacity, which, when the opportunity should o1l'er, would put itself forth in this cruel manner. . It is thus that the Divine foresees: by knowing all causes, He foreknows all efOOts. Yet Hazael's freedom of will was not in the least interfered with by this knowledge. Hazael was no~mpelled by any necessity to murder either his master or the Israelites: he might have refrained from both. The Lord merely foresaw, from a knowledge of Hazael'g state of mind, what he, in his wicked choiee, would 00, and so He foretold it. But if any ODe shonld argue; '" But now that it is foretold he must do it, "'-1 ask, How so?' If his will was free before, it is free now. What has beeD
- 458. THE FRE·EDOM OFTHE WILL. 455 done to make it less free? Prophecy is a mere effect of foreseeing how he will choose to do: it does not in the leait degree cause that ch'Oice, nor make it necessary: the action of the free-will is the cause, the pre- diction is the effect. Hazael's free-will was untouched: he freely chose a wicked ·course, and consequently, all the responsibility of the crime remains with him. The great error lies in confounding foreknowledge and foreordinatioIi~ which are two as perfectly distinct things as being a spectator and being an actor. God endows men with faculties. He then looks on and ()bserves them, noting how they exercise those faculties. Continnally, also, He supplies the power to act, the power to think, the power to will; but as to the manner in which that power is exercised, man is left absolutely free, and this to the intent that he may be man, and not B mere machine. The Lord, indeed, continually seeks to present to the mind true thoughts and inspire good affections, and thus to lead man to heaven; yet even in this He is m08~ careful not to violate man's freedom, which is the palladium of humanity. And though, indeed, we are assured by His own Word, and also by reason, that, being omniscient, He must foreknow how man will choose to act, still He is careful not to interfere, or in any way to compel him to act. In this view then He is a spectator, not an actor, in man's course; though foreknowing, He does not foreordain. For if you for a moment admit the. idea of foreordination or predestination, what follows? You make God a monster; you make Him, as before shown, the author of evil, the planner of the Fall, the deviser of every scheme of sin and wicked- ness, the source of all the crimes that have been c.ommitted and of all- the misery that now exists, in earth or hell. All this follows inevitably from the premise of foreordination. When, therefore, the authors of the " Westminster Catechism" say, that" God from all eternity did freely and unchangeably ordain whatever comes to pass,-yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of His creature~," .:.-they must be regarded merely as trifling with onr understandings, and o~cularly announcing a "high mystery," which, like the mystery of three Persons and one God, is a mystery only because it is a falsity. Why should those pretend to reason at all, or at least why should they have their reasonings listened to, who, when driven to the wall by the force of argument, are obliged to take refuge behind the cloud of " mystery" ? He who is unable to end with reaSOD should not begin with it: a defective argument is none. J onathan Edwards, from his
- 459. 456 THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL .. powerful and logical mind, brings forth a grand array of arguments, all to appearance nicely linked together; but where does the chain end? In a cloud. What is it fastened to ? Nothing. The great champion himself is obliged to take refuge behind the impenetrable veil of mystery ; for when pressed to show how it can be that God foreordains- whatever comes to pass, and yet is not the author of sin (which is certainly one thing that has come to pass), he is obliged to admit that that is a point he cannot presume to explain; that is beyond the reach of finite faculties.* How is this? You 8.ffirm a thing, and try to support your position by argument; but when by counter-argument I seek to show that a certain consequence inevitably follows from your premises, you meet my argu- ment merely by an assertion that it is not so, but acknowledging your inability to show how it is not so. In making such an admission, do you not declare yourself vanquished? .If you say, But Divine Revela- tion declares foreordination,-then you are shifting your ground. I am quite ready to meet you on the ground of Revelation, and to show that God's Word asserts in the strongest terms man's free-,vill, and by con- sequence denies foreordination. But one thing at a time. If you begin with reasoning you must finish with it, or admit yourself conquered. Edwards and some other Necessitarians seek, indeed, to make a dis- tinction between vulgar necessity (or necessity in the common idea and acceptation of the term) and philosophical necessity; and somewhere in the imaginary interstice between these, they fancy they :find a place for man's moral responsibility. .But admit necessity at all, be it vulgar or philosophical, and y~u still make God the author of evil, which is the 'reductw ad absurdun~. t • Edwards, however, does admit that God is the author of evil in a certain sense. But when pressed to show how a being of perfect goodness can be the author of evil, which is directly opposite to good, he is driven to the point of doubting whether, on the whole, evil is evil; whether in the Divine Eye it may not, in the long run, be good. (See Edwards on the" Freedom of the Will," Part iv., Sect. 9.) To such absurdities is the man driven who, while a logical reasoner, yet denies man's freedom of will. God bids us in His Word" hate evil;" (Amos v. 15.) and He would not bid us hate that which was good, nor could He consistently bid us hate that which He willed and foreordained. Consider what evil means, viz., murder, theft, robbery, rape, arson, cheating, lying, meanness, and baseness of every kind ;-are these good? Yet he who denies man's free-will, is driven to the absurdity of thinking it possible they are. Thus will men, as in tlie case of " Edwards, lose sight of all good sense in the pursuitJof metaphysical subtleties. t "When I was discoursing with the angels," says Swedenborg, "concerning the Divine' providence of the Lord, there were spirits also present who impressed on themselves some hlea concerning fate or a1J~olute necessity; they suppose that
- 460. THE FREEDOM OFTHE WILL. 457 But it may be asked-If God foreknew the existence of evil, and permitted it, is not that the same thing as foreordaining it? I reply- By no means: foreordination and permission are very different things. To foreordain a thing, is to devise it, to plan it, to purpose that it should be, or, what amounts to the same, to will that it should be; whereas, to permit a thing is merely to tolerate it because it cannot be prevented without causing something worse. "The Lord foresaw," says Swedenborg, "that it would be impossible for any good to be rooted in man, except in his free·will." * The Divine Being, in creating man, saw that it was impossible to create a being who should r(!ceive His gifts and graces in a conscious and intelligent manner, and in such a way as that they should form a truly human .character, without the faculty of free-will, by means of which he might, ss it were, of himself approach and voluntarily receive those gifts. Therefore He endowed man with such a faculty. But free-will, in its very nature, implies the power to receiye or to reject,-to turn to or turn from God. Consequently, it implies the possibility of evil; for evil in itself con· 8ider~d, is simply a perversion of man's mind, consequent upon his turning away from God and looking to himself. The effect of such perversion was to cause the love flowing into his heart from God to be turned into self-love-and self-love is the one root of all evil and sin. But such permission, as before said,. was absolutely necessary; man would not have been man without the faculty of so perverting himself, or in other words, without the possession of free-will. God foresaw, indeed, in creating man, that many would pervert their natures, and thus that evil and consequent uehappiness would come into the world; but He also foresaw that myriads and millions would not pervert them" . selves, but would remain in the divine order in which they were created, and would thus be happy and blessed, first on earth and the Lord acted from that necessity,· because He cannot proceed otherwise than according to things most essential, thus according to those things which are of the most perfect order. But it was shown them that man has freedom, and that if he has freedom, it is not from necessity. This was illustrated by the case of houses to be built, in that the bricks, the mortar, the sand, the stones serving for pedestals and pillars, also the timbe~ and beams, and many things of a like nature, are brought together, not in that order in which that house is to be constructed, but ., according to pleasure; and the L01'd alone knows what sort of a house JIlay thence be built. All those things which are from the Lord are most essential; but they do not follow in order from necessity, but in application to the freedqm of man." (A..C.6,487.) * Arcana Ccdestia, n. 3,854.
- 461. 458 THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. afterwards in heaven, for ever. He foresaw, also, that in the long run, the number of the good would indefinitely exceed that of the evil (for the Prophecies, particularly Isaiah, are full of such -declara- tions); and that, notwithstanding the few, comparatively speaking, who would choose to corrupt themselves and thus together form that evil state terme4 hell, there would still be a vast and glorious heaven, where He would dwell, surrounded by His loved and 'loving creatures, through the happy ages of eternity I This was the plan which God "from all eternity foreordained, and tt it was a ·plan of infinite love and goodness. The permission of evil was simply consequent upon the necessity of man's being endowed with free-will, in order to be a human being. London. O. P. H. (To be continued.) EXPOSITION OF JOHN XXI. 12---25. By M. LE Boys DES GUAY8. 12. Jesus saith unto them, Come and 12. The Lord, by His in1lux, invites dine. . them to conjunction-and appropriation, And none of the disciples durst ask But none of the priJ)ciples in the.re· him, Who art thou? generate attempt to inquire from whence this influx proceeds, Knowing that it was the Lord. Perceiving that it proceeds from the Divine Human of the Lord. On viewing all these scientmcs which are spread before his eyes, the regenerate cannot doubt an 'instant that this prodigious multiplication has been produced by -the mercy of the Lord; and when immediately after he feels himself led to appropriate them to himself, he does not think of searching from whence this impulse comes, being well con- . vinced that it proceeds from the Lord. 18. Jesus then cometh, and taketh 18. The Lord then conjoins Himself bread, and giveth them, and fish like- . with them, and He imparts to them, in wise. the lowest degree, the good of love, and similarly the truth of spiritual good. By this conjunction and this communicatio~ of the good of love, and of the truth of spiritual good, the regenerate appropriates to himsell this good and truth in the sensual-natural degree. 14. This is now the third time that 14. TJlis is now the eomplemen' of • Jesus 8¥Wed himself to His disciples, manifestations of the Lord in the re- generate, After that He was risen from the After evils have been completely re- dead. moved in him.
- 462. ~XP08ITtON OF JOHN XXI. 459 Sinee evils had been subdued in the regenerate, that is to say, since his last temptation, the Lord had at first manifested Himself in every part of the regenerate mind, excepting the sensual principle, and by this manifestation order was re-established in all his principles excepting the sensual; the Lord Ulanifested Himself a second time in the wholo of the regenerate mind, without excepting the sensual principle, and by this second manifestation this principle was also restored to order, and it recognised the Divine Human of the Lord. Lastly, by this third manifestation in the regenerate, everything of a more exterior nature, that is to say, all that belongs to the external sensual principle, is brought into order, or is regenerated by this appropriation of good and truth. .. 15. So when they had dined, Jesus 15. When, then, the regenerate has saith to Simon Peter, appropriated this good and truth, the Lord leads the faith of the will to make this refiection : . Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me Does its aft'ection of truth love the more than these? Lord more than the regenerate himself 1 Be saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou This rellection leads it to conjoin itself mowest that I love Thee. to the Lord BS of itself. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. The Lord makes it perceive that it should enlighten in the regenerate an that is in innocence. All being at last brought into order in the regenerate, the Lord points out to the faith of the. will what it ought to do to perfect regeneration. Although the Lord knows the state of man better than man knows it himself, nevertheless it often happens that, in the Word, he interrogates him on this subject, which signifies that the Lord moves tnan to reflect on this state, so that by this reflection he may be led as by himself to conjoin himself to the Lord, and that in consequence or this reciprocal conjunction he may be enabled to perceive what he should do. Here the faith of the will in the regenerate perceives that it should enlighten in him all tha.t is in innocence, that is to say, all that constitutes in him the highest degree; in this degree the regene- rate should love the Lord, that is to say, good and truth, more than himself. 16. Be saith to him again the second 16. By an Wtux of conjunction he time, Simon, son of J onas, l~vest thou again leads the affection of truth to make me ? this reflection: Does it love the Lord? He saith unto Him, yea, Lord; Thou . This reflection induces it as of it8elf mowest tllat I love Thee. to conjoin itself to the Lord.
- 463. 460 EXPOSITION OF JOHN XXI. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. The Lord makes it perceive that it, should enlighten, in the regenerate, all that is by the will in good or charity. All, in the regenerate, that is in good. by the will, is whatever con.. stitutes in him the middle degree. 17. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of JoDaS, lovest thou me? 17. By a still fnller in1Iux, He leads the affection of truth to make this reflec- . ' tion: Does it love the Lord? Peter was grieV'ed because He said Faith is grieved that by this fuller unto him the third time, Lovest thou influx. it is led to make this reflection: me? Lovest thou the Lord? And he said unto Him, Lord, Thou And this refiection induces it to con· knowest all things; Thou knowest that join itself to the Lor<»&s from itself. I love Thee. Jesus saitb unto him, Feed my sheep. The Lord makes it perceive that it . should enlighten, in the regenerate, all that is by the understanding in good. or charity. It is to be remarked that it is here said that Peter was grieved, 'Whilst before in this chapter the apostle is called Simon Peter, and Si1non son of Jonas,. thus it is not here the faith of the will, nor the affection of truth, but simply the faith of the regenerate that is directed to enlighten in him all.that is in good by the understanding, that is to say, everything that constitutes in him the last or lowest degree; indeed this degree is enlightened by simple faith, but this faith must put itself under the direction of the Lord, so as to acquire a new life; this is what is signified in the following verses, where the apostle is called simply Peter. 18. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 18. A confirmative influx makes faith When thou wast young, thou girdedst reflect that at the commencement of re.. thyself, and walkedst whither thou generation it acted in liberty, and directed wouldst; . itself, where it cdtlld go; But when thou shalt be old, thou shalt But that it is destined to lose its power, stretch forth thy hands, and another shall and that another will direct it and con- gird thee, and carry thee whither thou duct it where of itsell it cannot go. wouldst not. In the commencement of regeneration, faith holds. the first rank and charity the second; faith then acts with full liberty, a~d it directs itself where it can go, that is to say, it does all that it can accomplish by itself in this first period of regeneration; but in the la8t period, charity should have the first rank and faith should descend to the second; then it is for charity to direct faith, and to conduct it where
- 464. EXPOSITION OF JOHNXXI. 461 of itself it cannot go, that is to say, in operations that it cannot under- tak~ by itself. In the internal sense as applied to the first Christian church, this V'erse signifies that in the commencement of that church faith would be in the good of innocence like an infant, but that at the end of this church it would no longer be in this good, nor in the good of charity, but that then evil and falsity would direct it; that thus from being free, it would become a slave. (A. C. 10,087.) In comp~ring this sense with that which is given here, it is seen that in the second part ot this verse they do not appear correlative, for here, by that other which ought to direct it, is not understood evil, nor falsity. For correlation to exist between these two senses, the subject should here refer to a regenerate man who succumbs in temptations and returns to ·his former life, since the first Christian church has ended by succumbing, and has arrived at its complete consummation. The internal sense that we present being applied only to the regenerate who comes forth victorious from the last temptation, need only ~e in correlation with the internal sense that would be applied to the New Jerusalem, for this church, being the crowning of all those that have existed, may not succumb. Now, it is very evident that in the New Church, as well as in the case of the regenerate who is victorious, faith will be directed, in its old age, neither by evil nor by falsity t but that it will then be under the direction of charity, and will acquire by that llleans a new life, as is expressed in .the following verse. Thus, relatively to the first Christian church, these words of the Lord addressed to Peter are now accomplished; as relating to the New Church, they will be accomplished at their proper time, which is known to the Lord alone; and as to the man of the New Church, they are accomplishing even now in the regenerate, who has reached a state in which he undergoes his last temptation, and comes forth from it victorious. 19. This spake He. signifying by what 19. This influx shows by what kind of death he should glorify God. . new life faith should glotify the Divine Wisdom. And when He had spoken this, He And at the same time, it is Buggested saith unto him, Follow me~ to him that he should put himself under the direotion of Divine Loft. It is in dying, that is to say, in acquiring a new life, that faith can glorify Divine Wisdom, and to do so it must put itself under the direction of Divine Love~
- 465. 462 EXPOSITION OF JOHN XXI. 20. Then Peter, turning about, seeth 20. Now, turning itself from Divine the disciple whom Jesus loved followmg; Love, faith perceives that the good of charity puts itself under'the direcUon of this Love. Which also leaned on His breast at The same goo~ had also been pen;. supper, and said, Lord, which is he that trated with the Divine Love during the betrayeth Thee? conjunction of the Loll with the re· generate, and had tried to find. out which of the principles in it should betray Him. Before acquiring a new life, by putting itself under the direction of Divine Love, as it has just been commanded, faith turns "from this " Love, and shows plainly what is its character when it is under its own guidance, as also appears by the question that Peter addresses to the Lord in the following verse. " 21. Peter, seeing him, saith to Jesus, 21. Faith, perceivfhg it, makes this Lord, and what shall this man do? reflection: But in what state is this good? This question shows clearly the contempt '~hat faith has for the good of charity, or, what is the same thing, for works, for the eXpres.. sion implies contempt. (See A. O. 6078, A. E. 9.) 22. Jesus saith unto him, If I will 22. The Lord makes it understood that he tarry till I come, what is that to that, if He wills that this good remain thee? such until perfect regeneration, it is of little importance to this faith ; Follow thou me. But as to this good, it should put itself under the direction of Divine Love. It is to John that these last words are addressed, and not to Peter. (See A..E. 821,250, and compare A.E. 9,229.) In the internal sense as relating to the old church, verses 20, 21, and 22, signify that at the end of this church faith would turn itself away from the Lord, and that the good of charity would continue to follow the Lord and recognise Him; which has come to pass, seeing that the rulers of this church maintain that faith alone constitutes the church and saves, and that notwithetanding this fatal and false doc- trine, which" considers the good of life to be of no effect, this good has nevertheless continued to subsist. But in the particular internal sense, these ve&ef:l signify that, in the regenerate, faith such as it 'existed at :first has nothing more to do in regeneration; that it must receive a new life by placing itself under the good of charity; and that this good must put itself under the direction of Divine Love.
- 466. EXPOSITION OF JOHNXXI. 468 28. Then went this saying abroad 28. This, then, causes the regenerate among the brethren, that that disciple to think that this good should not have shoula not die : a new life. Yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall N evertheles8, the Lord had not given D6t die; but, If I will that he tarry till to understand that this good should not I come, what is that to thee? have a new life; but that if He willed that it should remain such until perfect regeneration, it was of little importance to this faith. 24. This is the disciple whioh testi1leth 24:. This good is the general aft'ection of these things, and wrote these things: in the regenerate which gives proof that these are truths, and which manifests these truths by the states of life ; And we know that his testimony is And eTery man of the ohurch sees true. . 1 y that this proof is certain. It is the good of charity or works that proves that one is truly a. disciple of the Lord. " By their fruits ye shall know them." (Matt. vii. 16, 20.) 25. And there are also many other ~5. But there are many other mar. things which J esU8 did, . vellous things that the Lord effects, The which, if they should be written Which, if they were each manifested every one, I suppose that even the world in detail, it would be impossible that the itself could not contain the books that regenerated man, and even the angel, should be written. could comprehend all the di1ferent states they are obliged to pass through unto perfect regeneration. Amen. Divine confirmation tut all that the Word contains is the truth. . CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS IN RELATION TO THE MAGAZINE. The Rev. E. D. Rendell has been re-appointed to prepare the leading article in the Miscellaneous department, such as that which has appeared monthly during the past year, and to assist in writing Reviews. A Committee of five has been appointed, to whom all articles of a. controversial character are to be submitted, and who are to decide as to their fitness or unfitnes for insertion in the Magazine. The sum of £24. has been granted for making an acknowledgment to writers of approved articles. As a rule, Obituary notices are not to occupy more than half a colum~ of the Magazine.
- 467. REVIEW. LIFE AND LETTERS OF FREDERICK W. RoBEBTSON, M.A., Incumbent of Trinity Chapel, Brighton, 1847-58. Edited by STOPFO!fD A. BROOKE, M.A. London: Smith, Elder, and Co. 1865. (Concluded from pdge 4:13.) . HE professed himself "a Trinitarian," and had a Trinitarian' 8 belief in the Lord's divinity: but His sole and supreme divinity. That He was actually, in a strict sense, one with the Father, as a man's soul is one with his body, are troths of which he had no conception. He, indeed, adopts the expression" Divine Humanity," but the meaning he attached to it was simply that of a pe/feet humanity-a perfect realisation of the Divine idea of humanity, of what God intended man to be. The fol- lowing extrllct is an example of his manner of treating this subject : - " Christ was the Son o.f God. But remember in what sense He ever used this name-Son of God because Son o.f Man. He claims sonship in virtue of His humamty. Now, in the whole previous revelation through the prophets, &c., one thing was implied-only through man can. God be known; only through a perfect man, perfectly revealed. Hence He came, 'the brightness of His Father's glory, the e:rpre'8 image of His person.'· Christ, then, must be loved &s Son of Man, before He can be adored as Son of God. In personal lov~ and adoration of Christ the Christian religion consists; not in correct morality, or in correct doctrines, but in homage to the King. Now, unquestionably, the belief in the divinity of Christ is waning among us. They who hold it have petrified it into a theological dogma, without life or warmth, and thoughtful men are more and more beginning to put it a~ide. How are we then to get back this belief in the Son of God ?-by authority, or by the old way of persecution? The time for these has passed. The other way is to begin at the beginning. Begin as the Bible begins, with Christ the Son of Man. Begin with Him as God's character revealed under the limitations of humanity. Lay the foundations of a higher faith deeply in a belief of His humanity. See Him as He was. Breathe His spirit. After that, try to compre- hend His lite. Enter into His childhood. Feel with Him when He looked round about Him in anger, when He vindicated the crushed woman from the powerless venom of her .ferocious accusers; when He stood alone in the solitary majesty of truth in Pilate's judgment-hall; when the light of the Roman soldiers' torches flashed on Kedron in the dark night, and He knew that watching was too late; when His heart-strings gave way upon the cr08S. Walk with Him through the marriage feast. See bow the sick and weary came to Him instinctively; how men when they saw Him, felt their sin, they-knew not why, tnd fell at·His feet; how guilt unconsciously revealed itself, and all that was good in men was drawn out, o.nd they became higher than themselves in His presence. Realise this. Live with Him till He becomes 0. living thought-ever present-and you will find &reverence growing up whioh compares with nothing else in human feeling. You will feel _ that a slighting word spoken against Him wounds with a dart mor~ sharp t~an
- 468. "'1f"',.J • Co>.c. ;"." NE.W JERUSAl.EM CHURCH. . '" r, BLUE COAT STREET NOTTINGHAM. I I i , l J.B.HOHR/cF, ARCH.?" N07TINOHAM.
- 470. REVIEW. 465 personal insult. You will feel that to bow at the. name of Jesus is no form at the will of others, but a relief and welcome. . . . . Slowly, then, this almost insensibly merges into adoration. For, what is it to adore Christ? To call Him God; to say, Lord, Lord? No. Adoration is the mightiest love the soul can give; call it by what name you will." Without designing to insinuate that he was destitute of that true love of the Lord which comes from keeping His commandments, it may be observed that Robertson's love of Christ-he seldom used the Gospel titles of "Jesus," or "the Lord tt-appears to have been a conscious, personal, and emotional love, largely dependent on individual tempera- ment ;-indeed he hesitated not to aver, as the result of a scrutiny into his own mind, "1 scarcely love anyone or anything else; "-and similar, though more intense, to the admiration of an enthusiastic youth for the heroes of classic story. In truth, it ·was the natural, not the Divine Humanity he worshipped-the Man who walked the streets of Jeru~ salem, not the ever-present God-except as a distinct and separate Being; and, as a necessary consequence, he entertained many painfully . low and unworthy ideas of the Lord's ministry and life on earth. His fifth principle was-that Christianity works from the inward to the outward, and not vice 1'ersa; but it may be remembered that on the mystic ladder, Jacob said, angels both ascended and descended. Robertson said-cc Begin with belief and love. Love God. See Him, feel Him." Yet nothing is more obvious than the impossibility of effecting a change of feeling by a mere effort of will. No one can gift himself with the love of any object, human or divine; nor act from such love before he poss~sses it. Therefore the New Church teacher says- " Learn what is good and true from the sacred Scriptnres-directly or indirectly-- and live accordingly. Obey the precept till obedience becomes habitual and delightful, and thus rise to the love of goodness, and to the crowning grace of all-the love of God, which lies not at the beginning and foundation, but at the very summit of the Christian life." Indeed, Robertson was not wholly destitute of a perception that this was the right order, as may be inferred from an interesting passage, full of sweet feeling, on-CC Primer Lessons;" only, unhappily, true percep., tion was often clouded by untrue doctrine : - "Why was John the most beloved? I suppose we learn from the fact the rightness of personal preferences-certain minds being more akin to other human minds than certain others-but also that in the highest hearts this affinity will be determined by spiritual resemblances, not mere accidental agreeabilities, accom. plishments, or politenesses, or pleasant manners. Again, I imagine that the union was one which had nothing to do with mental superiority; that might have beeIl Jnore adD1irable; Jo~ was loveable. Not talent, as in St. Paul's case, JlO~ 60
- 471. 466 REVIEW. eloquence, nor amiability, drew Christ's spirit to him; but that large heart, which enabled him to believe because he felt, and hence to reveal that' God is Love.' It is very remarkable, however, that his love was a trained love. Once John was more zealous than affectionate. But he began by loving the human friend, by tending the mother as a son, by attachment to his brother James; and so, through particular personal attachments, he was trained to take in and comprehend the larger Divine Love. I should say, then, that he was most loveable-because, having loved in their various relationships' men whom he had seen, he was able to love God whom he had not seen.' He is most dear to the heart of Christ, of course, who loves most, because he has most of God in him, and that love comes through missing DODe of the preparatory steps of aJfection, given us here as Primer Lessons." These "principles," as he truly affirmed, underlay the whole of his teaching; but he held them in combination with many important truths that, to a considerable extent, _neutralised· their injurious effects. '.' I earnestly· believe," he writes, t, in God's Personality-by which I mean consciousness, character, and will." He believed also in the distinct individuality of the human soul; in a future life, which state is dependent on character formed in the present world; and that "Infinite Love guides all. " He professed himself likewise an affectionate son of the established church, admired her liturgy and defended her articles, though he permitted himself a liberal interpretation of both, as is evident from the following quotation- "There is an apostolical succession. It is not the power of God conveyed by physical contact-it is not a line of priests; it is a succession of prophets- a broken, scattered one, but a real one. John was the successor of Elias' spirit. In the spiritual birth Luther was the offspring of the mind of St. Paul. Mind acts on mind, whether by ideas or character; herein is the spiritual succession." But a correct estimate of his public instruction .cannot be obtained without taking into account the value of his life. This conscious adoration, indeed, was offered, to use his own expression, to a "Human God;" but as in all genuine charity is inscribed the acknbwledgment of Him from whom it flows, it may be assumed that, in the inner man that lay wiihin his consciousness, he worshipped the Lord Himself in His Divine Humanity. So also, though devoid of any true knowledge of the real nature of the inspiration of the Holy Word, he yet sought light and guidance from its sacred pages, and thus was in a capacity to be enlightened by the spiritual sense-whose existence he denied. He thus appears to have obtained a clear perception of many truths applicable to the discipline of heart and life; and it is to this source that the greater part of what was really valuable in his teaching may be attributed; while the charm that fascinated his hearers was con- stituted of the personal qualifications of fine intellect, vivid imagination,
- 472. REYIEW. 467 depth of feeling, and concentration of purpose. The next citation is offered in illustration of what has just been advanced : - "To-morrow morning I mean to take Luke xi. 1., and preach on "Unconscious Influence." The disciples saw their Lord praying, and asked to be taught. So St. Peter went straight to the sepulchre, and St. John, who had hesitated before at the door, went in after, indirectly and unconsciously influenced by that act. All life is a history of the power of involuntary unconscious influences like these. Our conscious influence is the result of intention, and on the whole does little; but our unconscious infl.uence is the aggregate result of our whole character, manifesting itself in words, looks, acts, that are not meant to effect anything, but which inevitably mould others. Our conscious and intentional influence may fail, or may be false, but our involuntary is inevitable, and every moment operative, and must be true." The reader follows Robertson with deep interest through his short but sorrowful life of thirty-seven years, and parts from him with the tenderness of a friend, but also with the full conviction that he could not long have remained on the same' platform of thought on which he had hitherto rested. His views on religious subjects were most incon- groous and incoherent, composed as they were of ,the" principles" here exhibited, mingled with many of the common Protestant doctrines. In the natural development of the former, he would probably have rejected' not only other untrue opinions besides those he had already relinquished, but also much of the troth he retained. " Return unto thy rest, 0 my soul, " implies a state not realised in his experience. Many things were dark to him; "the mystery of life-what we live for, why we live here at all "-pressed heavily upon him: the "distinction between the divine and the human in Christ's person, it made his brain dizzy and his heart's action stop" to contemplate; and he records" dreadful rushings of the spirit into unfathomable questions in which he found no bottom, and shuddered to find none." Powerfully, too, would he have been affected by the rapidly-increasing spirit of free investigation now preva- lent; that hesitates not to explore the deepest recesses of thought- things human and divine. The wonderfully active influence descending from the New Heaven is, as it were, pressing outward, and urgent to be received. It vivifies and invigorates all that is good or true in the mind of man; and hence is derived the marvellous activity in every department of human life, the growing liberality and tolerance, the numerous social ameliorations, and the augmented power for good or for evil that distinguishes the present epoch. But Divine authority pro~ounces that-" New wine mU,st be put into new bottles;" new truth requires a new and suitable scientific expression and basis. This is
- 473. 468 REVIEW. amply provided in the doctrine that Swedenborg was divinely enlightened to draw from the Hofy Word, for the use of the New Church. But where this is unknown, and the heavenly influx is received in the effete forms of corrupt religions, or obsolete philosophies, and varionsly modi- fied and polluted by the human proprium, it produces the startling combinations of truth and falsity of which so many examples are extant. In some of these he was already entangled, and by the truths of the New Dispensation alone could he have been extricated. In them only could he have found rest and peace. Only in its heavenly doctrines and sublime philosophy could he have found the sustenance for heart and brain he so ardently craved, and yet failed to discover. There is nothing, however, in his life or letters to encourage the opinion that, had his existence been prolonged, he would ever have regarded its claims with acceptance. Indeed, the opportunity of examining its merits was afforded him, could he have been led to embrace it. At the very period of the spiritual crisis that has been described, he had in his possession cc a whole library of Swedenborg's books," though there is no evidence suggestive of the idea that he read any of them. At a subsequent period, a very few years before his death, a friend lent him a "Life of Swedenborg," of which he writes : - U I have been running it over while at dinner, but can make ont nothing, except that Swedenborg was a man of great genius, under hallucinations of the intellect. . . . . . He held a perpetual communion with departed spirits, but I observe they were all those whose lives had impressed his imagination, and, if not men of genius, seem to have been generally kings, dukes, princesses, and persons of such earthly greatness. In some of the quotations there are evidently flashes of very intuitive genius, poured on or into Scriptural passages. The intuitions are true, but they have as little to do with the passages as they have with the Koran. • . . One grand truth he apPearS to have grasped-the fact of Divine Humanity as the only possible object of man's worship. He has, besides, identified Jesus Chris' with this object. I have long felt the former of these positions, and I am more and more satisfied of the truth of the latter. Only a human God, and none other, must be adored by man." There are probably few minds less disposed to accept .the testimony of Swedenborg than those who pass by the written Word of God, and expoct direct divine revelation to their own souls-a revelation to be induced by voluntary states of intense mental abstraction, and realised in vague dreamy impressions the intellect is incapable of appre- hending ;-but hovever deep, dark, and dangerous might be some of the errors he embracod, he was "a noble gentleman, a Christian minister. To the tenderness of a true woman he joined the strong will and t1'1e tmdatmted courage of a true malt. With an mtellect at home
- 474. REVIEW. 469 in all the intricacies of modern thought, he combined the simple spirit of a faithful follower of Christ. To daring speculation he united severe and practical labour among men. • He died, giving up his spirit with his last words, in faith and resignation to his Father." July 15th, 1866. MISCELLANEOUS. NOTICEABLE FACTS. in~erior acquaint~ee. with spiritual thmgs, and arrestmg Its attention by The thirty-sixth annual meeting of the the very abundance of the Bibles which British Association for the Promotion of it circulates. The results of their Science took place this year at Notting- respective operations must be to raise ham, during the third week in August. society up to a higher platform, and to Great preparations were made for the provide for it a great variety of new and reception of distinguished visitors, of orderly enjoyments. Let us rejoice in whom nearly six hundred were present. the existence of efforts so renovating, so Among these were a large number of noble, and so useful. learned persons, all eminent in their respective profession, many of whom A very remarkable instance of the new took part in the proceedings, by reading influence which is operating on the world papers and considering and discussincy to bring about a favourable reception of some of the deepest and most interesting the Scriptures even among the heathen 8ubjects of science. New Churchmen is reported by the Rev. A. Williamson, cannot but rejoice to know that science, of the National Bible Society of Scot- in all its interesting departments, is being land. This gentleman' had lmdertaken cultivated with so much ability and care, a mission to China, during the past year; because they know it is one of the orderly and by a route almost untrodden by planes on which spiritual truth can rest, Europeans, he iravelled through the and from which the church may draw a interior of that country, from Pekin to variety of natural illustrations to confirm Chefoo, and found the people eager to what is spiritually perceived to be true purchase the Scriptures. His sales during in the Word.. This Association, since this one journey were 1,307 Testaments its establishment in 1831, at York, has and 1,754 portions--in all, 3,061 copies. been growing in importance, extending The entire circulation of the Scriptures, in its influence, and adding yearly a during the twenty - one months over large amount of valuable information to which his labours extended, amounted to that by which the civilization and wel- 16,554 copies, besides 650 in European fare of mankind are to be promoted. We languages, and 19,595 books and tracts. look upon its existence and growth as We learn, also, from the same source, among the outbirths of those new influ- that in the Fiji district of Polynesia, ences which are proceeding from the (where it is said clUlnibalism still exists, Lord, to "make oJ1 things new." This that sick persons are buried alive, and association seems to stand in a similar widows are strangled for the purpose relation to the phenomena of nature, that of being interred with their husbands) : the Bible Society does to the activities that three thousand persons had been of religion; each is performing a great added to the Wesleyan church during work in its own sphere of use, and both the year! are contributing very largely to impress One of the chief difficulties experienced upon the world the acknowledgment that by orthodox missionaries, among those a new age of intellectual life has come who have not yet accepted Christianity, !nto being. The aS80cia ton is providing is founel to lie in their doctrine of the Infonnation by which man·H llosition in Trinity nnd Atonement. "recite a curious the natural world may be distillgnishe<1 illustration of this from the U Edinburgh by knowledge and surrounded with safety. Review," for July, on U Mahomet:"- , The society is laying the foundation by " Christianity - her doctrine of the which the wodd may attain n. more Trinity - has gained fewer converts
- 475. 470 MISCELLANEOUS. among the proud, self-reliant, impetuous some three or four years since, in a lee· sons of the desert, than among any other ture on Prophecy, which we remember he nations. It has been rarely received by delivered in Manchester, and therefore is them but with incredulity and ridicule- not new: he was at the time severely as in the case of one of the Arab kings criticised for the opinion. But tha.t of Hira, whom some Christian mission- which Mr. Garratt says about the horses' aries attempted to convert. While they tails, mentioned in Rev. n. 19, is, so far were speaking to him, an officer of the as we know, exceedingly novel: he asserts court whispered into the king's ear. that these tails are guns, vomiting fire and The monarch immediately.assumed the smoke. "The artillery are represented, aspect of intense sorrow; his religious to the eyes of St. John, as dragged by the instructors inquired the reason. ' Alas,' horses w hen the mouth of the cannon is he said, 'I have dreadful news; the in the position of a tail." Surely folly archangel Gabriel is dead!' , But, can hardly proceed further than this, in Prince, you are deceived; an angel is its pretended interpretation of Divine immortal.' , What I and you tell me revelation. Did it never occur to such that God Himself could die 1' " Doubt- commentators that if Prophecy really re- less this must have been felt to be a ferred to natural things or events as its severe and cutting objection to their primary significance, there could have teaching. How deeply is it to be de- been no difficulty in expressing them in plored that beautiful Christianity should plain and perspicuous language, and that be so inaccurately represented by its the reason why the objects of Prophecy professors as to call forth such forcible are spoken of in figurative terms is, be- ridicule and rebuke! What a hindrance cause it chiefly refers to spiritual things, to the acceptance of the Christian Scrip- which can only be indicated to men in the tures among such a people must be the natural world by means of representative mistaken views of the trinity and atone- images or expressions? How much ment as set forth by the "orthodox!" learned folly would be prevented, and They retard their work by the mysticism what an amount of labour would be of their doctrines, and misrepresent the spared, if those sentiments were intelli- Scriptures by teaching for Christianty gently accepted by the interpreters of that which they do not contain ! Biblical Prophecy. Doubtless, the time In a Commentary on the Apocalypse, will come when such views must be re- just published, by the Rev. S. Garratt, ceived, and i~ is well for us to possess of Trinity Church, Lincoln's Inn Fields, our souls in patience. we are informed that we are certainly on Archdeacon Denison, in a recent the eve of great events. According to charge delivered at Taunton, expressed this writer, the Roman empire is to be his fears as to the position of the church. revived: the cinIized world in Europe, Statesmen, in seekin~ to weaken it, were Asia, and Africa will soon be united only paving the way for the introduction together in a harmonious alliance, under of Romanism and infidelity. One of the an Emperor of the West, with ten sub- grounds of his fears was the rapid spread ordinate kingdoms, and an Emperor of of ritualism. Since the year 1842, no the East. He says, we may expect a less than 500 clergymen have openly more distinct claim of Roman emperor.. joined the Church of Rome, and a large ship by Napoleon Ill., to mark his number of the laity have followed their assumption of the full characteristic of example. Besides these avowed per- the eighth head of the beast. The same verts, there are many Romanising authority (?) tells us that the word in clergy in the church who are introduc- Isaiah hvi. 20, which our translators ing Romish rites. These innovations, have rendered" swift beasts," and is com- brought in under the protection of the monly supposed to signify dromedaries, state, go far to verify the late Cardinal really means "rail-road carriages," and Wiseman's words :-" It seems impossi- that the prophet predicted, nearly 8,000 ble to read the works of the Oxford years ago, that England, "after her fall divines, and especially to follow them and repentance," will help to restore the chronologically, without discovering a Jews upon horses, and in chariots, and daily approach to our holy church, both in litters, and upon mules, and in rail- in doctrine and affeotionate feeling." road carriages." This about the rail-road No doubt there are many strong reasons • caniages, was stated by Dr. Cummin, for the Archdeacon's fears lest the
- 476. MlSCELLANEOtJS. 4'71 ~cendency of his church should not be " The Tablet," a Catholic paper, ex- maintained; but they can excite no presses its fears of the progress of alann with us. The facts which they "religious liberalism," and speaks of its involve may include favourable omens danger to the Catholic Church in no for the future of the true chur~h. For, feeble tenns. It declares that "the may not the returning to Babylon com- religious liberalism of the day, although plained of, be·one of the means by which it accords to Catholicism a hearing such the lovers of ecclesiastical dominion in as it has not enjoyed since the Reforma- the reformed church are to be separated tion, is its deadliest enemy. Catholicism from the lovers of spiritual freedom holds its dogma and is intolerant of which remain? May not the uneasiness error in religion; but Dean Stanley, which is being experienced, be accepted who may be taken as a fair exponent of by us as evidence of the vastations liberal Anglicanism, advoootes compre- which are going on, and thus be signs hension as the principle most in accord- favourable to the future triumph of the ance with the National Church. . truth, as understood in the New Dis- The danger of religious liberalism con- pensation? sists in its very inoifensiveness; iti neither raves nor misrepresents; it never The Pope held a consistory on the 25th could utter a 'No Popery' cry; it has of June, when he gave the red hat to five not the bigotry of Exeter Hall, nor the new cardinals, who mounted in turn the narrow bitterness of certain sections ot steps of the Pontifical throne, kissed his the ritualists, nor the unfairness of Dr. foot, and then his hands, and finally Pusey. But the misrepresentations of received the fraternal embrace. In pre- Dr. Pusey, as the bigotry of Exeter Hall, senting the hat to each he pronounced, are infinitely less dangerous to Catholic in Latin, the words intended to explain than the silent influences of liberalism. its mystical significance, and which is The presence of liberalism, in the to the effect that the hat symbolizes a Catholic mind, is like the poisoning of pledge that they are ready to shed their the wells from which flow the sources blood for the Roman Church and the of life. • . • If the school of which salvation of Christendom. This hat, the Dean of Westminster is so favourable fonned differently from that which the a specimen and so consistent a spokes- cardinals habitually wear, is brought out man, continues to spread in the same only on extraordinary and exceptional ratio as it has begun, Catholics will occasions, or at the death of the possessor, have, before very long, to deal with a when it is suspended by its long red cords far more subtle and dangerous antagonist over his tomb, until, in the ·course of than unreasoning Protestantism or self- time, its own weight detaches it from the denying Puseyism." From this out- arch of the church and it falls on the spoken article we learn that the Catholic sepulchral stone. The Pope afterwards Church is beginning to dread the influ· proclaimed six bishops. Then he opened ence of that liberty in spiritual things and shut his mouth to the five new which she has always opposed, and the ~nr(1inals, a symbolic ceremony, sif,ftlify- love of which has become one of the ing that they received the faculty of distinguishing characteristics of the new speaking in consistories, and in the age. May not this very dread be ac" councils of the Roman Pontiffs; at the cepted as a proof that some consciousness same time he put on their fingers the of error has been awakened, and thati cardinalic ring, and conferred upon them liberty, in spiritual things, is causing the title they will hereafter bear in con- itself to be felt even in the midst of its nection with the church of the eternal bitterest foes! city. We haye cited this not only as current information, but mainly to inti- The humiliated position in which mate that the Roman Church professes Austria has been placed, by her late war to have some significan~ for all the cere- with Prnssia and Italy, is being felt very monies which she has invented either for keenly by the Roman Catholics through- show or for worship; and that even as a out all Europe. Many of their leading corrupted witness, she testifies to the prelates have expressed their pain and truth of a great principle, ,namely, that disappointment, in no measured terms, at it is necessary to employ symbolic signs this result. Cardinal Cullen recently to expresa spiritual truth. held a reception at Cloncllife College,
- 477. 472 MISCELLANEOUS. near Dublin, at which there was a large of the stlte." Supposing these views tcJ attendance of influential Catholics, and be founded in right judgment, may not Bome Protestants. In reply to an address the late war contribute to the bringing from the clergy, the Cardinal said-' ~ Ire- about a state of liberty in spiritual things land had always been attached to the Holy among a people to whom it has been so See, but more especially at present did the long and great a stranger, and thus pre- Pope stand in need of their attachment. sent another evidence of the 'exertion of The spirit of Tevolution was triumphant that new power from on high which is in those states which had supported him. now striving to make itself felt through- Austria, the last state, was now almost out the universal church; for since the completely ruined, and the Emperor of last judgment, u the wan of the church the French held the hands of his friends, will be in a more free state of thinking while his enemies were stripping him of on matters of faith, that is, on spiritual everything he had. Now, the Emperor things which relate to heaven, because was about to leave him at the mercy of spiritual liberty has been restored to him.". the Italians, who were distinguished Last Judgment, 73. by the fiercest hatred to ev(.rything Catholic. Very possibly t within six GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. months it would come about. Under those circumstances, it behoved them to LEEDS.-Through the kindness of the continue their zeal and attachment to his Missionary Society, Mr. J oseph Deans, Holiness." Is it not very remarkable one of the present students who is study- that such an authority should declare ing for the ministry, paid a visit to our the Italians distinguished by the fiercest society on Sunday, August 5th, and de- hatred to eYerythin~ Catholic! The livered two admirable discourses. The "Pall Mall Gazette," speaking of the subject was, U The Second .Coming of state of Austria, says u there can be little the Lord," and the discourses were an- doubt that as soon as ohe is once more nounced by handbills. Many strangers at peace she will have to face internal were present, who seemed highly pleased ecclesiastical difficulties of which little with the lucid exposition of the subject, seems to be known amongst English it being one that is engaging the atten- writers. In many parts of her domiuions tion of a large number of Christians. the possessions of the church are abso- E very argument that can be brought lutely enormous. These monstrous reve- against the subject was briefly dwelt upon, nues are among the very worst obstacles and it was shown that the second coming to the final establishment of constitu- of the Lord is effected by His revealing tionalism in the Austrian empire, inas- the intern. sense of the Word, and the much as they make it the interest of an genuine truths which are contained in it. immense body of influential people to He came first-that is, this revelation oppose everything in the shape of change, was made first-to those who were in the -what the parsonic mind was in England centre of the Christian heaven. Through forty years ago, that, just now, is the them it was gradually made throughout priestly mind in Austria. Tens of the whole, even to the utmost borders, • thousands of an inferior clergy are ruled and by all it was received in various by snperiors of gigantic wealth, who dili- forms and degrees, according to their gently inculcate ultramontane theories, states and capacities. This revelation prescribing absolute obedience to the was then made to those who were in the hishops; and the parochial priesthood centre of the Christian church, and dare not expose the abuses resulting through those who . received it at the from this enormous wealth, because centre, it has been, and now is, gradually they 'Would be denounced as heretics, spreading through the whole church in and because there is no point on its most extensive sense, including all which the court of Rome is so sen- the religions upon earth. siti ve as the endowments of bishops LIVERPOOL, BEDFORD-STREET NORTH. and monaswries. However, the day -The fifth session of the Mutual Im- of change is at hand, and the sooner provement Society connected with this Austria has once more to stave off church was inaugurated by a soiree, held national bankruptcy or go to pieces as an in the school-room, on Wednesday, Sept. empire, the sooner will superfluous church 5th; Mr. Skeaf, president of the society, endowments be turned to the purposes in the chair. The principal feature of
- 478. MISCELLANEOUS.' 473 the evening was a paper read by Mr. evening. Mr. Le Cras commenced each J. A. Noble, the subject of which was of his discourses by reminding his hearers the olive crown; showing that the true that "it is a doctrine of the New Church object of life was only realised by great that the Second Coming of the Lord is perseverance and constant struggles with nolO taking place, by the unfolding of the self,-that man must live and glorify internal or spiritual sense of the Word of God in all his actions,-then not only God; and that all the facts and circum- the olive but the golden crown will be stances which took place literally at His obtained. The meeting was addressed first Advent are now undergoing a spiri- by Messrs. A. B. Craigie, J ohnson, tual fulfilment in the natural mind of Fraucis, Shields, Paston, and the Chair- man." The exalted nature of' spiritual man. In the course of the evening, Mr. truth, as compared with natlU"al, and the Skeaf by desire played his lately pub- important facts that spiritual truth is the lished fantasia for the pianofol·te, enti- genuine doctrine of " the Holy City, New t1~d "Sabbath Evening Chimes," and Jerusalem," and that by it we can obtain the meeting concluded by singing the consociation with angels, and conjunction National Anthem. with the Lord, were logically and lucidly ACCRINGTON.-To the Editor.-My demonstrated in each discourse. Every dear Sir,-Will you allow me to correct sentence they contained may fairly be an error in your report of the proceed- said to have been expressed in Sweden- ings of the recent Conference? In borg's own language, so closely does Mr. reference to the students of the New Le Cras habitually follow his favourite Church College it is stated that "the author. The writer of this, and many Rev. W. Woodman has been appointed other friends to the good cause, will long as their theological tutor, and Mr. E. J. remember with delight, this very tran- Broadfield has undertaken to superin- sient ·visit, of an earnest and persevering tend their secular instruction." Some labourer in the New Church vineyard; of your readers have supposed from this and we shall rejoice if it leads to the that I have ventured to assume the post publication of Mr. Le Cras's admirable of tutor to the students, and as it will series of discourses from the spiritual be convenient to me to dispel this flat- sense of the Divine Word, as yet in tering illusion, allow me to say that I manuscript. SPES. shall be in no sense a teacher or in- structor to the gentlemen who are about NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-During the to pursue their studies in Manchester. alteration and erection of the college we It is known that there is n~ college have arranged that our students shall be or students' oommittee in Manchester, educated in Manchester, as stated in and several members of Conference re- your last number. We shall therefore siding iD Lancashire volunteered to not require a teacher for them in London, render what assistance they could. I and the continued advertisement on the shall be able to do less than several wrapper of the magazine is unnecessary. 01 my colleagues whose residence in The Rums voted by Conference out of ?lanchester will allow them ample oppor- the Crompton legacy for the maturing of tunityof showing their good-will. The the college by the erection of suitable very pleasant duty I hope to perform, buildings, are in consols. The £7,000. before your next issue, of introducing then, mentioned last month, is really them to the Principal of Owens College, about £6,230. at the present price of will render any "superintendence of stock, and we shall need at least £7,000. their secular instmction" unnecessary. in money to complete our work. As the Yours truly, E. J. BROADFIELD. remainder of the Crompton legacy t September 8th, 1866. together with the noble gift of Mr. Finnie, will not yield sufficient income BIRMINGHAII.-On Sunday, the 19th to carry on our design fully when the August, A. J. Le Cras, Esq., of Jersey, buildings are completed, we shall hope visited Birmingham, on his return home- to have further aid both from individuals wards from Conference. He preached at and from societies of the New Church. HockIey New Church Schoolroom in the It would indeed be very important to morning, and at Cannon-street, Birming- have the stock of the Crompton legacy ham, in the .evening. By request, he replaced, so soon as circumstances will again preached at HockIey on Monday pennit, to tho extent of the BUm origi..
- 479. 47.1 MISCELLANEOUS. nally obtained by this noble legacy. This obtain from other friends subscriptiona would be a proper tribute to Mr. Cromp- to pay the other half." The" Hiram" ton's memory t and a source of permanent mentioned above is the celebrated sculptor income to the institution. For the pre- of the:' Greek Slave," Hiram Power, Esq., sent, however, we shall have enongh to a member of the New Church, now re.. do to obtain the requisite sums to com- siding, we believe, at Florence. He plete the buildings, and furnish them would enter into the work con amore, suita.bly for students and scholars. and would execute it with a skilful hand In addition to the education of the and an intelligent appreciatio~ of his students adopted as Crompton scholars, subject. I do not know what Mr. Power we shall look forward to obtaining others would require for a bust of Swedenborg, who will, by the fees they pay, assist in but can truly say that it would form an defraying the stipends of the teachers. appropriate ornament to our new college Young gentlemen of the New Church library if placed there. Whilst requesting will need a collegiate education and money for more pressing wants in rela- collegiate discipline, and we tmst our tion to the college, I cannot urge this so institution will be an .Alma Mater to warmly upon our friends as I should them. gladly do were those wants fully supplied; Our Collegiate School must, however, yet I think Mr. Finnie's liberality in be our grand aim. During the time that promising half the expense deserves reci- the buildings are being erected and procation, and I shall, therefore, be happy altered, New Church parents will have to receive any money which may be an opportunity of making arrangements offered for the purpose of obtaining a for the future education of their sons bust of the "great Swedenborg."-Faith- with us. The contractors have engaged fully yours, HENRY BATEMAN. to complete the work they have under- NOTTINGHAM (Old Society) BAZAAR.- taken next May. Many interior fittings As the building will cost £1,000., in will then have to be added; and we addition to the cost of land-£204., have no doubt these will be completed, and the society's means are not ample, and the school ready to be opened, for it has been decided to hold a bazaar in the. Michaelmas. te~m of. 1867. I am aid of the funds, contributions to which deslrous of menti?nlng thIS no,,:, because are respectfully solicited. The following I know ~y expenence that notices have members of the Bazaar Committee will to be gIv~n, and .other arr~gements. very thankfully acknowledge any assist- made, which req.mre bot~ time and ance in the shape of saleable articles. th~ught: For tlns there IS ab~nd.ant Any frietMs desirous of aiding the funds leIsure ID the course of the ensIDug 11 pecuniarily will please address them- or 12 months; and I tr~st .we. shall be selves to :-l{r. Jno. A. Clarke, Addison able to r.e-open our InstItution ne.x t Villas, Nottingham; Mrs. Jno. A. Clarke, autumn, WIth a goodly number of pupils Addison Villas; Mrs. Wm. Clarke, jun., for our school, as well as of students for Addison Villas; Ml'S. J. D. Beilby, our college. . HENRY BATEMAN. Mansfield-road; Mrs. Wm. Thornto~ [T~e foundatlo~-stone of the ~ollege Alpha _terrace, Arhoretum - approach; at Islmgton was lrod on the 18th Instant. Mrs Gilson Forest-road· the Misses A report of the interesting ceremony will Cas~ell, For~st-road; Mrs: Jno. Hani- appear next month. ] son, Sherwood-street, South; Mrs. J ames BusT OF SWEDENBORG.-To the Editor, Clarke, Euston..cottages, Portland-road; Dear Sir,-In a letter written to me by Miss Pegg, Platt-street; Miss Towle, John Finnie, Esq., on the 29th August, Sherwood-street, North; Miss Dennis, in reference to the New Church College, Canning - street, Alfreton - road. Trea- is the following passage, which I tran- surer, Mr. Jno. A. Clarke; Secretary, Mr. scribe for the information of your readers: W. Clarke, jun., Addison-villas. - " I hope you will make a respectable J.A.MES CHESTER, Secretary. building of it, and do credit to the New The following SUInS, received since our Church. I cannot but think a well- last, are thankfully acknowledged : - executed bust of the' great Swedenborg , William Pickstone, Esq. • ••• £5 0 0 would be a very proper ornament to it. Mr. L. Stead, Batley.. . . • . .. 1 0 0 I notice the friends in the United States A Friend, per Rev. W.Woodman 1 0 0 are proposing to have one by 'Hiram,' Messrs. Clarke, Leicester •••• 0 10 0 and I offer to rny half the cost if :you can Mr.J. V. Gardner~Birmingbam 0 "10 0
- 480. MISCELLANEOUS. 475 NEW PUCEB OF WORSHIP.-The than 400 present, probably more. A growing desire and increased efforts of person at the close objected to the doc.. societies to provide themselves with trine of the Intermediate State f and read suitable places for the public worship a letter from Mr. King, a species of of the Lord which they can coJl their Baptist at Birmingham, retailing the own, seem to us cheering signs of pro- old slanders t6 which Pike and Brindley gress and stability; and in our opinion have attempted to give currency, and such efforts are deserving of every en- offering to meet Mr. Woodman in public couragement' which we hope they will debate in Leicester or Birmingham. Mr. receive. Woodman expressed his surprise and grief a.t a person like Mr. King descend- THE REV. W. WOODMAN'S VISIT TO ing to the retailing of calumnies so LEICESTER.-In consequence of the en- unfounded. As regarded debating with couraging results from Mr. Woodman's him, Mr. Woodman said if Mr. King previous visit to this town about a year had any communication to make to him and eight months since, it was arranged he must make it direct, as he should that a second visit should be undertaken f decline to notice an indirect communi- especially as a smoJl band of receivers cation such as the one in question. He had, in the meantime, been brought added, as a remarkable circumstance, together, and had begun to meet for in- that in the majority of cases it had been struction in the doctrines. Accordingly found the parties who made these at- four lectures were announced for delivery tacks were themselves in the evils they in the Lecture-room of the Temperance wished to fix on the teachings of Swe- Hall, on Wednesday, August 22nd, Fri- denborg; and he had long felt convinced day, the 24th, Monday, the 27th, and that when the public became more familiar Tuesday, the 28th. Two services were with the real teaching of Swedenborg, a also announced, in the same place, for shade of suspicion would attach to per- Sunday, the 26th. The subject of the sons making such attacks. Singularly first lecture was U Matter and Spirit: enough, Mr. Wood.ma.n received a let- their Separate Existence demonstrated ter on the day following, from which it and their Relationship explained." And appeared that there was more point in although only a short notice had been his observations than he had supposed. given, 230 were stated to have been The Tuesday evening was wet, which present, by the chairman (Mr. John consequently interfered with the attend- Smith, of London), who believed there ance; there were, nevertheless, 300 in were some he omitted. On iee Friday the hall, and as may be supposed, they evening the audience was more nume- consisted of those most interested in the rous, and must have exceeded 300. subjects. The subject for this evening" The subject was- H The Second Com- was-" The Books out of which man is to ing of the Lord." As on the pre- be judged, and the Book of Life." The vious occasion, there was the' most interest was perhaps greater than at any marked attention; one young man of the previous lectures; and in addition stating that he had learned more from to a cordial vote of thanks, several. per- that lecture than he had from all the sons thanked the lecturer individually. sermons he had ever heard previously It will be interesting to our readers to be during his whole life. There was some informed that ten copies of the" Appeal " little opposition on the part of one or were disposed of dwing the lectures. two gentlemen; but the violence of the At the services on the Sunday about parties, and the calmness of the replies, a hundred were present, and from the appeared to impress the audience favour- heartiness with which they joined in the ably towards our views. I should add, singing, and the marked attention to the also, that some inquiries were suggested discourses, they appeared to be favourably on the part of others, for the sake of impressed. In the morning, Mr. Wood· information. On the Monday evening man baptized a child of one of the friends, following, when the subject of the lecture and in the afternoon he administered the was-" When, Where, and How is the Sacrament to nine persons. There ap- LKSt Judgment performed?" the lecture- pears to be a very encouraging prospect room was crowded in every part, both m Leicester, and, as we learn that there sitting and standing-room being occu- have been several inquiries since as to pied. There could not have been fewer how Boon another visit may be expected,
- 481. 476 MISCELLANEOUS. the Missionary Societies will DO doubi followers of Emanuel Swedenborg resi... duly attend to the matter. dent in various parts of the county of VISIT OF TBE REV.- W. WOODHAN Lincoln, formed themselves into an asso- TO NORTH-AMPTON.-After finishing his ciation called the Lincolnshire New lectures at Leicester, Mr. Woodman pro- Church Association. The object of this ceeded to Northampton, where he lec- society was to diffuse a knowledge of the iured, August 31st, on "The Distinction New Church doctrines throughout the and Relationship of Matter and Spirit." county, by the delivery of lectures and The lecture was attended by a highly the distribution of tracts, &c. Lectures respectable and numerous audience, and were delivered once in Lincoln, once at from the marked attention of those who Spalding, and three or four times at composed it, it was evident that they felt Boston, and with very flattering results a deep interest in the subject. Some at the last-named place, where the questions put for information, with an number of full and partial receivers of attempt by another party at opposition, the doctrines became large enough to followed the lecture; and after a cordial warrant their meeting together for wor- vote of thanks, the proceedings concluded ship on Sunday evenings. Several of with singing and the benediction. the members afterwards left the town, and this, combined with other causes, DERBy.-On Sunday, September 9th, led to a collapse of the county associa- two sermons were preached in Babington- tion. Since then Mr. Stuart Bogg, of lane chapel, by E. Austin, Esq., of Donington-on-Bain, took steps for the London, in aid of the Snnday-schools. resuscitation of the society, which re- The morning subject was, "The Raising sulted in the holding of a meeting at the of the Daughter of Jairns," in the con- Royal Hotel, at Grimsby Docks, on Mon-.' sideration of which the bearing of New day last, to consider the propriety of Church theology was shown to realise forming another county association. The a more spiritual meaning applicable to attendance, though not large, was highly every human being. The evening sub- encouraging, and comprised gentlemen ~ect, "The Education of the Young," as from Hull, Boston, Louth, Grimsby, and Illustrated in Hannah's bringing her SOD Brigg. The business of the day was a little coat year by year, was more commenced under the presidency of Mr. especially adapted to the object of the Wallace, of Grimsby. Mr. Bogg read an sermons, and was shown to be indicative introductory address of a very pleasing of the duty of parents to watch over the nature, after which it was unanimously natural and spiritual training of children resolved tg form a society to be called and to develop their moral faculties. The "The New Church Association, having attendance was very good, and the collec- for its object the spread of the New tions realised upwards of £8. In the Church doctriries in Lincolnshire and afternoon the scholars assembled in the the neighbouring counties." Mr. Wallace chapel-several of the church friends was unanimously appointed president, being present--when recitals were given and Mr. Bogg secretary and treasurer by senior scholars, and some of the school for the ensuing year. It was. resolved hymns were sung by the children. An that a course of lectures should be de- instructive address was then delivered livered at Boston and Grimsby during by Mr. E. Austin, on "The Importance the ensuing winter. Other means of a of Little Things, and the necessity of minor character were agreed to, such as having moral principles early implanted the circulation of 'Mr. Alvey's catalogue in the mind," which was listened to with of New Church books, &e. &c. The next great attention by his audience, who meeting will be held at Louth. Votes of derived much useful advice therefrom. thanks to the Cbah"Dlan, and to ~Ir. S. After the address a social tea meeting Bogg for the active part he had taken was held, when about sixty teachers and in getting up the meeting, brought the friends were present, and thus promoted pleasant proceedings to a close. the social friendship of the members of the church. NOTTINGHAM.-On Thursday evening. LINOOLNSHIRE NEW CHURCH As~o-· September 13th, the foundation stone pf CIATIoN.-Some eight or ten years ago, a place of worship for the New Jerusalem mainly throngh the instrumentality of Church was laid by the Rev. W. Wood- the late Jno. Bogg, Esq-, of Lonth, the man, of Kersl~y, Lancashire, in the
- 482. MISCELLANEOUS. 477 presence of a large number of spectators, AnGYLE-SQUARE SOCIETy.-The annual who manifested great interest in the meeting of this society was held on the ceremony. The site is on the south 11th July, Mr. Butler in the chair. From side of Blue Coat-street, immediately the Report which was read, it appeared opposite the Blue Coat School, and the that the society pursued its even course, plan decided upon is that of a neat brick fulfilling the intentions for which it was building, Gothic in character, with stone instituted. The total collected for the dressings and faeings. The architect is schools and classes during the year Mr. J. S. Noms, and Mr. J. Acton is amounted to £68. 2s. 5d. Penny read- the contractor-the estimated cost being ings have been held, and 21 adults and about £1,000. It is to be a two-storied 21 ~fants have been baptized, and seven edifice, with school-rooms on the base- marriages solemnized. The school build- ment, and a meeting-room or chapel ings have been completed, and were above, calculated to seat upwards of 200 opened on the 9th of October last. The persons, all on the floor, as there will be attendance has been good, showing a no gallery. The proceedings connected total of 351; and the report of the Go- with the laying of the first stone com- vernment Examiner most satisfactory. menced shortly after five o'clock by Mr. The progress of the Sunday Morning W. Pegg reading portions of the ] at and Classes, the Junior Members' Society, 2nd chapters of the book of Haggai, the Conversational Meetings, and the which have reference to the rebuilding Theological and Elocution Classes, and of the temple at Jerusalem. A psalm the Library department, is satisfactory. was then chanted, after which an appro- priate extempore prayer was offered up BIBMINGHAlI.-The first annual meet- by the Rev. W. Woodman. A glass ing of the Birmingham New Church vessel, containing a written document, Missionary and Tract Association was was placed in a cavity in the bed pre- held at the Hockley school-room, on pared for the stone, and Mr. J. D. Beilby Monday evening, September 17th, Mr. read a copy of the document. The Hev. R. R. Rodgers in the chair. The com- W. Woodman WOos then presented with mittee's report was read by the secretary, a trowel and mallet, and the stone having Mr. S. R. Lee; the storekeeper's report been lowered and adjusted, he declared by Mr. E. Wellson; and the treasurer's it duly laid in the name of the Lord and by Mr. John Bragg. From these reports Saviour Jesus Christ, the foundation an(l it appeared that at present there are two chief corner-stone of His kingdom. (The mission stati'Ons-one at Ashted, where reverend gentleman then delivered an im- service is held every Sunday evening, pressive and appropriate address, which and a reading meeting on a week even- has been fully noticed in the local papers, . ing-and one at West Bromwich, where but for which we have not room.)· He there is a comfortable preaching room, concluded by congratulating his fliends and service held in it every Snnday there on having, through much evil and morning and evening. At the latter perhaps not much good report, steadily place, during the past year, lectures have pursued their way. They first met, like been delivered, under the auspices of the Lord and His disciples, in an upper the National Missionary Society, by the room, and though they afterwards erected Reverends R. Storry, W. Woodman, J. a superior place, it was not to be compared Hyde, and other ministers and. gentle- with the building about to be commenced, men; and mapy hundreds of tracts dis- which would not only suit their purposes tributed. A number of persons are much better, but be worthy of the town actively engaged, Sabbath after Sab- in which they lived. He prayed that the bath, in conducting religious services at Divine blessing might rest upon them, these two places, and the mission is and sincerely offered to them his best ealling forth the talents and energies of wishes. A hymn was then sung, and the several of our young friends, who pro- Rev. W. Woodman having pronounced mise fair to become useful in preaching the benediction, the assembly dispersed. the glorious truths of the New Church. A social tea meeting was held in the chapel The amount expended by the association in Shakespeare-street, which was well in renting rooms, printing, advertising, attend.ed, and the proceedings assumed announcing lectures, tracts, &c., dUling a conversational cho.racter.-Abridgecl the/ear, has been £25. 188. 6d. A wide from tM Nottingham Daily E~re". fiel far usefulness presentl itllelf iD the
- 483. 478 MISCELLANEOUS. populous district of South Staffordshire; by the administration of the Holy Sup- but the committee has no means at its per, which has now become the principal disposal for extending its operations. object and great attraction of the even- Several delightful instances of good re- ing's service. As the Conference itself sults are recorded, and the prospects of was more numerous than any former success are encouraging. The officers one, and was held in a town where the were reappointed, and the committee for largest society in England meets in its the ensuing year elected. In the course noble place of worship, the sacrament of the evening several short addresses was more numerously attended than any were given by Messrs. Rogers, Brogg, former one on a similar occasion, though Haseler, Best, Derrick, Morley, Winkley, not approaching the number of those who and the secretary. joined in the communion at the last meeting of the Convention in America. ISLINGTOl(. - The bazaar committee Our members who partook of the sacra- have received an intimation from the ment amounted to about 170. It was secretary of the New Church College, a most interesting occasion, and the that suitable accommodation for the pur- solemn service, in which Messrs. Wood- poses of the bazaar will not be ready man and Rendell officiated, was impres- before next May. They have, therefore, sive. A heavenly sphere of peace and good- resolved to defer the holding the bazaar will pervaded the assembly, and every until that time, and trust this unavoid- one, we are sure, feIt how good it was for able delay will result in an accession of him to be there, and was spontaneously friends and donations. Intending donors led immediately to utter the words of are kindly requested to retain for the Peter-" Let us build here three taber- present, if convenient, any articles already· nacles, one for Thee, and one for Moses, prepared, or communicate with the secre- and one for Ellas." tary, Mr. T. H. Elliott, 24, Culford- road, W. THE NEW CHURCH IN FRANCE.- SuEFFIELD.- On Sunday, the 19th PARIS. - Our meetings at our friend Minot's, Rue de S~vres, 96, on Sun- August, and on Sunday the 26th, the society here were favoured with the ser- days, in the winter and spring months, were this year the rendezvous of a little vices of Mr. J oseph Deans, one of the group of faithful disciples of our heavenly students. On the former occasion, the doctrines, who were peculiarly interested subject of his morning's discourse was with the study of the Divine Word in " GQd.head and manhood united in Jesus the light of the spiritual sense. Our Christ;" that of the evening, "God de- meetings were this year, as in former signs all men for heaven. " On the years, favoured with the visits of some latter date his subjects were-" Jesus friends from different and distant parts and Zaccheus," and" The second coming of the world; from England, from of the Lord not a coming in person into America, and from Russia. Among the material world." These subjects visitors from America were Mrs. and were ably expounded, and were listened Miss Dyer, Rev. F. Sewall and his to by good audiences, several strangers being present who appeared to take a family and friends, who haPPened to great interest in the sermons, and who pass in the summer-a time of vacancy we doubt not would find much that was of our meeting. Le Boys des Guays' pleasing and instructive, though they translation of "Heaven and Hell" being might not agree with every doctrine set entirely out of print, the most of my forth in these peculiarly New Church time, at present, is employed in printing a carefully-revised edition of the same subects. work. Perhaps before it can be finished, CONFERENCE. - In noticing the pro- the " True Christian Religion," too, will ceedings of Conference and the meetings be out of print, a,nd must be reprinted, connected with it, we omitted the Tues- with revision in the same way. So you day morning service. The sermon was see we have encouragement and provi- to have been preached by the Rev. Dr. dential direction in our work. To pro- Bayley, but as he had been detained on vide for renewing the exhausted works, his foreign travels, the Rev. W. Wood- with conscientious revision, is evidently man officiated In his stead. A brief but for us a most urgent task. excellent and useful sermon was followed AUG. HABLE.
- 484. MISCELLANEOUS. 479 "DEA.TH AlO> ETERNI~Y."-OnSunday _an-lag,. evening, August 12th, Mr. James Spil- At the New Jerusalem Church, Argyle- ling preached a sermon on the ab.ove Iquare, London, on the 20th September, subject in the French Church, NoTWlCh, Mr. J ames Rawsthome, the only son of on the occasion of the death of Mr. R. Henry Rawsthome, Esq., of Dearden Woolterton surgeon, during forty-five Gate House, Hasl.iDgden, Lancashire, to years a merr:ber of the New Church Society Miss Bayley, of Barnsbury, London; the in Norwich. We cannot better recom- service being performed by the Rev. Dr. mend this admirable sermon, which is Bayley, the bride's father. No cards. printed by Jarrold and Sons, No~ch, than by allo~g it to recom~en.d 1tse1!, in giving a bnef extract, which IS a fOll' 8bituatp. specimen of the whole- Departed into the spiritual world, on " Much misapprehension exists as to the 7th of July last, at St. Heliers, Jersey, the true NATURE of death. Death is John Alonzo J esseman, aged 20 years almost universally regarded as the ex- and one month, after a long and painful tinction of life. This is a great error. illness, which he bore with truly Christian Death is by no means the extinction of resignation. He was carefully brought life· it is rather the means by which up in the heavenly doctrines of the New the ~tate or sphere of life is changed- Jerusalem, and they proved his stay and by which its scene is remo.ved from one comfort during his long affiiction, and in region to another. Death IS not the end the hour of his departure. His bereaved of life but simply the end of this mother bows submissive under the stroke troublo~s mortal state; it is not the of the Father's rod, in the confident belief termination of our career, but merely that he is risen to life eternal. F. D. the gateway through w.hich ,,:e pass in pursuit of our career ID a hIgher an.d At Farnworth, on the 13th of August a purer region. To cease to breathe 18 last, Mr. James Cooke was removed into not to cease to live. When the pulse of the spiritual world, in the seventy-sixth the body stops, th~t of the soul be~ts on year of his age. The deceased was in undiminished Vlgor. Death stnps us brought up among the Wesleyans, with of mortality, but clothes us with immor- whom he was associated until his mar- tality. It strikes from off the incorrup- riage, near fifty years since, when, under tible soul the corruptible body, which the influence of his wife's friends, who acted as a chain to fetter it down in the were acquainted with the New Church, prison-house of earth, and thu8 lifts it he received the doctrines. He was into the realms of the Spirit and gives characterized by strict integrity, and to it everlasting freedom. Strictly speak- endowed witb a strong practical under- ing, therefore, in all God's universe.there standing, which gave him considerable is no such thing as death. Death IS but influence with those among whom he the outward sign that attends the de- associated. His attachment to the doc- velopment of higher life. Wisely as well trines was consequently sincere and in- as sweetly does the poet sing- telligent: his favourite book, however, , There is no death! What seems so is transition; was the Bible. For some yea1'8 his health This life of mortal breath had been gradually failing, so that the Is but a suburb of the land elyslan, approach of his decease was mani~est. to Whose portal we call death.' himself and others. He bore his m- No! there is no death. What we call creasing infirmities with calm R,nd patie.nt death is but the prelude to eternity. resignation, loolring forward to the (hs- There is no death. What we call death solution of bis body as a release from a is the portal to life everlasting. :rhere frail tenement, to resuscitate in one of is no death. What we call death IS the inlIDortal vigour. His funeral sermon, doorway into the Father's house in which preached by the Rev. W. Woodman, was are many mansions. There we have attended by a large number of his friends, fuller life' there we breathe freer breath; who listened with evident interest to the there we have broader glimpses of God's views presented of the other life, as pro- universe; there deeper love fills the pounded in the doctrines of the New heart, brighter wisdom informs the mind, Church. W. greater holiness adorns our walk, and completer happiness enfolds our being." On the 22nd of August last, at West Haughton, Mr. Thomas Elliott, aged 51 /
- 485. 480 MISCELLANEOUS. years. Our departed friend was brought she carried out its heavenly principles up in the doctrines, which he ever cher- in her every-day life. Her home was ished through life, although, from there the constant resort of New Church being no New Church nearer than Bolton, society; and with the assistance of her a distance of six miles, he had not the bereaved partner, she strove her utmost opportunity of attending, except occa- to further at all times the prosperity of sionally, on its worship. A few weeks the church in Liverpool. She was a before his decease, he was attacked by regular attendant on its services for apoplexy, which resulted in the paralysis upwards of 30 years, and has had the of one side; and although he appeared to privilege at one time or other of enter- rally for a time, a second attack proved taining most of the ministers and mis- fatal. The writer of this notice visited sionaries of the church at her home. him, and found him cheerfully resigned Thoroughly conversant with the writings to the Divine Providence; and we have of Swedenbor~, her highest delight was ground for the confident hoPe that with in promoting m every possible way the him death was the entrance into a higher spread of the New Jerusalem. But the and more blessed life. W. Lord has called her to higher uses still Departed this life on the 1st September, in His celestial abode; and though to aged 53 years, Ann, wife of Mr. Ralph her immediate friends, and especially to G. Sheldon, leader of the New Church her sorrowing husband, the 10s8 is irre- Society, Prince Edwin-street, Liverpool. parable, still her gain is eternal; and the A severe attack of Asiatic cholera, of lesson inculcated in such solemn warn- only 48 hours'duration, terminated her ings is clearly indicated-" Be ye always earthly existence. Her memory will ready, for in such an hour as ye think long be cherished by all those who had not the Son of Man cometh;" "Be ye .the pleasure of her acquaintance. A faithful unto death, and I will give thee thorough member of the New Church, a crown of life." E. M. S. INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thursday 7-0 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.-First }"riday ••••..•••••••••••••••• 6-30 N ntional Missionary Institntion, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, ditto.-Fourth Monday ....•••.•.•••••••••.....••..• , • . • • • . •• • • •• 6-30 College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Last Tuesday.. •• ..•• .... •••. •• •• 8-0 1IANCHESTER. Tract Society, Schoolroom, Peter-street.-Third Friday.. • . • . • . • • • . • • • • •• 6-80 Missionary Society ditto ditto • • • • •• . • • • • • • • • • • • 7-0 }Iembers of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. ' TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BRucE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices 01 recent meetings, lectures, &c., may appear if not later than the 18th•• CAD and SEVEB, Printers by Steam Power, Hunt's B&D.k, Manohester.
- 486. THE INTELLECTUAL REPOSITOHY • AND NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 155. NOVEMBER 1ST, 1866. VOL. XIII. AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND, AND RUSSIA. BAYLEY, in the Schoolroom of the Accrington An Address delivered by the Rev. Dr. New J ernsalem Church, August 20th, 1866, with additions. (Continued from page 4-4:-4:.) AT Skara there is a cathedral church, towering over the rest of the town. Skara is an old city, but not a large one. It contains only about 2,500 inhabitants. I made my way quickly to the church, to see its interior, for the afternoon was advanced. Happily I found a gentleman unlocking the great door. On addressing him, he politely invited me in. It is a large church with two towers, equal to a third-rate cathedral, or· large parish church, in England. Swedenborg's father was bishop of this church and diocese. He was highly esteemed in his tinl, and wrote much OIl sacred subjects. Several of the hymns he composed are still sung in the Swedish church. Swedenborg, in one of his letters, tells us a sweet little anecdote of his early life. His father and mother, he says, were often engaged in conversations on religion. When he was a little child of eight or nine, his father was often struck by the heavenly remarks made by the little boy, on salvation, faith, and love to the Lord, and often made the observation to the rest that he felt as if angels spoke through the child. It was in this neigh- bourhood they lived when this view of the happy family group is opened to us. I went over the church, and brought away photographs of it, both of its inside and outside. It is situated nearly in the centre of Sweden t 81
- 487. 482 AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO It is also near 'the spot where Christianity was first fully acknowledged in Sweden. This place is called Runs-abbey church. Olaf, afterwards St. Olaf, the first Christian king of Sweden, was baptized at a well afterwards covered by this church. Another curious and ancient church, 16 miles from here, called the Cloister church, was where Swedenborg's father was buried, and where several of the early kings of Sweden were also entombed. I went to see his grave. The gentleman whom I had met at the door of the cathedral was the chief master of the public school in Skara, which I afterwards visited with him. The school contains 500 scholars, and is a large and goodly building. I previously mentioned that the total population was 2,500; so that one in five of the inhabitants goes to school, a very large proportion. It will be pleasant to many to know that amongst the things regularly taught to the whole school is vocal music. It is taught by notes, by an appointed master. There is a large hall, with an orchestral gallery dd a small organ. I should be glad if all towns ·of 2,500 inhabitants in this country had equally excellent arrangements. Besides vocal music, instrumental music is taught by ~ competent master, all the instru- ments of a band being brought into play. I was informed that sixty of the scholars learned various instruments. This gentleman, like many others I had met with, was ready to show me anything I desired, he attended me anywhere, explained to me everything I was interested in, and continued with me until I retired to rest. He informed me that there was a considerable number of people in the town and neighbour.. hood who were receivers of the doctrines of the New Church, or, ·Swedenborgianers, BS they are there called. The last dean of the cathedral, the head man under the bishop, had been one; the dean befor~im, Dr. Knos, had also been a receiver. These two had been in office the greater part of the time since Swedenborg's ~eath to a few years ago. It is interesting to notice this fact-that the chief clergymen in the church where Swedenborg's father had been bishop had received the doctrines of the New Church so early, and had continued their iirlluence . to the present time. My acquaintance took me to a gentleman, the head of a Veterinary College in Skara, who had married the daughter of this dean, but who had lately become a widower. Both of them told me much about the New Church people. The head master went with me also to the chief book-shop of Skara, and the first work I laid my hand on was the Brd volume, just published, of the new translation of the Arcana Ccelestia in Swedish, and which was kept for "sale. I was delighted to find it already. in the centre of the country.
- 488. NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA. 488 Many have asked me-How are Swedenborg's views respected in Sweden? To this point we will for a little while direct our attention. Sweden, as well as Norway and Denmark, is of the Lutheran religion. For a long time the sovereigns and people of Sweden did not tinder- stand the principles of religious liberty, and would not allow any dissent from the principles of the established church. Externally at least people must be Lutherans, or go to Lutheran churches; and there must be no other churches. This was the state of things in Sweden up to about five years ago, so that the Swedes could have no separate New Church congregations as in this country; now, however, they can have. Drs. Knos, Beyer, and Rosen, and a great many of the clergy, received the • doctrines, though they still remained in the established church, and from that time to this their influence and nunlber have continued to increase. Dr. Kahl, who is now the most active New Churchman in ~weden, is Dean of Lund-the head man under the Bishop-in' the chief "metropolitan see," as it is called. Lund, which stands some.. what in the same position to their established church as Canterbury does to ours, is the oldest "metropolitan see" in the kingdom. Dr. Kahl was formerly Professor of Arabic, and is one of the most active and learned New Churchmen known to us in Sweden. He informed me his bishop had n·ot the least objection to a clergyman as a New Churchman. The first man he promoted was a New Churchman, and he knew it at the time. So that in that respect there is perfect freedom in connection with the established church. In recording the rise of the New Church in Sweden, we must never forget the name of the first translator, the noble Carl Deleen. He was a printer in Stockholm, and was a somewhat learned man. He com.. piled several important and useful dictionaries. This worthy man, when he became a New Churchman, finding that all Swedenborg's wri~gs of a theological character were in Latin, set to work, and with the Latin volumes before him, determined to translate and print them. He held each Latin volume in his hand, translating it into Swedish, and setting up the type as he went OD. Thus were the works first printed in Swedish. He went through the whole of Swedenborg's religious works, some thirty volumes. He translated them, bought paper and printed them, advertised them, and brought them out,-thus completing the whole business himself. We think we are doing pretty well when a whole society of us, encouraging one another, bring out new transla- tions and respectable reprints; but what is this compared with the ~ingle:handed noble work of such a man. He worked on with few to
- 489. 484 AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO praise or encourage him; but feeling that he was doing the Lord's work, he kept on from year to year, translating, printing, and making the sacrifice with his whole heart and soul. I hope as the New Church advances she will grow in the disposition to honour such noble souls BS Carl Deleen. The translations he made, however, though excellent for that time- about sixty years abo--are now found to be old-fashioned, and the paper on which they were printed was somewhat coarse. Hence a society has been formed for retranslating the works of Swedenborg and bringing them out in a handsome form. The first thing I saw on taking • up the newspaper of the day in Stockholm was an advertisement of the third volume of the Areana Calestia newly brought out, and ready for sale all over the land. This was pleasant to me. I was delighted and rejoiced to find our brothers earnest in that country. Besides this,_ I was informed that the receivers of the doctrines of the New Churclt are co~tinually multiplying. Even in 1809 they were strong enough to induce the body of the nlergy at that time to alter the liturgy, and subsequently the catechism. The Athanasian and Nicene Creeds were from the Swedish liturgy; and even that part of the so-called Apostles' Creed which is liable to be misunderstood-" I believe in the resur- rection of the body"-was altered to "I believe in the resurrection of the dead." These alterations and elisions were made, so that in the general church, worship was brought into harmony with the principles of the New Church. There was, therefore, no great necessity to form separate congregations. This was done by those who had become New Churchmen in 1809. The result thus obtained was a relief to both clergy and laity who had received the principles of the New Jerusalem, and whose souls yearned to honour the Lord, and teach the truth in plain and unambi.. guous language. . This great advance was owing to the "Divine Providence of the Lord working through such men as Drs. Beyer, Rosen, Knos, Afzelius, Johansen, Ohdner, and many others among the clergy. But they no doubt were greatly aided by the friendship of some portions of the royal family, and a considerable number of the world's worthies among the laity. The king, Adolphus Frederick, as Swedenborg informs us, was in his time not unfavourable to his views, to say the least. .We are reminded of what Swedenborg mentions in a letter published in 1792. He says, in an audience he had with his ~Iajesty, the king put his hand on his shoulder in the most friendly manner, and said- ·
- 490. NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA. 485 Cl The Consistory have published nothing on the subject of my letter and of .your writings. We may conclude from that circumstance that they have nothing 'against what you have written, but perceive that it is in agreement with the truth." From that time to the present, at least to the time of the late queen Qowager, we have reason to believe some portions of the royal family have been faithful receivers of the truths taught by Swedenborg. The prime minister of Sweden (Count Hopkens) was one of the members of the Exegetic and Philanthropic Society of Stockholm, whose names are now before me, which consisted of twenty-four influential persons at its commencement, November 1, 1786. It was formed to • circulate the works of Swedenborg, in imitation of a previous London one. We are informed by C. A. Nordenskiold, its founder and Secre- tary, that he had been a member, from 1783 to 1786, of the first aociety in England for publishing the works of Swedenborg, which was called the Philanthropical Society, and which published a maga~ine or journal at 62, Tottenham Court-road. In a letter from Stockholm, in November, 1789, I find the following paragraph : - " In the course of the last two years, a cOllsiderable number of the clergy "have been introduced into the new doctrine. In one bishopric alone we can now reckon no less than forty-s'ix respectable and profoundly-learned clergymen, of whom I send you herewith a list, among whom those thirteen marked by asterisks are such -as have so cordially embraced these high and Divine truths, that they have often been exposed to the severest persecutions on that account, yet, nevertheless, openly and without reserve they preach the new doctrine, though with the caution as yet necessary in this country, of not mentioning Swedenborg's name in the pulpit." "In one of our dioceses, which contains about 300 clergymen, and receives a yearly supply of ten young ministers, it is remarked, that six of the ten are always in the new doctrine." This state of things contin~ed in the Swedish Church until, as we have seen, in 1809, the formularies, including the liturgy, catechism, . and, I believe, the book of examination for young clergymen, were all so far altered as to leave almost nothing that could offend the conscience of a sincere New Churchman. But this was not accomplished without much struggle and contention,. Knos, Johansen, and Tybeck, three learned and able clergymen, wrote • much in exposition and defence of the New Dispensation, especially the latter. I have a list before me of twenty-five different works, published by Tybeck, from 1818 to 1831. He passed into the eternal world, aged 86, in the year 1837. Very warm eulogiums of his character
- 491. 486 AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO appeared in the pnblic journals. The first of his works was entitled, " What is Christian Truth respecting God?", The last was, "What Thoughts does True Christian Love Inspire with regard to the New Jerusalem ?" Although the adherents of the old system had not been able to prevent it being greatly modified in the public services of the church, yet they very bitterly opposed individual New Churchmen; and especially was Tybeck persecuted and harrassed by them. He was accused to hie bishop of heresy, as Clowes had been in England; he was summoned , before the Consistory, the Bishop Tingstadius' spiritual court, and after lengthened proceedings, he was forbidden to exercise his priestly functions for a time. His enemies thus far carried. their point, but in doing so, excited such strong condemnation of themselves in the public papers, that no attempt of that kind has since been made; and now clergymen in high places, as well as in ordinary parishes, are well known to hold New Church views, without injury to their position and their usefulness. But, besides the clergy, excellent and distinguished laymen have received and propagated New Church truth since Swedenborg's time to the present day. Geijer, the greatest Swedish. national historian, was one of these. Wadstrom and Nordenskiold, who were well known to the early receivers of the doctrines in this country, and who were concemed in placing the manuscripts of Swedenborg in the Royal Academy of Sciences, deserve particular attention. These gentlemen appear to have been prime movers in the origination of the agitation in England for the abolition of the slave-trade. They both wrote largely on the subject, and Nordenskiold died at Port Logo, near Sierra Leone, in endeavouring to promote the object 'they had so much at heart. Writing in 1788, Wadstrom says- "In the year 1779, a society of affectionate admirers of the writings of that extraordinary man, Emanuel Swedenborg, assembled at Norkjoping, in Sweden, in consequence of reflecting on the favourable account this eminent author gives, both in his printed works and manuscripts, of the Mrican nations. The principal business of this Conference was to consult upon and devise the most practical means of forming an unanimous association, whose wishes and endeavours might centre in one object-that of forming a settlement among those nations, where a certain prospect seemed to open of establishing peaceably t and without opposition, their new system, which might serve as a· basis for a new and complete community. The more this subject came to be considered, the more these gentlemen were persuaded that the coasts of Mrica would scarcely admit of being peopled by a body of true and sincere Christians, unless the home trade, so firmly rooted, and the only object of commerce in those fruitful regions, could be abolished." Here was an anti-slave trade society founded, as a result of the
- 492. • NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND, AND RUSSIA. teachings of BWedenborg, in 1779; and thus began the earliest movement in that great cause, which has continued to inten.sify and increase until it has overthrown not only the slave-trade, but still better, slavery itself, among Protestazit nations, anei made its extirpation all over the w~rld certain, at no distant period. It is gratifying to trace this .glorious result not only to the workings of the Holy Spirit of eur Lord in making all things new, but also to the instrnmentality of those writings by which trtlth externally was rationally restored to the world·. Granville Sharp commenced his labours to make it unla.wful to have 8 slave in England in 1765, and obtained a decision to that effect from ,Lord Chief Justice Mansfield in 1777; but no society was formed in England for the abolition of the slave-trade until ten years after, in 1787,. Swedenborg's works a,re now being retranslated and printed at Chris- tianstadt, where there is a society of very zealous receivers, headed by Dr. Seveen, who deserve all encouragement. I left Skar& at five in the morning of J nly 17th, by post-gig, which brought me to the railway for Stockholm, at Shoffda, at ten, having 'Called on the way at the Cloister Church, were the remains of Sweden- 'borg's father were laid. I anived at Stockholm the same evening at six. The next day, I went to the Royal Library, where Dr. Klemming is chief librarian. A very complete collection of Swedenborg's writings is kept here: and. here the original copy of what Dr. Klemming published as " Swedenborg's Dreams" is kept. It is a duodecimo book, bound in parchment, and written in Swedish, descriptive of his dreams and ()ther peculiar states through which Swedenborg passed in a few months 'Of 1744, in his transition state, before his spiritual sight was opened. I saw this little memorandum book, and learned from Dr. Klemming that, though he only published a first edition of 99 copies, since then there had been another of' 500 copies called for, and published. I saw the other cnri9sities of the library, including a large Gothic Bible, of 1280, got from an abbey in Poland, and called the Devil's Bible, from a homble picture of the medimval spirit of evil contained in the middle of the book: and a Runic book of homilies, 400 years old. After seeing whatever was interesting in this library, which forms ·part of the very large palace of the king, I took a letter of introduction to Mr. AhIstrand, the chief librarian of the Royal Academy of Sciences in Drottningatan, or Queen-street, quite on an opposite side of the city. As I passed, I admired Stockholm, which has been not unworthily styled the Venice of the North. It is, in many respects, like our own lovely Edinburgh, but the centre of Stockholm has no castle hill., but an island,
- 493. • 488 AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO NORWAY, BTC. on which is the magnificent royal palace. The city has a splendid situation, on a number of islands, connected by bridges. Many of the buildings are beautiful. The land rises in some instances boldly on the banks of the water to considerable heights, and thus variety and pictur· esque grandeur distinguish this city, while, from the spaciousness of the streets and light colour of the buildings, a bright, comely air appears everywhere. There are 150,000 inhabitants. They are polite to strangers, and have generally the characteristics of cleanliness, order, and comfort. There are a few omnibuses, but handy little steam-boats are the chief means of passing from one part of the city to another. I found Mr. Ahlstrand in his room, and was soon at home with him; we conversed in German. I could not yet speak freely enough in Swedish, though I read it easily. He took me to see the manuscripts and other works of Swedenborg, and gave me every polite attention. I took a few of the volumes from the shelves, and found that, while in general they were preserved as they were first left, there were some serious exceptions to this. The first two volumes of the MSS. of the Arcana, containing the first sixteen chapters of the original, were missing, and their place occupied by the Adt'ersaria of the SBUe chapters. The whole number of volumes at first amounted to 106; now there are only 86. These circumstances led me to say to Mr. Ahlstrand that I should wish to examine the whole closely, and at leisure. He kindly stated that if I would give him a day to make ready, he would have them all placed in an especial room for me. I accepted his proposition most warmly, as I felt it was of great importance that the friends of the church should know precisely what is there, and what is not. It might also lead to a better arrangement and more caref~ preservation in the future. Although, therefore, it detained me to complete it, and some- what altered my plans, having to return through Stockholm from Russia to finish what I began on my journey to St. Petersburg, the object was a worthy one, and I determined I would attend to it. (To be continued.) THE TREES OF OLD ENGLAND. No. IY.-THE BBECH... THE Beech is one of the grandest of our forest-trees. It rises to the height of eighty or a hundred feet, and in dimensions, when full grown~ surpasses all except the oak. No tree forms woods so dry and pleasant to walk in, though grasses do not flourish beneath the shade; and a~
- 494. THE TREES OFOLD ENGLL~D. 489 every season of the year it presents some remarkable and pleasing peculiarit,. In the depth of winter it is told by the smooth grey bark and the arrangement of the branches; in spring by the buds; in summer by the leaves; while in autumn, if close by, we have the very curious Beed-pods, and at a distance, those auburn and coppery-golden dyes which place the beech in the front rank of painted-foliage trees. The general character of the trunk and branches gives the idea, more than is done by any other tree, of that glorious style of architecture termed the Gothic. The columned temples of ancient Greece, and the still older ones of ancient Egypt, lead the imagination away to palm· trees, and in all probability are mementos of the use of those trees by the earliest deJ;igners of ·high-class buildings ;-in the beech, on the other hand, though there is no reason to suppose that there is any actual artistic and historical connection between the two things, we are powerfully rem'inded of the clustered pillars of a Gothic cathedral,-and especially of such as are formed of many independent and slender shafts, as in Westminster Abbey, and ordiI.!srily in the style called " Early English." A grand old catliedral, wi~h its innumerable har· monies of splendour, its "long-drawn aisles and fretted vaults," its dimness and arcaded scenery, its calm, and repose, and coolness, its broken sunbeams, and imitative leaf and climbing plant on every vantage,-and not these only, but with its quiet and sculptured tombs, with mitred abbot and belted warrior, sleeping so softly, While the sound of those they fought for, And the steps of those they wrought for, Echo round their bones for evermore,- # a grand old cathedral, we say, with these, and the thousand other solacing and inspiring charms, is always the counterpart, among men's works, of the ancient forest, where, in some mode or another, every one of its imposing qualities is reverberated ;-it is pleasing, accordingly, to find that here and there, amid the trees of the wood, the exact forms and ideas worked out by the builder seem anticipated. In this one, the beech, we have not merely the tall and erect pillar, smooth, except for odd cavities, depressions, and knobs; but in well-developed indi- viduals, those singular groupings of erect branches which wear the semblance of clustered columns, and by and bye give out from their. summits, gracefully sweeping arches that seem the ribs of a roof of air. The smoothness of the bark fits the beech, more than any other tree, for the carving of letters and inscriptions, which, though distorted in the course of a few years, and eventually quite lost, by the gradual •
- 495. THE TREES OFOLD ENGLAND. expansion and decay of the outer portion, are for a while as clear and sharp as if cut in stone. How beautiful and how ancient- are the associations of this practice r "There is a man," exclaims one of Shakspere's immortal characters, "There is a m~ haunts the forest, that abuses our young trees, carving Rosalind on their barks." Twenty- five centuries before then lived Paris and <Enone,-the former that famous youth who, bred among old Priam's shepherds, and tending his flocks upon motmt Ida, was suddenly called to adjudge the prize of beauty among the goddesses. Venus persuaded him with the promise of the finest woman in the world to wife, and for the sake of Helen, poor <Enone was forsaken. Till that ill-fated hour, from which dated the overthrow of Troy, and all the incidents and fables that are embosomed in the greatest poems of antiquity, <Enone and Paris had been playmates and lovers. Gone from her for ever, now she writes him one of those tender and moving epistles which Ovid has preserved for us as the "Letters of the Heroines," reminding him of the happy days when they were partakers in the same amusements, and when he had been used to carve her name on the bark of trees. Incisoo servant a te mea nomina fagi ; Et legor <Enone falce notata tui. ' ~t quantum tmnci, tantum mea nomina crescunt; Crescite, et in titul08 surgite recta moos 1 cc The beeches still preserve my name, carved by your hand, and C (Enone,t the work of your pruning-knife, is read upon their bark. As the trunks increase, the. letters still dilate; they grow and rise as testimonies of my just claim upon your love!" Iftthe remembrance of these soft moments could not recall to her his wandering affection, how little, she expresses in this simple and pathetic allusion, can she hope to recover it in any other way. The poplar was used for the same purpose in ancient times, as we may gather from the lines that follow: " There grows a poplar," she continues, "by the river-side (ab, I' well remember it!) on which is carved the motto of our love. Flourish, thon poplar !-fed by the bordering streatn,-whose furrowed bark bears this inscliption-' Sooner shall Xanthus return to his source, than Paris be able to live without <Enone. t " By comparison, these things are trifles: to some they may seem silly, and not worth the citation. But to a heart that loves to contemplate the sweet simplicities of nature, and how little change the lapse of time promotes in all that concerns human affections and human sympathies, such records are dear. In· these tender lines, as much as in any of the simple narratives •
- 496. rHE TREES OFOLD ENGLAND. 491 of the Old Testament, we see that the passions and the events of to-day, the fidelities and the inconstan~ies, the lettered beech and the . poplar by the river, are the same old and long-past ones over again. Human life and nature are everywhere like the waterfalls among the Alps, sparkle, and teardrops, and rainbows whenever we look, though the stream is never the same for a sirtgle instant. Early in the spring the beech seems everywhere armed with little brown spikes. These are the buds, which in the peculiarity of their shape differ from those of every other British forest-tree. They are formed at the close of the previous autumn, and though during the winter the increase in size is scarcely perceptible, there appears to be still a slow progression. One of 'the most beautiful and suggestive phenomena in connection with tree-life is this early commencement of Spring. For while the almanac states March or April to be the beginning, and while our own first impressions seem to confirm it, in truth the beginning of Spring. is many months before. Just as on a sweet summer's night, before the last glow of the sunset has quite departed, Aurora peeps from the east, so at the close of summer, if we look sharp, we may find indications on every hand, that a new season of life and energy is in reserve, and beginning even now. The buds of the hedgerow willows are swollen, and often shining and silvery with the soft white silk -that wraps their contents; the alder-trees and the hazels are hung with the green rudiments of their intended catkins; every musician has his instrument ready, and waits only to see the lifted hand that shall give the signal. All things begin farther back than we are apt to IIlppose; nature's cradles, like those of wicker, have not more of beginning in them than of ending. Presently these little brown spik~s begin to open at their sharp extremities. The cover.. ings roll away, and in due time fall to the ground, strewing the surface till it looks like a threshing-floor. At the same time are disclosed the young green leaves and the inner coverings, which are of a delicate pink colour, dry, soft and shining, wavy and half-curled, and so thin that the light goes through them. They hang about the opening leaves, and in the contrast of their exquisite tint, produce one of the jveliest spectacles of the vernal season. Botanists call these pretty and transitory vestments of the buds the "perules." Every tree possesses analogous ones, larger or smaller, according to the species, but in none are they more delicately fashioned or tinted. The leaves themselves are doubled up precisely after the manner of a lady's fan, whence it is that on a fine warm day, in the beech (as happens in the sycamore and several othe~
- 497. 492 THE TREES OF OLD ENGLAND. trees), there seems an almost miraculous start into life. The mode in which leaves are folded while in ~ bud, vanes most wonderfully. Some· times the leaf is rolled up like a scroll of paper. Sometimes it is doubly rolled, or from' each edge towards the central line, and not infrequently this condition is reversed by the roll being directed bMkwards. There are trees, and herbaceous plants also, in which the I'OIling is like that of a coil of ribbon; and here in the beech, as we have said, the folding is • like that of a fan. The rapidity with which leaves expand is of course greatly influenced by their primitive condition, and thus it is m~re to the arrangement of the parts than to any casual or external circumstance that we are to look for the ~explanation of their very various rate of opening. So true is it, once over again, that when we desire to dis- cover truth, we must go -inside. The differences of the arrangement of the leaves in the bud are often accompanied by considerable differences' in other particul81·s. The plum-tree, for instance, and the cherry-tree, are not more distinct in their produce than in this curious particular of the early leaf-folding, for while in the ·plum-tree the "vemation" is "convolute," in the ..c~erry-tree it is "conduplicate." While young, the leaves of the beech are most beautifully omamented with lines of silky hairs, which at the same moment ~onstitute a defence for them. With the expansion of the blade, these lines of hairs are discovered to coincide with the veins; while along the edge of the leaf, projecting from it like the eyelashes from the margin of the eyelid, are similar hairs, which give it the most delicate flinge conceivable. No other British forest-tree has its young leaves thus fringed, so that in this one single particular we possess a certain guide. A young beech- grove, about the middle of May, when the foliage is tolerably well expanded, presents one of the greenest and airiest sights that trees afford. The leaves are singularly thin and translucent, and these innumerable silvery fringes ~eem to aid in detaining the light. Embo- Boming ourselves in a little thick~t of young beech, we learn for the first time in its fnlness, what is the meaning of green, and the force of that charming line in Coleridge,- " The level sunshine glimmers with green light." • Fully :panded, the striking and characteristic feature of the beech- leaf is at once obvious. To recognise this, it is useful to remember that tre~-leaves are of five principal forms, viz. : - 1. Needle-shaped, as in pines and firs. 2. Simple and with a midrib, as in the beech, oak, elm, lime, alder, hombeam, haz~l-nut, birch, poplar, willow, Spanish chesDut.
- 498. THE TREES OFOLD ENGLAND. 49B 8. Simple and palmate, as in the maple, sycamore, and plane. 4. Digitate, as in the horse-chesnut,r . 5. Pinnate, as in the walnut and ash. Two or three of those in the second class have the blade rather larger npon one side of the midrib than upon the other. This is the case with the beech, the margin of which is at the same time quite free from notches or incisions, and by these two simple characters it may thus, under any circumstances, be identified. In general figure the leaf is oval; the stalk is very short; th~ primary veins pro~ed towards the margin in parallel and nearly equidistant lines; and the surface is quite smooth. Convinced, as are all thinking men, of the absolute unity of nature, and with ten thousand familiar illustrations of it lying at our feet, it is agreeable to Dote those more recondite ones which "crop out," as geologists say, where least expected, and under conditions and circum- stances the most dissimilar. Who, for example, at the first glance, recognises in the great class of leaves to which that of the beech is referable, and w~h is the predominant one in nature, the meanest herb and weed being 'possessed of it as well as the stateliest of trees,- who, at the first glance, recognises in it the idea which is wrought out perfectly and consummately in the human body! The midrib of the leaf corresponds to and prefigures the spinal column; the great ribs which strike out thereffom prefigure the bones of the human skeleton which are called by the same name; the interior is traversed by a multitude of delicate sap-vessels that- answer to the 'veins and their crimson blood;- and over the entire surface is spread an exquisitely- organised sk~n, through pores in which the leaf absorbs moisture, and perspires, and performs other functions so similar to those of the skin of the human body, that if clogged with dirt or soot, the plant suffers no less severely than a human being who ignores the bath. Nor is this all. Every portion of the blossom of a plant is a leaf curiously modified, so as to perform the various and special functions that pertain to flower-life. Sepals and corolla, 'stamens and pistil, all these parts are leaves metamorphosed, while in the seed-pod we often find the leaf scar~ely altered, as happens in the legume of the pea. Just as the ribs in the human skeleton are so curved and disposed as to form the great pectoral cavity in which lie the most vital organs of the· animal fabric, so in the pod of the pea we find the edges of the leaf so brought together as to convert it into a casket for the seeds,-the most important part of the plant, and round the history of which are
- 499. 494 THE TREES OF OLD ENGLAND. concentrated all the most admirable phenomena of its existence. Leaves scarcely altered, exceJi in texture, similarly constitute the seed-pods of the larkspur, the aconite, and that gay golden blossom of spring, called the marsh-marigold; and exactly conforming with all these are the great seed-follicles of the South American trees called Bterculias. The great glory of the beech i~ disclosed however in the month of October. The leaves then assume many shades of yellow and amber, and the stt.rface being peculiarly adapted to reflect the light of the setting SUD, the spectacle, when the weather is fine and mild, is most. effective. Amid the immensely varied hues supplied by oak, and chesnut,. and elm, the beech .still lifts its magnificence distinct and unrivalled, and even the crown of its concluding moments has a rich~ ness superior to that of any other. Leaves, it may be 'well to say, assume these beautiful tints in autumn, through failure of their power to appropriate only the carbon of the atmosphere during the perform- ance of the process of respiration. They become, in consequence, super-oxygenised, and the oxygen, as in other .ses, manifests its presence by giving an unaccustomed brightness of tint. We are apt to speak of the~fading of the leaves in autumn; it would be more truthful to speak of it as the autumnal painting. Very p~one are we also to connect the idea of "autumnal foliage" with trees only, overlooking the fact that multitudes of herbaceous plants, including many of the most inconsiderable weeds of the wayside, are gifted with an equal beauty in the decline of life. No tint in nature is lovelier 'than the roseate amber of the October foliage of the little silver-weed, Potentilla Anserina,. while docks and sorrels glow with vivid crimson, and the hedge -parsley turns its fern-like leaves to the coloUr' of a king's mantle. Nature delights here, as everywhere else, to echo her greatest things in her least ones. No blind heart was that which in old time said that Pan, the god of material nature, took for his wife the nymph Echo-, he playing on his sevenfold pipe, wrought from the reeds by the river, while she gave response to every harmony. Lastly- should we note the si~gular fruit of the beech. In May, soon atter the young leaves are open, the tree is ornamented with ten thousand globular clusters, downy, and containing all the essentials of a flower; by t4e time that the lilac stars of the michaelmas-daisy begin to shine in the garden, these are followed by prickly pods the size of an acorn, and very curiously corresponding with acorns in structure. That part which in the fruit of the oak is a smooth-edged and hemi-
- 500. THE TREES OFOLD ENGLAND. 495 spherical cup, in the beech is four-valved, the valves recurving like those of a chesnut; the acorn itself ifJ4lepresented by a triangular brown nut, with margins almost as sharp as the blade of a knife. In Spring these three-cornered seeds are prone to sprout, and among the mosses on the hedge-bank, beeches, like children at play, are found beginning the world anew. Beeches are not like oaks, the resort of many living creatures; the number of insects frequenting them is comparatively few, nor are they much sought after by the nest-builders. A pleasing association clings to the tree nevertheless, such as we have with scarcely another, for as long as children's voices are lovely to human souls, will be their trill of "the woodpecker tapping the hollow beech-tree." Naturalists find in connection with. the beech quite another class of objects, namely, fungi of uncommon kinds, one in particular, that in autumn appears npon the trunks, and from its resemblance to sprays of white coral, has been classically named Hydnum coraUoides. So beautiful are the plans and. marshallings of nature! If to one tree be given good fruit, another excels in foliage; if one be tall and soaring, another gives sweet amplitude of shade, touching the earth with the tips of its great arms; and like the cities of a great empire, every one is noted for a merit and suite of qualities peculiarly its own. LEO. THEOLOGICAL ESSAYS. No. VII.-THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. (Continued from page 458.) BUT let us now pass to the consideration of another philosophical or metaphysical argument, frequently urged by Necessitarians against the existence of free-will,- what may be termed "the argument of the st1·ongest motive." This argument is, that a man, in all his acts,4s necessarily governed by the strongest motive that presents itself to his mind at the time; that such motive, whatever it be, being the strongest, is necessarily irresistible, and man must yield to it: consequently, that man cannot possess free-will, or the power of choice, being absolutely swayed or ruled by this supposed strongest motive. " This argument," says Professor Stewart, "goes to prove that all human actions are as necessarily produced by motives, as the going of a clock is necessarily pro- duced by the weights, and that no human action could have been otherwise than it /' really was. Nay, it applies also in full force to the Deity; and, of consequence, it leads to the general conclusion, that no event in the universe could have happened otherwise than as it did. When the scheme of necessity is pushed to this length, ,
- 501. 496 THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. it involves the supposition.that every created being, and every event, even to the most tri1ling, has an existence as ne~ as that of the Deity j - & supposition which forms one of the fundamental principles of the system of Spinora. This conclusion is such as every unprejudiced understanding must revolt at, the instant it is mentioned, and it may serve as a demonstration, in the form of a reductio ad absurdum, of the erroneousness of the ~rinciple from which it is deduced." • The argument of the "strongest motive," plausible as it may at the first glance appear, is entirely fallacious. That man, in every action, is thus the slave of a ruling and irresistible motive, in consequence of which he feels no power of choice, no freedom at all,-is certainly con- trary to every man's experience. Do we not, in deciding upon a course of action, often stand balancing between two or more courses, looking first at one and then at the other, inclined first to this side and then to that,-the advantages of each course seeming so nearly equal that it is very difficult to choose between them? And are we not conscious of perfect freedom to adopt either course? Now, where,.1 will ask, is there any such strongest, such irresistible motive, as has been presumed, forcing us into the one course or the other, as a clock is moved by weights, or as the beam of a scale necessarily turns to the heavier side? Every man's consciousness must testify to the contrary. Such an argu- ment, then, could have been derived only from the abstract reasonings of a false philosophy, in defiance of the testimony of experience. This supposed" strongest motive" is, as maintained by Edwards, the" greatest apparent good," or that which seems at the time most agreeable; and thi.s, as he affirms, governs the will absolutely. " The will," says he, "is always as the greatest apparent good, or as what appears most agreeable." This, in fact, amounts to the same thing as • The argument of the strongest motive belongs properly to materialism, and hence it is the common argument of atheistic Necessitarinns. "It proceeds," s'Is Professor Stewart, "on the supposition that man is wholly a material being, a.nd that the power of thinking ~s the result of a certain organisution of the brain. Bishop Berkeley, in his 'l:Iinute Philosopher,' has well taken it off, in the following happy piece of irony :-' Corporeal objects strike on the organs of sense, whence ensues a vibration of the nerves, 'Which being communicated to the soul or animal spirit in the brain, or root. of the nerves, produceth therein that motion called volition; llnd this produceth a new determination of the spirits, caus- ing them to flow into such nerves as must necessarily, hy the laws of mechanism, produce certain actions. This being the case, it follows that those things which vulgarly pass for human actions, are to be esteemed Inechn,nical, and that they are falsely ascribed to a free principle. There is therefore no foundation for praise or blame, fear or hope, reward or punishment, nor conseqnent1:y for relic;ion, which is built upon and supposes these things.' "-Stewart's "Philosophy." Appendix I. ,
- 502. • THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. 497 saying that no one can resist his own inclination. Now, were he speaking of evil spirits, this would b~rue. " No one, in the spiritual world," says Swedenborg, "can resist his own lust; because that lust is of his love, and the love is of his will, and the will is of his 'nature, and every one there acts from his nature." * This is the case in the spiritual world, because there man's character, th"at is, his will, or his love, is settled: he has made his choice, and his nature can no longer be changed. But in this world, it is not 80,-a8 we know'by reason, by Revelation, and by experience. Does not the spiritually-minded man, every day, resist his own evil love or inclina- tion, act in opposition to what is "most agreeable," and thus not yield to what seems to his natural feelings to be the "greatest apparent good"? That such a motive is not irresistible, is proved from the fact that, in the Lord's strength, the good and the wise man is continually able to master it. But. it may be subtly argued, that in that case, the pleasure of sense is not to him the" greatest apparent good," but rather the hope of heaven is the " 1l10Rt agreeable" thing, and this motive pre- dominates, over the sensual inclination. But we know-every spiritual man knows-that it is not from any such motive or feeling that he combats: it i8 not from any sense of the "most agreeable" that he fights; it is from principle, from conscience, from the influx of good angels helping him, from God's strength holding him up, and yet leav- ing him free,-it is from these he struggles: oftentimes against all that is agreeable,-even against what seems to his distressed mind the "greatest apparent good;" and when, in the violence of his temptation, there is scarcely a thought of heaven, he gains the victory over all such motives, prov ing that they are Dot irresistible, but can be put under foot, in the name and power of Jesus Christ, the Saviour. I wonder that a pio~s mind like Edwards's should have been so led astray by a false logic, against ",-hat must have been his own constant experience. t But, throwing aside for the moment the tastimony of experience (which, however, on such a question is worth all the metaphysical theories in the world), the argumont of the" strongest motive" may be shown to be false on the same ground as the argument derived from a * Heaven and Hell, n.574. + Edwards has been well and thorongWy answered, even on his own ground of metaphysics, and the fallacies in his reasoning exposed in detail, in the able Review of his work on "The Will," by Henry P. Tappan, Chancellor of the University ot Michigan. 82
- 503. 498 THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. • supposed foreordination, namely, that in its consequence it makes God the author of evil. It may be s1lown thus : - "Every change in nature," urges the Neoossitarian, "implies the operation of & came, and this," he maintains, "holds tree not only in regard to inanimate matter, but with respect to the changes that take place in the mind. Every voli- tion, therefore, must have been produced by a motive, with which it is as necessarily connected as any other effect with its cause; and when different motives are presented to the mind at the same time, the will yields to the strongest, as necessarily as a body urged by two oontrary forces moves in a direction of that which is the most powerful." Supposing, then, that a man commits an evil act, that act, according to this theory, is the effect of an irresistible cause, of something not' in the man himself, but influencing him from without, something inde· pendent of the man's own will,-in a word, something in the nature and order of things. Then, who is to blame for the evil done, but He that established that order of things, the Divine Creator? T~us, you make God the author of evil, because He is the author of that order of things which necessarily produced the evil. Now, 8S I have already shown, to declare that God, .who is Goodness itself, is the author of evil, is not only absurd but blasphemous.* If you ask me, then, "What motive induces a man to do wrong rather than right, in a given instance ?-it must be something," you say;- I answer, no motive necess·itates or absolutely compels him to do so. There are temptations,. no doubt; but he is not obliged to yield to them. He can resist them if he will. If he were obliged, then, as just shown, the blame would fall on the thing or order of things which obliged him; and, consequently, on the Creator, who established that order. For though, indeep, you may say that man has perverted the original order, and so has brought into existence sources of temptations that did not originally exist-as, for instance, the dram·shop, or whatever else tends to lead man astray,-yet the question will recur, What caused man to pervert-what produced evil in the first place? If you say, as this false philosophy does, "some necessary motive, something that man could not prevent, something in the order of things,"-then, as before explained, you throw the blame on Him who so ordered things-the Creator. Thus, again you make God the author of evil. You cannot go behind the simple fact that man acts from free-will; thus that the power of perversion or non-perversion lies in himself, and. not necessarily • See Swedenborg's section, " That unless man had free-will in spiritual things, God would be the cause of evil."-True Christian Religion, n.489.
- 504. THE FREEDOM OFTHE WILL. 499 in any motive or operative cause whatever outside of him; for the moment you do, you make God the source of the evil.::: But some may say, "Look at the circumstances in which some men are placed; consider the temptations with which they are surrounded, -brought up in haunts of vice, without education, without religious or moral instruction." These are, indeed, strong appearances in favour of the argument for necessity; still they are but appearances. God allows no human being to be born who must necessarily sin and be lost; if He did, He would not be God; He would not be a Heavenly Father. Is it not declared-does He not Himself declare-that" His tender mercies are over all His works" ? t But how would that be true, if He allowed the noblest of His works-a human soul-to be given over to sin and wretchedness, without any power on its own part to prevent it ? No! every man may be saved if he will, in spite of circumstances. This great truth, reason, revelation, and experience, all declare. There is no necessity that any man should be lost. He may, indeed, in youth be led astray into many external vices; this cannot be always prevented in the present corrupt and disordered state of the world. But Divine Providence has His own secret means to keep a check upon him; and when the youth comes to manhood, the same Providence will open a way for him to escape, if he will. How many of the noblest and loftiest characters in biography have worked their way up thl'ough a host of temptations, out of the midst of the most adverse circumstances, and come forth at last chastened, purified, and perfected by the fiery process? Look at Baxter, Bunyan, Augustine, Franklin, and a host of others; whose lives have proved that circumstances, after all, do not rule men; but rather that man, with Divine aid, can make himself master of all circumstances, and can turn even the worst circumstance to advantage, and rise to higher glory, the fiercer the struggle, the harder the ordeal through which he has had to pass. • On this point, Professor Stewart has the following just observations :-" The argument for necessity denves all its force from the maxim that 'every change requires a cause.' But this maxim, although true with respect to inanimate matter, does not apply to intelligent agent~, which cannot be conceiyed without the power of self-determination. In the case of motion. I am certain that it is the effect of some cause with which it is necessarily connected; for every change that takes place in an inanimate object suggests to me the notion of a cause. But in the case of the determinations of a voluntary agent, he is himself the author of them; nor could 'anything have led philosophers to look out for any other causes of them, but an apprehended analogy between volition in a mind and motion in a body."-Stewart's "Philosophy." Appendix I., sect. 1. + Psalm exlv. 0,
- 505. 500 THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. Thus, then, it is only an appearance that man is compelled to evil by surrounding circumstances. The great truth declared equally by reason and Divine revelation is, that every man may be saved if he will. On this point hear Swedenborg:- U Every one," says he, "may be regenerated, each according to his state. The learned and the unlearned, for instance, are regenerated in different ways; iD like manner, those who are engaged in different pursuits and employment!; 80 also those who confine their inquiries to the externals of the Word, ditferently from those who investigate its internals; those who receive from their parents good natural dispositions, differently from those who receive bad; . those who from infancy have plunged themselves into the vnnities of the world, differently from those who, enrHer or later, have removed themselves from such things; in a word, those who constitute the Lord's external church, differently from those who con· stitute the internal. The variety is infinite, like that of the faces and dispositions ; but still every one may be regenerated and saved, according to his state. The reason that all have a capacity of being regenerated and saved is, because the Lord, with His Divine Good and Truth, is present with every man,-thence is the life of every one, and thence is derived the faculty of understanding and willing, and, together with these, free-will in spiritual things. These are wanting to no man. And there are also given means- to Christians, in the Word, and to the Gentil~ in each one's religion, which teaches that there is a God, and gives precepts con- cerning good and evil. Hence it follows that every one may be saved; conse- quently, that if a man is not 8aved, the Lord is not in fault, but the man himself, and the man is in fault because he does not co-operate."* To return, now, to the consideration of the "argument from the strongest motive." The surest answer to this fallacy is to be found in the doctrine of Equilibrium, as made known by Swedenborg. In this "lies the true explanation of man's freedom of will. "When different motives," argues the Necessitarian, "are prescribed to the mind at the same time, the will yields to the strongest as necessarily as a body urged by two contrary forces moves in the direction of that which is most powerful." Now, that tlrere is absolutely no such superior force as is here supposed, controlling man's mind, and that Divine Providence takes special care that there shall not be any such force,-and this, to the very end that man may be kept in a condition of free-will, is thus explained by Swedenborg : - " In order," says he, "that it may be known what free-will is, it is necessary that it should be known whence it is: from a knowledge of its origin, especially, it is made known not only that it really exists, but what it is. Its origin is from the spiritual world, in which the mind of man is held by the Lord. The mind of man is his spirit, which lives after death; and man's spirit is in continual consociation with its like in that world, while, by means of the material body, with which it is encompassed, it is in consort with men in the natural world. The reason that man does not know that he is, as to his mind, in the midst of spirits, is because the • True Christia.n Religion., n. 580.
- 506. THE FREEDOM OFTHE WILL. 501 wpmts with whom he is consociated in the spiritual world, think and speak spiri- tually, but the spirit of man, while in the material body, thinks and speaks naturally; and spiritual thonght and speech cannot be understood nor perceived by the natural man, nor na.tural thought and speech by spirits: hence, also, it is, that they are invisible to each other. Neveriheless, it is in consequence of this communication that man has the faculty of perception, and is able to think analytically: without it, he would not think any more nor any otherwise ilian as a beast does: and more- over, if all such communication were taken away from him, he would instantly die. But, in order ihat it may be comprehended how man can be held in the midst between heaven and hell, and thereby in spiritual equilibrium, whence he has free- will, it shall be briefly explained. The spiritual world consists of heaven and hell. Heaven, then, is above and hell beneath. Between heaven and hell is a great interstice, which appears to those who are there like a great orb or world. Into this interstice there arises a copious exhalation of evil out of hell, and on the other hand, there descends as copious an influx of good out of heaven. It was this inter- mce of which Abraham said to the rich man in hell-' Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who would pass from hence to you cannot, neither can those pass to us, who would come from thence.'· Every man, as to his spirit, is in the midst of this interstice, solely to the intent that he may be in free-will. This equilibrium is a spiritual equilibrium, because it is between heaven and hell, thus between good and evil. This spiritual equilibrium, which constitutes free- will, may be illustrated by natural equilibriums. It is like the equilibrium of a man bound round the body or held by the arms, between two men of equal strength, one of whom strives to draw him to the right, and the other to the left; in which case he has pow-er to turn himself either way, as if there were no force acting upon him at all. .. . • • This spiritual equilibrium may also be compared with a balance, Ut the scales of which are equal weights; in which case, if a little be added to one of the scales, the axis of the beam begins to vibrate. A similar equilibrium prevails in all and every part of the human body, as with the heart, the lungs, the stomach, the liver, the intestines: thence it is that each organ can perform its functions in the greatest quietness. It is the same with the muscles: unless these were in such equilibrium, all action and reaction would cease. Since, then, all things that are in the body are in such equilibrium, so, also, are all things in the brain, and consequently, all things in the mind thell, which have relation to the will and the understanding." + Here we have the true philosophy of the freedom of man's will, made known to us by opening to our view the world of causes,-that spiritual world, in which man truly is as to the interiors of his mind, even while still encompassed with his ep,rthly body. We see that his free-will is the result of his being kept between two equally balanced spiritual forces, the good and the evil; the consequence of which ,condition is, that he can turn himself either to the one or the other, as he chooses. We thus perceive that the " argument of the strongest motive" is alto- gether erroneous, having been formed in ignorance of a great law of the human mind, the law of spiritual equilibrium. t True Christian Religion, D. 475-478.
- 507. 502 THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. A qnestion might here be asked, in regard to this new doctrine of equilibrium,-" If man's free-will is dependent on an equal influx from heaven and hell, then would it not seem to follow that hell must be continually increased, in order to keep up with heaven, and consequently that some must be lost for the sake of preserving the equilibrium?" We answer, Not at all. An equilibrium may be made between a giant and a .small boy: the former has only to accommodate himself to the latter,-the boy putting forth his whole strength, and to counterbalance it, the giant perhaps needing only to use one finger. So the influx of heaven may be continually tempered by the Lord just in the degree necessary to counterbalance that of hell, however great or small the latter may be.* Whence it follows, that it is "by no means necessary that there should be any increase of hell, in order to keep up the equilibrium. Nor, indeed, was it necessary that hell should exist at all, in order to create an equilibrium. There was a time when hell did not exist; and yet there was an equilibrium, and man possessed free-will. That primary condition of man is described in the Word, allegorically, by the Garden of Eden. That garden represented the state of wisdom in which the human race was before the Fall. The counterbalancing forces, which produced the equilibrium at the time, were represented by the Tree of Life on the one hand and the -Tree of Knowleqge on ,the other,-the Tree of Life signifying the perception from within that the Lord alone was life, and that man was perpetually dependent upon Him for it, as also for wisdom, happiness, and every good; the Tree of Knowledge, on the other hand, signifying the appea'rance that man has life in himself, and that he may acquire knowledge and wisdom of himself from without. Between this truth and this appearance, or, in other words, between per~e]Jtion and sense, the first equilibrium existed, and produced man's freedom of will, in consequence of which he pos- sessed the power to turn either to God or from God, ----either to listen to the" still small voice" of perception from within, or to the enticings of the serpent, of the sensual principl~, from without. Yet the sensual principle was in itself good, and necessary to man's completeness as a human being. We may thus perceive that equilibrium, and consequent free-will, existed before there was any evil, so its continued existence is not depondent on the increase or even continuance of evil. London. O. P. H. * That there actually is snch a restraining and tempering of the heavenly inllux, see the Apocalypse Rev.ealed, n. 343; see also, Hea.ven and Hell, D. 594. (To be continued.)
- 508. 508 AND WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR? OR, WHICH IS OUR EXAMPLE ? To say that the question of the lawyer has never been answered, might appear a rash statement which could never be supported. And yet, can a question be properly said to be answered, if the reply is totally misunderstood? I think not. In so far as the reply is not understood, the question is unanswered. It ' is an undoubted fact that the Lord devoted an entire parable to answering the question. He pourtrayed a certain wounded man, neg.. lected by the holy priest and Levite, but succoured by the despised Samaritan. Then, to make the lawyer answer himself, He put the inquiry, in return,-" Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" And how has this question been understood by the Christian church? Why, it has been 8uPP9sed to mean-CC Which of the three a~ted like a neighbour to him who fell among thieves?" And what, then, is the inference? Plainly, that everyone is equally the" neighbour. For, did not the Samaritan act like a neighbour towards a total stranger? If, therefore, a total stranger is to be so loved, the inference is, everybody ought to be. Is . there any distinction to be made,-any degree of love shown? There is none indicated. The inference is, there ought to be none. The grand conclusibn, therefore, is, that everybody is equally the neighbour.* Now the whole of this reasoning, although it may be valid, is bad. It is founded upon an erroneous premiss, and consequently lands us in a false, although plausible, conclusion. The Lord's inquiry meant no such thing as is generally thought. The mistake is perhaps natural, but it is· fatal, for it involves the destruction of the Divine doctrine of charity. To love all men alike, to treat alLequally as the neighbour, is to love no one, and be neighbour to none. It is like the general con.. fession of sinfulness,-which is no confession. There is no such thing as a dead level of humanity. Some evils each of us is more prone to than to others. Some persons stand to us in a nearer neighbourhood than do others. This is precisely what the Lord taught in His parable. The question He asked did not mean, Which of these three acted like a neighbour; but, Which ought to be regarded as his neighbour, by him who fell among thieves? Or, as the literal rendering of the original would give it,-" Who, then, of these three, doth it seem to thee, * For a striking example of this misconception and its consequences, see Elihu Burritt's otherwise excellent" Lay Sermon for People about Home."
- 509. 504 AND WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR? OR, WHICH 18 OUR EXAMPLE ? became neighbour to him who fell a~oDg the thieves ? "~, The lawyer, therefore, was compared by the Lord with the wounded man, and not, as is commonly supposed, with the Samaritan. By this terrible mis- understanding of the Lord's inquiry, His meaning has been reversed, and a doctrine the contradictory of the trne one has been educed therefrom. ' What, then, is the real Divine doctrine of the neighbour? Evidently that there are degrees of neighbourhood. For who, inquires the Lord, of these three, is the neighbour who is to be loved,-'the unfaithful priest, the hard-hearted Levite, or he ,vho displays in his conduct the characteristics of a man after the Divine likeness? And- the answer must be, "he that showed mercy." He is the neighbour who is to be loved. The others, therefore, are not neighbours in the same sense. It follows, then, that there are degrees of neighboll'rhood. And what is the test of a nearer degree? Plainly it is goodness. So says the doctrine of the New Chnrch,- "The quality of Christian good determines in what degree every person is a neighbour. . . . . Thnt a man is a neighbolU' according to the quality of his good, is evident from the Lord's parable about him who fell among the thieves. The Samaritan is therein called the neighbour, became he exerci.ed t~ good of charity."-.A.O. 6707, 8. If I am now asked for proof that this interpretation of that Divine question is the trne one, I will direct the attention of my que.oner to the connect~on that plainly exists between the Lord' 8 inquiI~ and that of the lawyer. Let it be observed, then, in the first place, that the connection here spoken of is that of question and answer. For although the Lord's reply was put in the interrogative form., it was undoubtedly meant to answer the question "Who is my neighbour?" But does it answer it, as commonly understood? Evidently not, for the common belief is that the wounded man is the type of the neighbour who is to be loved. And yet he was not included among the "three" whom the Lord referred to in His reply. But, possibly, it may be objected, that this is not a correct statement, because the Samaritan is commonly thought of as indicating to us how we ought to act to the neighbour. To this I reply,-The question of the lawyer was not-How ought I to act towards my neighbour? but, Who is my neighbour? To suppose, then, that the Lord replied to his question by showing him how he ought to treat his neighbour, is to suppose that the Lord never answered his question at all. ~:~ TLS' OVJJ TOVT(c)JJ T(c)JJ TpL(A)JJ 80ICfL 0001, 1r)..1JooLOJl i'fYOJlfJ1at. TOV 'JLfrfUOvrof f~ TOV~ ~'!lO"Tas. AOVI<. L. 86.
- 510. AND WHO ISMY NEIGHBOUR? OR, WHICH IS OUR EXAMPLE? 505 But this is not the only point of the narrative upon which absurdity is thus induced. We will next take up the lawyer's reply to the Lord's inquiry. Now this reply to the Lord is, in reality, a categorical answer to his own first question, "Who is my neighbour?" The parable of the Lord has made the matter BO evident to the lawyer that he is now able of himself to make the reply-CC He who showed mercy on him." That was, of course, the Samaritan. Can we suppose, then, that the very questioner himself was also involved in the absurdity of answeriBg his own inquiry of cc Who is my neighbour?" in terms which meant, "Thus ought I to act towards him"? Assuredly not. The plain mean· ing is, that he who showed mercy is the neighbour. Not the man who acted like one. But that ill hilll is the person discovered ,,-ho is ·to be loved. Finally, to make sure of our position, ana demolish the last strong- hold of this perverse error, let us examine the co~cluding words of the D8lTative. These are comprised in the emphatic command, "Go, and do thou likewise." Like whom? Will anyone deny that the usual notion is, like the Samm:itau? And thus the absurdity is faithfully carried to the end of the chapter. For precisely the same objection must be raised here, as against the Lord's previous words. It is no answer to the question in que3tion. It may be excellent advice, con- sidered apart, but it is not what the lawyer wanted to know, and what we want to know. We desire to be told, and surely the thing is of moment, who is the neighbour that we are commanded to love. We cannot admit for a moment that the Lord did not answer the inquiry, for He is our example in good logic, ns in everything. We must, therefore, adopt Swedenborg's interpretation of the narrative. Let us now make the experiment. Let us take up this new inter- pretation, apply it, try it on, and see whether it fits, or no. Once more, the original question was, ""Who is my neighbour?" The Lord's interrogative reply was, in effect, "Which of these three, thinkest thou, was to be regarded as his neighbour by him who fell among the thieves ?" Evidently, "he who showed mercy on him." Now comes forcibly the rejoinder-cc Go, and do thou likewise." Like whom? Why, like the wounded man. For what did he do? He regarded the Samaritan, who had shown mercy on him, as his neighbour. And thus does the lawyer receive his answer, and knows by what marks he may in future recognise his neighbour-may discover the man whom he is commanded to love even as he loves himself. Thus interpreted, there is a beautiful connection between all the ,uestions and replies throughout the parable. One doctrine is taught,
- 511. 506 AND WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR? OR, WHICH IS OUR EXAMPLE? and clearly taught. Namely, that there are degrees of neighbou'rhood. And so, also, declares the doctrine of the New Church- " The parable of the Lord about the Samaritan proves that there are degrees of love towards the neighbour. For the Samaritan showed mercy to the man who .Vas wounded by the thieves; but the Priest and Levite, when they saw him, passed by on the other side. And when the Lord asked which of those three seemed to be the neighbour, the answer was' given, He who showed mercy."-- T~ c. B. 410. See a~o T.C.R. 406-4:11, and .A.C. 6703-6712. lNDEX. MR. J. STUART }IILL ON THE EXTERNAL WORLD. THE question of our right to believe in an external world independent of sensation, is again up for discussion among the metaphysicians. Mr. Mill, in his recent work, has defined matter to be cc- a permanent possibility of resistance." The simple might be tempted to suspect that there was some inaccuracy of expression here, and that Mr. Mill only holds that matter is something which has the power of giving 'US those impressions of resistance which he analyzes with such powerful Bubtlety. One would fain construe him thus, not only out of a fear to impute wild notions where they are not entertained, b)lt out of pity at seeing the candle of common perception extinguished in a gifted mind by subtle disquisition. But no. He tells us too plainly that he belongs to the" psychological" school. He professes, by implication, to reckon himself among the Berkleians. "The sensation of mnscular motion impeded, constitutes," he tells us, "onr idea of filled space," or matter. And, that we may have no doubt of the meaning he would attach to the word I have italicised, he says-' , We have no reason for believing that space or extension, in itself, is anything different from that which we recognise it by." We recognise it by sensation. Space, then, is our sensation of muscular movement. Matter is our sensation of muscular movement impeded. Besides which, he undertakes to assign, at some length, an origin to the common notion of substance, evidently treating that notion as an error. We do, indeed, find him speaking of "our idea of matter as a resisting cause of miscellaneous sensations," but, if called upon to Bay whether it was a real cause, he would doubtless answer that it was only an imaginary one. We have also, per contra, the admission made in the following passage :-" I believe that Calcutta exists, though I do not perceive it, and that it would still exist, though every percepient inhabitant were suddenly to leave the place, or to be
- 512. MR. JOHN STUARTMILL ON THE EXTERNAL WORLD. 507 stmck dead." We feel encouraged at this. No thorough-going idealist could hold such language; for he would be admitting a Calcutta that existed out of sensation. But, alas! our hopes are raised in one sen- tence only to be cast to the ground in the next. "But when I analyze the belief, all I find is, that if I were suddenly transported to the banks of the ~oogly, I should still have the sensations which, if now present, would lead me to affirm that Calcutta exists here and now." Would his analysis not yield him thus much, that the houses of Calcutta would, in some sense, give rise to those sensations? No; he has told us all that he finds. He finds nothing but sensations. He finds no external cause for them. So we have no choice. Our pity . finds itself frustrated of its charitable intent, and we must consent, with whatever pain, to number Mr. Mill among the victims of a persuasive fallacy. He is an idealist, only with some self-contradictions to arrange. He has stepped bodily over upon the Berkleian domain, though the heel of his last boot is still on the ground of common sense. The much-vexed question, then, is really up again for further tor- ment. Mr. Mill's brethren evidently think so, for one of them has taken his speculations in hand in "Blackwood's Magazine," and made his deliverance upon it-in the opposite sense. Considering how long it has been debated, and how often it has been thought to have been settled by some great name, only to be unsettled by a greater (80 con- sidered for the time being) coming after him,-it must be acknowledged, even by those who set highest the value of this branch of human knowledge, to be no slight reproach against it. There is, in truth, no opprobrium medico1"urn like this opprobrium 'tnetaphysicoTum. No other science, I think, could show the human mind in such a pitiable state of uncertainty and vacillation before a fundamental problem. The·spectacle of to-day has been always repeating itself. As Mr. Mill now threatens to supersede Sir Wm. Hamilton, so some new Giotto has always arisen to take away the supremacy of the last "Cimabue. The Scotch philoso- pher was thought to have vindicated finally the claims of the Non Ego, forcing the all-devouring Ego to disgorge it, and allow it a fair chance for existence along with himself-when lo! the English philosopher comes forward to prove Non Ego his lawful prey, and the wretched thing is once more in a tyrant's maw. . It is not to be denied that there are certain difficulties about the question, which suggest themselves, more or les8, to all of a metaphysical turn. Nay, we have the authority of some great thinkers of the misty school-I forget now who it was-for saying, that if one has not, at
- 513. 608 MB. JOHN 8TUART MILL ON THE EXTERNAL WORLD. Home period of his mental development, had doubts about the external wQrld suggested to him, he may set himself down as an unapt scholar, and despair of himself from the very start. Seeing how many gifted intellects have been unable to render an answer to the Sphinx, I have no mind to deny the difficulty of her enigma. One may admit that the puzzle is perplexing, without conceding that it is worthy of serious attention. When he is bidden either to solve it or to accept it as the basis of his philosophy, perhaps of his religion, he may turn quietly away, just as he would, with a certnin contempt, reject the idea of 81UTendering his belief in motion, if his ingenuity should not suffice him for getting out of the ancient dilemma by whioh motion is proved impossible. Thanks to n philosophy which does .more than debate for ever "whether the thing be so." We are no longer in danger of having our intelligenco swallo,ved up by this winged monster, because we cannot solve her riddle. The plinciples of the New Church show us, if I mistake not, that our bolief in external objects, as causes (of course I mean as secondary causes) of Oill" sensations, comes from a source which can originate any Dumber of en"ors. I shall endeavour to show that the Berkleian paradox is ouly a particulaJ.· example of the effort to enter by means of exterior things into interior ones,-that its reasoning is essentinlly similar to that of the materialist who, trying to rise from body to soul, finds that he cannot do so, and forthwith proclaims that there is no soul. Let us take 8 pnrticnlar example of this effort, in the religions sphere, to see if there is not Dr certain parallelism between idealistic and sceptical reasoning. We have in "Hume's Essays on the Human Understanding" a manifest case of attempting to penetrate by the senses and worldly scientifics into spiritual things-an experiment, as it were, made on purpose to show that a camel cannot pass through the eye of a needle. If we examine those well-known productions, we shall find him always going on the principle that the higher thing must be proved by the lower. To see this, look at his investigations into the idea of power, or necessary connection-that is to say, of causes. He takes as an example one billiard-ball flying by the stroke of another; the striking ball is cause, the flying ball effect. "Examine this case," he says, "as much and as long as you please, you will :find nothing but the blow and the ffight-any necessary connection between·the two you will never find. There is nothing but a sequence, and an expectation grounded on the uniformity with which the sequence is observed to
- 514. MR. JOHN STUARTMILL. ON THE EXTERNAL WORLD. 609 take plaee-that when one event precedes the other will follow. That one produces the other is an erroneous inference." It is this reduction of causes to mere sequences, which in his hands sweeps like a scythe over the field of religion. The vice in his reasoning, to aNew Church mind, lies in this, that he explores -the data of the senses for that which they do not contain. There is really nothing, in the case he puts, bltt sequences, so far as the eye judges. He did not see, as we can, that belief in a cause having a higher element should have been assumed, so far as proof from sensation was concerned. It has often been said that, granting to Hume his premises, his reasoning cannot be refuted. I would rather say, in reference to our present subject, that, excluding what he excluded, you can reach no other conclusions but his.•He tried to pass from a lower to a highel" plane by , hat was exclusIvely of the lower, and failing in the attempt, proclaimed that there was no higher plane. Now, it matters not in these attempts how much or how littZs higher the upper plane is than the lower-whether the upper one be the wisdom of the third heavens or the da,vning intelligence of a child. The law is absolute. There is no transition by means of the gross into the subtle-by means of the exterior into the interior. The luwer, in the case before us, is sensation; the higher is the belief that our sensations are calUed by out'V.l,l·a objects. The. two things are evidently related to each other as inferior and superior; for sensations are of the body, while beliefs are of the mind. Now, idon.lislU puts us in the plane of sensation, and says to us-" You must find out a way of getting from 8e7l8ation, logically, to a belief in a world independent of sensation. But you are to use no higher elelllcllts in your demon- stration than those which sellsation will yield you. Remember that the belief in question is on its trinl; it is charged with being fallacious, and must not itself be heard in evidence. If it cnn justify itself by sensations and vigorous reasoiling frolll them, well and good; but if not, you are bound to give it up." The exclusion of the higher element from all consideration is evidently involved in the famous dictu1n that the. senscs testify only to sensation. Those who make use of it evidently assume that what the senses do not testify to is not to be allowed-that the senses ni'e the supreme arbi t.ers ill the question. Their vigorous reasoning is, in effect, nothing but this vigorous exclu- sion. If they find you clilubing up from their ground they carefully examine your ladder, and finding it made of wood, they say to you- " Viood does not grow in these parts; down here there is nothing but
- 515. 510 MB. JOHN 8'rUABT MILL ON THE EXTERNAL WORLD. sand; make your ladder, then, of sand, and all will be right." Their acumen is all taken up in detecting whatever is kindly sent down to us from the upper sphere to favour our ascent. They have the mania of proving everything. The vice of relying upon instruction for nothing, and demonstrating everything by laborious processes of logic, belongs in fact to the whole metaphysical school. It catches even those who do not profess to cultivate mental philosophy, but only to look into it occasionally. You no sooner give your hand to one of these teachers, and he has led you down into the" pit where he is so laboriously digging away, than you begin to be infected by the air o"f the place, and to :find your vision obscured by its thick atmosphere. No wonder that those wh~ cannot go down to the lower depths of Berkeley and Fichte should be overawed by those who do, and feel themselyes bound to prove, where they ought simply to observe and connnn. Thus we find that the answers given to Berkeley, and to Hume, his logical successor and continuator, by the school of common sense, after enjoying a certain acceptance in the metaphysical world, have come to be considered as deficient in vigour, and are now treated with no little disdain. Talk of common sense in meta.physics! as well talk of probability in mathe- matics. Prot'8 your common sense. It requires not a little courage to look these sticklers for hard reason- ing in the face, and say to them-" We cannot prove what you require of us, at least on your grounds. We prefer to begin by accepting the independent reality of the outward world, as the instinctive suggestion of reaSOD, which, in our eyes, is the lord, master, and judge of sensa- tion. Our belief to this effect we do not undertake to prove front sen- sation, but only to confirnlt by it." Hold this language to them, and they will be sure to impeach you of being a bad logician. But beware how you give weight to the reproach and enter upon their way, for it is a way which is no way, since it admits of no progresssion. There is no advance in intelligence which is not preceded by a rejection of appearances derived either from sensation or from worldly scientifics. These rejections are always made at the dictation of higher principles, which the lower, if consulted, ,vould never allow. Fort~nately for them.. selves, the teachers of idealism have a very fitful fidelity to their prin- ciple. Attaching themselves strictly to the senses and to reasoning from them, their argument could no more get on than a horse hitched to a post could move from the spot. It is curious, accordingly, to observe how they are always begging the question. Hume, from ~me to time, introduces into his reasoning, under the convenient cloak of
- 516. MB. JOHN STUABTMILL ON THE EXTERNAL WORLD. 511 e:eperience, some contraband idea. If, for example, he had scrutinized all the data of the senses, in the case of the two balls, as carefully to find his association as he did to find 'the idea of causation, he would have found the former as little as the latter. Berkeley did the same before him. And the reviewer of Mr. Mill in "Blackwood" shows fairly that, while arguing out the genesis of the idea of space. from muscular resistance, he a8SUl1~e8 the previous existence of space. Thus the severe logic, which p.retends so lofty an independence of intuitions, becomes an abject beggar of principles, when necessity comes upon it; or rather, too proud to confess its poverty, it steals all that its occasions eall for. Let us give two specifications under this charge. It is exceedingly probable that the first sight of an infant is Wit~ut any perception of distance, so that objects appear to it to be at OPin the eye. We infer this from cases of vision recovered in adult years. The blind girl at Vienna, who was restored under Mesmer's treatment, saw a wood as within reach of her arm, which really lay beyond a river, itself remote. But the. infant gradually learns to see things R'Qroad or out of itself; in other words, it comes to have a visual perception of space. Can this sight of things in space, now, be supposed to originate _ in the sight of them not yet in space, and to be produced by it? No. Turn the original sensations of the infant over and over, survey them on every side, you will no more find distance in them than Hume found the idea of necessary connect~on in the phenomena of the two balls. This addition of distance to the original sensations must be held right, until reason corrects it, and so far as reason does not correct it. The idealist may say here-"You are reasoning now on my side, for you know I repudiate all real externality." Very well, if you choose to hold space a pure illusion, I am willing to grant your consistency thus far-but not your consistency in not trying to prove this illusion to arise from the mere sensations of the eye. You could not do it, if you tried. Neither can you do it by calling in the aid of the touch. On the contrary, you find yourself then only under the necessity of making another assumption. The one sense cannot identify the objects of the other. The eye sees a bell and the hand touches it. By what right do you conclude that the bell seen and the bell touched are one and the same thing? PrO'l'6 it you cannot. Even if you add a third sense, and hear the bell which you have seen and touched, the intimations of these three senses (so long as you cenfine yourself rigorously to them) are entirely isolated from one another. You have no other warrant for binding them together than a perception vhich, so far from being
- 517. 512 MR. JOHN STUABT MILL ON THE BXTEBN.L WORLD. justieiable by the three senses, comes in to over-rule them, by pro- nouncing that to be one which they declare to be three. But, if neither externality nor identity is within the competence of the senses considered as witnesses, how can the belief that external objects are causes of our sensations be so? Impotent for the lesser, they surely cannot do the greater thing. H the senses will not authorise me to believe that when I bruise myself against a table, the thing I see and the thing that hurts me are the same object; how can they authorise me to believe in causes? Yet, by the idealist, they are supposed to have the requisite authority. See how he proceeds. He first sinks himself down, down, down, in thought, until even the most rudimental perceptions of the infant remain 0Ie his head, completely out of his sight. Arrived in this bare and na~ed rdgion, he looks about him with the most careful exploration, and then announces, with perfect truth, that the senses testify to nothing but sensation. After which he proceeds to add, with perfect folly-that the common belief in external causes of sensation is "Without warrant; and the existence of an external world quite hypothetical. I say that this, his conclusion, is foolish; because it is the denial of intuition, in lavour of sensation,-the sacrifice of the interior to the exterior. I have endeavoured, in this article, to bring idealism under the general head of trying to penetrate, by exterior things, into interior ones. If I have made out my point, New Churchmen will know what to think of its pretended spirituality. A. E. F. REVIEWS. THE PARABLES OF JESUS CHRIST EXPLAINED IN THE WAY OF QUESTION AND ANSWER. By the Rev. J. CLOWES, M.A. London: C. P. Alvey, 36, Bloomsbury-street; lIRnchester: 2, Northen-terrace, Broughton; Bottomly, Son, and Tolley, 7, Spring-gardens. p.806. THIS is a new (the third) edition of this very interesting and valuable work: it is printed with neatness and accuracy, and otherwise respectably presented. We desire to comu1end it to the careful reading of the church at large. It has long been in the catalogues of New Church literature; it should now be in the libraries of New Church persons. it is by an author who has been greatly esteemed for his piety and learning, during the best part of three generations; anel, therefore, it cannot require any argument from us ft> urge its merits upon the atten- tion of all who are wishful to see an exposition of the parables of our Lord treated with so much simplicity of style and beauty of thought.
- 518. REVIE'V8. It is welladapted for teaching young persons and novitiates in the church much important information concerning the spiritual sense of the Divine Word, and also of impressing upon them the grand duties of cultivating the knowledge of tnlth with diligence, and the love of good- ness with assiduity and care. There is added to it-" A Daily Prayer for the use of a Family," being a paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer, which breathes a very beautiful spirit. We therefore venture to ask for this work a wide circulation. R. SERMONS PREACHED AT TRINITY CHAPEL, '-BRIGHTON. By the late FREDERICK W. ROBERTSON, the Incumbent. First Series. Smith and Elder. 1857. • ROBERTSON'S cc Life and Letters" having recently been reviewed in the Intellectual Repository, our attention will now be engaged by a volume of his sermons. It will be recollected that one of the ~'Principles" of his teaching was-" That spiritual truth is discerned by the spirit, not intellectually in propositions;" and we are here presented with some more specific information on the subject. He premises that- "Eternal truth is not perceived through sensation. Never yet hath the eye seen the truths of God-but then never shall it see them. In heaven this shall be as true as now. Shape and colour give them not. God will never be visible. He has no fonn. The pnre in heart will see Him, but never with the eye; only in the same way that they see Him now." Again- " No scientific analysis can discover the truths of God. Science cannot give a revelation. . . . Eternal truth is not reached by hearsay. No revelation can be adequately given by the a(ldress of man to man, whether by writing or orally, even if he be put in possession of the truth itself; for all such revelation must be made through words, and words are but counters-the coins of intellectual exchange. There is as little resemblance between the silver coin and the bread it purchases, as between the word and the thing it stands for." He then proceeds to consider the "Nature and Laws of Revela- tion: " - " Revelation is made by a spirit to a spirit. Christ is the voice of God without the man-the spirit is the voice of God 'within the man. The highest revelation is not made by Christ, but comes directly from the Universal Mind to our minds. • . • The Spirit of God is touching, as it were, the soul of man-ever aro~nd and near. On the outside of earth, man stands with the boundless universe above him; nothing between him and space-space around him and above him-the confines of the sky touching him. So is the spirit of man to the Spirit of the Ever-Near. They mingle. In every man this is true. The spiritual in him, by which he might become a recipient of God, may be dulled, deadened by a life of as
- 519. 514 REVIEW'S. sense, but in this world never lost. All men are not spiritual men; bu~ all have spiritual sensibilities which might awake. All that is wanted is to become con- scious of the nearness of God. God has placed men here to feel after Him, if haply they might find Him, albeit He be not jar from anyone of them. Our souls float in the immeasurable ocean of sphit. God lies around us; at any moment we might Lecome conscious of the contact. The condition OD whiC"b this Self- Reyclation of the Spirit is Inade to mm is love. These things al·e prepared' for then1 that love Him,' or, which is the same thing, revealed to those who have the mind of ChriHt. Love to God can only lnean one thing: God is 8. character. To love God is to love His character. For instance-God is purity. And to be pure in thought and look-to turn away from unhallowed books and conversation-to aLhor the moments in which we have not been pure-is to love God. Gotl is love; and to love men till private o.ttachlnents have expanded into a philanthropy which embraces all-at last even the evil anll enemies with compas- .n-that is to love God. God is tnlth. To be trne-to hate every form of falsehood, to live a brave, tme, real life-that is to love God. God is infinite; and to love the boundless, reaching on from g-raee to gncc, ntlding ch&1ity to faith, and dsing upwards evel· to see the ideal still aboye us, an(l to ilie with it nnat- tained, aiming inso.tiably to be perfect even as the Father is perfect-that is love to God. This love is mnnifested ill ohedience. [Obedience to what? To the inward dictate received inlluediately from God.l Love is the life of which obedience is the fonn. ' He that hath 1ly commlUldnlents and keepeth them, he it is that lovcth Me.' Now, here can be no mistake. Nothing cun Le lo"e to God which does not shape itself into obe(lience. To this love, adoring and obedient, GOtl reveals His truth. IJove is the condition without which revelation does not take place. As ill the natnral, so in the spiritual world: by compliance with the laws of the universe, we put ourselves in pO~8e~sioll of its hlessings. Obey the laws of health and you oLtnin health; 9.l111 yOl1l"Relf with the laws ot nature and yon 1110.y eaU down the lightuing froll1 the r-,ky. In the snme way ther& arc conditions ill the worltl of Spuit, by COll11)liul1ce with which (:o«'g Sllh-it comes into the soul with all its revelations, as surely as lightning fro1l1 the sky, and as invariahly. The a}lplicutioll of aU this is very eMy-Iove God and He will dwell with yon; o1>ey Go(l and He will reveal the tl11th8 of His deepest teaching to your soul. Not pe1·'UllJs. As 8luely as the laws of the spiritual world are irreversible, are these tlllngs pre}lnrell for obedient love ;-au inspiration as true, as real, and as ce.rtain as tLllt which ever prophet 01' apostle l'cached is yours, if you will; land if obedience were eutire roul love were perfect, th.en would the Revelatioll of the Sphit to the soul of llum be llerfect too." 1'he principles on which this is fouudeu, are those of that Trans- cendental Philosophy which Robertsoll diligently studied in the ,vorks of the German metaphysical writers, and in those of their English interpreter, Cnrlyle. In theu' essential nature they are identical. As preseuted in the pages of the last-named writer and of l1,oLertsoll, they indeed assume a widely difrerent appearance; but this is derived from the characteristic differences of the two minds. In both perhaps their real qun.lity is in some degree concealed; by the lich humour, and, what.
- 520. REVIEWS. 51li Tennyson calls, the" joyful scorn, edged with sharp laughter," of the former, and by the religious feeling and christian spirit of the latter. Robertson, too, with a happy inconsistency, associated with them many important Scriptural truths not to be found in Carlyle. It is, however, beside our present purpose to enter on an examination of the sentiments propoundcd in the above extract. We simply remind the reader that the doctrine of immediate Divine revelation finds no support either in the Sacred Volume, or in the writings of the New Church. And we call upon him to reflect that the formless ' , Universal Mind" spoken of, is not the Lord Jesus Christ, but ,vholly distinct from lIim: also, that these principles imply man's exaltation nuove the necessity for that Word of Life which is the appointed mediUl11 of conjunction between heaven and earth; and of that redemption, without ,vhich his salvation, and oven his existence, ,vonld be impossible. For what can be wanting, to him "into ,vhose soul the Spirit of God is pouring itself ,vith a mighty tide of Revelation " ? As, in his estimation, there was 110 difference, in kind, between the Scriptures and human compositions ;-between the utterances of Moses and the Prophets, the sweet Psalmist of Israel and the Evangelists, on the one hand; and those of Dante, Shakspere, and Kingsiey, &c., on the other; all being, under one aspect, alike the VVord of God, and under another, equally the thought of man ;-so did he find similarity of nature betwecn the humanity of the Lord and that of other men. It is difficult to minds habituated to elevate their conceptions to a glorified Saviour, and to trace in all the events and actions of His life on earth a divine significance, involving the redemption of mankind, so to descend to Robertson's lo,v point of view as accnrately to comprehend his meaning; for he studied the particulars of the Gospel history as he ,voulc1 those of - a merely human life. With no reference to an indwelling divinity, .he ascribes. to the Lord purely human motives and feelings, having no extension beyond the extenlal circumstances that excited them; and also the limited intellect that accomplishes its pnrposes by "planning" and " contriving." lIe taught "that belief in the human character of Christ's Humanity must be antecedent to belief in His Divine origin;" yet it is remarkable that on his own mind this principle was inoperative; :for the persistency of his contemplation of the Lord's human nature never led him to any proper recognition of I-lis divinity. Not to IIim dia.Pe pray, nor on His providence did .he repose; I-Ie ,vas not his Father, but only his "sympathising elder brother." IIis conception of the Lord wa~ of a man i~ who,m "love was.perfect, aJ?d o~edience.
- 521. 616 REVIEWS. entire," and in whom, therefore, "the revelation of the Spirit was perfect too." He thus became a "realisation of the Divine idea of humanity," and exhibited to the world a perfect, or, in language he frequently prefers, a Divine humanity; though, 80 little were his ideas in harmony with the true sense of the expression, that could he have contemplated another perfect human life, he would equally have applied to it the epithet divine. That this is a faithful interpretation of his sentiments, the following citation will prove:- U Human nature is but meant to be a witness to the Divine; the true Humanity is a manifestation~r reflection of God. And that is Divine Humanity in which the Humanity is a perfect representation of the Divine. 'We behold,' says the apostle Paul, 'in Christ, 8S in a glass, the glory of the Lord.' And, to borrow and carry on the metaphor, the di1ference between Christ and other men is this: they are imperfect reftections, He a perfect one, of God." However clear and decisive these expressions may appear, still the snpposition would be erroneous that he was wholly without acceptance of the Lord's divinity in a higher and truer sense than this passage implies. Thus, he says,- U The Eternal Word whispered in the souls of men before it spoke articulately aloud in the Incarnation. It was the Divine Thought before it became the Divine Expression. It was the Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, before it blazed into the Day-spring from on high which "isited us." He was also an adherent to the trinitarian doctrine, and adopts its dis- tinction of "God the Son. H His biographer also furnishes this some- what ambiguous testimony- cc He felt that if Ohristianity were to become 8 universal power among men,-if human nature were ever to be entirely ennobled,-there must be added to the Humanity of Christ the Divinity of Christ. Nor was he content with merel,. saying, 'Christ must be Divine, because I feel He must be so.' Contrary to his usual custom, he brings argument to bear upon the doctrine, and endeavours to prove it in his lectures on the Corinthians and in several of his sermons. " His belief on this subject was that of the transcendental school, which declares every man to be a "manifestation of God in the Hesh," modified and diluted by some real truths, and by the commonly received doctrine of the Trinity. Utterly incoherent indeed it was; but we may rejoice in its inconsistency, since it arose from the retention in his mind of a measure of truth callulated, in some dfgree, to mitigate the injurious effects of the falsities with which they were blended. The subjoined extracts will further illustrate what has been advanced. " The Redeemer not only was but is man. He was tempted in all points lid us. He is a high priest whioh can be touched. Our conceptions on this subject, from 1M'JI's~., are ott. Ttrl en'OD80UI. It b faded that in the hist~ of Jew.'
- 522. .xislenoe, Ohce, fora llmited period and for definite purposes, He took part in trail humanity; but that when that purpose was accomplished, the man for ever perished, and the Spirit reasoonded to unite again with pure unmixed Deity. But Scri~ure has taken peculiar pains to give assurance of the coDtinuance of His Humanity, and has carefully recorded His Resurrection. After that He passed through space, from spot to spot; when He was in ODe place, He was not in another.. His body was sustained by the ordinary human aliments, broiled fish and honey- comb. The prints of su1fering were on Him. His recoRDitions were human still. Tbomas and Peter were especially reminded of incidents before His death, and eonnected with His living interests; to Thomas-' Reach hither thy hand;' to Peter-I LOTest thou me?' There is a connection between what Jesus was and what J~sus IS. He can be touched now, becatue He was tempted then. The incidents and feelings of that part of the existence which is gone have not passed away without results which are deeply entwined with His present being. His past experience has left certain effects durable in His nature as it is now. It has endued Him. with certain qualifications and certain susceptibilities which He would not have had but for that experience. Just as the results remained upon His body,-the print of the nails in His palms and the spear gash in His Bide,-so do the result. remain upon' His soul, enduing Him with a certain susceptibility, for He can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities: with certain· qualifications, for He is able to show mercy, and to impart grace to help in time of need." In Robertson's idea, all natural impulses, passions, aad appetites are good. Sin consists in indulging them under circumstances in which they are forbidden; and hence the Lord's sufferings and temptations. " It seems to have been in this way that the temptations of Christ caused suffer- ing. He suffered from the force of desire. Though there was no hesitation whether to obey or not, no strife in the will, in the act of mastery there was pain. There was self-denial :-there was obedience at the expense of tortured natural feeling. He shrank from St. Peter's suggestion of escape from ignominy, as from a thing which did not shake His determination, but made Him feel, in the idea of bright life, vividly the cost of His resolve. In the garden, nnswervingly: 'Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.' No reluctance in the wilL But was there no struggling? No shudder in the inward sensations? No remembrance that the cross was sharp' No recollection of the family at Bethany, and the vleasant walk, and the dear 'Companionship which He was about to leave? ' My soul is exceeding sorrowful to die.' So in everyone of these cases-not by the reluctancy of a sinful sensation, but by the fJ,uivering and the anguish of natural feeling when it is trampled upon by lofty will-JesU8 suffered being tempted." He wholly repndiated the doctrine that the Lord's 8ufferings and death were an offering to appease the Father's wrath; yet he regarded them as a vicarious sacrifice, and maintained, further, that "Vicarious Sacrifice is the Law of Being." .. , It is a mysterious and fearful th~g to observe how all God's umverl8 is built upon this law, how it penetrates and pervades all nature; 80 that if it were to cease, nature would cease to exist. • . • The mountain-rock must have its
- 523. 618 RBvmws. aurface rusted into putrescence and become dead soil, before the herb can grow. The destruction of the mineral is the life of the vegetable. Again the same process begins. The com of wheat dies, and out of death a more abundant life is bOl'D. Out of the soil in which deciduous leaves are b1;lried, the young tree shoots ngorously, and strikes its roots deep down into the realm of decay and death. Upon the life of the vegetable world the myriad foruis of higher life sustain them- selves-still the same law, the sacrifice of life to give life. . • • Nay, further still-it is as impossible for man to live, as it is for man to be reueeme<l, except through vicarious sacrifice. . . • There is no blessing which was ever enjoyed by man which did not come through this. There was never a country cleared .for. civilisation, and purified of its swamps and fOl'ests, but the first settlers lwd the penalty of that which their successors enjoy. There never was a vi<.-tory won, but the oonquerors who took possession of the conquest passed over the hodies of the noblest slain, who died toot they might win. • . • ~he Higbest Man ~cognised that Law, and joyfully embraced it ~ th~ law of His existence. It was the consciousness of His surrender to that as God's will, and the voluntariues~ of the act, which made it Sacrifice. . • . We go beyond this, however. It was Dot merely a sacrifice, it was a sacrifice for sin." It might be tedious, as it undoubtedly is painful, further to pursue these gropings of a thonghtful, earnest, anJ. in many respects an enlightened mind; and not as mental phenomena for study or amuse- ment are they here presenteJ-but to quicken our gratitude for the wealth of external instruction, and the fulness of ration.al demonstration, by which we are preserved from similar aberrations. (To be continued.) MISCELLANEOUS. WAYSIDE NOTICES. met for a considerable time. He, of "INFALLIBILITY OF THE ROMISB course, contemplated ." the church" as CuuRcH."-It is a. subject of melancholy the Roman hierarchy; and in speaking interest to notice the fallacies by which the usual platitudes about the apostolical men of great ability and learning will descent of the pliesthood, said that-- attempt to defend opinions w hich have "The successor of the chief of' the for their end the maintenance of eccle- apostles now reigned upon his throne, siastical dominion; and it is equally and that the church around him was one amazing to observe the approbation with body with one mind and one .voice, and which such defences are accepted by bore the same testimony." How extra- large bodies of religious people. Dr. ordinary is this 1 When ha.d Peter any Manning, the Roman Catholic Arch- throne, and when did he claim the bishop of Westminster, on visiting the power which is claimed by his pr~tended Reformatory Schools at Howard-hill, descendant? The whole theory is & Sheffield, took occasion, on the Sunday mere invention which proeeededfrom following, to deliver a discourse on the the love of dominion. The priesthood "Infallibility of the Church," in St. may surround the Pope as· one body, and Marie's Church, on behalf of that insti- there may be unanimity in their ends, tution. This discourse, as reported, but these axe no proofs of their infalli- seems to present one of the' boldest bility; and to Bay tha.t they tiear the defiances of history, of facts, and the same testimony as the apostles did,· is to spirit. of the age, with which we have assert that they taught the papistica1
- 524. MISCELLANEOUS. 519 uoctrines of the Mass, Purgatory, the those accusations. They were dogmatic, Invocation of Saints, the Immaculate because they delivered the dogma of the Conception, and a score of other notions day of Pentecost; peremptory, because which we forbear to designate. He, they spoke the authority of God; ad- however, proceeds-" The church de- mitted no reasonings, because they could livered the Word of God as a witness, not suffer the Word of God to be con- a witness of that which it both heard tradicted. The church of God had a and saw in the beginning. The apostles knowledge of the 'Vorel of God, which were the eye-witnesses and the ear-wit- excluded discussion on the articles of nesses of the words of the Son of God, faith. They were indeed dogmatic and and then· personal testimony had passed peremptory, because they dared not be into the keeping of faithful men, and otherwise. They claimed a Divine mis- had been transmitted from that h01U" to sion, tuat they were sent by God to this. The church was a body on which deliver His truths, and how could they time had no power. The succession of waver in the delivery of the Divine human history fell upon the chm"ch, but message. The voice of the church of made no impression-it was the same Goel was uniform and harnl011ious, and yesterday, to-day, and for ever." To though delivered by many lips, it was assert that the church delivered the still the voice of the Divine head of the ",.ord of God as a witness, implies that church speaking by His Spirit. The the ",.ord is no witness of itself; more- Catholic Church had the power of judg- over, it is a reversol of true history on mellt, discernment, and declaration. If the subject, which is, that God Himself there arose qnestions as to the meaning delivered His Word to all men, and that of Holy Scriptures, who should decide? the church grew out of it. That which 'Vas each man to decide God's Word for the Rourish Church did, was to deliver its hin1self? It was thought to be the pri- 'Own perverted interpretation of it: hence vilege of every Christian to interpret the hierarchy of that l'eligion prohibited the Bible for himself. Would any man the reading of the Word. If they de- ' practice meelic~le for hirnself,-deal with livered it as a witness, why did they questions of law for himself? How was withhold it from the 1'eo})1e, and why, as it then that they could venture to claim professed wituesses, do they teach that for evel-Y one to be his own theologiall- which the ,Vord never teaches? If it Lis own teacher-and that too in the be true that" the eLm"ch i8 a body on things of <Jod." This is the substance which tilne has no power," then it is of the discourse; it is not an argument, quite certain t1at the ROlllish religion but A. dogmatic statement, sufficient, per- ~annot be the church, for that religioll haps, for the information of those who has been heavily }>ressed on many oc- believe that a titne is come when it is ~asions; we neeJ. ouly to mention allowable for men to enter intellecfually ~. The Reformation," and that at this into the things of faith; they, at least, very honr it is deeply afilicLed by the will see sOluething of the fanncy and position in which the late convulsions on arrogance of those assumptions. Does the continent have placed" the succes- Dr. Manning suppose, when he asks, for sor of the Apostles." But we must not the plu-pose of decrying private judg- stop to argue, in our process of reporting. ment in the n1atter of biblical intel'l)re- "The church has a divine foundation; it taLion, whether a man will be his own was the aqueduct by which the waters of phj-sician or lawyer, that people will be etell.lallife were conducted; and not one insensible to the sophistry. Medicine arch of that aqueduct was broken, or had and law are the results of practice and even a fissure in it. TIle channel from science, and then· utility may be im- the precious fountain was perlect. Those proved and demonstrated to the reasons churches which were once in unity with of men; but Dr. Manning's theology the church of God, but had since broken comes hy inheritance; it allows no pro· from it, were broken and imperfect, and gross; it admits of no reasonings; it could not transmit the water frolll the penuits no inquiry; it is pereml)tory. fountain to the parched souls of men. 'Ve therefore hesitate to apply to Dr. The church of God (i.e., the Roman lfanning's school for instruction, because Catholic) was accused of being dogmatic, he tells us he has not t~ science by 'Of being peremptory, and of admitting no which to demonstrate the truth of what he reasonings. There was grea.t truth in teaches; but we frankly consult th€fpro-
- 525. 620 MISCELLANEOUS. lessors of medicine and law, because we newspaper paragraph, occasioned by some are reasonably satisfied that that which proceedings which recently transpired iD they will do for us is the results of connection with a condemned criminal at science and experience. The theology of Kirkdale goal. The comments of the the Catholic Church is a very different paragraph were strong and able exposi- thing from the science of medicine and tions of the moral danger of such pro- 1&w, and we are amazed that the preacher ceedings. A few days' attention to should have considered that there was religion, when all hope of life was ban· any similarity between them; but an ished from the wretched man, and wheD erroneous system will needs hide itself no opportunity for attention to &Jlything in a false logic. else was presented, is represented to have NEW HYMNAL FOR THE HIGH CHcncH. been eminently efficacious in promoting It is reported in the" Musical Standard," his conversion. We 8t once admit that that a number of clever writers of the the truths and offices of religion should advanced ritualistic school, are ceasing be presented to every one who has brought to be satisfied with" Hymns Ancient and himself into such dreadful circumstances, Modem," and that they are enguged upon and we believe it to be the duty of those the preparation of a new hymnal for High who have the opportunity, to do all they Church congregations. This intended can, in consistency with truth, to alleviate collection is to recognize in some shape this terrible condition; we a.dmit this a distinction between the severe and the from a sentiment of charity, and because sentimental, both in poetry and music-. no one can know the interior state of The strange coexistence of the most another; consequently, there ma.y be angular archaism, and the most frivolous cases in which Bome spiritual use may modernism in High Church musical ser· result from such a course. Still it is a vices, has often been noticed; this, it is Divine law that the murderer is to be put said, will be recognised and systematised to death: this is one of the una.brogated in the new hymnal, where hymns" of the statutes of the Mosaic dispensation. But office" will be distinguished from hymns this means one who is not only a mur- of edification or spiritual recreation, the derer in act but also in motive: such an Augustinian type from the Wesleyan. one is a monster for which there is n() The arrangements for the musical por· place in human society: hence the Divine tion are not matured, but they will be in law teaches that he is to be put to death, hannony with the design of the text and because he will find nothing but " death the most approved practise of the churches and hell" upon the other side. But for which the work is intended, if, while human laws deal with acts only, though the ancient tonality is prescribed for use the malice prepense, so far as it is ap- "in the office" the hymns "of spiritual parent, serves to influence the decision recreation ,t are set to music not merely of. 'the judges: and ihe condemned are modem but " popular." Hence it would handed over to the prayers and recom- appear that this party in the church are mendations of spiritual teachers. Certain studying the blandishments of poetry and results which are said to have followed music, by which to attra~1 the attention their teachings, have provoked some of the multitude. No doubt sensible strong remonstrances, both from the poetry in the hymns, and music beauti· moralist and religious thinkers. Great fully composed and executed, are great criminals, as in the ease adverted to, are helps to devotion; but the genuine wor- said to have been converted, during the shipper will carefully remember what is last few days of their life, by the influ- due to the regenerated emotions of his ences of religion, and also to have been h-eart, while enjoying the pleasures of his executed in the satisfactory prospect of senses. It is possible for a religion to heaven! We have but little faith in be holy and splendid in externals, and such conversions, and do Dot think yet to be profane aud abominable in in- much of that prospect of heaven which ternals. Men must learn holy truths is seen through the telescope of the gal- from the Word, and love the good which lows. At all events, such teaching appears they teach; without this, the finest music to us to be eminently dangerous, and in the world can be perceived in heaven highly offensive to practical religion and only as the merest discord. morality, and yet it has sprung ont of "MURDE~ THE ROYAL ROAD TO professedly religions teachings. " If fuAY~N."-Such was the heading of a there be one impression cODYeyed more
- 526. UISCELLANEOUS. 521 than another of the prison-life of these be admitted to contain very mucb 'that malefactors after they have been sen- is majestic in its composition and in'truc- tenced' it is that they, of all classes, are tive in its religious thought. Still there surest of a happy eternity." The" evan- are some passages in it to which a con- gelical" doctrine of justification by faith siderable number of influential church- only--a doctrine which takes no cogni- men object, and several efforts have been zance of the character of a man's life, made in Parliament to obtain altera- bat only of his faith, has contributed no tions; but they have been resisted with little to this perilous and presumptuous great pertinacity. There is a rear of teaching. But we find, from the report getting in "the thin end of the wedge," of the case which has given rise to these lest the opening should become greater remarks, that the Romish doctrine of than would be pleasant. But the incon- the scapular lea.ds to the very same re- veniences which are felt from this source sults. The writer who comments upon are very little when compared with the the case observes-" In the report of difficulties which are being created by the conversation which took place be- the Rubrics. Here the Ritualists take tween the murderer and his kindred, their stand, and maintain that they have he stated that 'he felt assured he was authority for the singular performances going to heaven.'" Directing attention they adopt. Every one who knows any- to the scapular around his neck, he said- thing of the history of the church for "No one who wore that could fail to be the last few years, must be aware that saved." And, as if to place his salvation the "beautiful Liturgy" has afforded beyond all possible doubt, over and above much material for strife and debate; the virtue of the scapular, he stated" that and, therefore, we experienced some mass would be said for his soul all over surprise in finding that Dr. Trench, the the world on the day of his execution." Archbishop of Dublin, in his recent As is too often the case, here is no charge to the clergy of the diocese of loathing and abhorrence of the horrible Kildare, recommends, as a solution of crime committed, no sorrow expressed the difficulties connected with the present for the miseries wrought on the poor position of the church, that every one family of the murdered, no regret at should take his "resolute stand on the the violation of the laws of society, no prayer book." What is the value of recognition of the sin as against Go(l. taking such a stand, when it is so plain Up to the passing of the sentence the that this book is a different book to criminal maintained that he was "as different people? As an act of unifor- innocent as the babe unborn." Up to mity, it fails to promote the purpose for the very last, the confessipns which he which it was intended; for there are did make, according to the testimony of several great divisions in the church, the goal authorities, contradicted one another, yet he felt sure that he was and each professes to accept it as the exponent of its own views. To the • going to heaven! Surely facts like these evangelical party it is a book of simple must tend to open the eyes of religious worship; to the ritualists, it is a book &ociety, and sooner or later conduce to of ritual; to the catholics of the Church the abandonment of doctrines 80 inimical of England, it is a book of catholicism; to the adoption of practical virtue as a to the Calvinists, it is a book of Cnlvinism; means of salvation. The grand law for and to broad churchmen and neologians, entering into life, is keeping the com- it is a book of no particular doctrine. mandments. They who have done good It is, therefore, simply because those will come forth to the resurrection of life, several parties have taken th.ir stand and they who have done evil will come upon the prayer book that such per.. forth to the resurrection of damnation. plexities exist. Hence it may be plain THE BOOK OF COMMON PnAYER.- that the course recommended for their No one who has had any intercourse solution cannot do so. The" beautiful with well-informed churchmen can have Liturgy" is not that uniting medium, failed in hearing something in praise of nor that source of strength which the the" beautiful Liturgy" of the Establish- recommendation supposes. There is a ment. -Although it was constructed on canse for those upheavings in the church the tripersonal idea of God, and, there- which that remedy cannot reach. It is fore, expresses many things to which we sphitual in its origin, and it belongs to must cODscientiously object, ~~et it must those vastations which have become
- 527. MISCELLA~EOUS. necpSlal-Y for effecting the ~ntrnnc,e ~f think it useful to notice and preserve. " genuine tmth anlong mankind. 'rh.ell" "One of the inevitable results of the iillal ten,leul·y is to urge the unselfish pa.rochial ol·ganitsai.ion of our church is, Rud the thoug"htCul to consult the Divine that Inany clergynlCn among us must 'Vord for they must have observed how spen(l the greater p~rt ?f their life in .one much'that haH l)cen ignored in all the place. I heartily WIsh It were otherwISe; cOlltrover~ies w Lich prevail. for to be emptied from vessel to vessel is often a most useful discipline, 80 that TUE nI:J.. IGIOUS A~PECT OF EunoPE we do not l:iettle down upon our lees; is Rn intcrestiug snLject of ~nqniry at and everyone who has done well and the pre~eut time. The sUu·tliug events purchased to hinlself a good degree "hich haye 80 rapidly mId recently trans- ought, in his time-twn, to move .on- pirea upon the ~ontinent, do not sirupl.y wards 811(1 upwards. So, however, m 8 involve political c01l8eqll~~Cel:J, but r~li church like ours, offering such poor and gious pl'oLlerns. The politIcs ~f 8 n~t~on scanty rewards to the great Lody of its are DOt f,0 far separated from Its religIon working cler::,'Y, it JUllst cOllsequently be. as the superficial mlY sUl>llOse; u.nd, Beware of the de.adening effects of a long therefore, we caunot "iscly contemplate contuullUlce in one sllOt, and of la.bouring any great political challge~.' ~11)(1 lc~ve for lOll r:r years illllong the 8~Ulle people; out of tho que~tioll thllt religIon ~Ll~h watch i11~t they do lot 8ct illjUliously on is 8.D10Ug the most l)O,,:erful motIve 1U your 8pirit ~d (wltich ~1!st pt'esently the life of luen Hud llatiOns. The late follow ou" tlll~) yow· lUlDlstry. And, 'War ,vas not wholly COllllllcted Ly the deal' brethren, let lue say to yon all, arnues; the l>ric;-,thootl have been whether YOlU stay in one spot, be it of arrayed agaillst each other, and the months or of years, or of a life, see to it result has been a tCl'riLle Llow to the that your people 8hall never f<:el that Romiflh Church. TIle conqnest of they have COlue to an end of W liat you Austria, the cession of Venetia, the eva- have to oive them. Silll: new and even cuation of UOlllC Ly F'l'ance, caullot be deeper shafts into the inexhaustible mine oLLcl",vise t.lmu fUVOlll'Hhle to the caltse of God's ,VonI. Lay to heart the moni- of reli(J'iou~ lilJcl'ty. Pl'oteRtn.utiRu1, in tion of Christ our J ,oru, that the scribe the tri~lmphs of iJrussia, bn.s achieved instructed for the kingdom shall bring anoUlCl'stel> in the march of frcedOlu, forth fi'Oill his treasure- house things llew and the power of spiritual tyranny has ana olJ; and, whether now or olu, seek received a check, wltich is evel'ywhere to present it in the most attractive form anrtril y resellteJ Ly its upholders. It that you can. The l>reacher who ' sought ml~st be for the advo.ntnge of liberty 811(1 to unO. acceptaule words' did not take at truth that there shonld be a great Pro- ranclolll those which came uppermost. • testant nation on the contillent, Eke The truth of God may well claim for us En rrland, free froIn tl le dictation of the the fairest setting Im1h which we can give l)a~c)· and the n1achinaiions of the it-apples of gold in a network of silver." J esuils. The Prussian successes carry with them an open Bible in the language Bp.ITI~H Af;SOCIATION. - Among the of the people, aud also provl:;ioll for the transactions of this body we find two public education, more cOluplete, per- cOlltriLuLions which cannot but engage haps, than that which is a<lopted in this our interest. One concerns the topo- ~OUlltry. For these reasons., we feel graphy of the Holy Land, the ot~er satisfied with the conrse wInch event9 touches upon a tract of Ceutl'al Afn.ca have taken; they are interesting to us as which has Rpecial claulls u1)on the atten- the lovers of that spiritual freedom tion of New Churchlnell. The Palestine which we are assured is now struggling EXI)loratioll ]?u~d is devo.ted ~o th.e in- to make it8elf felt a.mong the nations, vestigation, l)y hlghly-qualified~nq~ers, to the end that spiritual truth from the of tho physical aspects and antlqultles of Word may be more clearly seen, and the the Holy Land. The secretary, Mr. intelligent charity which it inculcates be G. Grove, states that it is the intention more extensively adopted. of the Association to persevere until CLERICAL RESIDENcE.-Dr. Trench, every square mile in Palestine has been in his recent charge to the clergy at properly ·and accurately surveyed and Kildare, made the following discreet mapped; till every mound of mins has remarks upon this subject, which we been examined and sifted; the name of
- 528. MISCELLANEOUS. 529 every village ascertained, recorded, and earth :-" Let us not shrink from the compared with the lists in the Bible; till free, bold, fair discussion of these and' all the ancient l'oads ha. ve beeu traced; other kindred suhjects, under an appre- the geology made ont; the natural hension thnt they are calculated to lower history and botany fully known. The the religions elements and shake the Drst expedition has accurately fixed the faith. Such discussions, and the thoughts position of ahout fifty separate !)laces, which give rise to them, are a necessity, and has made detailed reconnaissance an inevitahle re~~mlt of advancing science, sketches for mapping the country. A which it is as nupo~sible to stop as the second expedition ,,~ill soon be sent out progrefls of time itself; and that which is to excavate at Capernanm, Cann, Samaria, inevitable must be accepted. 'Twould Nazareth, and J erusu.leln. The elmuent show a want of faith to r~ist it. Know- geologist, Mr. Prestwich, is expected to leage mn.y be man's tr101; Lut that lead the party whicb has to explore the applies to 1010wle(lge of all kinds, of geology and natural history. The phy- that which iH esteemed good as well as siC$! geography and tribes of 'VesteI'n of that which is esteemed evil. Cer- Equatorial Aftica have been studietl and tahlly the fruit of its tree brings respon- described by M. Du Cha.illu. The tribes sil)ility; but respon:;ibility is num's are not each govcrne(l by a chief.· hut highest dignity, and opens one of the are divided into many clans, each having avenues to the tree of life. Theological its own chief. These ehiefs have not zealand scieutilic zeal are both good, the power of life roul death over their and representatives of good elenlents in subjects, as have those of Eastern man's natlU'e-the element of faith and Africa desClibed by Spelm, Grant, and the elelueut of thonght. Both should Baker. Then- rule is mihl and lxttri- co-operate in the work of purifying and 8.l'cbal. The author found a few words el evatillg the character: indeed the one in the native languages nlmo~t identical cannot 8(lvo,nce safely without the other. with words in theEast Africalllangnages. Still they will, now and then, come into He remarked that it was an interesting collision and tln'eaten to undennine one inquiry-" What exists in the thousand another, needing forbearance and dis- miles of unexplored country lying between cretion to restore then· harmony. One his furthest point and the shores of the cause of the occasional outbursts of the Albert Nyanze?" He considers we may odiltm, theologicum is, I think, due to a conclude that it is a ten'itory of consi- fault on the side of the thelogians. Not aidemble elevation, and probably wooded, satisfied with, or distrusting, the really varied, and picturesque, for Baker saw unassailable position on which their towards the west a range 01 mountains, future stands, with its foundations deep and the country from the we~t CORst laid in man's consciousness and God's becomes gradually higher towunls the work, they have endeavoured to raise east. Conflidering also the hluuiility of outworks on the shifting ground of the climate, and the small size of the natural science, by drawing arguments riyers which find their way into the sea, from analogy, by associating special it may be concludecl that there is a great views of creation and resurrection with drainage of water towards some inland true religious belief, and by insisting on sea, or that there are other great lakes certain literal interpretations of the on the equator west of the Albert physical medium through which spiritual Nyanze. S. N. B. truth has been conveyed to us. Hence' SCIENCE AND RELIGION.- Professor each unfolding of the material law! is Humphry, of Cambridge, an accoIDI1lished liable to be regarded with suspicion, anatomist and surgeon, concluded, with lest it should sap the foundations that the expressions we are about to cite, have been thus .unwisely propped. . an address which he delivered as presi- Religious arguments drawn from the c1ent of the physiological section of the physical world are very liable to prove British Association for the Advancement two-edged swords cutting both ways of Science, and in which he discussed, according to the manner in which they inter alia, the theories that have been are wielded, or staffs that penetrate the proposed by some celebrated modern hands of those that lean npon them. physiologists in explanation of the evolu- Theology may rest safe upon her own tions and affinities of the vaJ.ious forms position, and watch with confidence ~ and of animal and vegetable life upon the satisfaction the advancing waves of
- 529. 024 MISCELLANEOUS. Bcience, feeling assured that, though they we may reasonably hope that the stran· may beat at times rather roughly npon gers in attendance, of whom there were her, they will soon calm down under some present at each of the services, her leavening influence, and simply add were also benefitted. The society at to and strengthen her soil." S. N. B. Newcastle is one which has existed for a long time, and has passed through GENEllAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. a varied and chequered experience,- prosperous and hopeful at one time- HULL NEW CHURCH SoclETY.-Two dejected and cast down at another. A Bennona were preached in connection few earnest members have given to the with this society, on Sunday, September church a steady service and unflinching 16th, 1866, by the Rev. Richard Storry, support. They have been the means of of Heywood, '~On the Harmony which keeping the society together in seasons necessarily exists between the Justice of adversity, and may yet, I hope, be Rnd Love of God," and "On the Rela- permitted to see its returning prosperity tion of the Internal to the External," and increased usefulness. Shields is a whether as regards man himself or the more recent society. It consists of a Divine Word, as God's revelation of His few cordial receivers of our heavenly mind and will to man; and the effect of doctrines, whose spiritual wants are this, when properly understood and ministered io by ?tIro Mc.Lagan, who applied, in the regeneration of ma.n. goes weekly from Newcastle for that Mr. Storry also lectured on the follow- purpose. The society rented a small ing Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. but convenient room for my lectures, The subject on the Tuesday evening was which was more than two-thirds filled - " Spiritual and Physical Forces. The with an attentive audience. At the Laws of Spiritual Life, and their rela- close of my lectures in these towns I tion to the Laws of Physical Creation." proceeded to Carlisle, where I lectured The subject on Wednesday evening on the evenings of the 26th and 27th of was-" The Bible: not of Man but of September. The society elected to have God. The Nature of its Inspiration, these lectures in the room they con- and the Law of its Interpretation." stantlyoccupy, both as a means of making After a most able and interesting expo- it better known to the public, and from sition of the text, for which we regret a feeling that it would probably accom- that we have not room, a vote of modate all who would attend. In this thanks was cordially awarded to the latter impression they were correct. lecturer, on the motion of Mr. Best, The room, though comfortably attended, leader of the society, seconded by Mr. was not at all crowded. A reporter Bell, the society's secretary, and suitably from one of the papers was present at acknowledged. the first of these lectures, and inserted a CARLISLE NEW CHURCH SOCIETY.- short but favourable notice in the next The members and friends of the above issue of the paper. This society, like have been favoured with two very inte- the one at Shields, consists of a, few resting visits from the Rev. W. Ray, of intelligent and earnest members of the Newcastl~, and the Rev. R. Storry, who church. They are few in number, but dellyered two powerful lectures. The united and zealous, and there can be lectures were of a most interesting little doubt that by patient perseverance vature, and well calculated to be of they will succeed in establishing the great benefit to our church in Carlisle. church in that city. The room they These lectures received a favourable occupy is very neatly fitted, but unfor- notice in the "Carlisle Journal." tunately not well situated. It may The foregoing notices were from cor- serve their present purpose; but with respondents at Hull and Carlisle respec- increase in numbers they must needs tively. The following is from Mr. Storry remove to a more eligible situation. himself :-" From Hull I proceeded to In none of these societies is there a Newcastle, where I delivered three Sunday-school in active operation. At lectures, giving, during my stV there, Hull and Newcastle schools have beeu two lectures also at North Shields. At in operation, but at the time of my visit these towns. as at Hull, the attendance these useful institutions were suspended, was not very numerous. Our own and I did not ascertain that they had friends were e(lified by the services, and been commenced in the other societies.
- 530. MISCELLANEOUS. 525 I took occasion to recommend the estab- Bazaar Committee, ltlr. Wm. Clarke, lishment and vigorous prosecution of this jun., Addison Villas, Nottingham. great work in all the societies. Our Nottingham, Oct. 13, 1866. J.D.B. friends possess the power to conduct ISLINGTON NEW CHURCH COLLEGE. schools, if they were to apply them- On the 18th September the governors selves diligently to the work. Schools of the New Church College and the are an essential part of our New Church society in Devonshire-street assembled establishments, and ought to be fostered to witness the interesting ceremony of in connection with all our societies. laying the chief corner-stone of the New They are the hope of the church, and so Chureh College. Mr. Bateman was far as our day schools are concerned, appointed to lay the stone, and was our contribution to the great cause of suprorted by many members of his our popular education-a work which is family, and by the presence of Charles yet in its infancy, and which for its sue.. Henry Crompton-Roberls, Esq., who cessful prosecution needs the vigorous kindly represented his father-in-law, the assistance and hearty co-operation of all late Roger Crompton, Esq., the co- the friends of education throughout the founder of the college, who bequeathed country. From Carlisle I proceeded to the munificent sum of £10,000. towards Leeds, where I preached on Sunday, the maturing and extending the institution. 80th, attended a tea meeting on the The ceremony commenced by a hymn Monday evening, and lectured on the being sung at 5 p.m. precisely, at which Tuesday and Thursday evenings follow- time the Reverends D. G. Goyder, J. ing. All these services were well at- Bayley, o. P. Hiller, and T. Chalklen tended. Seventy persons attended the were all present. Dr. Goyder then read tea party, and a pleasant and profitable a very interesting address, explaining evening was passed. The society has the objects of the college, and he was succeeded in clearing its church property followed by Mr. Bateman, who, in an of debt, haA beautified the chapel, and eloquent speech, gave a brief history of is seeking to place itself in a position to the institution. Mr. Gunton then rose secure the services of a minister. It is and read a statement of facts in relation much to be desired that some suitable to the college. He was followed by Mr. minister could be settled in this large Bateman, who enumerated the various and important town. An earnest man articles which were to be deposited in a would find oordial helpers in his work, glass jar and placed in the centre of the and would have- before him a fine field stone. These were-a statement of facts of labour. 'The harvest truly is plen- connected with the College; a copy of teous, but the labourers are few.' I "The History and Objects of the New should have stated t1lat at Newcastle Church College;" a letter from Roger and Shields collections were made for Crompton, Esq., to H. Bateman, Esq., the National Missionary. Institution. in reference to the college; and other The amount, though not large, was a articles of interest. Mr. Bateman then manifestation of interest in our mis- proceeded to lay the stone, and for this sionary work, and an example which purpose was presented with an elegantly- might be followed in other societies chased silver trowel; and afterwards receiving assistance from the funds." pronounced the stone duly and correctly N OTTINGlIAM. - The Building Com- laid in the name of the Lord God and mittee very thankfully acknowledge the Saviour Jesus Christ. Two beautiful following sums : - addresses were then given by Dr. Bayley Mr. George Holmes, sen.•••• £1 0 0 and Mr. Biller, after which a prayer was " George Holmes, jnn. • • 1 0 0 offered up by Dr. Bayley, a hymn ag~ Mrs. Roe ••.••••.••••••.• 1 0 0 sung by the children, and the Benedic- Mr. A. Isherwood........ .• 0 10 0 tion pronounced by Mr. Chalklen, when " Ashley ..•••• < • • 0 10 0 • • • • • the guests adjourned to the 8choolroom, " Fred. Ward •••.••.••• 0 5 0 where a handsome tea was provided. " I. Gunton •••••••••••• 0 5 0 After tea was over, the company assem- " Dickenson............ 2 2 0 bled in the college chapel, and listened The many friends who have kindly pro- with deep interest to various addresses mised parcels for the bazaar are respect- from Messrs. Bateman and Gunton and fally requested to forward same, 8S early Dr. Cheney. The Revs. D. G. Goyder as cOBTenient, to the Secretal'1 of the and T. ChalkIell also made exeenent
- 531. 520 MISCELLANEOUS. speeches, and an anthem was nicely of one hundred members and friends sung by the Sunday scholars. The partook. There was likewise present a meetin~ sepamteu at nine o'clock, and large number of the juveniles who attend all were unanimous in their enjoyment the Sunday classes. The pleasure of the of the proceedings. Valious allusions evening was much enhanced by music were IDnde in the speeches to the munifi- an(l singing, by nlembers of the choir and cent gift of two tllOusand ]lOnn<1s to the other fdends. The chair was tQken by college by John Finnie, Esq, and his the Rev. J ames Keene, who addressed unavoic1able nhsence was the OlllJr subject the meeting in eloquent and earnest of re~ret connected with n happy aud terms; after which, the secretary read triuIDllhant occasion. the report, shewing the society at the OLDHAJrI. - BUILDING FUND. - The present time to he in a very satisfactory Committee beg to nckuowle(lge, with stnte of progress. DIuing the evening thanks, the following contributions : - addresses were delivered by MessTS. M. Goldsack, Beattie, and Withy, who at- Amount brought forward .•• £110 11 7 tended the meeting, with otller friends Messrs. BelTY lln(l Uiley..•••• :£ 1 0 0 frOll1 the society of Bristol. The meeting " A. and J. lIiuille ••.• 1 0 0 terminateu at half-past nine, and all Mr. William Archer .••....•• 2 0 0 present appeared much pleased with the " Robert Holt ••••.••••••. 1 0 0 evening's entertainment. " Ell Smith.. • • • • • • . • • • •• 1 0 0 " J. Priestley •••••••.•••• 1 0 0 ADVEUTISING.-A SUGGESTION.-To H lsunc Gee. • • • . . • • • • • • •• 0 10 0 the Editor.-Dear Sir,-For some time John Platt, Esq., M.P. •..•.• 2 2 0 past our society has adopted an excellent Willinm Knott, Esq., llayor •• 1 0 0 method of placing Swedenborg's works Mr. Ju.u)e~ Berry •.•..•••••• 1 0 0 before, the public by giving weekly, in " J oseph nickel,tou.. . . • • .. 3 3 0 the leading local newspaper, a quotation " 'Villitun StalldJ'in~ •••••• 0 10 0 frOm one of them, bearing upon the sub- Per Miss Hibbert, Failswortb.. 1 2 6 ject of discourse announced for the fol· Mr. John AUtln'w, Oldhaul •• 1 0 0 lowing Sunday, and appending the name, " l~vfin Glitllths •••• , ...•• 3 0 0 thus :-" Science is not of Man, but of " VillilUn HOtlgROU •••••••• 0 10 0 the Lord in him."-Swellenborg'8Al'cana John }'inuie, Esq.••.•••••.. 10 0 0 Co'lestia, 124. This plan has not only Opelliu~ services an(l tea party. 28 16 10 been found serviceable in keeping our Sundry subscriptions . . • • • • •• 3 11 6 author's name well before the Christian A "Christmas Tree," in aid of the world, but of attracting as many as fmul, is to bo 0llen to the public on twenty strangers night after night, and January 3rd nnll 4th, 1867. We make we ore anticipating much good thereby. the following extract from the Circular If other societies~illtry the experiment, anll()llncill~ the saUle :-" The bllil<ling I feel 8Ul'e they will not begrudge the and school furniture have cost about smoll weeld,. cost. £400., towUJ.'tl~ which about £170. has THOH. STEVENSON. been raised, by subscriptions suel other Nottingham, Oct. 9, 1866. means. The society is desirous to remove PAllIS ExnmITloN, 1867. - To the the tlebt fronl the Luilding as soon as Ell i lor.-~Denr Sir,-As the 8ugCT ester possible, and Inakc this appeal to their niends for assistance. Donations will of the "Illternationnl Congress ot New Chnrchnlen at Paris" dUling the great he gratefully received llud nclrnowledged Exhibition of 18G7, referred to in the in a future numher. All conunlmications President's Rellort on p:tge 71 of t118 in connection with the above to be ad- Minutes of the 59th Conference, I trust dresse,l to Mr. Dan Hodgson, 19, Water- the idea will not be lost sight of. The loo-street, to whose address parcels, &c. ex-President nnnolillced to the Confer· may Le sent." ence that he inten<led to move a resolu- BATH.-On Tuesday evening, October tion on the subject; but from some 2nd, the lllembers and friends of the New cause or other it was omitted. Hence Church in this city held their annual this letter, As the next Conference will meeting, to celebrate the thirty-seventh be held at Brightllngsea, on the coast of anniversary of this society. Tea was Essex, it will afford an admirable ol'por- provided at six o'clock, in the library tunity to nn'ftnge for the " International lLitached to the church, of which upwards Congress" to take place on the Frida1
- 532. 1IISCELLANEOUS. 527 or Saturday previous to Conf~rence week, Derby and Birmingham. The replies of and thence proceed to Brightlingsea. the can(lidate were given with firlnness An international service might also be and feeling. After the completion of arranged, to be held in Paris on the the ser"ice, Dr. Bayley pr~ached an following Sunday. The projected Ex- exhol·tatory discom'se from Matt. xx. 28, hibition will no doubt surpass in every ill which he showed the Llesseulles8 of way all t·hat have yet been 11e1<l; and ministering to the hapllmess of others. so excellent an opportunity of exchanging He said he had known the newly- friendly greetings with the world·s New ordained llllnister from the time when he Churchmen ought 110t to be nllowed to . was" a little curly-headed Loy," al1(l he pass Imimproved. I shall wait with believed he had entered upon his present anriety to learn that the President of work in a sincere and earnest spirit. Conference has taken such tinlely steps The uuties of the lluni8ter, he dedu.l'ed, as will secure so desirable an object. involved con'esllonding duties of the Yours, THOS. STEVENSON. people. Icebergs could never conunu- N o tttingh am, Oct. 9, 1866. nieate warmth and encrgy to his minis- trations. The connection 1.etween the NO'l'TINGHAM (HJt~DDER'LY STnF.ET).- miuister and llis flock must be one of On Sunday, 23rd September, the seventh rcciproeal uCl1efit nl1<110ve. anniversary sermons of the society as- In the evening a tea nleeting was held sembling at the People's Hall were in the chm·ch. After an agreeaule social preached by the Rev. Dr. Goyder, of nlCal, the Hev. E. Matlcley was calle(l to London. The subjects were attractive, the chair, and the nlceting was nadressed and embraced the declarations of the by Dr. Bayley and Messrs. Potts, 're Lord-·'Aprophet is notwithont honour, ~fadeley, Wa.rtl. Cook, Wab;on, mal except in his own country," and" To the Bcuton. A pleasnnt moonlight ride believer all things are possible." The awaited the retm"ll of the kind friends attendance was good, and there was fron1 a distallce, whose !lreSence and marked attention throughout the dis- cheering sphere had so much enhanced courses. On the following Monday a the hapI)iness of the day. social ten meeting was held, and the evening devoted to a lecture by Dr. INQUIRER. - '1'0 the Editor. - Dear Goyder, on "The Influence of M nsic." Sir,-Could you, or any of the readers On the Tuesday evening, "Miracles not of the Intellectual Rep08itory, infonn the Test of Truth" formed the subject me of a passage in Swe(lenborg, and I of a most elaborate lecture. think it is in the Arcana Ca.~lc8tia, in ~rEI.BOURNE.-The orc1inntioll of Mr. reference to children being born with J. F. Potts took place on Tuesday, Oct. hereditary ten<lencies to good, - their 16th, 1866. The officiating Ininisters pm-ents hnving had the same telldencies ? were the nev. Dr. Bayley and the Rev. It wus lnelltiolletl in the" New J erllsalem E. Madele~y" On the previous S1lllday lfesscuger," some fom· or five years ago. lir. Madeley prenched monling Rnd Yours sincerely, H. eveniug to attentive and numerous con- Birminghalu, Oct. 13, 1866. gregations. The 8ubject of his nlorning [A. O. 3460; 8~e also, 3304.] discow-se was "The Highway to Zion," (Isa. xxxv. 8-10.) and that of the even- EMA~UEL SWEDENDOnG':;; RULES OP ing, "The Divine Parable of the Seed cast LIFE.-Rules that contributed to form into the G'round," (llro']i iv. 26-28.) In such a character, and that were exelnpli- the afternoon he adluinir:;tere(l the Holy fled in such a life ns Swedenborg's, must Supper to about thirty comlnllnicants. deserve to be engraven on the 11cart. Dming his stay Mr. Madeleyalso bap- But before they can be in the heart, tise(l one adult and two infants. they must first be in the memory, and 'I'he ordination service was held at they must pass into the 111emory through half-past ten on Tuesday morning, and the ear or the eye. Swedenuorg's Rules was felt b)" all to he n 1l10st iJnIJ1'e~~si ve of Life have been pIinted at different ceremony. Mr. Potts was supported by times, and in various styles. A neW' Messrs. T. Adcock, W. Dexter, W. Suls- edition of them has just been published, bury, and Timlns, as representatives of by l'lr. Pulsford, of Lon(lon, 'which seems the society. The service was honoured by to us to bear a favourable cOlllparison the attendance of numerous friends from with any others that we have seen. ThQ
- 533. 528 MISCELLANEOUS. eternal. Our departed friend was for- rules are printed on a plain tablet, set in an omamented gothic frame-work, on one merly a highly - esteemed and useful side of which is inserted, on a waving member of the Newcastle-on-Tyne So- band, his immortal sentence-" All reli- ciety, and afterwards of Paisley and of gion has relation to life, and the life ofGlasgow, from whence he emigrated religion is to do good;" and on the other,with his young family. He had the the no less enduring sentiment of the satisfaction of co-operating with Mr. apostle - "To be carnally minded is Diggles in making the heavenly doc- death, but to be spiritually minded is trines known in Queensland; and in his life and peace." Those who desire such house in Brisbane the sacrament of the a memento as the present will find this Lord's Supper was first administered by a suitable one. the New Church in Queensland. On this interesting event he thus expressed f'tarrfagr. himself in a recent letter :-" Mr. and On the 6th instant, at the Argy le- Mrs. Diggles, and other friends, met at square Church, King's Cross, London, my house for the administering of bap- by the Rev. D. G. Goyder, John Stnart tism to our two children and Mr. Dig- Bogg, Esq., of Donnington - on - Bain, gles' two boys, after which the adults youngest son of the late John Bogg, Esq., partook of the Holy Supper. It was a of Louth, to Isabella, only daughter of sweet season to us all, giving to myself John Horn, Esq., of Waterford, Ireland. and wife increased spiritual strength, and it is delightful to look back to. It 6fJltu&tp. is truly good to draw nigh unto God. At Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, This is the first time the holy rite has on the 5th July last, Mr. John Elliott been performed in Queensland." Such departed this life to enter upon life was John Elliott. R. C. INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. Meetings of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury-street.-First Thursday 7-0 Missionary and Tract Society, ditto.-First :F1riday .' ••....••••..••••..•• 6-30 National Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, ditto.-Fourth Monday. . . . • • . . • . • • • • • • •• . . . . . . • • . . . • • . . •. •••.•• 6-30 College, Devonshire-street, Islington.-Last Tuesday.. •• ..•• .. .. •• .. •• •• 8-0 :r.IANCHESTER. Tract Society, Schoolroom, Peter-street.- Third Friday ••....•......•... ,. 6-30 Missionary Society ditto ditto • • • • • • . . • • • • . . • • • . 7-0 Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in Manchester, to attend the Missionary and the Traei Societies. TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BnucE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W. Those intended for insertion in the forthcoming number, must be received not later than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of recent meetings, lectures, &c., may apPear if not later than the 18th. CHANGE OF ADDREss.-The address of the Treasurer of Conference, Mr. Gunton, is 88A, Guilford-street, Russel-square, London, W.C. C..:q od SBVEB, PriIlters by Steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manclaester.
- 534. THE INTELLECTUAL REPOSITOHY AND NEW JERUSALEM MAGAZINE. No. 156. DECEMBER 1ST, 1866. VOL. XID. AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND, AND RUSSIA. An Address delivered by the Rev. Dr. BAYLEY, in the Schoolroom of the Accrington N ew Jerusalem Church, August 20th, 1866, with additions. (Continued from page 488.) AFTER several days' careful examination of all the MSS. and other 'works, I drew up, for definite information in the future, the following report : - State of MSS., &c., in the Library of the Hoyal Academy of Sciences at Stockholm, of the Works of Swedenborg, arranged, and begun to be examined by me this day, Thursday, July 19th, 1866; continued, and completed August 8th, 1866. In a written catalogue, marked as the 3rd, made and sighed by Jac Berzelius, there are numbered 108 different volumes. but at present there are only 86, and those not all manuscripts. The numbers are given as below:- 1. Sensus Internus. Wanting. 10. Arcana MSS. Begins-here, but only 2, 3. :rvIemorabilia. Lent to 'Vadstrom. with chapter 16 Genesis. All before Wanting. wanting. 4, 5. Index Biblicus. These will be 11. Arcana 1'18S., but marked 80. what Dr. Tafel has had. 12. Ditto ditto, ditto 9. 6. Index of Genesis and Esaias. This 13. Ditto ditto. is probably what comes after as 62, 14. Ditto ditto. and is here. It has been printed by 15. Ditto ditto. I)r. Tafel: 16. Ditto ditto. 7. Index to Apocalypsis Revelata. 17. Ditto ditto. 8. Arcana Celestia, but marked incor- 18. Ditto ditto. rectly. It is simply a very brief 19. Ditto ditto. adversaria, from chapters 26 to 42. 20. Ditto ditto. Of DO value. 21. Ditto ditto. 9. 22. Ditto ditto.
- 535. G80 AN AOCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO 28. Arcana KSS. 58. Anatomica et Physiologiea. MSS. 24. Ditto ditto. 59. Adversaria. Vo!. 1. MSS. 25. Ditto ditto. 60. Ditto. Vol. 2. MSS. 26. Ditto ditto. 61. Ditto. Vo!. 3. MSS. 27. Apocalypsis Explicata. The same as 62. Ditto. Isaiah and Jeremiah. MSS. formerly in England. M88. This and the preceding three vols. 28. Ditto ditto. have been printed by Tafe!' 29. Ditto ditto. 68. Lent to Nordenskjold. Not returned. 80. Ditto ditto. Name not stated. 81. Ditto ditto. 64. Van der Hooght's Bible. Tom. 2. 82. Ditto ditto. 65. Anatomica et Physiologica. 14SS. S8. ~itto ditto. 66. Omnia Opuscu!a. Printed in 1758, 84. Ditto ditto. viz., N. J., De C. et Inf., De UU. 85. Ditto ditto. Jud., De Tellur, De Equo Alho. 86. Wanting. Excerptafrom Aristoteles 67~ Nova Methodus inveniendi Longi- Plato, &c. Former catalogue. tudinis per Lunam. Printed and 87. Wanting. MSS. MSS. bound together. 88. Index Physiologicorum. MSS. 68. De Cultu et Amore Dei. Part 1. 89. Index Biblicus nominum proprium. Printed, but with some notes. KSB. 69. Regnum Animale. Parts 1, 2, S. 40. Ditto ditto. Printed 1744, at the Hague. 41. Ditto ditto. 70. Apooalypsis Revelata. Printed ~ 42. Index Memorabilium. MSS. Amsterdam, 1766. 4:S, 44, 45. Ditto. MSS. Diary. There 71. Vera Religio Christiana. Printed at are two more volumes at U psala. Amsterdam, 1770. 46. Register or Index. De Amore Con- 72. De Commercio Animm et Corporis. gugiale. Wanting. Printed London, 1769. 47. Register of Concordia books. Very 73. Van der Hooght's Bible. Tom. 1. small. nothing of importance. 74. Anatomica et Physiologica. MSS. ~. Annotu.ta De Calvino. ~anting. 75. DeAmoreCongugiale. Printed1768. - Tafel had something of that kind. Amsterdam. Entitled. By Emanuel 4:9. Collection of Biblical Sentences under Swedenborg, a Swede. aelect heads. Lent to Nordenskjold. 76, 77. Economia Regni Animalis. Parts Wanting. 1,2. Printed 1740. Amsterdam, 1741. SO. Register over Concordia Boken. (See 78. Summana Expositio. Printed Am- 47.) Wanting. LenttoNordenskjold. sterdam, 1769. 61. De Cultu et Amore Dei. Parts 2 and 79. Hieroglyphic Key. MSS. 8. Printed, but with notes. 80. 52. Letters to Beyer. Wanting. Lent 81. De Magnete. London,1722. MSS. to Wadstrom. 82. De Sulphure. MS8. 58. Anatomica et Physiologica. MSS. 83. De Sale Communi. ~SS. 54. Physiologica et Metaphysica. MSS. 84. Segewark. Separation of Metals. MSS. 55. Anatomies et Physiologica. M8S. 85. De Vitriole. MSS. 56. Letters and Papers on Political Sub- 86. Geometrica et Algebraica. MSS.· jects, entitled Rilsdags Shriften. 87. Principia. Part 1. MSS. 67. Anatomica et Physiologica. Regnum . 88, 89. Schmidius Bibel. Tom. 1 et 2. AnimaJe. Part 4. Printed bY' Tafel, W&Dting. These are in the posses- bl 184,8. lion of tlle SW'8d8JlborB SometT. . ~.
- 536. NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA. 581 90. 100. Miscellanea Observata. Pars Prima. 91. Brief Exposition. Printed by Penny, Printed at Lipsia, 1722. in 1769. Penny, No. 1, Paternoster- 101. Carmina Borea. Printed. row. Swedenborg's account ef him- 102. A French copy of the New Jeru- self and family appears in English in salem and its Heavenly Doctrine. that copy, thus while he was alive. Printed in London, 1782, by Ha"es, 92. Daedalus Hyperboreas.1719. Printed. 40, Dorset-street, Spital Fields. Polhem and Swedenborg. 103. Index to Apocalypsis Revelata. 93. MSS. 94. De Infinito. Printed 1734. 104. Clam Hieroglyphica. Printed by 95. R. Hindmarsh in 1784. 96. Ebb ock Flod. Swedish,1719. Ebb 105. Summario Expositio. Printed at and ]'low of the Tide. Amsterdam, 1769. 97. Another copy. Printed. 106. Prodromus. De Inftnito. Printed 98. ProdTomus. Printed, 1727. and not bound. Dresden and Lipsia, 99. The Smelting of Ores in Sweden. 1734. 1719. MSS. In the catalogue signed byJac Ber~elius there is, after No. 102, this declaration:- " Berghauptman Nordenskjold has also borrowed Complete Index of Arcana Coolestia, part 1; ditto of first volume, part 2; Register of Apocalypse Explicata and other Sentences. Moreover will Mr. Nerdenskjold be responsible for whatever is found wanting." The deposit of Swedenborg's MSS. was examined and compared with this cata- logue, October 27th, 1841, by the undersigned, with the assistance of the Assessor Lagerhjelm; and all the books and MSS. in the catalogue were found to be there, except the following numbers :-2, 3, 49, 50, 52, 63, 95. From these, which are marked as having been lent to Nordenskjold or Wadstrom, there have been none returned. In respect to the many works which are wanting, when we compare the works themselves with the printed and original written catalogues, the true account s~ems to be, that the Academy or the Secretary, in consequence of the request of Berg- bauptman Nordenskjold, had allowed him to bind the books at his own expense. (See the statement in the heading of the Catalogue No. 2.) But when these works were returned from the binders to him, he retained a portion of them, and the works thus retained were not so marked in the catalogue; but Wilke, the secretary, has written .in his own hand, that for all which were wanting must Nordenskjold be responsible. J AC .BEBZELIUS. HERB NORDENSKJOLD. Otto Nordenskjold p: Fmg:rd i Finland. This gentleman is grandson of a brother of that A. E. Nordenskjold to whom wany of Swedenborg's MSS. were lent, and from whom they were not again received. There is another brother here in the Academy as Professor, and he has lately inquired at Frug~rd and among the family in Finland, but cannot find any trace of these MSS. He says his great uncle, to whom the books were lent, was Augustus Nordenskjold, who was much concerned with the anti.-sla'·eI'Y movement, and died at POli Logo, near Sierra Leone, 1792. There was another brother, Carl, concenled wi.th. polttical move- ments, an~ in that year was an exile in Pomerania, where he died at Rostock, or
- 537. 682 Alf ACCOUNT OP A BBCBNT VISIT TO Trappo. Some of his descendants live there, and the Professor here will write to them, and make all possible inquiry. The Professor here, says, Berghauptman Aug. Nordenskjold was very much in "r England with adstrom, and interested in slavery matters, and it is possible his books were left in England. A daughter of his, Aurora Gustava, died at Stock- holm, unmarried, in 1750. From this report it will appear-1st, That the MSS. and books were never arranged in an orderly manner. 2ndly, That the MSB. of the greater part of the works, after the Arcana and Apocalypsis Explicata, were never in the Academy. Where are they? Srdly, That the works lent to Nordenskjold were never returned. They might be lost in Africa. They may, h~wever, be yet found among branches of his family in Pomerania or elsewhere. Professor Nordenskjold promised to make every exertion to find them, if possible. The Swedenborg Society has considered the subject, and eaused the following letter to be written to the Royal Swedish Academy, and will no doubt pursue it : - Memorial 01 t~ Committee oJ tM SlIJedenborg 'Society oJ London to the Royal Academy oJ Aru and Science" Stockholm. The Committee of the 'Swedenborg Society having received in past times 80 many proofs of esteem and confidence from the honourable Society of Arts and Sciences, and 80 many evidences of their zeal for the preservation of the works of the illus.. mons Swedenborg, they venture to address the Academy on the subject of the greater safety and further completion, if possible, of the important collection of manuscript and other works of the great Swede, 80 highly regarded by his own nation, and so many others. ' From a rep~rt laid before the Committee by its Vice-president, the Rev. Dr. Bayley, they find twenty volumes, chiefly of manuscripts, once confided to the Academy, are no longer there. It is true that it is stated, in an early catalogue, that Berghauptman Augnstus N ordenskjold is to be responsible for whatever WOI·ka are missing, but there never appears to have been any active effort to make this responsibility really effective, in bringing back the. missing works. This Committee would, therefore, respectfully urge that the most earnest inquiries should be made in every quarter, and especially among the several branches of the family of N ordenskjold, to obtain if possible the restitution of these missing and highly valuable manuscripts. The Committee have a high regard for the memory of Augustus Nordenskjold; they are aware of his virtuous and benevolent character, and of his untiring and philanthropic zeal in the noble cause of the destruction of the slave-trade, iD which he gave up his life; and they are assured that his decease, probably at a time unexpected by himself, was the probable reason of the works never having heen replaced: at the same time, the Committee feel satisfied that the determination now. if possible, to seek out and replace any which may be found among b1a relatives or elsewhere, is a proceeding of which he would highly aPPJft·
- 538. • NO.WAY, 8VJlDBN, PlNLAND, AND RUSSIA. 588 The Committee beg to call the attention of the Academy t to the report of he Vice-president further, a copy of which accompanies this letter, and from which it will be evident that the alTangement of the works bas never been clear and satisfactory; and may easily be improved, by the adoption of the order which the COlDmittee beg most respectfully hereby to suggest : - 1. Let the manuscripts be all kept together, and in the order in which, so far as is known, they were produced. 2. Let the printed works be arraDged with their volumes together, and in the order of theu· date. S. Let the scientific works be arranged to follow the works 011 religious sub· jects, and be properly ordinated among tbemselves. 4. Let the missing manuscripts be advertized for, and persons who may have additional manuscripts be invited to make them known, or t.o deposit them,. The Committee are persuaded that if these suggestions are kindly adopted and earned out by the esteemed librarian of the Academy, or other appointed person. it will be much easier to guard against the loss of those invaluable documents, 'Which the Committee are assured the Society, equally with themselves, desire faithfully to have preserved. The Committee do themselves the pleasure of assuring the Academy of their highest consideration. Before leaving Stockholm, I desired Mr. AhIstrand to accompany me to the place where Swedenborg had lived, as I wished to see wha~ remained of the house and garden. I found the house had disappeared. The site is in a street in the sonthern portion of Stockholm, called Hornsgaten-meaning Corner Street. There is a house built on parl of the ground, No. 44, of that street. About a quarter of the garden remains, and; in this portion, stands the garden~house where Swedenborg did much of his writing. It is a pretty place, as large as a good- sized room. This garden-house is let to the people of the adjoining one, with the injunction to keep it safe, and they came out with the key to admit us. Inside, there is a small table, said to be the one on which Swedenborg used to write. On this table, a copy of the True Oh1utian Religion is placed; a likeness of Swedenborg ha.ngs over it. Everything was in nice order. There was a book placed to receive visitors' names, and I noticed that during this year there had been about 200 visitors, all coming to see this spot connected with that remarkable man, and signing their names, 8S a record of their visit. All this tends to show that Swedenborg's name and principles have not only been spread, but are held in high and ever-increasing estimation in his own country. Sweden as well as Norway is making progress politically. It had formerly an old and very clumsy constitution. I refer to this because I want to see our own country make progress in the way of liberty.
- 539. 184 AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIt' TO In Sweden, they had a very clumsy way of managing matters. They had four Houses ;-the House of Nobles, the House of the Clergy, the House of the Burghers, and the House of the Peasants. Any law or alteration that was proposed had to pass all the four Houses. It was found very often that Government was at a dead lock. A bill might, and often did, pass three of the Houses, and be rejected by the fourth. For instance, (five years ago) a bill for. religious freedom was brought forward, and passed two Houses, but was thrown out by the House of the Clergy. The people determined to have an alteration of this, &lld, after several years of agitation, last year it was ~complished, and in a most handsome and noble way. The House of Nobles contains 700 members; the agitation was carried on without violence, and at length the nobles themselves renounced their exclusive privileges, and said- "We will not stand in the way of this alteration, let the people's will be done." They passed a law to do away with the old exclusive privi. lege system, and to have two Houses only, the members of both of which were to be elected. After the nobles gave way, the clergy gave way, and declined to vote either one way or the other. The result of all this was, that now the whole people of the land, above 25 y~ of age, divided into districts, and with a very low qualification, can vote for the members of the lower House of Parliament; and they can elect any one, from any class, whom they think proper. The upper House is voted for by persons having a certain very moderate amount of property; the members being elected for seven years. This is their first year of operation; it is possible that about this time they are assembling under the new law, and enabling the Swedish people to feel that the constitu- tion covers them all, and is the utterance of the noblest thoughts of free men. I cannot but hope that in our own country, we, who have been in the van of free men for so long a time, shall take care that we are not left behind, whilst other countries are making those rapid advances which we first taught them to enter upon. From Stockholm, I passed on by steamer to Finland. This country formerly belonged to Sweden; but in 1808 it was taken by the Russians, and has ever since been governed by Russia, but with a gentle hand. The country is beautiful, very extensively wooded, but has only one million of inhabitants. It has several towns nicely situated... The first, m we came to after a day's sail, going from Stockholm to St. Petersbnrg, was Abo, pronounced Obo., The next is Helsingfors, with Sweaborg, a large naval station, adjoining. I saw the position taken by our fleet when they destroyed the stores and works of the latterplaee. All is, how-
- 540. NORWAY, SwEDEN, I'tNLAND,AND aUSSIA. 683 ever, now repaired. Eaeh of these towns forms a station for the night; the steamer resting all night for safety, and sailing only from 4-0 a.m. to 6-0 p.m.- in the day. The inhabitants of the coast towns of Finland are a very cultivated, honest, genial, well-conducted class of people. They know a good deal of England, and are fond of Englishmen. They are polite, hospitable, and kind in every way. Their chief trade is in timber, Baltic timber. It was wonderful to see at Wiborg the immense heaps, stretching for miles, which were ready to come to England_ The eountry is governed by a Constitution, and the Emperor of Russia respects that Constitution. He assumes the title of Grand Duke, opens their Parliament, and allows them to govern themselves with their- own laws, and to have also the very questionable privilege of having their own coinage. Everything is free and well managed. The people talk very respectfully indeed both of their position and of the Russian Govern· ment. They have 8 language of their own; and at the ends of the 'Streets there is the name of the street in Finnish.-Bwedish, and Russian~ They respect their own language, and say it is a very beautiful one, .having beauties. not possessed by any other. Though the generality or the inhabitants of the towns know Swedish, and many know Russian, yet they encourage one anothet to lise the Finnish language, and hope ultimately to restore it to its original' position. Some people My; 4' Why can't we all' speak one language?" An American lady and. gentJem"n with whom I .travelled from Sweden said,' even in' Sweden, "Why·can't we all use one word for one thing?" "What is the use of giving us the names of things twice?" But when they cattle to the additional Finnish and Russian, they were quite overpowered. " These letters," they said, "are upside down and inside out; we must now give it up." The Russian language is certainly a curious one, from the fact of the sounds u, tch, 8ch, and tchich 'coming so very frequently. The people themselves. however, see beauties in these things which seem odd to us; There are some very odd Russian names. I remember one particularly, Tschiehichkoft'. I was told to sneeze twice and then cough, and then it I was 1Jery luclq I might get through it. But whether we like'it or not-. different nations have peculiar characteristics of mind and speech, and 8S there are about four thousand different languages on the face of the earth, we can readily' understand that it will· be a tolerably long ·time before they are all changed into one. In the meantime, it" will be'well for us if we respect the views and feelings of others, and admit that ~ete are excellencies connected with varieties of mind and speech which /"
- 541. 686 AN ACCOUNT OP A RECENT VISIT TO make them dear to those who nse them. The person who is most honoured in Finland is the person who has done most to restore the language. His name is Prosthan. They had no books 10ft years ago; and he went about gathering the songs, stories, and traditions of the people all over the land, brought them into a printed form, and has made for them a literature which is prized extensively. There is a splendid monument to him at Oboe Four days after leaving Stockholm, I came to the famous Cronstadt. The batteries and fortifications of this place are of a formidable cha- rac~r; cannons frown upon the passer by in every direction. To me, however, these cannons had no terror. Happy will it be when all the world shall be prepared to view each other with mutual respect, and to find friends everywhere! We passed the batteries, and saw a glittering object in the distance, something like a lighthouse. We were told it was the dome of St. Isaac's church, the chief church of St. Petersburg. It is a grand object, sif1ding in the centre of the city, glittering like gold. The country around is flat, and this dome is visible 16 miles off. We sailed up into St. Petersburg, and were astonished, as all visitors are at first, at the wide quays, the noble river, the vast palaces, the wide streets and squares; everything betokening Br city as grand as imperial power and wealth could make it. I took up lodgings during my stay at Miss Benson's, an "excellent English lodging-house on the English quay. It is reached from the steamer in a ferry boat, for five copeeks (about ltd.), the sum paid for crossing the Neva. As soon as my lodgings were arranged for, and I had taken a comfortable meal, I prepared to spend the evening in seeing so much of the city as could be done in a few hours. Here I was told I must take a droschky. This is a small vehicle, almost like a perambulator, only stronger, and about four feet high. There is one small seat for the passenger, and one in front of him for the driver. There are great numbers of theso carriages, drawn by lively horses. But, when I recollected that the driver could give me no information, and I could give him no orders,-for neither understood the other,-I concluded walking would conduce to most comfort, as well as most information. I set out therefore on foot. I was soon struck with the breadth of the quays along the river, the spaciousness of the places or squares, the length, width, and straightness of the streets. Standing on the splendid iron bridge, the :first on the Neva, the traveller has a magnificent view. Looking up the river, on the left, is the noble building of the University;
- 542. NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA. 587 then the Exchange, where the river widens; then the fortress first built by Peter the Great, the rude heart of his city. On the. right, are the large palaces, used by the chief departments of the State, the most important being the Admiralty. In front of the Admiralty, is the equestrian statue of Peter the Great, erected by Catherine the Second, and standing on the largest sin~le block of granite known. Forming one side of the vast area of which Peter's statue is the magnificent centre, is the cathedral of St. lsaac, a noble church in the Greek style, its lofty, gilded, highest dome glittering brightly, especially when a brilliant sun is overhead. Behind St. Isaac's, is also a square, 'with a very fine statue of the Czar Nicholas, on horseback. Forward, behind the Admiralty, is the Winter Palace, as it is called, with another palace behind it, called the Hermitage. These two abodes of the Czar, or Emperor, have been united together, like the Louvre and the Tuilleries at Paris. They make a splendid whole. There are many other noble buildings, palaces Of leading members of the imperial family, as the Grand Duke Con~tantine and others, and the whole hu.s an air of grandeur and magnificence to which there are few equals on earth. Five canals permeate the city on the left bank of the Neva, affording very great convenience for the carriage of goods to the different thoroughfares through which they pass, and with wide roadways on each side of the canals. ,I could not but think that it would be a great advantage to south London to have similar canals, so that when the wharves give place to embankment, there might still be ample convenience for those whose goods come by water. The long roads in the city are called lines; the wide places, prospects; the streets, oulekas. The first house, built by Peter, in which he lived during the erection of the city, a small cottage, still exists, covered by another shell of a building, for the sake of preservation. St. Petersburg was built by Peter, on piles, in a flat, marshy district. He made it at the head of the Gulf of Finland, as he said, to be a window, through which he could look into western Europe. Besides the cathedral of St. Isaac, there is the cathedral of Kazan, an imitation of St. Peter's, of Rome, with its colonnade, much inferior in size, but still a grand church. There are also many others, for the different parts of the city, including the one in the fortress, where lie in tombs on the floor of the church many members of the imperial family. There are also several churches for English Protestants, for American Protestants, for Lutherans, and Roman Catholics. The Greek or Russian churches are divided inside, about the middle, •
- 543. &88 AN ACCOUNT OF A RECENT VISIT TO by &sOrt of communion rail, giving half the church to the priests, hall to the people.• The people's half is a perfectly plain floor, withou~ seats. The people must either stand or kneel, or prostrate themselves, but not sit in· the church. It is considered not reverent, and preaching being extremely rare, the responses and gesticulations of the worshippers can be better performed without sitting. The priests' half of the chureh is not allowed to be entered by any woman. Here is an indication or that error in religion which regards single life as more holy than married life, and men as superior to women. This error begins in the church; in Russia as elsewhere, and works itself out into the vapid, imbecile follies of monkish and nun life, with the sincere; and the nameleu abominations of the insincere, and the pollution of 80ciety in general Behind the rails, is a tiled portion, of some yards in width, according to the size of the church; then comes the Icanostos or screen, dividing about a fourth part of the church from the gaze of the people, ~d having folding doors in the centre, called the holy doors, which $re opened at intervals during the service, when the priests issue to bless the people, or to repeat some especial prayers. On the holy doors are usually two pictures, of the mother Mary; and the angel Gabriel. On other parts of the screen and at the rails, and sometimes on raised stands, are other sacred pictures, generally· ugly daubs, but to which miraculous virtues are attributed. The people are taught to throng to these, and kiss them, and say prayers before them.. The frames are often costly, and the pictures surrounded with precious stones. Often, relics are contained in costly ftames, and simil~ly adorned. On the altar, in the Emperor's private chapel, in ~he Winter palace, there was a miserable piece of a bandaged hand and arm, said to belong to John the Baptist. In the part of the church behind the Icanostos, is an altar where the most sacred part of the worship is performed. There is &so·& ~seven· branched candlestick, in imitation of the Jewish one. There, also, in appropriate recesses, are kept several other articles of church furniture, as the font, large enough to dip the child overhead; two croWDS to' be worn by bride and bridegroom during the marriage service', and many vestments, WOrD at different times in the year. There are lamps kept burning in the church, before the chief pictures. The service is not in the language of the people, but in old Sclavonic. The people have a general notion of what it means, but a very vague one. The people sing, led by a choir, but there are no organs or other instrumental music. ' The' Word is only read in very slight portions in the service, and in this old language, so that practically 'it is of little 11se• •
- 544. NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA. 1>89 The clergy and people both cross themselves, at a prayer or eJacula- tion, very vigorously, three or seven times without stopping; they bow and prostrate themselves diligently. They have evidently a strong pious feeling. They are at service two hours at a time, and _on high festivals three or four. They can go out and return into the church, and thus give themselves some relief. Here has been for many hundreds of years, Ritualism in its glory, and on a grand scale; and what is the result? A priesthood largely dissolute and immoral, the educated and respectable classes infidel and appallingly corrupt; the sixty millions of the working classes sitting in the shade of the darkest ignorance, ill-fed, ill-housed, dirty in their habits, benumbed, apathetic, and heedless of all the grand possibilities of our race. Much as our own beloved land is behind what we wish it to be, yet, compared with countries where either Greek or Romish Ritualism pre- vails, it is as Life compared to Death. Here, where the Word is known, read, and discussed, its truths have a living influence, fraught with untold blessings. Better the rough energy of the wildest ranter, who sincerely reads his Bible, than the pious, self-satisfied conceit of the I smug masquerader in divine things, who is juggling with his incense, candles, and gaudy vestments in the church, to lull the people into the idea that a few sacred manmnvres will save them, instead of being led by the Word, through the battles of the regenerate life. I saw one of the grandest services of the Greek Church in St. Isaae's, on the Empress's fete-day; the day to celebrate her birth, but kept up on the day of her patron saint. Having a New Church friend, a prince, who was well known to some of the bishops, I was admitted with my friend to the holiest place:, behind the Icanostos. There we found the Patriarch of all Russia at the altar, with six archbishops, and about twenty bishops, at different seats and altars; and thirty or more of other dignified clergy. All were most gorgeously attired, chiefly in cloth of gold. The service was sacramental. The rich centre and about six side altars, were all occupied by different dignitaries. This first part of the ceremony occupied about three quarters of an hour. Each few words that the patriarchs or others uttered, there was incensing, bowing, and crossing, with bell-ringing, marching about and parade highly theatrical, but, oh I how wanting, in all that feeds the soul. When the patriarch had partaken of a portion of the bread, which was made up as a small loaf, weighing p£obably four ounces, and then
- 545. 640 AN ACCOUNT alP A RECENT VISIT TO the wine, the others also partook; a small group at each altar. Then the patriarch went to his throne, and sat down, and the archbishops and bishops went severally and bowed their congratulations to him, knelt and kissed his hand, then arose and kissed his cheek, and each went to his place. A priest then came with what seemed a golden platter, having on it a large comb, for the patriarch to comb his long hair, which was duly performed. Next, the holy doors were thrown open, and the patriarch, with three lighted candles in a socket, held in the right hand, and two similarly in a socket in the left, advanced to stand in front and bless the people. He muttered something, to which the choir sung a response, and the people crossed and bowed themselves. Then came the administration of the Sacrament to children. About twenty were brought, including infants from three months old to children of six years, and the patriarch administered the wine (I did not perceive if it had any crumbs in it), in a spoon. On each fresh recipient par- taking, the choir sung a short piece, implying, my friend informed me, that the children were receiving "immortal life from the Source of Eternal Love." After this part of the service was finished, the patriarch, and his episcopal and archiepiscopal brethren, went in procession up the church to a raised platform in the centre of the wide nave, under the central dome, at the very top of which, inside, there is a colossal dove, with a soft light upon it to represent the Holy Spirit. The rest of the clergy formed a line from the Icanostas to the platform. A large gorgeously- bound copy of the Gospel was brought, and a small portion of it read. Then there were portions of a service, a sort of short litany, intoned by a priest with a magnificent voice, and with responses. by the choir and the people; then followed a final benediction by the patriarch, the clergy withdrawing in procession, and the whole ceremony was over. There had been probably three thousand people in the cathedral. It was a grand spectacle, but- I went sadly away. The piety of the people, I presume, struggles through all this, and gets some small portion of spirituai nourishment, but there must be great leanness of soul. The Russians have a great disposition to observe and recognise the symbolic use of things. In the :fire in their churches, in lamps, candles, and various ways, they understand love to be symbolised. When one lights a candle in the church, it is typical of the lighting up in his soul of love and faith. They have generally five domes to their churches, one large in the centre, and four others surrounding. The centre one •
- 546. NOBWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND,AND RUSSIA. 541 symbolises our Saviour, the four others the evangelists. The dove is held sacred all over Russia, as the symbol of the Holy Spirit. These birds are fed .by every one, even by the beggars out of their scanty supply, and they swarm about many of the public buildings, especially on the fronts of the churches; beautiful enough as symbols, but practi- cally not contributing to cleanliness. The Sacrament leading to our soul's being united to the Saviour, the Source of Divine Love, as wressed in the response in St. Iaaac's, struck me 8S expressive of W'nat is true and beautiful, and as I sailed along the Gulf of Finland on my return, it formed itself into English verse, ~d perhaps it may not be without use to insert it here : - o Jesus, Lord and Saviour, The soul's Eternal King, Grant now Thy grace and favour While we Thy praises sing ! Come, Saviour, come, and give Thy Spirit course, o feed us now and evermore, from Love's eternal source! Far, far from Thee, our Saviour, Our youthful steps might roam, By sin and darkness sink in death, Nor reach our heavenly home. Come, Saviour, come, and give. Thy Spirit course, o feed us now and evermore, from Love's eternal source! Within Thy Church, Lord J eaus, o let our souls aspire, To see Thy Spirit's holy light, And feel celestial fire I Come, Saviour, come, and give Thy Spirit course, o feed us now and evermore, from Love's eternal source I Abide with us, Lord Jesus, " Fill us with holy zeal; Give ns to think as angels think, And feel as an~els feel. Come, Saviour, come, and give Thy Spirit course, o feed us now and evermore, from Love's eternal source! Before leaving St. Petersburg, although the imperial palace was closed to the public, my princely friend procured me admittance to every part of it. I cannot enter here into a minute description of the grandeur of this most magnificent abode. The exterior is a noble monument of archi- tecture. The inside has splendid apartments for all great state pur- poses: halls of reception, where the imperial thrones appear; immense
- 547. 642 AN ACCOUNT OF A BEQBNT VISIT TO NORWAY, ETO. ballrooms; galleries of paintings, where the finest specimens of art are profusely displayed; historical galleries, containing a erowd of objects which belonged to Peter the Great, to Catherine, and other autocrats; the imperial chapel, wonderful in its glitter of wealth and beauty; and the jewel-room, where the precious stones and other decorations belong- ing to the reigning family are kept, and in the centre of the room the imperial crown, the size of a large hat, all of diamonds With the exception of the great ruby, about the iF of an egg, which -forms its apex. All these I saw, and of course aaIDired. They are miracles of marvellous lustre, of skill, and of elegance. But I must confess the apartments that touched me ,most at the palace were the two small rooms where the Emperor Nicholas passed the last months of his life. He seemed to have retreated from the splendour of imperial state into the quiet modesty of simple life. There was a table, a plain sofa, and about four plain chairs, a few maps, a very few books, including the French Bible and Testament of De Sacy. There were the materials of a plain toilet, his ordinary clothes, and a bed on an iron bedstead. The Bible contained a note from the Empress to the Emperor, just as he received it and enclosed it in the book. It spoke of fond affection, of their childr~n, and of family cares and joys. Happy would it have been .for this great ruler, if his mind had always been disposed to find contentment in tastes so simple, and in the promotion of the real internal progress of the great country com- mitted to his care. Millions would then have blessed his name; and every hall and cottage which was deprived by the Crimean war of husband, brother, or son, would have been saved the deep wail of bereavement which was the sad note of sorrow entailed by wild and defeated ambition. The visit to Moscow in the next. (To be continued.) THEOLOGICA.L ESSAYS. No. VIl.-THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. (Continued from page 502.) AND now there remains to be examined the theological argument against free-will. Say the opponents offree-will-" To allo'Y man freedom of will, w~uld be to interfere with God's sovereignty. God is the Creator, and man is but the creature, and the Creator may do ,vith His creatures what He thinks proper: He. may bestow upon them happiness or unhappiness, as He chooses. Moreover, God is the only self-existent. :Being in ~e
- 548. THE FBBEDOM OFTHE WILL. 548 universe, conseqnently the sole Source or life and activity: man can do nothing except as God gives him the will and the power. Consequently, it must be that God alone orders, foreordains, and predestines all things; and it cannot be that man possesses a freedom of will to do any otherwise than as God moves him." Now, in this argument, aB in most fallacies, there is a mixture of truth and error; 'aDd it is the modicum of truth that gives the fallacy its power over some minds. God is, indeed, the Bole Source of life and power. The Creator may indeed govern His creatures as in His wisdom He sees best-though we cannot allow that it would be' right (according to the standard of right which the Creator himself has implanted in our minds) that He should create any being merely to torture him, or make him miserable. Man can, indeed, do nothing, except as God gives him the power. But it does not follow from this that man has not freedom of will; for God may have thought proper to endow him with that very faculty. The whole argument, as Professor Stewart justly remarks, resolves itself into the question of fact whether the Divine Being has seen fit so to endow man or not ;-for the advocates of God's absolute sovereignty certainly would not presutne to deny that God had the power to endow man with such a'faewty as free-will, if He thought fit. Now, we 1)ave sought to show from reason, and we shall presently seek to prove from Revelation, that the Creator has so endowed -man; and thus that man is in pos- session of freedom of will, by the Sovereign's own gift. That Sovereign and Creator has, in His wisdom and goodness, thought proper to endow man with a power of acting, even in opposition to His own Divine will or wish, and thus of introducing disorder into the world: and for the reason, BS before repeatedly shown, that it was impossible to create a being of the loftiest character-a being who should be the image of God himself-without bestowing upon him such a faculty. In reference to the Divine attribute of sovereignty, -it is by no means to be considered as an arbitrary sovereignty, that is, a government or mere will or whim. Such a sovereignty would be utterly unworthy of a Being of wisdom and goodness, such as God is; indeed, it would be unworthy. even of a good man. A human ruler of such a character is justly called a tyrant. Yet this appears to be the idea entertained of God's sovereignty by predestinarians, namely, as 8 perfectly arbitrary government, rewarding this one, punishing that, without any regard to merits or demerits, but according to mere will or whim; an idea some- thing like the old Pagan notion of a blind Fate, throwing about blessings and curses at random. Now, such a ~Dotion of the Divine sovereig!:lty
- 549. 644 THE FREEDOM OF THE ~LL. is, as every reflecting mind must see, most gross and false. The Creator is a Being not only of power, but also of wisdom and goodness. His Divine will is pure love; and both His will and His power are ever exercised under the guidance of His Divine wisdom. Thus His sove- reignty or government is not one of caprice, but of wisdom and goodness: it is a government of laws-of laws derived from and perfectly accordant with Divine wisdom. Now, one of the laws-indeed, the chief law-which the Divine wisdom ordained in regard to man, was, that he should be free. And this to the end that he might be a being worthy of God's love, and to the end also that God might be loved by man in return; for love desires to be loved again; yet love is nothing unless it is free: it cannot other- wise be called love. God endowed man with freedom to the~ intent, also,· that he might become receptive of the blessings which He had to bestow upon him-namely, the blessings of love and wisdom, and the conse- quent lofty joy and happiness, which the exercise of such qualities alone can confer. Now, without freedom, it would have been impossible for man to have received these gifts and exercised them as his own: yet it is this very faculty, namely, the liberty of exercising them as /tis Otc1l, which gives the delight that is called human. Without such a faculty, man would have felt no higher delight than is experienced by the brute animals, which are led or driven by their instincts: thus, his delight would have been only bestial, not human. In order that man might be capable of receiving, appropriating, and reciprocating love and wisdom, it was necessary that he should be endowed with the appeo'rance that he has life in himself; from which appearance arises the power to act Q8 of himself; and from the exercise of this power he forms to himself a character, a quality,-he becomes a quasi independent being: in a word he becomes a 111an, and not merely a machine or a brute animal. Now such a life, such action as this, implies freedom of thought and will: it implies the power to receive or reject: the power to look up to God, or to look away from Him: in other words, the freedom of choice between good and evil. On this point, hear Swedenborg:- "Everyone may from reason see that there is no conjunction of mind unless it be reciprocal; for reciprocality conjoins. If one loves another, and is not loved in return, then as the one draws near, the other recedes; but if he is loved in return, then as the one approaches the other approaches also, and conjunction takes place. Now, love wills to be· loved; this is inherent in it; and in proportion as it is loved again, it is in itself, and in }ts delight. Henee it is evident, that
- 550. THE FREEDOM OPTIIB WILL. 645 if'the Lord only loved man, and were not in his turn to be loved by him, the Lord would approach and man would recede; thus the Lord would continually will to meet man, and to enter into him, 8Jld man would turn away and depart. With those who are in hell, such is the ease-but with those who are in heaven there is a mutual conjunction. As the Lord wills conjunction with man in order to his salvation, He provides also that in man there should be a reciprocal principle; the reciprocal principle with man is, that the good which he wills and does from freedom, and the truth which he thinks and speaks from so willing according to reason, appear as fron~ himself, and as his own. Still, man ought to acknowledge that he does not do good or think truth from himself, but from the Lord; and hence tha·t the good which he does, and the truth which he thinks, are not his own. To think thus, from some degree of love in the will, because it is the truth, effects conjunction; for 80 man beholds the Lord, and the Lord beholds man."):t "If man," continues Swedenborg, "perceived and felt the operation of Divine Providence, he would not act from freedom according to reason, nor would anything appear to him as his own. The Lord, indeed, by His Divine Providence, leads all, and man does not lead himself except apparently, as shown above. But if man had a living perception and sensation that he was led, he wOl1ld not be conscious of life, and then would be impelled to making sounds and doing actions' scarcely otherwise than as a piece of sculpture. Even if he were conscious of life, he would, in such case, not be led otherwise than as one bound with fetters, or as a beast before 8i cart. Who does not see that then man would have no freedom? and if no freedom, neither would he have reason; for every man thinks from freedom and in freedom; and whatever he does not think from and in freedom, does not appear to him to be from himself, but from another; indeed, if you examine the subject interiorly, you will perceive that he would not have thought at all, still less reason, and hence would not be a man." t Here, now, is the true ground of man's freedom set forth,-the end for wIiich, and the means by which, it is given. The end is, that man may be capable of conjunction with his Maker, by having in himself a reciprocal faculty, by which he can, as oj hilnself, approach to God; for all conjunction is effected by mutual approach. And the means by which this is effected iB, by causing it to appear to man as if he lived of himself, and thus as if his faculties of will and understanding • Divine Providence, D. 92. t Ibid, n. 176. 85
- 551. 546 THE FRBEDOM OF THE WILL. Vere his own. From this appearanee results the sensation of freedom, and by means of this freedom, rightly exercised, man is capable of becoming an angel of heaven, which is the great end the Divine Creator had in view. He who comprehends the philosophy of the subject, thus truly and profoundly set forth by Swedenborg, will be able to perceive that though in fact God is all in all, and the only self-existent Being, yet that He has in His infinite wisdom wonderfully provided means by which His creature mah may be a quasi independent being, and so possess that sensation of freedom whence result all the activities and delights of life i-whence, also, exist moral responsibility, merit and demerit. It will be seen also, that in this view the existence of freedom in man is no invasion of the Divine sovereignty, other than that which the Sovereign Himself ordained; and the reason He ,so ordained was that, being a God of love, He wished to have in His creation intelligent beings who mig1)t be cognizant of His love and capable at the same time of reciprocating it. This view, it may be observed, satisfactorily settles the old and vexed question between self-ability and grace-between Pelagianism and Augustinianism. That contest began in the fourth century. The monk Pelagius maintained not only that man was endowed with free- will, and the power to do right or wrong, but that he possessed in himself by nature the abilit~· to keep the Divine commandments, and that thus, as it were, by the simple exercise of his own natural power, he could convert or save himself; affirming also that man is born without original sin, or an inherited propensity to evil-but that every one is created in the same condition now it;l which man was before the Fall. Now, in this view, mixed with some truth, there is much and dangerous error. A person holding such a view, would feel himself in a manner independent of God, and almost without the need of a Saviour, since he could save himself; this doctrine, consequently, tends to destroy in man's mind the very essence of religion and worship, which consists in a sphit of humility, a sense of constant dependence on the Divine Being for all we have, either of goodness or h~pines8. To oppose this error rose Augustine, bishop of Hippo. He affirmed that man is utterly powerless to do any good thing, that he is wholly dependent on the grace of God for every deed, thought, or will, of good-for every movement in the right direction, every step towards heaven. So far, true; man does derive from God every thonght and will of good. But Augustine drew from this doctrine a false eonelusion-
- 552. THE FREEDOM OF'tHE WILL. 547 ~. deadly falsity-namely, the idea of predestination. He argued, ,since man has no power of himself to do or will anything good, then, if any are saved, it must be by the pure gift of God-by an arbitrary and forcible snatching of them out of evil and drawing them to heaven. But how is it-he asked himself:-How is it in that case with the lost? It must be that they are lost because God does not choose to save them. Hence arose the horrible doctrine of predestination-the idea that God arbitrarily saves some and condemns others, or, at least, leaves them to their evil fate, which amounts to the same thing. Of these two errors, it is hard to say which is the more dangerous. But the latter is certainly the more horrible and the more irrational,- that a Being of infinite goodness, who is love itself, the Creator and Father of all-should arbitrarily condemn or leave to eternal miseries a portion of His children; thus setting an example of partiality and cruelty of the most dreadful description. Augustine was the :first that broached this doctrine; it was unknown in the Christian church before his day. :Many of the fathers, indeed, before him, held to the doctrine of con· ditional decrees or conditional election, based on the foreseen good or evil works of man: but this amonnted to nothing more tha:n the idea of God's preparing for man a place or state in the other life, according to the good or evil lives which he foresaw they would choose to lead-the man's salvation or condemnation still depending on his own free-will. This also was Augustine's original view: but in the year 897 (when he was 48 years of age), he, from his own meditations, announced the new doctrine of God's unconditional or arbitral~ election or predestination of some to everlasting life, leaving the rest to their fate.* This doctrine met, 8S it deserved, with great opposition, and was generally rejected by the Christian church. in the ninth century, it was revived by the , monk Godesehalcus, but he was tried and condemned for his heresy, a,nd died in prison. At length, at the Reformation, it was again revived by John Calvin, and from him has been received, by many pious per- SODS, who innQCently think they get it from the Scriptures, because they find a few passages which seem to favour it, but which they 'would never have thought of drawing from the Scriptures, if they had not been taught it; for the whole burthen of SClipture, as presently we shall show, is utterly opposed to it, as is all right reason, and every feeling of mercy or justice implanted in the breast of man. Now, between these two extremes, of Pelagianism and Augustinian- ism, the doctrine of the New Church, as announced by Swedenborg, • See Dr. Murdock's Translation of Mosheim, cent. V., part II., chap. V.
- 553. fi48 TU FUEDOM 0., THE WILt. points out a middle course, which, avoiding the errors of both, maintains man's entire dependence upon God, and yet his perfect freedom of will. And this result is effected, as already explained, oy showing that man is gifted with the appearance that his.life, powers, and faculties are his own; the consequence of which is that he exercises them altogether as his own, and by so exercising them again and again, gradually forms a character, either high or low, good or evil, as he chooses; and thus fixes his own destiny for time and eternity. " Man," says Swedenborg, " is indeed but an organ of life,-God alone is life. God infuses His life into the organ and every part of it, as the sun infuses its heat into a tree and every part of it. But, differently from a tree, God gives to man to feel the life in himself as his own; and God wills that man should feel so, in order that he may live as of himself, according to the laws of order, which are as many as there are precepts in the Word, and thus dispose himself for receiving God's love. God, indeed, con- tinually holds with His finger the perpendicular over the balance, and moderates, but never violates free-will by forcing. Man has free-will from this, that he feels life in himself as his own; and God leaves man to feel thus, in order that conjunction may be effected, which is not possible unless it be reciprocal. Reciprocal conjunction with God causes man to be man, and not a beast; and also causes him to live after death to eternity: and this results from man's possession of free- will in spiritual things." * In regard to the doctrine of Divine" grace-a mistaken view of which led Augustine to the false and dreadful notion of arbitrary election and predestination-the truth is, that the Lord's grace and mercy are perpetual and universal, poured out equally upon every soul in the universe, just as the sun shines equally on every object, and 8S the gentle dew, as the poet sweetly says, "falls upon the place beneath." This truth is declared in the Gospel by the Saviour Himself, when He says-" He maketh His sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." t By the SUD, in the spiritual sense, is signified Divine love, and by rain Divine truth: and these two constitute what is called grace. It is, therefore, not true, as Pelagius maintained, that man by the mere exercise of his natural powers can save himself; it is by the Lord's continual communication of His grace, that is, of goodness and truth, that man is able either to understand truth or to will or do good: as the Saviour said-CC Without Me ye can do nothing.": On the other hand, the Lord's grace is not • True Ohri,tian BeliVion, D. 504. t Jlatt. T. '6. : John xv. 5.
- 554. ~ l'u lI'BUDOK 0.. TD WILL. 149 t c tree," in the old theological sense of that term. Cl Free grace," in the old theology, means unconditional grace-arbitrary, particular grace) :flowing in suddenly upon this or that individual, irresistibly converting him without any co.operation of his own~ The Lord's grace is universal, 8S before said, given to every man, and to all alike. It is indeed c, free" on God's part-it is freely given; btJt it is not fJ"eely received unless man is willing to cooperate.. Nor i$" it irresistible: ~hat would destroy man's freedom, and make him a mere machine,. Man can resist the in1lu if he will, and turn away to sin; but if he ,ope;n his heart to its influence, which the Lord gives every man the power to do, and .if at the same time he cooperate by keeping 'the Divine commandments, then he is regenerated and saved. There is one important view of the subject which m,ay be bere pre- sented, as it is closely connected with what h~s just been said. It is a point which Swedenborg much insists upon, namely: That tbe Lord is most careful to preserve man's freedo~, because without it ~an can not be regenerated (a view, it may be observed, precisely the opposite of the doctrine of irresistible grace, with which that of predestination is ~onjoined).. "Everything spiritual," says Swedenborg, "which enters in freedom and is received in a stStte of freedoIQ, rema.ins: .but DO.t the reverse.. ~he reason that that remains with man which is receive,d by him ill a state of freedoD;l, js beca:use freedom belongs to Jn8U'S will; .and since it belongs to his ,vill, it also belongs to his love, for the will is the receptacle of love. That all that belongs to the love is free, .and th~t this also belongs to the will, every one ~derstands, when it is ;said-' I will this because I love it ;' and the reverse, 'Because I love this, I also will it.' .All that a man loves, and fro7p. ]pve wills, appears ,as free; ;for whatever proce~ds from the love Df his ,will is the delight .of his life; ,and since it is also ,the v~ry essence of his life, it constitutes ,his proprium (or self-hood); and this is the reason why that which is .received in a free state of Ule will remains, for what is so received .adds .itself to his .propriu~. The .contrary is the case with anything intro- .duced not in a state of freeElom, for this is not received.. That what is ..received in a st~te of freedom remains, is because ~n's will adopts.and appropriates it to itself, and because it enters 'into his love, and the love ,acknowledges it as its own, and forms itself by it."* -To understand this clearly, we are to keep i~mind the great prineipl. ·that the love, or (what is the same) the will, makes the man; it is the • Tnu CW'tia.n Religion, D. 498, 496,
- 555. 560 THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. very essence of the mind. Consequently, that only which is in man's - will or love is properly in the man, and is part of his real character. Now you cannot force a person to love anything; love, in its very nature, cannot be forced, the very essential condition of its life is freedom. This being seen, then, it is evident that that only can add itself to man's love which is received in freedom. Hence, goodness (which is the same thing as love) cannot be forced into man; and thus the doctrine of conversion by irresistible grace is seen to be utterly erroneous, and founded on ignorance of the trne nature of man's mind. Now, regeneration means a change of the love or will, from evil to good. Consequently, man cannot be regenerated, except- in freedom, because that only which is free, as just shown, can add itself to his love, or modify his love. Now, as man's regeneration is the great object which the Divine Providence has in view in all His dealings with man, hence He is so careful to keep him in a state of moral freedom,- continually offering inducements to man to receive this good and that, but taking care never to force, because what is forced does not enter into the love, and thus does not effect any radical change in the heart. This is the great secret of the Lord's govemment of man,-the key to a thousand permissions of various disorders which are not what the Divine Providence wills, but which cannot be prevented without checking man's freedom, and thus interfering with the progress of his regeneration. Werc it not for this great law that man must be left in spiritual freedom, "the whole world," says Swedenborg, "might be converted in one day."* If men could be converted by irresistible grace, then it would be the Lord's fault if all men were not converted, and all the sin existing would be chargeable npon Him. But it is because man cannot be regenerated except in freedom~it is because, by the very constitu- tion of his mind, man cannot be led to good except 80 far and 80 fast as he is willing to follow,-this is the reason why all are not regenerated, and why evil still continues in the world; man must be left to his free choice, and some are so unwise as to choose em rather than good. t Thus, under Divine illumination, has Swedenborg resolved· 'ilie great • T. c. R., 500. t For a fuller understanding of this most intereiting subject, we would refer the reader to Swedenborg's profound work on· the la.. of the Divine Providence.
- 556. THE FREEDOM OPTHE WILL. 551 problem how man is dependent upon God for all things, and yet is possessed of moral and spiritual freedom in such manner 8S to be responsible for his own conduct, and to become the arbiter' of his own destiny.* London. o. P. H. (To be COftCluded in tM nezt No.) THE DISTINCTIVE NAMES OF THE LORD IN ms WORD, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING THEM, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, IN A TRANSLATION. [This paper has been written at the request of the last Conference, Minute 176.] WnoEVEB has read the sacred pages with ordinary attention, cannot have overlooked the fact of the great number and variety of the names applied to the Divine Being. Whilst, however, those unaequainted with the light thrown upon the subject in the writings of the New Church, will probably feel themselves at a loss to account for the circumstance, to ·those who have availed themselves of the aid thus furnished the subject is fraught with a beauty and importance of no ,. ordinary kind; and, being enabled intelligibly to appreciate the instrnc- tion couched beneath, they will find proportionate pleasure and profit when reading the inspired volume. According to 8wedenborg, the Names which occur in the Scriptures in general are expressive of qualities, and, in the internal sense of the Word, signify things arranged in a beautiful and connected order. • If some metaphysical inquirer, anxious to get to the very bottom of the sub- ject, raises here the question-cc But, after all, if everything comes from God-if even the will to do right comes from Him-how can it be that man has free-will, or that man is anything but a machine? where will you draw the line between God's operagon and man's coOPeration? tt_to this I reply, You are sooking to enter the very Penetralia of man's spirit, where even angels fear to tread. The plaee where God meets man, where the Divine ends, as it were, and the human begins-God's eye alone beholds. "It is permitted," says Swedenborg, "to relate a certain arcaUUlD, namely, that with every angel, and likewise with every man, tbere is a certain most interior or !Supreme part, into which the Divine of the Lord :first or inmostly flows, and from which it disposes interior things in their order. Thie inmost or supreme part may be called the entrance of the Lord into angel and man, and His veriest dwelling-place with them. By this, man is man, and is distinguished from the brute animals, for those have it not. Hence it islthat man, otherwise than animals, can be elevated by the Lord to Himself, can believe in Him, be in1luenced by love to Him, and thus see Him; and also that man can receive intelligence and wisdom; and thence also it is that he lives to eternity. But what is disposed and provided by the Lord, in that inmost pari, does not flow distinctly into the Perception of any angel, because it is above his thought and exceeds his willdom."-H~av,n and "r.11, n. 89.
- 557. 6fi2 THE DISTINCTIVE NAKEB OP TUB LOlU> IN ms WORD, ETO. (A. O. 1224.) also arcana of heaven (A. O. 1888.) whence it logically follows that the various Divine names are used to expreS8 the Divine qualities,-a fact indeed repeatedly insisted on by Swedenborg. Thus, when referring to the subject, he explains that there are important reasons connected with the spiritual sense which underlie the use of the different appellations. " In the Word (he remarks) the Lord is some- times named Jehovah, sometimes Jehovah God, sometimes the Lord Jehovih, sometimes the God of Israel, and sometimes God alone, as in the first chapter of Genesis, where it is in the plural number, Elohim."* Besides these there are several other appellations applied to the Lord. In considering their distinctive signification, it is to be borne in mind that they possess a twofold bearing,~ne as it relates to the Divine Person and Character, and the other to the Divine Operation. In the former application, the term Jehovah, being derived from the Hebrew verb of existence, is used in its highest sense to indicate that infinitude of Being in the Lord which transcends the highest powers of angels to fathom, of which "not quality, but esse can alone be predicated." (A. C. 8287.) In the latter, namely, in reference to the Divine charao.. ters or qualities in the relationship between the Lord and Hia kingdom, Jehovah is expressive of the Lord as to Love. Thus Swedenborg observes,-" Jehovah, or the Lord's internal, was the very celestial principle of love." But this love, he further explains, is of that essential nature so 8S, in its inmost depths, to exceed the comprehension of man, being "love itself, to which no other attributes can be ascribed but such as belong to pure love, consequently to pure mercy towards the human race." t "The appellation God (on the other hand) is used when the subject treated of is concerning truth."! But there are distinctions in the Hebrew use of this term which the idiom of our language does not admit of. Thus Swedenborg remarks, that- " In the Word, J ehovah, or the Lord is in several places named El in the singular, also Eloah, and is likewise named Elohim in the plmal. That El involves one thing, Eloah another, and Elohim another, every one may judge from this, that the Word is Divine, that is, derives its origin from the Divine, and that hence it is inspired as to all its expressions, yea as to the smallest apex. By El is signified truth in will and act, which is the same as the good of truth. El also in the original tongue signifies one who is powerful. Elohim, in the plural, is used because by the Divine truth are meant all truths which are from the Lord." (A. C. 4402.) The two terms are sometimes used in conjunction, as El Elohim, God of gods, in which "power derived from troth is signified." (Ibid.) • See .d..0. 800, 2001. + Ibid, 1785. t Ibid, 2822.
- 558. THE DISTINOTIVE NAKES or TBB LORD IN BIS WOBD, .TO. &58 Of the signification of the other form, Eloah, I am not aware· that Swedenborg gives any explanation. Some Hebraists derive it from the root alah, to adore or worship; how far this is correct I will not, how.. ever, venture an opinion. " The appellation' God' is also used when the Bubject treated of is concerning truth whereby combat is waged; but the appellation' Jehovah' is used when the subject treated of is concerning good whence consolation after temptation comes."- (A.C. 2822.) There are some instances where both J ehovah and God are applied to the Lord (as in the second chapter of Genesis), of which it is observed, that- "In general, when the subject treated of is concerning the celestial things 01 love, or concerning good, He is then called Jehovah; but when the subject treated of is concerning the spiritual things of faith, or concerning truth, He is then called God: but when both together are treated of, He is called Jehovah God."-(A.C. 2921.) It is however to be observed that, considered ~bstracted1y, "God in the supreme sense is the Divine which is above the heavens, but Gott, in the internal sense, is the Divine which is in the heavens; the Divine which is above the heavens is Divine good, but the Divine in the heavens is Divine truth, for from the Divine good proceeds the Divin~ truth which constitutes heaven, and disposes it to order. "-* Another title whereby the Lord is spoken of, is J ehovah Zebaoth, or J ehovah of Hosts, which is applied to Him when the subject relates to the power of Divine good, or Omnipotence. He is also called Lord, because "Jehovah of Hosts and Lord have the same sense aud. signification."-(Ibid. ) Another title which frequently occurs in the Word, is the Lord Jehovih. Indeed," wheresoever Jehovah the Lord is spQken of, He is Dot clWled the Lord J ehovah, but the Lord J ehovih; and He is especially so called when the subject treated of is concerning temp- tations." Thus, where (in laa, xl. 10.) He decl~res that "the Lord Jehovih shall come with strong hand, and His arm shllll rule for Him,'" He refers to His victories in the temptation-~o~bats He would have to experience," t In another portion it is explained that the term " Lord Jehovih" is used when the aid of Omnipotenc~ is sought for and supplicated. : Among the names whereby the Lord is designated, is also Shaddai. In the authorised version this is rendered "Almighty." Vanous • A.O. 7268. + Ibid, 1798. t Ibid, i921.
- 559. 554 TU DISTINOTIVB NAKES OF TlR LOB» IN HIS WOBD, ETO. conjectures have been formed on its meaning: as observed by 8wedenborg,- U Some of the iJlterpreters translate the name Shaddai by 'the Almighty,' others by 'the Thunderer'; but U properly signifies a Tempter, and a Benefactor after temptations. • • • 'Behold, (saith Job) happy is the man whom God cor- recteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of Bhaddai.' (Chap. v. 17.) , To him that is a1Bieted pity should be showed from his friend: but he forsaketil the fear of Shaddai.' (vi. 14. See also chap. xxi. 20, &c.) That such is the signification of Shaddai may likewise appear from the word itself, which signifies devastation, consequently temptation; for temptation is a species of devastation. As, however, the title derives its origin from the nations of Syria, God is not called Elohim Shaddai, but El Shaddai, and in Job only Shaddni, and El or God is mentioned leparately. As comfort is experienced after temptations, they also attributed to the laDle Shaddai the good thence ensuing; (Job xxii. 17, 28, 25, 28.) also the under- standing of truth which is likewise derived thence. (Job xxii. 8 ; xxxiii. 4.) As He was thus held to be the God of truth (for devastation, temptation, chastisement, and rebuke come not from good, but from truth), and as the Lord was by him represented to Abraham, Isaae, and Jaeob, the name was retaiDed even among the prophets. (see Ezek. i 24; x. 4, 5, &c.) The worship of Shaddai had its origin amonp this people from this circumstance, that there were often heard by the members of the Ancient Church rebuking spirits, and afterwards spirits who brought consolation; as they supposed everything to be Divine which was said to them by spirits, they named that rebuking spirit Shaddai; and because he afterwards comforted *hem, they called him God-Shaddai."-.A. C. 1992. The Ancient Church thus understanding by name quality, and by the name of God everything in one complex whereby He is worshipped. U It was customary with them to add somewhat to the name of Jehovah, to record some kindness or attribute of His. Thus He is called by Abraham, 'tM God 01 Eternity;' (Gen. xxi. 33.) and in the following chapter (ver. 14, recording the . providence whereby he was spared the offering up of Isaac his 80n) Abraham ealled the name of that pla.ce 'Jehovah-jireh,' that is, he will see or provide. 'Moses built an altar, and called the name thereof J e'hovah-ni8ri, that is, my standard' (Exod. xvii. 15). Again,' Gideon built an altar to Jehovah, and ca1led it Je1wvah-,halom, that is, of peace.' "-(Judges vi. 24. A.. o. 2724.) Besides the Divine names already considered, there are others, such as Jah, whereby the character of the Lord in His proceeding Divine-truth from His human essence is signified. cc Jab'" is from Jehovah, and is called J ah because it· is not the Esse, but the enstere :from the esse; for Divine truth is enstere, but the Divine good is esse.* Among other titles whereby the Lord is designated, is "the God of Israel," because by .His advent into the world He saved the spiritual, signified by Israel. t (He is also called "Jehovah, God of heaven," in relation to His Divine • A.C. 8267. + Ibid, 7091.
- 560. THE DISTINOTIVE NAMESOF TUB LORD IN HIB WORD, ETO. 555 essence; and "Jehovah, God of earth," as to His human essence.* The terms Holy One of Israel and Holy One of Jacob have relation to the Lord as the Divine troth, holiness being predicated of tmth; Israel and Jacob having reference to the spiritual and natural respectively. From the Lord having, when in the world, fought against and subdued the heIls, and since His glorification holds them in subjection to eternity, and also protects man, especially in combats and temptations, He is called a Man of War and a Hero. t In Exodus xxxiv. 6, the Lord proclaims himself Jehovah, Jehovah, God, whereby I!e is described as to the Divine Itself, the Divine Human, and the Divine Proceeding. t Various other titles occur likewise, such as Shiloh, from a word which, in the original, signifies peace, because by His coming He pro- eured peace to His kingdom. The Lord is also designated "Sent," as to His Divine Human from eternity, or His influx through the heavens. I1 Among the other names applied to Him are Pachad (the Dread) of Isaac, the Emanuel (God with us), the Wonderful, in relation to the infinitude of Divine love, and the Counsellor, in regard to the perfection of Divine wisdom in His Humanity. Instruction equally important attaches to the names of the Lord in the Humanity, as found in the New Testament,-these however "must form the subject of another paper; and for the rest, little if anything need be added to prove the importance of retaining the distinctive names of the Lord not only in the translation of the Psalms, but of every other portion of the Inspired Word. To those who accept tho authority of the previous quotations (and it appears scarcely possible for anyone gifted with an enlightened mind to question the authority of what so strongly approves itself to the rational perceptions), the subject must be self-evident. It is a defect to be regretted that our language does not admit of all "the t}istinctions in the name "God" being transferred to it; it is, however, to be observed that no translation can give the full force of the original, whence the importance-an importance which it is to be hoped will be more generally felt and acted upon-of acquiring the means of reading the Word in the language in which it was penned. WOODVILLE WOODMAN. • A.C. 3023. t Ibid, 8302. t Ibid, 106~7. 11 Ibid, 6280.
- 561. REVIEWS. SERMONS PREAOHEDAT TllINITY CHAPEL, BBI6B'lON. By the late FBEDEBICK W. ROBKBTSON, the Incumbent, :First Series. Smith and Elder. 1857. (Concluded/rom page 518.) WE resume the review of Robertson's Sermons with three additional extracts, which have been selected for their intrinsic excellence, and as illustrations of the manner in which he brought imagination to his aid in his public discourses. The first is on the "Seeds that fell by the way-side :"- "There are persons whose religion is all outside-it never penetrates beyond the intellect. Duty is recognised in word-not fel~. They are regular at church- understand the Catechism and Articles--consider the Church a most venerable institution-have a respect for religion-but it never stirs the deeps of their being. They feel nothing in it beyond a safeguard for the decencies and respectabilities of social life ; valuable, as parliaments and magistrates are Taluable, but by no means the one awful question which fills the soul with fearful grandeur. Truth of life is subject to failure in such hearts, in two ways,-by being trodden down :-wheat, dropped by l!t harvest cart upon a road lies out&ide. Then comes _ passenger's foot and crushes some of it; then wheels come by-the w4eel of traffic and the wheel of plea~ure-crushingit grain by grain. It ~ trodden down. "'l'he fate of religion is easily understood from ~he parallel fate of a single sermon. Scarcely has its last tone vibmted on the ear, when a fresh impression is given by the music which dismisses the· congregation. That is suoceeded by another impression, as your friend puts his arm in yours, and talks of some other Platt~r, irrelev~t, obliterating any slight seriousness which the sermon p11>ducecL ~other, an~ IlJ1qther, and another,-~d the Word is trodden down. Observe, there is nothing wrong in these impressions. The farmer's cart which crushes the grain by the way-side is rolling by on rightful business-and Ule stage and the pedestrian are :iD their place-simply the seed is not. It is not the wrongness of the impressiQns which treacls religion down; but only this, that outside religion yields in turn to other outside impressions which are stronger. cc AgaiI)., cQnceptions of religious life, which are Qnly conceptions outward, having no lodgment ~ the heart, disappear. Fowls of the air came and devoured the seed. Have you ever seeu grain scattered on the road? The sparrow fNm the house-top, and the chickens from the bam, rush in, and within a minute after it has been scattered, not a shadow of a grain is left. This is the picture: not of thought crushed by degrees-but of thought dissipated, and no man can tell when or how it went. Swiftly do these winged thoughts come, when we pray, or read, or listen; in our inattentive, sauntering, way-side hours: and before we can be upon our guard, the very trace of holier purposes has disappeared. In our purest moods, when we kneel to pray, or gather round the altar, down into the very Holy of Holies, sweep these foul birds of the air, villain fancies, demon thoUghts. The germ of life, the small seed of impression is gone-where, you know not.
- 562. BEVIEWS. ~57 But it is gone. Inattentiveness of spirit, produced by want of spiritual interest, is the first cause of disappointment." The next quotation, is on cc Christian Progress :"- "If the husbandman, disappointed at the delay which enSues before the blade breaks the soil, were to rake away the earth to examine if germination were going on, he wo~d haTe a poor harvest. He must have 'long patience till he receive the early and the latter rain.' The winter frost must mellow the seed lying in the genial bosom of the earth: the rains of spring must swell it, and the SUDS of summer mature it. Many, oh! many a time, are we tempted to say-' I make no progress at all. It is only failure after failure. Nothing grows.' Now look at the sea when the flood is coming in. Go and stand by the sea-beach, and you will think that the constant ftux and reftux is but retrogression equal to the advanca. But look again in an hoor's time, and the whole ocean has advanced. Every advance has been beyond the last, and every retrograde movement has been an imperceptible trifle less than the last. This is progress: to be estimated at the end of hours, not minutes. And this is Christian progress. Many a ftuctuation-many a backward motion, with a rush at times so vehement that all seems 108t :-but if the Etemal work be real, every failure has been a real gain, and the next does not carry us so far back as we were before. Every advance is a real gain, aDd part of it is never lost. Both when we advanee and when we fail, we gain. We are nearer to God than we were. The ftood of spirit life has carried us up higher on the everlasting shores, where the waves of life beat no more, and its ftuctuations end, and all is safe at last." "Freedom by the Truth" is the subject of the third passage selected : - cc Perhaps we have seen an insect or reptile imprisoned in ~ood or stone. How. it got there is unknown-how the particles of wood in years, or of stone in ages, grew round it, is a mystery, but Dot a greater mystery than the question of how man became incarcerated in evil. At last the day of emancipation came. The axe stroke was given; and the light came in, and the warmth: and the gauze wings expanded, and the eye looked bright: and the living thing stepped forth, and you saw that there was not its home. Its home was the free air of heaven. "Christ taught that truth of the human soul. It is not in its right place. It never is in its right place in the dark prison-house of sin. Its home is freedom, and the breath of God's life. He taught that this life is not all: that it is only a . miserable state of human infancy. He taught that in words: by His life, and by His resurrection. " This again was freedom. If there be a faith that cramps and enslaves the soul, it is the idea that this life is all. If there be one that expands and elevates, it is the thought of immortality: and this, observe, is something quite distinct from the selfish desire of happiness. It is not to enjoy, but to be, that we long for. To entel· into more and higher life; a craving which we can only part with when we sink below humanity, and forfeit it. • . • • "Slavery is that which cramps powers. The worst slavery is that which cramps the noblest powers. Worse, therefore, than he who manacles the hands and feet, is he who puts fetten OD the mind, and pretends to demand that men shall think,
- 563. M8 REVIEWS. and believe, and feel thus and thus, because others 80 believed, and thought, and feU before. • . . • "Do Dot, however, confound mental iBdependence with mental pride. It may, it ought to coexist with the deepest humility. For that mind alone is free which, conscious ever of its own feebleness, feeling hourly its own liability to err, turning thanldully to light, from whatever side it may come, does yet refuse to give up tlW right with which God has invested it, or to abrogate its own responsibility, and 80, humbly, and even awfully, resolves to have an opinion, a judgment, a decision of ita own." . In most of the extracts that have been here adduced-as indeed in Robertson's letters and sennons generally-anudit obscurity and error, and those graver falsities which loyalty to truth will not allow us to soften or extenuate, or in any degree to disguise in terms of courtesy, there is still discernible a certain feeling after truth that should' not be permitted to escape observation. It suggests the image of a blind man endeavouring to supply the absence of vision by the sense of touch; and this is, indeed, a not inaccurate representation of Robertson's state of mind. Only his was a voluntary abnegation of sight. He thought blindness to spiritual truth was the normal state of man, and that throughout the journey of life, over its rough or slippery ground, and ~p its steep ascents, the pathway, not seen in the light of a bright guiding star, was to be felt out by an " instinct of duty" derived from immediate Divine revelation. This evident feeling after truth that he failed to discern, is not perhaps difficult of explanation. Few persons can read his letters or his sorlilons without arriving at the conclusion that he had passed through sonle certain stages of the regenerative process, and was thus gifted with states of spiritual good; for this is regeneration. By virtue of these, as a necessary result, and in corresponding measure and degree, he would enter into the internal sense of the Holy Word, and attain a perception of its genuine truths. But these perceptions vonld be chiefly coufined to the inner man. In his external, conscious, luind there were few scientific forms, few truths of doctrine, capable of receiving and manifesting them, so that they >might become objects of contemplation anel thought. In the effort to descend and enliRhten the natural mind, also, they. would be changed and perverted by the falsities that held possession of it. Thus his experience was misinterpretod by his false principles, and, by a reflex action, these were confirmed by his experience; so that he mistook the light-received through the medium of the written Word-that jrradiated his spiritual mind, and of which he had a dim consciousness, for a revelation immediately from God. But for some of the experience
- 564. BBVIEWS. 559 he describes, as in the sermon on U Jacob's Wrestling," when he knows not whether to call the Power working within him "He" or " It," a dUferent solution must be sought; and may probably be found in the action of infernal spirits in harmony with the deep falsities which he mistook for sublime truths. It would, however, be an error to imagine, because some states of regeneration have been attributed to him, that his distinguishing . principles were therefore inoperative in his life. His regeneration, so far as it had advanced, was effected by means of the truths he believed, and all tenets of an opposite nature were but so many hindrances and impediments that prevented, or retarded, his progress. Besides, it will be recollected, he died early-too early, it may be presumed, for any very elevated states to be of possible attainment; while for those of a more elementary and preparatory kind, which relate chiefly to the amendment of the external life, and involve the mind's decision between heaven and the world, truths of a comparatively low and external character, and these imperfectly understood, appear to be sufficient. It would, most assuredly, be presumptnous to dogmatise on a subject so far above actual observation and conscious experience, and on which man's broadest and deepest knowledge is meagre and superficial; yet it may be allowable to doubt whether any very interior purification can be effected without higher and purer truths than he possessed, or the removal of intelior evil be possible in those who deny its existence within them. An attentive perosal of his Life satisfies the mind that his transcendental principles w~·e so far from being inoperative, that they actually gave character and colouring to his whole mental effort and labour in the world; and that it was his daily endeavour to realise in his own experience the immediate revelation he believed in. A.n:d could he have embraced the truths of the New Dispensation-placed actually before him-at the crisis of his spiritual existence, when he was exchanging the faith in which he had been educated for another, the result of his own inquiries and investigations, he·would undoubtedly have been both a better and a happier man. As it is, he presents the singular spectacle of a good man missing his reward I-not the reward of wealth and dignity-for these might have been his, had he sough them-but the reward of inward peace, and a heart at rest; and strongly inclining to the opinion that, had his life been prolonged, another spiritUal crisis awaited him-an assault, from infernal agency, upon some of the troths he had hitherto clung to, and which he was destitute of weapons to repel-we thankfully acknowledge thQ
- 565. 560 REVIEWS. Divine mercy that removed him from an unequal combat to a world where, all con1lict over, the good he had received would open his understanding to corresponding truths, and thus united, would ripen and develop itself, in its own degree, to eternity. Before concluding this review of a volume of Robertson's Sermons, some advertence is due to their prevailing character and tendency, which is eminently practical. He held his peculiar convictions with a firm grasp, and taught them openly-indeed they pervaded his whole thought; yet to make converts to them was far less his endeavour than to inculcate Christian principles of life by a constant reference to Him who was their Divine Exemplar. And truth in word and deed, purity of outward conduct, and active use in society, are still truth, purity, and use, and eternally beneficial to..men, though he who taught and they who accepted the teaching, were far from possessing a true know- ledge of Him from whom those graces flow. There are, indeed, very many pages in this volume that affect the New Church reader painfully, but it can scarcely be doubted that the general effect of his discourses on the public mind-as it was the effort of his life-was to make men better. SepteIIlber 5,th, 1866. *** * NONCONFOlUIITY VINDIOATED: being a Letter addressed to the Rev. John Allen, M.A., Archdeacon of Salop. By J. E. YEADON, Pastor of the Baptist Church, Whitchurch. 2nd edition, pp. 60. Price 6d. • THE above-named pamphlet is the very spirited production of an excellent young minister of Whitchurch. It has been occasioned by a :8ing at Dissenters contained in a local magazine edited by the clergyman to whom Mr. Yeadon has addressed himself. The clergyman implies that dissent is the work of Satan., Mr. Yeadon undertakes to prove that dissent is the protest of earnest souls, moved by their love c;>f truth, to worship God in freedom. He retorts that in the Established Church there is no unity, and since the days of Puseyism, very little uniformity. The spirit of ." Nonconformity Vindicated" is charitable and courteous, though earnest; and the necessity for some such defence appears evident .fr~m the bitter insolence with which non-churchmen seem to have been assailed, in Shropshire, from time to time publicly; and privately, from the constant sectarianism and contempt with which the Church clergy, especially in country parishes~ treat those Christians who cannot worship with them.
- 566. • REVIEWS. 561 When the fetters of the Establishment are broken, as we may assert without any peculiar claims to prophetic insight will be the case at no distant period, then probably sincere men will r~spect and fraternise with each other freely, whether they use the liturgy or not; but, at present, how very few are the instances in which a minister of the Established Church ventures to take part with Dissenters in objects for the common good! There are noble and honow"able exceptions, but we trust, in the "good time coming," they will become the rule. Mr. Yeadon scatters to the winds the pretence that there is any claim to unity, on any fundamental point, to be made by the Estab- lished Church. As an evidence of his style, and of his advanced state of mind in relation .to the Lord, we extract the following powerful passage : - • " I now turn to what is usually ealled the 'Athanasian Creed.' Without dwell- ing on the question whether Athanasius wrote this creed, or whether it is (as some have supposed it to be) an Arian burlesque upon the teaching of Athanasius, I come to that which is of more vital importance than its authorship, I mean its meaning. I confess I have read it over and over again. I have pondered over it sentence by sentence, and my deliberate conviction is, that there is not a man in the whole world who can understand it, much less explain it. It professes to announce the true doctrine of the Trinity, but when I read 'The Father was made of none, neither created nor born: the Son is of the Father alone, not made nor created, but born: the Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son, neither made, nor created, nor born, but proceeding i' and that 'The Father is eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal,' and ask the simple question, How can that which is bom be eternal? and, How can that which proceedeth Le eternal? the answer I get is, that the doctrine is incomprehensible! And whilst I am wonder- ing what is the good of a statement of so-called truth which is unintelligible, I light upon the teaching of the Church of England, awful as it is. 'This is the Catholic faith, which unless a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved,' and also that 'unless a man shall keep this faith whole and entu.!e, without doubt, he shall perish everlastingly.' The creed itself is as misty and dark as contradictions can make it, but the curse and condemnation are plain as day. This Athanasian Creed has been accepted, verbati1n et lite1'ati-m, by every clergyman in the Church. As I am told that I shall be damned if I do not hold this Catholio faith, whole and entire, without doubt, I tremblingly ask the Church of England to tell me what I lpIl to believe. I pray you listen, Sir, with me to the reply. Here it is-' The words of the Athanasian.Creed mean not in this age the same thing which they meant in ages past.' The clergyman who tells me this, tells me &So-' I do not presume to say that in a future state of existence, yea, even here upon this earth, there shall not be given to the soul an intellectual conception of the Almighty, a vision of the Eternal, in whose brightness and clearness our present knowledge of the Trinity shall be as rudimentary and as child-like as the knowledge of the Jew was, in comparison with the knowledge of the Christian.' 86
- 567. 562 RBVIEWS. U Another luminary of the Church of England gives me this light-' All men agree to understand these clauses in a modified and limited sense. There does not exist the man who ~ould apply them quite literally to the person, at all events, of him who doubts or differs from some of the details of doctrine to which they are appended.' This, then, seems to me the teaching of the Church. The Athanasian Creed does not mean to-day what it meant in past ages; it will not mean in the- future what it means to-day; men may doubt or differ from some of the details of doctrine, and yet this is the Catholic faith' which, unless a man shall keep whok and entire, he shall perish everlastingly.'" Space forbids us quoting many stirring passages from this powerful pamphlet, which otherwise we ~hould gladly have made; but we conclude our notice by recommending it to our readers, and appending some of its concluding paragraphs. "In all that I have said I have been viewing the Church of England as an establishment supported, shielded, and, worse than all, ruled' by the State. I am the last man to forget the thousands and tens of thousands of godly, earnest, and Christ-like men within the pale of your church-men whose love and charity are so genuine and pure that they, instead of condemning dissent as an unholy thing, and looking upon Dissenters as those who are to be persecuted or avoided, can say from the bottom of their hearts-' Grace! mercy, and truth be to aU who love the Lord Jesus Christ.' "Dissent may seem to you to be a monster most grim and stem. You are already split into factions and parties; divisions wide and deep as the pit are found among you; you have Shibboleths not a few; your Ephraimites:'hate your Gileadites; your High Church scorn your Low Church, and your Low Church detest your High Church; your papers are full of anger, malice, and recriminations; you have as many societies, missionaries, and the like, as all the dissenting bodies put together; you have infidelity, heresy, arid all manner of error in your very midst; and with these things patent to the world, instead of turning fiercely upon us, it behoves you, as it would become you, to look at home and to prepare for a coming storm, the portents of which the keen eye even now sees-a storm which will shake the church to iis very foundations, which will make the bravest heart to fear, and the strongest men to tremble. "If your Establishment be of God, then it will stand-and, as the mountain peak comes out more clearly and serenely after the storm has passed, so the Church of England, purified, sanctified, and strengthened, even by trial and darkness, will doubtless come forth fair and clear as the sun or as the moon. But if it be oJ man-if, as one of your own clergymen has written of it-if its " prelacy iI unBcript'ural, its formularies are erroneous, its discipline tyrannical, its clai_ arrogant, and its spirit worldly, then I care not how long it has stood, by whai support it is strengthened, by what genius, talent, and influence it is favoured-it may rear its head to heaven-it will be cast down to hell, for it is built upon the ,and and not upon the rock. U I conclude with this prayer: All that is good, and pure, and sincere-all that is true, and noble, and Christ-like that is found amongst you, may God bless (t aU; aDd everything that is uncharitable, and worldly, and superstitious, and false, Dd
- 568. REVIEWS. 568 unworthy of the name of Christ, and alien to the power of the Gospel and to the spirit of its Master, may h.-en's deepest, speediest, and darkest curse and condemnation rest and abide upon it." THE CRITICAL ENGLISH TESTAMENT: Being an Adaptation of Bengel's Gnomon, with numerous Notes, shewing the Precise Results of Modern Criticism and Exegesis. Edited by Rev. W. L. BLACKLEY, M.A. and Rev. JAMES HAWES, M.A. Alexander Strahan, pub- lisher, London and New York. 1866. THIS is a work of considerable importance, containing much valuable learning and interesting thought upon the literal text of the New Testament Scriptures. It consists of three volumes, each containing upwards of 700 pages; but, in this notice, we simply direct attention to the first, which takes in the four Gospels. All studious and candid readers of those Gospels will readily acknowledge that there are some statements in them so put or so written as to require no inconsiderable amount of skill and knowledge for their satisfactory exposition. It is of no use to thrust aside such facts; they must in some way be explained; they are being forced upon public attention by the controversies of our times, and the faith of multitudes of thinking men is waiting to be strengthened by their solution. They believe, but they would believe stronger if what appears to them as difficulties of the Gospel narrative were unravelled. They have not yet seen that the letter of Scripture has been constructed for "the sake of conveyi~ to the world a spiritual significance, and that for this purpose literal perspicuity has not always been observed; hence they demand explanations of the letter, where, perhaps, nothing can be satisfactory but a spiritual elucidation. Still, there are points of obscurity in the letter to which fair and judicious criticism can be of great value. It may be as light shining in the darkness. Questions of grave importance in connection ,vith New Testament history have been raised by modern investigators, and the settletnent of them must be regarded as a very desirable thing by all who hope to see the literal basis of Christianity stand upon unassailable ground; that it is ca.pable of being so fixed we have no doubt, and we hail with considerable pleasure every respectable effort which is made in that direction. Among such efforts the work before us deserves a dis- tinguished place. Though written from an "orthodox" stand-point, orthodoxy does not appear in it as a conspicuous feature; it is, as it professes to be, a critical work undertaking the examination of, and to throw light upon the readings and origina~ text of the Scripture, as well
- 569. 664 REVIEWS. as upon some of the most interesting problems of the Lord's history and teaching. Something is said, and frequlntly said with instructive pertinence, upon nearly every verse of the four Evangelists. The commentaries are ienerally brief and clear if not always conclusive; some important points, however, are treated at much length and with great skill. They are no commonplace annotations, but have about them, especially for the English reader, an instructive freshness and literary air which cannot fail to be of service to the cause of Biblical Hermeneutics. The criticisms on the original text, 80 far as we have examined them, appear careful and candid. They display a considerable amount of research, very suggestive to the student, and sufficiently clear to be of great use to the general reader, who, without any knowledge of Greek, is enabled to understand the results which, up to the present time, have been arrived at by the many attempts made, during the last cen- tury, to present to the English reader a revised and corrected version of the sacred text. The basis of the work is Bengel's " Gnomon of the New Testament," of which a translation is furnished, without abridg- ment or omission, except of arguments based npon readings which, since its publication a century ago, have been proved corrupt, and abandoned by the general consent of theological scholars; and these, we are told in thee preface, do not exceed one page in a hundred of the original Latin work. B~ it has received considerable enrichment by the incorporation into it of the learning of others. Some of the most eminent who have written upon Biblical subjects since Bengel's time have been laid under contributions, and in all cases duly acknowledged. Among these are Alford, Ebrard, Ford, Hengstenberg, Huther, De Wette, Domer, Briickner, Liick9, Meyer, Neander, Olshausen, Quesnel, Tholuck, Tischendorf, Trench, Winer, &c. The work is scarcely one from which passages may be quoted as a fair example of its style and contents; still one selection may not be without its use or interest.- John xiv. 6, "Tlw 'way, the truth, and the life :"- " Augustine calls him the tnu way of life,' but the text is more forcible than this, and comprises a summary of all Christian doctrine; for the words I am tM way answer the question as to what the way was; I am the truth answers as to how they can know the way; and I am the Ufe answers to the question whither. [The more literal expression, I am the truth and the life, is added in explanation of the figurative one, I am the way. He and he only who walks in this way, uses the right path in truth; and he who remains steadfastly in that way has life for evermore.-V. G., i.e., Versio Germania.] At the same time three statemeDU war, are made, (oompare the thre, "in ohap. xvi. 8.) whereof th~ first, as to the is
- 570. • UVIEWS. bandied immediately in this verse; that as to tM tro.th, in vert 7, ete., 17; ana that as to the life, in vert ] 8, 19, 20. Unto the Father-This replies agaln to the 1],uestion, Whither goeBt thou 1 But-This replies again to the question as to howing the way. There is but one sure way. By me -This l·eplies to the .question-What is the way'" , From this something of the nature of the criticisms and their sugges- tive nature may be gleaned; but our purpose is rather to give a notic8 of what appears to us to be the character of the work than a review of its contents; and as we regard it to be among the best and most useful of its class ,vhicft has come within our reach, we have no hesitation in recommending it to the attention of students, and to all such general readers of the Divine Word as feel an interest in being well informed respecting the critical results which have been .arrived at by the leamin8 of our time. a THE CHILD'S FIRST CATEcmSlL EXCELLENT as the Conference Catechism undoubtedly is, it has been felt that a simpler one was required for very young children. A .com- mittee was appointed by the Confer~nce to prepare one.; .and, after .careful pr~paration and revisio~ it has been printed, and .is- ·now ready for use. It seems to us to be admirably adapted -to ,the purpose it was intended for. The answers ·are, as they ought to be for little children, short and simple. They are Quintillian's " one drop ata time for narrow- necked bottles." To go to a higher authority, they ,are the "line upon line, precept upon precept, ;here a little and there .0, little," which the true teacher communicates to the dawning intellect of an immortal being. Every question .and answer 81·e intended to :fix some single truth in the child's memory, as the basis of instruction ·and the means of thought. The little book is the- .parent's .and the teacher's friend. It is not intended to su.persede oral instruction, but to suggest and aid it. Each answer is to be a s~arting point from which to set out on an intellectual and moral excursion, the nucleus of a set of new and useful ideas. Unless a catechism be used in this way it will be of comparatively little service. It will be a labour to learn and an effort to remember it; and its words and sentences will lie like so many dead forms in the memory. H these forms of thought are animated by the affection and intelligence of the teacher, they will become objects of beauty and delight to their .young possessors, and raise their minds to their Father in heaven and .to their angels, that do always· behold their Father's face. Some do not approve of catechisms. Mere dry catechism is indeed a thing of
- 571. 666 REVIEWS. doubt~ utility, and very uninviting to the young palate; but catechism spread over with the honied words that fall from a mother's lips, as this little one is intended and expected to be, that truly is both sweet to the taste and nourishing to the soul. We therefore strongly recommend the judicious use of this Child's First Catechism, as soon as a child is well able to use it. It will both perform a use of its own, and prepare the way for the successful employment of the other and more advanced one. ELLEN FRENCH: a Tale for Girls. By AUNT TENNYSON•. London: Jarrold and Sons, Paternoster-row. 1866. Tms little work has been written for the laudable purpose of exemplify- ing and teaching the great truth, that "all religion has relation to life, and that the life of religion is to do good." It is the history of two orphan children, of whom Ellen i! the eldest. Unlike the heroines of romance, Ellen comes before us from the first without the charm of personal bea,uty. She is a sort of juvenile Jeanie Deans, whom the author intends we shall love for the moral and religious beauty of her character alone. Poor child-let us· say poor children, they have to leave homo· and a dying mother, to live, separated from each other, with strangers. Life is not all dark and toilsome to them; they have seasons of sunshine; but Ellen's life at least is one of great vicissitudes, which bring her into circumstances that try her prin- ciples, and, like all trials rightly regarded and faithfully endured, improve her character and increase her happiness. A sense of duty and a love of being useful to others, at any amount of self-sacrifice, are Ellen's guiding motives. Her last act of self-denial, which we leave our young readers to find out for themselves, but which very young readers can hardly appreciate, we cannot at all approve. Better to have shown how one could be done without leaving" the other undone. Excellent and interesting as the book is, we think there is a little too much shadow in it. This may perhaps be attributable to the trying condition of the writer. Still young, for the last six years of her life she has never risen from her bed. And al~hongh her little work abnndantly shows that her mind is calm and happy, yet her circum- stances have a tendency to give trial and suffering a certain prominence iJ:t her views of life. Yet the very fact that so useful a book has been produced by one 80 severelyaftlicted, should induce our readers to do to her as her own heroine' has so often and. so cheerfully done to others- minister to her c~mfort· and happi~ess.
- 572. 567 MISCELLANEOUS. ITEMS OF NOTE. true that Ohrist adopted Baptism, ancl CONGREGATIONAL UNION.-This body originated the Last Supper; but whai met in Sheffield during the second week could be more different than baptism ac- 'Of October. It was presided over by dif- cording to the ritualists, which might ferent chairmen, and the places of meeting have come from the school of Simon 'Were at different chapels. The main Majus, and the scenic accompaniments object of the meeting was, of course, of the Last Supper, as the ritualist would denominational; but some subjects were have it, when compared with the simple discussed of more general interest. The baptism preached by Christ and the Rev. J. S. Pearsall read a paper on " The supper prepared in an upper chamber in best 'Methods of conducting Public Wor- Jerusalem eighteen centuries ago. With ship," in whidh the adoption of a modified ritualists union must be outward, for litnrgy was advocated, and the more fre- their religi()ll was olltward; with them -quent use of the Lord's prayer suggested. worship must be of the earth-earthy, Dr. Vaughan read a paper on "Ritual- sensuous, or it ceased to be worship." ism." It was a thoughtful and pleasant He showed that it would be dangerous to ~ssay on the subject: he said-" The translate a ritual from the book of the book of Leviticus decides the question Revelation, and contended that ritualism ()f ritual against the ritualists. A ritualist had no favourable bearing upon piety, would deduce from that book quite the and characterised it as a system as much ()pposite conclusion. But God did not opposed to law as it was to reason and to change, and what was trne to His mind Scripture. A paper on "Evangelical once was always true. H God thought Teaching" was commenced by the Rev. a people needed a highly-symbolised James Gwyther, but could not be com- ritual, He would supply it Himself in all pleted because of the lateness of the its parts, as He did to the Hebrews; and evening. On the third day, an interest- the presence of the book of Leviticus in ing paper on "Pastoral Visitation" was the Old Testament, and the absence of read by the Rev. Robert Radford, LL.D. such a book in the :Sew Testament, was He considered this as a duty incumbent a proof that no ritual was required. on settled ministers, the neglect of which Show him a people capable of originatillg oould not be excused by the piea-" The a highly-symbolical ritual for themselves, pulpit is our vocation." He argued that .and you showed b~ a people who ought they should look to other instrumentali- to do without a ritual. The defence of ·ties than preaching to keep up their a ritual was that symbols were required churches; and that they must give by the people; but instead of a ritual, greater attention to that edification of what they wanted was teaching after the the people, which was not so much the manner of Christ. A ritual like that of effort of sermons as of pastoral efficiency. Jerusalem had no place in Christianity. On moving that Mr. Radford be thanked, ·The ritual of the law did not cease until and hjs essay printed, an animated ·after the crucifixion, and, therefore, up discussion arose. The Rev. J. H. 'to that event our Lord treated it with Wilson did not regard the church as a reverence. But it was remarkable how hospital, in which the minister must very little He attended to any matter of make regular rounds, but as a family. ~ure ritual. Our Lord's sermon on the Many of his most successful sermons mount, at the beginning of His ministry. had. arisen from visiting his congregation, showed with how firm a hand He resolved and there learning what food to prepare to separate what came from the Father for them on the Sunday. He only .from that which came frOJD men. A large prayed when. there was occasion, and part of His ministry was occupied in ex- when there was sickness. It was neces- posing the errors of the Pharisees "in sary to visit' at seasonable times; much respect to ritual, and in denouncing, with depended on that. The Rev. D. Loxton special severity, those religionists on that sald that the great difficulty in pastoral account. The world had never listened visitation was the reluctance of the to an instructor whose system was so people to open their minds to their pastor. little in harmony with the opinions of They felt like people in the presence of persons of high ritualistic belief. It was a man whose position was di1ferent, and
- 573. 688 MISCELLANEOUS. ' whose education was better than his own. which was not permitted to publie11 He thou~ht this might be met by not transpire. talking directly about religion, but about CHuncH CONGRESS.- This Congress their own affairs, o.nd he agreed with took place at York; in the second week Mr. Radford in the use and employment of October. There were present a large of a visiting committee to inquire and number of clerg)~en and dignitaries of hand over special cases to the minister. the church, with some noblemen and A preacher should uuderstand the theo- oLher distinguished laity, who took part logy of Christianity and human nature, in the proceedings. Notwithstanding the and he feared many ulinisters failed be- array of talent and learning collected, cause they did not nnderstand human we noticed that the subjects selected for nature &s they did theology. The Hev. consideration were of an ordinary des- Mr. Hebilitch observed that some per- cription, and from the reports which sons expected no t only that the minister have come under our notice they apPeared should visit them, but that he should to have received nothing more than the also know when their heads ached, and most ordinary treatment. The Arch- when their teeth ached, aD(l everything hishop of York <lelivered his inaugural belonging to them, and should notice address; after which the Bishop of RiPOD when they attended service, and when rend 0. paper on " The obligation and due they were away. The Rev. Mr. 1laY8 observance of ilie Lord's day," on which said ministers should get to know the he said nothing new, nor did he throw dOloestic affiUrs of the families they any fresh light upon the old ideas res- visited, but they should have a still recting it. The P..ev. T. Espen took up tongue when they came away, or they the second part of the question. He would not get to know either their do- urged that proper attention should be mestic history or their spiritual condition. paid to religious exercises on the Lord's Dr. Vaughan did not concur in the state- day, .but thought they ought to allow ment that pastoral visitation would do working mell their Sunday walk and instead of study. If their pu11)it became fresh air in the green fields. He would feeble as to intelligence, they were gone. not say that railways should be shut up They must bring culture to hear to put OIl the Sunday, hut he considered some them abreast of the community, or they of the railway companies were among the would not achieve what they had to do; greatest and more wanton desecrators of and the two things could be very well the day in this country, as they created combined. He had made the experiment 0. noo(Uess and pernicious Sunclay traffic. how to cOlubine study and little learning Canon Ran(loI1>h read a paper on h The along with preaching. He wrote reviews, Social Conditions and Recreations of the and he prepared lectures and delivered Poorer Classes." He said the possibility them, but at the same time he was able, of recreation free from the attractions of by a proper economy of his tiIll.e, to nlake vice seemed to be the subsbintial want of it felt by his peo!>le that he dhl not neg- the tl.ay. The evils of statute fairs were lect his pulpit. He thought he was not pointed out, and a reform in the public- very negligent as a pastor along with his house and licensing system was insisted literary works, and the delDil.uds' of his on. He thought much good would result. pulpit were not of an ordinary character. from gentlemen throwing open their • They would not do the work fnr God an<l far humanity which they had to do parks .0 the people, and from the estab- lishment of play-grounds for young men in this world unless they combined study and lads, as resorts for playing at foot- and careful a.ttention to the pastoral ball, cricket, and other games. This of duty. It was resolved that the paper be eourse on the Sunday! The Rev. D. printed. A paper on "The Congrega- Ray read a paper on " Colonial Chnrch~ tional Press," by the Rev. J. B. Paton, and Foreign Mission," and endeavoured M.A., followed; as also did an address to enf-orce the iinportaDce of the Lord's. from Hr. John Crossley, on "Chapel command, "Go forth and christianize all Building." A motion by Dr Parker, in nations," which was as necessary now as reference to the " Year Book," resulted in the days of the apost~s. Other papers in a "scene." This was occasioned by were read upon the same subject, anf! the effort to suppress some matter which one from the Bishop of Calcutta. The ~he Rev. Brewin Grant and others were J;lishops of Newfoundland and Pensylva- wishful to expose, the precise nature of nia took part in the discussion, which
- 574. MISCELL~'iEOUS • 569 terminated by the Bishop of Oxford the attention of the meeting, after the expressing his firm belief that the dis- transaction of the denominational busi- cussion would, by the blessing of God, ness, was the introduction of instrumental be productive of good fruit. The Dean music in Presbyterian churches. A series of Ely read a paper on "Preaching" of resolutions, w mch had been passed (dogmatic teaching from the Pull)it). by the London Presbytcry. was presen- Hc saitl the facts of Christianitv were ted. The resolutions timidly claimed just the cardinal tloglnas of Ch;istian- the liberty of introducing instrn1nental ity, antl wisely adopted dogmatic teach- music rnto the churches, but recommen- ing on the Person of our Lord would ded the supreme court to leave the meet the wants of the age. The best settlement of it south of the Tweed to way to prove th~ Christian faith in the responsibility of the English synod. the 10th century was siInply to state it The Rev. Mr. Russell objected to the ,vell, alul it would prove itself to the introduction of such music into their ears autl intellect of all. lie spoke of churches. He asserte<.l that it was their the tlanger to be avoideu in dogmatic duty to retam the shnple service of their teaching, and said the al,rogatioll of church, and to discard all innovations of dogma ended in the abrogation of this kind; aud concluded a lengthy morality. The Dean of Cork main- speech by saying "he was of opinion tained that such teaching was very that it was much wiser and better to try unpopular with the thinking and euu- anu !>reach the people in, instead of cated clas3es, and said if it were not the whistling thelll in." The tliscussion was duty of the church to please the age, it adjourned. The old lll·ejudice against was the dut.Y of the church to under- organs, though giving way in S01ue stand the age, to interpret its wishes, quarters, is :ret very doggetl in many and to give what it requiretl. The tlis- others; and seemingly it will be a COll- like of dogmatic teaching was the dislike siderable time Lefore the "suI>reme of dogma itself; anll the true relnedy court" of the Presbytery will sanction for tIllS was their l)e111etuo.l translation their use in the puhlic worship of their in the pulpit. The Bishop W Oxford ChUl'chcs. observed, if the l>eople were to receive a SnlBOLISM IN AncHITEcTunE.-This dogma which embodied Christ, they is the title of a leading article ill the must be tanght in sermons; the teacher "Building News" for October the 5th. himself must have erubodie(l thenl. They It is written with ability antI spirit. Its must deepen in the teacher's own know- aiDl is to show that architectural erec- ledge of theln. It was with this view tions as n whole, in their 1)9orts, an(l even that diocesan colleges were founued. in the detail of their ornament, should Dogma must be learned as tlognut, and be SJTJ.llholical expressions of their use. the life of the clergyman shouhl be so To sustnin this view, it is argued that framed and fashioned that it should be " All ulatter is but the manifestation of received into his own spiritual texture thought; it is thought put into form, as intellectual truths. Canon Atlcy and neither lllore nor less, and thus all forlna the Rev. W. Cadmau real! papers on of material existence contain and expreS8 " Diocesan and Parochial Orgauization." the various invisible ideas and qualities Papers were read on " Adult and Sun«1ay- of which they are the visihle crubodi- school Catechisms;" "Cathetlruls, their Proper Work and Influence;" "Lay mentR. How extensive antI how interest- ing, then, nlust that science Le which • Agency in the Church's Work;" on relates to all things animate and inani- " The Improvements of the Process in mate,-in fine to all created nature. The Ecclesiastical Courts;" "The Best Mode whole world is a vast storehouse for the of Attaching the People to the Church collection and arrangement of the science of England;" and some others, most of of symbolism, which remains as yet un- which included discussions on the church explored. Symbolism was a science from politics, for which we have not room for the most ancient times, and the noblest the merest outline. We wish there had monuments of antiquity still speak a lan- been some for comment. guage to be imitated, which endows them UNITED PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.-The with a meaning and an interest unknown members assembled in October, in the to the world at large. In ecclesiastical Coupland - street Chapel, Manchester. architecture this princip1e, it is true, is The principal subjeot which engaged practised, as the universal crucifonn
- 575. 1>70 )I1SCELLANEOUS. plc.us of our churches Lear witne~8. The perb and gorgeous sanctuaries, fitted up early Christians carried out the science almost exclusively for the accommodation to a great extent, and in buildings erected of the rich and fashionable, to the shame before the introduction of Gothic archi- and exclusion of the poor aud labouring tecture, many interesting examples of classes, thus shutting out the very classes sJmbolism are to be found. In the seven- to 'which it has been its mission from the teenth century, however, the intimate beginning to administer, and from among correspondence between man's soul and whom, in the palmiest days of its pros- uni versal nutnre,-between the created perity, it gathered its mightiest increase; as typical of the creating power,-was and over and above all, when we look at asserted and revived by Jacob Btihme. its daring recklessness, in the face of Later still, the great Swedish theologian, heaven and earth, in shutting off its philosopher, and seer, Emanuel Sweden- chapels, by a formal resolution, against borg (eighteenth century), systematised such labourers for God and His Church his 'Science of Correspondences,' in as the Rev. James Caughey, Dr. and that extraordinary series of books, the Mrs. Palmer, and others, who had been 'Arcana Crelestia.' His system, re- the honoured means, in tlle hands of vealed to him, as he himself believed, by God, of bringing thousands of souls to a higher power, though perfect in itself, Christ and to their churches." Concern- and presenting many ingenious and ing the Rev. J. Caughey, we learn that strikingly impressive points, still appears during several meetings in which he has to us at tiDIes arbitrary, uncertain, and been engaged at Sunderland, from the unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, we think 15th of July to the 27th of September it may form the basis of any future sys- last, there have been the folio Ning re- tematic revival of symbolism." The sults :-" Believers purified, 324; back- whole article is interesting, and merits sliders recovered, 172; sinners saved, careful penlsal, especially by those for 1,126; total, 16'~2! ! " whom it is professionally intended. Swe- Dr. PUSEY.-We learn that this gentle- denborg's " Science of Correspondences" man is about to follow up his celebrated in the "Arcana Crelestia," and the Rev. " Eh'eni~" by another work, which Mr. Madeley on the "Science of Corres- will shortly appeaT, entitled "Cannot pondences," are spoken of as writers of ROl:De give authoratative explanations works of reference, in which knowledge which the English Church can accept." and suggestions on the subject may be Suppose she can, who are "the English obtained. Other works are also men- Church" in the divided body of the tioned, in all of which" the reader will establishment? Suppose she cannot, find some interesting matter relating to will Dr. Pusey advise his partisans to symbolism, a subject which we hope will flee from Rome or go to her? Was he receive more serious attention from not among the first and foremost to set architects than is usually the case at the the machinery at work which has pro- present time." The whole article is duced so much separation and disquietude interesting, and merits a careful perusal : within the body to which he professedly it is signed by J. B. Waring. belongs? UNITED METHODIST }'REE OHURCH.- THE REV. G. OUSELEY.-This clergy- "re gather from reports that sixty-eight man of the Church of England states, in • is the number added to this body after the London Guardian, that he delibe- twelve months' labours of 270 travelling rately and daily substitutes for the order preachers, 3,161 local, 4,061 leaders, of daily prayer set forth in the Book of 65,000 members, and with more than Common Prayer the liturgy of 154:9, or 21,400 Sunday school teachers. " That occasionally the Scotch liturgy, and that the case of the old concection," says the he has altered one of the most important lVesleyan Times, U is comparatively as clauses in the Nicene creed-that which bad or worse, ought to afford no con- caused the division between the eastern solation to us, and perhaps need be no and western churches. We understand matter of marvel when we look at the tha.t the party to which he belongs are system, with its proud pastoral supre- adopting these extreme courses with a macy, its abounding wealth and world- view to force on a prosecution, that liness, its service hankering after and there may be some legal settlement of aping the English establishment, its the questions which they raise. multiplied forms and forma.lities, its 8n-
- 576. ~nSCELLANEOUS • 571 NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH, 8U1I. qualifications for it, anll most especially MER LANE, BIRMINGHAlI. by the one of all others chief-namely, an RECOGNITION OF MR. RODGERS, THE NE'WLY- humble desire to become, uncleI' the Lord's APPOINTED MINISTER. guidance, daily more and more perfectly A meeting of the members and con- so fitted, After, therefore, having served gregation of this church was held . on us for some months in a preliminary ca- Wednesday evening, October 31st, for pacity, we now offer you our most cordial the formal recognition of Mr. Robert R. good wishes on entering npon the more Rodgers, and his induction into the office full and complete ministerial relation to of minister to the society. On the re- the society which yOll have just accepted. signation of the Rev. E. ~Iadeley, twelve "We have long felt that in order to months ago, Mr. Rodgers was called from accomplish the highest uses possible by college to fulfil the duties of minister; the nlinistry, its duties should be dis- and having been lately legally appointed charged by an individual wholly set to the office according to the provisions apart for that special work; and that, of the trust deed of the church, this therefore, as a necessary element, he meet~ng was held for a general reception should be self-devoted, fully and entirely, of him by the congregation. Upwards to it. These conditions, we believe, are of two hundred assembled in the School- happily met in you, our present choice. room, and tea having been partaken of, We also consider it useful and advisable Mr. T. Willson, jun., was called to .the that on the election of such an individual chair, and the proceedings commenced by a society as its minister, his accept- by the singing of a hymn, after which an ance of the engagement should be formally appropriate selection from ScriI,ture was and publicly recognised, and that his read, and a suitable prayer offered. induction into office should be accom- The CHAIRMAN then briefly announced panied by mutual declarations of the the object of the meetmg, and expressed obligations and duties entered into-that the pleasure and profit he had experienced is, by the society towards the minister in his intercourse with 111'. Rodgers dur- and by him towards the society. These ing the few months he had been among obligations we now proceed, on behalf of them. If the members and congregation the society and congregation, to declare; would but determine to do the djties first indicating'those which belong more devolving upon them, he had the fullest particularly to you, and secondly, those confidence in Mr. Rodgers, that he would which are especially ours. In your reply more than fulfil the high expectations we invite the same freedom and candour, they had formed of him. so that nothing may hereafter arise to Mr. LowE (secretary of the society) interfere with the respect and cordial then read the following addres"s to lir. feeling now reigning between us. Rodgers, which had been prepared by " From you, then, the society expects to the committee, and unanimously adopted hear the Divine Word explained accord- by the members and congregation : - ing to the doctlines of the New Church; " Dear Sir, and beloved Friend,-The and in the same spirit, to have the sacra· committee acting on behalf of the con- ments duly recommended and adminis- gregation of this place of worship, and tered ;-that you devote your whole especially as the executive and t·epre- energies, time, and talents to the service sentative of the society, nlost affection- of the chlu·ch, a.nd of this society in ately bid you welcome on this happy particular' ; -that you bring all your occasion. We. welcome you for your powers of mind and body into the highest own sake, as well as for the sake of the possible culture for that service ;-that work you have undertaken amongst us; your first object in all your ministrations for your own sake, because an intimate be, like that of the Lord, (Matt. ix. 13.) personal knowledge of your character, 'to call sinners to rep~ntance;' and. gained under circumstances calculated that your next object be-to lead us in to test both heart and mind, has revealed 'the way of holiness;' (Isa. xxxv. 8.) and, to us in you those sterling qualities like the angel in the Revelation, (Rev. which we can truly value, esteem, and xxi. 10.) ever to show us 'that great love; and for your work'~ sake we wel- city, the Holy Jerusalem, descending come you, because we believe you to be out of heaven from God.' thoronghly devoted to that work-fitted " These being your leading aims, they by Divine Providence with many special will happily and easily lead to the dis,
- 577. &79 MlSCELL.L~EO{jS. charge of other duties more social but Connected with this obligation, it will' ecarcely inferior, such 8S the domestio will be our duty and pleasure to do all visitations necessary for consolation to that lies in our power to advance your the sick und distressed,-for encourage- social and domestic happiness,-to solace, meut to the timid a.nd fearful,-for in- cheer, and sympathise in states of struction to novitiates and iDquirers,- trouble, and to think of you and tre~ fOl' privo.te 8ilinonition, in the spirit of you with that respect and affection which love, to 'he erring and neglectful,-and may he suitable to the age and state of for the cultiva.tion of a friendly intimacy each one amongst us. with all. Amongst your more puhlic "But in the next place we mention dutios, somewhat removed from preach- an obligation which appears to us of the ing, and yet intimately connectell there- very highest impol-tance, and which with in usefulness, will he the oversight beiug (lisregarded, all the rest would of the institutions connected with this fail and be of little worth. We mean congregation,-its schools on Sundays, the obliga.tion we are under to listen to week-days, IUlll evenings; its classes of the teachings you prepare for us, and to young luen and women for mutual hn- endeavour seriously to conform to them. provement; and all its societies acC01"ding This will complete the magic circle of to their several claims ,and objects. mutual benefits, for you will be as much " And, still further removed from the interested and helped by our receptivity immediate centre of your operations, we as we shall be by your studies and efforls trust that it may he owe happiness to find for om" instruction. But this involves a you in due time honourably representing stern determination on the part of every us in all public affairs of a suitable kind; atten(ln.nt, and especially on the part of such as meetings connected with the every memher, to be present and in his Bihle Society, the Hospital and Town place as regularly as you are in yours. Charities, the MillIand Institute, and 'fhe 'hearing' is alike necessary with other philanthropic and litera.ry objects; the 'preaching;' as St. Paul says, 80 that by your means the good name of 'How shnll they believe in Him of the church Juay he spread abroad, even whom they have not heard? and how where its special 110ctrines could not be shall they hear without a preacher l' well or wisely publicly introduced. (Bott. x. 1-!.) And we hope this will be " these, then, are the gcnernl obliga- l'ecognised and practised according to tions we trust you may feel it your the ability of every one. Indeed., this happiness to assnme; and although, obligation on the part of the congrega- owing to the needful further prosecution tion 'to hear' is of sueh a fundamental of your stuilies, we shall 110t at present character, that unless it he hearilly expect your whole time to be at our acknowleugell nnd fulfilled as a matter of disposal, yet, as this is the proller occa- conscience, no atlequate use can arise from sion, we name them, and cheerfully your miuistrations. If bodily ease, social leave it to your own discretion to decide pleasures, or any other of the so-called the degree in which you can now fulfil reasons, which are hut 'fallacies of evil,' them, awaiting patiently the time when be allowed to I)lead fOl' and obtain our you can address yourself vigorously to absence from our Sunday seats, the the whole. whole arrangement for use is 'out of "The committee, and at the same joint.' Perhaps the very cautions and time this assembly of the society and counsels which have heen prepared by congregation, would now ad:dress you on the Jninister for individual states are the duties we recognise as owing from unheard by those for whose good they oursolves to you, as our minister. Pri- were intended, the preacher is dis- marily, as an external obligation, without couraged, and his efforts, so far as the which the intelnal and higher uses could absent are concerned, are thrown away. not exist, we undertake to maintain you "But we pass on to the next of the in comfort. and to cheerfully share our duties which we, as a society, acknow- worldly lot with you. We begin with a ledge towards you, and which is one modest salary, but we undertake that as immediately flowing from the hearing, our numbers increase your income shall namely, the helping. We owe it to you rise, so that your position in social life as minister, that where you lead, we may be, as far as possible, what ought should follow,-where you go, we should to be provided under the circumstances. come,-and that in all church works we
- 578. 1rIJBCELLANEOUS. 578 should be ready co-operators. Earnest- ciously commence. a new and brighter ness in you will certainly avail much; era in the history of this society; and but how much more mightily will it avail, may our good Heavenly Father look if backed by that responsive earnestness with smiles of blessing upon our union, in us! This spirit of willing co-operation teaching our teacher, an<l making more is indeed the very thing both you and we teachable the taught-guiding our leader, must seek to call forth, and keep alive. and drawing us all continually towards You will look for it, pray for it, and work Himself and heaven! " for it. We must arouse it, bring it for- The address, which was han<lsomely ward, and maintain it. Deeds as well as illuminated and bound, was then pre- words from both, but more especially sented to Mr. Rodgers by the chairman, from us,-practical help in all church aceompanied by a few appropriate re- work, and liberal expenditure of time, Jdarks. strength, and money; ethat is what we Mr. RODGERS then rose and said: .hall owe you, and may we pay it. Many Mr. President and dear friends, - In smaller matters might be specified, but rising to reply to your kind address, I they are included in the above general am delighted to feel that our acquaint- statements. Still one thought must be ance, begrm ten months ago, has gone on expressed, namely, that your position as gradually ripening until at the present minister will not exempt us from the time we are linked to each other in a brotherly duties of caring for, and watch- close friendship; and so satisfied am I ing over your own S})iritual growth,---of with its growth, that I tmst no adverse praying for you, and seeking, in all suit- circumstances will ever arise to mar its able ways, to help you in the Christian strength and permanence. Ihave hitherto life. When advice is needful, it must addressed you as a friend and teacher; not be withheld, because true fri~ndship in that I have 11een perfect;ly satisfied: ever seab to help in the removal of and though I am called npon to-night to faults; but may we ever be careful, col- adtlress you ill the official capacity of lectively and in(lividually, that nothing your minister, yet it makes no alteration be done except by , wisdom from love! ' in my feelings on the matter; my words "These, then, appear to us to he the will be listened to by you with no greater ehief duties which ari.from and belong respect, or as possessing no greater au- to the relationship into which we to-day thority than before; my body will be formally 'enter. Let them be regarded invested with no greater sacredness, nor in a large and liberal spirit, and carried will my labours be less exposed to criti- out kindly and conscientiously on both cism than they were before. I accept Bides, and then all will he well. Nor the invitation to luinister to you in the must temporary and occasional failings services of Almighty God, because at on either side too much affect us, or present I have no sufficient reason to discourage anyone from perseverance. convince me that in that office I am out The best amongst us are but erring of place. A man's desire for any J)ar- morlals, and there cannot fnil to be ticular work-opportunity to engage in ample demands on our mutual charity it, and success in its pursuit-seems to in the construing of motives, and on our me to be the only guarantee he can give forbearance when we think ourselves that he is in his right place. When any justified in being offende(l. Let it, then, or all of these fail me, lahour of some be well understood that neither of us other kind must dnim nlY attention, if I should expect from the other perfection. wou1l1 live a useful and profitable life; We will not complain if your services but till· such is the case, llly life will, I occasionally foJ.l below your average de- trust, be spent as a teacher of religious gree of effieiency, nor must you too truth. readily be cast down by our defects; You have presented me with a list but both, alike looking to the Lord Jesus of obligations binding n1k'n myself, and for help, for guidance, and support, mnRt another binding upon yom'selves,-obli- go on in the spirit of that' charity' which gations which I think none of us will 'suffereth long, and is kin<l-which take exception to. The chnrch is hopeth all things, cndureth all things, simply a cOluprchensive luun-u many- and which never faileth.' (1 Cor. xiii.) sided genius; not one thing- a tailor, a ,, Welcome then, again, and a thousand clergyman, or 0. banker, or a few layers time welcome r and may this dayauspi- of these with a elergyman at the top-
- 579. 574 MISCELLANEOUS. but a noun of maltitude-a1l of them Your Committee has named the im- together-an aggregation of millions of portance of your listening to the lessons parts, as the astral universe is of stars, of life I may from time to time pre- or the world is of atoms, each one reaping pare for you. But to do this, you the wealth of all other men's laboUl'S. must come to church. I know that This immense man is parcelled out into ODe member very often wars against myriads of smaller men, such as societies, another. Nothing is more common and again into smaller men, as indi- than for the legs to war against the Tiduals,-all of whom are related to each ears, or the ears against the legs; the other, and to the whole species, by natural ears are often williDg to listen, but the sympathies and common obligations; just legs refuse to carry them to church. But as the limbs of the human body are if this he the case with you,-if your legs related to each other, and in commen are delighted to keep your ears from to the whole individual. church, my lips are fain to despise the This being the cnse, then, it must unworthy and contemptible office of be the duty of each individual member ministering to your empty pews. If yoa of this our church, to find out and will make church a solitude, from w hicb faithfully discharge the obligations strangers are scared as from some haunted which he owes to every other me.mber, min,-if you will make church an ice- and to the whole church of aggre- house, where the shrinking worshippers gated humanity. I cannot discharge fain would wrap their cloaks about them your obligations, neither can you dis- to keep themselves from freezing ;-if charge mine, any more than the hand these are the best arguments you have to can fulfil the obligations of the foot, or offer the world in proof of your vaunted the foot those of the eye, or the eye those mission,-these the only indications you of any other member or organ. You can give that you are the recipients of have been pleased to elect nle president "heavenly doctrines," and, as a conse- over all the other members; let us hope quence, are the pioneers in the establish- ~at I shall not turn out a bramble, or a ment of a new age of thonght, feeling, Saw. I am to think for you-no, not to and acJ!i0n,-truer, purer, nobler, and think for you,-that I will not undertake more VIgorous than all which have gone to do. I am to explain God's will to you, before ;-if thes.-e the only credentials and to give you material upon which you you have to offer to the unbelieving may think, and which you may carefully world, that you are in reality what you apply. I will undertake to do nothingjoT style yourselves-" the New Church"- you; that is a mean, low, unworthy the sooner you advertise your places of benefit which a man gets for nothing. worship to let or for sale, and are satis- All I undertake to do is, to teach you fied to take up with an humbIer title, the how to do something for yourselves. I sooner will you free yourselves from the will endeavour to watch over you as the sneers and contempt of pnblic opinion, mind watches over the interests of each the keenest critic, as well as the rnling individual member of the body; and if I sovereign of our age. The snccess of an see a disease creeping in amongst the enterprise depends in a great measure nlembers, it shall be my care to restore upon the earnestness of the undertakers. them, and it must be your interest to help Your cold-blooded logician who delights me. I must administer "u.octrine, re- in nothing more practical than abstract proof, or correction," that the "whole propositions, and never allows his men- man of God "-the whole church- tal temperature to rise more than one , " may be thoroughly furnished lmto till degree above freezing point, only gains good works." The successful working one disciple, where your desperate, of any body, consists in the harmoniou8 striding actor, whose eyes flash with action of the whole. There must be no meaning, and whose warm life-blood jealousies betllaen members,-no right- mantles on his cheeks &s he plays hand members pulling and working in some tale of imagination, gains his one direction, and the left-hand members hundreds. The world is loath to put in another. There must be no picking faith in anything that is weak, consump- and choosing of duties,-no saying, "I tive, or that lacks vital energy. eon- shall do this, but net that." That is a vince the world that you are in eanlf'st- proud spirit which will not· blow the that what you say is what you live- pl'~an because it cannot play it~ clench your arguments by the irresistible
- 580. MISCELLANEOUS. 575 blows of vigOl"OUS action, and the world hail, rain, or sunshine. There is, how- will listen to you like a child-not ever, a small number suffering from the because of your superior kuowledge- same mortifying disease, but I have no~ not because of your pretensions, for it yet given them up as incurable; on the bates them-but because of your earnest- other hand, I think I have every reason ness-because it has found a something to hope that one day not far distant they, nobler than itself. It is of no use blinking too, will have quite outgrown it. I the realities that surround us. promise you that on your account----nott You have given me full liberty of speech on my own-I will never absent myself ; to-night, and you know I am almost sure to and all I ask from you is a reciprocation push it as far as it will conveniently go; and of that determination. Without it we I must solemnly confess that at present may keep our church doors open on the the New Church in its external form Sabbath as long as you please, but wor- and in it:; present condition, appears to ship will be a dreary, miserable toil. me the least like IV to outlive the re- The good who do come will return maining years of the present century. dispirited, and those who beg8.ll in hope If we are to make any marked progress and gladness, looking for your co-opera- in the world, it will be by alteling our tion, but finding it not, will end in dis- tactics. I don't set true religion doWB appointment and disgust. at the cost of attending public worship Never were men entrllBted with a nobler twice every Sunda;y. But, let me ask, task than are New Churchmen; never were .what is the principal duty of the minister? men called upon to labour in a higher or what do you reckon his first great obli- worthier cause than we are. When we gation? for what do you pay him his look around, and see men teaching in salary? Is it for visiting you at your the name of God doctrines which, if own houses? - for fliendly intimacy, lived, would rob men of every trace of baptising children, administering the humanity, sink their souls into every sacrament, celebrating marriages, and vice, and turn the world into a perfect officiating at funerals, which any good devildom ;-when we see God paraded man is qualified and able to do, and before the eyes of men only aB an infer- many of which are paid for at the time nal giant, as ,. a naked, bony arm, ever they are needed? I don't ask if these uplifted to crush his children down with things are the principal items in a a horrid squelch into endless, ever-raging minister"s duty; but is it for these you hell; tt-when we see men masking Deity7 pay him his salary? Your committee and misinterpreting the plainest teachings has put down as my first duty the expo- of His Word, while their fellow· men are sition of the Word of God, and your first sinking in soul-sickness for the liveli- great duty as that of listening to it. Were ness of life, or are turning away from I to neglect this duty only for one Sunday religion as an illogical and inhuman in the year,---did I allow any personal thing, methinks the heart of every New indulgence, whim, freak, friend, fancy, Churchman must be intolerably balTen, or weather to keep me from my post on if it burn not with an intense longing to the Sunday, I should very justly deserve do something to lead the world back to your hottest indignation or coldest con- the true life-fountain of creation. tempt. If you deem it so important I am not so stupid as to think there is DO that I should be present, it can only be religious food in the world except wbai from the fact that you will be present New Churchmen, as Tom Hood sayB,have also, in order to make my presence of chewed. It would be an insufferable importance; but if I find you are kept piece of egotism, and an unpardonable. away by the mere cravings of ease, then insult to the Cluistian world, were we t~ you must allow it will be D!Y turn to be assume this; Lut that it is the special indignant with you. Mind, I do not say mission of New Churchmen and teaching I shall be so. I am quite willing to to advocate often entireJ,- new views,· clap a good number of you on the back, both of thought and life, none can deny ~ and tell you that so far you have done and it behoves every receiver of ~e~ well; but I want you to do a little Church truths to vulue every means ot· better. You have, under a sense of duty, acquiring-, not simply n bigcted belief iJ nobly outgrown the weakness in the legij them, but a rational anu int('lligent con-. that once afilicted you on Sundays,and you nction of their truthfulness" This can can now walk to church twice a day in only be acquired by rea.ding and carefu(
- 581. 676 MISCELLANEOUS. study-by attention to what the teacher conversational meeting; hold meetincas may sny, and by emhracing opportunities of your own, if you like; but above all, of conversation and intercourse with those determine that you will read something who are more familiar with them than every day. If you can read only one you yourselves are. A man may assent page a day, don't neglect to do that, it to anything, antI yet be the greatest will amply repay you by the year's end. noodle imaginable. There are hundreds You will be provided with food for daily of professedly New Church people who thought, and a basis will be laid for are utterly incapable of giving definite higher achievements of person, character, l-easons for their belief. We must try to and influence, while it will have opened understand, however, that books are not the path to more delightful empires of religion, and that religious nlachinery thought, feeling', perception, and general and ecclesiastical establishments are not usefulness. Mind, I cIo not measure the religion. There are plenty of mills for success of a ministry altogether by num- making Christians on the shortest notice. bers, hut principally by altered character. A Iniscellnneous crowd may enter a re- If I can get luen to do their duty, I vival meetin~ - a kind of ecclesiastical simply laugb at the idea of failure, or at " hopper" -the machinery groans ancl the idea of not increasing in numbers. creaks for an hour or two; in quick Duty is positive, and tells upon the doer succession the bad are ground good, in the gift of nobleness and moral in- and the whole batch are, in a short fluence. We mnst remember it is our space of time, transforlned into ortho- -religion which makes ns, and not we dox Christians, "ticketed and brunded who make om· l"elibrion. My work is not with party names." But that is not so HIUC h to tell you new things, as to religion; neither is it religion to teach you to make use of what you assent ignorantly to the sole divinity of already know, and to teach you to apply, Jesus Christ, to the plenary inslliration not to theorise; to teach you to spend, of the Scriptures, or to the non-rCSUlTec- as well as to get; to make use of the . tion of the hody. Religion is to let the present time, as the only time yon will truths of heaven and God's Word pass ever have to make use of; to enrich and through the intellect and heart into beautify, not to waste; to work, not to nothing less than a heavenly life. It is trifle; to make life gay and cheerful, our mission to interpret humanity's wild and not "a dull miscellany;" to live, and passionate hope-ours to rouse men's and not to die ;-mine to speak, yours souls to receive in lowly ohetlience the to heal·; mine to lead, yours to follow; Spirit and the Word in their full sense- mine to interpret, yours to obey. We ours to lead men from their insane ten- are mutually dependent upon each other. dencies towards a socia.l hell, and to I cannot neglect my duty without injuring establish them in the God-given rights you; neither can you neglect yours with- and privileges of 0. social heaven. This, out injuring me. If we suffer, we suffer however, can only be done by men who together; and if we rejoice, we rejoice are in earnest-not drones-not laggers together. Your success is mine, mine and hangers-on-not sluggards or those is yours. Let us, then, take up our labouring under a nightnlare of indiffer- position with a good heart, a strong ence; but by thoughtfnl, brnve-hearled will, and 0. ready hand; and then, come men-men masters of their work-men what may-though we may sometimes who have settled what they wish to do, fail in om' ohject-though many circum- and how it is to be <lone, and who fear stances may arise to discourage ns- to spare neither time, lahour, nor ex- though we may have to bear burdens pense. In this society there are numbers alone which many ought to share with of young men and women towards whom us-though we may have much to for- we are all looking with hopeful eyes; ~ve and much to endure for each other's and before" po leave this part of ·my sake-yet in the midst of our hardest address, let me ask you to take into con- trials I will dare to trust that the God of sidet'ation the necessity of familiarising all true friendships and all just relatioDs yourselves with the fundamental .doc- will so work in us and through us, that, trines of the church with which vou are outlivil1~ every storm. we shall one <lay, connected. Only by this cnn yo~ make with cnlm faces, and loving, llDtroul,led yourselves permanently useful. Join the hearts, be aLle, all of us, to thank Him
- 582. MISCELLANEOUS. 577 that we have lived and laboured in those were then brought to a close by Mr. relationships which we publicly assume Rodgers pronouncing the benediction. to-night. I thank you for your kind wel- GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. come. I am young, and very inex- NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-The build- perienced, and no doubt you have ing is now rapidly advancing, and we had many raw, crude, untrained, and ha ve good hopes of getting it roofed in inartistic flourishes of personal cha- by Christmas Day. Several additional racter to wink at. In conling here governors for life have been added to I settled in my own mind two great our numbers, and a present of engra- things, - I settled what my l>robable vings of Swedenborg, the Rev. R. Hind- difficulties would be, and what my nlal'sh, the Rev. John Clowes, M.A., and object should be. I knew that I was the Rev. David Howarth, handsomely coming amongst men of strong charac- framed and glazed, has been received ters-with big heads-with critical, from IIr. and Mrs. Crompton Roberts. sharp, and business-like judgments,- Several books have been kindly given to and worst of all, with the character of the library by Dr. Goyder, Mr. Elliott, being grumblers, hard-to-please, severe, and 111'. Sheldon: and wood of unusually and dangerous. Those were my assumed durable character has been promised for difficulties. My object was to improve the whole of the interior by Hr. Pick- character, and that by teaching the truth; stone. Our brethren of the Melbourne and if I could not gain your friendship Society, Victoria, have sent us contribu- and confidence in that way, then neither tions to the amount of £81., accompanied your friendship nor your confidence was by a letter. It is worthy of publication, worth the having. I have faithfully kept as an illustration of "the unity of the to my plan, and so far from being dis- brethren" at the antipodes with our- couraged by it, I am more determined selves in this important work. I would than ever to stand by it, both now and again take this opportunity of stating in the future. That I have found you that one great object of the institu- men of strong characters, critical, and tion is to educate the children of the de:fi.nite, I am delighted to own to your members of the New Church in litera- faces; but that I have found you either ture and science, and that we pro- grumblers, hard-to-please, or dangerous, pose to open a school for boys next I am bound to deny. There will always September. Our students will (D.V.) be something to forgive on both sides. find acconlmodation in the College at That we all need "rasping down" a little the commencement of the Michaelmas now and again, as one of our well-known term, 1867. HENRY BATEMAN. friends has very aptly remarked, none [The unusual pressure of matter in this will deny, and I trust, with all my heart, the last number of the year, compels the that I shall be here for many a year to postponement of the letter referred to come, that I may get a friendly "rasping above to the January number.-En.] down" occasionally from your gentle hands, and t:qat you may get another in NOTTINGHAM BAZAAR.-The committee return from mine. gratefully acknowledge the following The address was received with great sums in aid of the church and school attention, and at its conclusion Mr. now in course of erection : - Rodgers resunled his seat amidst long- A Fliend, London •••• £1 0 0 continued applause. Mr. Salamons, London.. 1 1 0 Mr. T. BR.A.GG, Mr. LOWE, and Mr. Mr. Swann, Nottingham.. 0 5 0 W. H. HASELER spoke in terms of high Mr. Miller, Nottingham.. 0 5 0 admiration of the address, and a vote of The committee beg to assure the sooie- thanks to Mr. Rodgers for it was canied ties generally that a new IWce of worship unanimously. in N ottulgham is, for many forcible The Rev. Dr. BAYLEY.at considerable reasons, an nrgent necessity. All desi~ length then addressed tho meeting. rous of aiding the above work will please Mr. G. C. HASELER, 111'. J. R. LEE, address the bazaar secretary, W. CLARD, and several other speakers followed, each jun., Addison Villas. expressing the pleasure he had felt in . BRISToL.-The twenty-first amUver- the proceedings of the evening, which sary of this society was celebrated on t 87
- 583. 578 IIISCBLLANEOUS. the 16th of October, by a tea meeting, at morning and evening, and it is slowly which nearly sixty assisted, in the draw- increasing in strength. Friends are re- ing-room of Mrs. Thorp (whose ~ouse minded that the church will be what adjoins the society's rooIn), who kindly they themselves make it, and that they lent it for the occasion. After tea an cannot be true churchmen while they adjournment to the church took place, continue to dwell apart, ununited and where, the meeting having been opened fruitless. R. PADGHAK, Secretary. by BinginO' a hymn and with prayer, the NOTTINGHAM (HEDDEBLY-STBEET).- report· of the committee was read, wh!ch Mr. Thomas Stevenson, of 10, Colville- particularly referred to the efforts bemg street, Nottingham, writes to us on the made to erect a church in this city, a subject of the approaching Christmas- hope being expressed that assistance tree and bazaar. Want of space compels would be freely aLfforded for this desirable us to give only the most important pas- object by the members ef the church at sages of his letter : - large. Excellent speeches were delivered " As the arrangements will have to be by the Reverends J. W. Barnes and made conditional upon the amount and James Keene, of Bath (the latter of whom CMl acter of the contributions, we shall alluded to the 80ciety:s new position, feel greatly obliged by all articles being under the leadership of Mr. GoldsRck, sent off to us not 19ter than the 10th as calculated to be of great benefit), and December. The parcels may be addressed by Messrs. Gibbs and Hall, of Bath; to myself, at 10, Colville-street; or to also by Messrs. Goldsack, Wethey, and JUl'. W. Hoare, care of Messrs. Stevenson Beattie, of Bristol. The meeting was and Co., booksellers, Nottingham. Those entivened with music and singing by friends who have not been personally Mrs. and Miss Blackwell, Mrs. Charles solicited to contribute to our little effort, Bragge, and Mr. Galendo Bragge, as well we would now ask to send worked needle- as by members of a musical society, who books, book-marks, I worked or knitted kindly volunteered their services for the sleeves, doyleys, crochet and other fancy occasion. work, by post, to reach us on the BRISTOL. - BUILDING FUND. - The morning of the 20th December." friends here are happy to say that the BBIGHTLINGSEA..-On the 12th of Oc- appeal which appeared in the Intellectual tober, a tea party was held by the Repository for September, for erecting a members aud friends of the New Church, place of worship, has been responded to in the Temperance Hall, Brightlingsea, by the following amounts having been Mr. J epson in the chair, to welcome o.lready promised. They trust that, not- home the fishermen from the oyster withstanding the efforts that are being season. Mr. E. Seddon, of London, made in various towns for a similar gave an interesting account of the state purpose, those friends of the New Church and prospects of the New Church and who possess the means of doing so, will the various schools in Lancashire. Mr. assist the Bristol New Church Society. Seddon preached in the church on Sun- Mrs. Allies, Clifton •••••• £100 0 0 day morning and evening to large and Mrs. Williams, ditto........ 20 0 0 attentive audiences. • Mr. Wm. Palmer, Bristol. . •• 10 0 0 QUARTERLY MEETING OF MINISTERS.- Mr. Bragge, ditto •..• 5 0 0 The last quarterly meeting of the minis- Mr. Jno. Bragge, Birmingham 5 0 0 ters and leaders of the New Church in Mr. W. Gibbs, Bath. • • . • • • . 6 0 0 Lancashire and Yorkshire was held at Mr. Hall.................. 6 0 0 Kersley, on the 8th nIt., when all the Frater.......... .• .• . . ..•• 1 0 0 ministers of the two counties, with one Mr. Stevenson, Nottingham.. 0 5 0 exception, occasioned by ill health, were CHAS. W. BRAGGE, Treasurer. present. The nature of the deliberations DEPTFORD. -It The society assembling was essentially practical, and several at the Alliance Temperance Hall, Union- important suggestions calculated to ad- street, Greek-road, Deptford, earnestly vance the church and to reach those solicits the adherence and co.-operative without her external pale were enter- efforts of all receivers of New Church tained, and in all probability will be acted truth residing in Greenwich, Lewisham, upon. It would, however, be prema~ or New Cross. The London Missionary to particularize them more fnlly at pree Society supplies its pulpit every Sunday sent. The proceedings were characterized
- 584. MISCELLANEOUS. 579 by the greatest harmony, and the occasion this grand body of divinity within the was felt by everyone present to have been reach of many persons to whom it might & truly refreshing season. . not be convenient to pay, at once, the price of the entire work, 7s., and also of BOLTON.-MINISTERIAL INAUGURATION. the teachers and elder scholars in New It is now more than three years since Church Sunday-schools. With this view Mr. W. Westall first came to the society they have arranged to issue the work in in Higher Bridge-street, to act as their twelve monthly parts, at sixpence each, leader. In the early part of this year the first part to appear January 1, 1867, he received the unanimous invitation of and then regularly every month, so as to the society to become their minister, be completed-within the year. The com- and having been adopted by the Con- mittee hope to be warmly supported in ference, he was inaugurated into the this effort to extend the knowledge of f)ffice of the ministry on Sunday week, by the truths of the New Church, and to the Revs. E. D. Rendell, of Preston, preveut disappointment, that the friends and W. Woodman, of Kersley. The will give their orders in good time. A ordination took place in the morning, discount of 25 per cent. will be allowed Mr. Westa11 being supported by Messrs. to societies aud schools ordering twelve J. Peake and P. Rogerson; the ques- or more copies of each number. tioning as to all points of New Church doctrine being done by the Rev. Mr. "Do You PRAY TO THE LORD JESUS?" W oodman, and the imposition of hands While the controversy still goes on which performed by the Rev. Mr. Rende11, after Bishop Colenso's proceedings, in ques- which a prayer and thanksgiving con- tioning the propriety of praying to the cluded the ceremony. Mr. Rendell then Lord, have provoked, it is gratifying to gave an excellent discourse on the sub- observe, in the .A thenaum of October ject of-" The Christian Ministry," the 31st, the announcement that no less a#Jt" text being from Matthew x. 1. In the person than the celebrated Dr. Alford, afternoon his subject was- U The Chris- dean of Canterbury, has put forward a tian Gospel," text Matthew v.16. In the work entitled H Year of Prayer," in which evening the Rev. W. Woodman gave a a large proportion of the prayers are very able lecture on-U The Practical directed to the Lord Jesus, who is called Bearing of the New Church upon the the Hearer and Answerer of Prayer. In Present Condition of the Religious the preface it is stated that the dean World." His text was- U Behold I make regards prayer, thus addressed, as the all things new," from Revelations xxi. 5. true means of restoring spiritual life to After referring at length to the con- the church. The tract, which it seemed flicting interpretations of Scripture by to me seasonable to write, entitled as various sects and writers, Mr. W oodman above, has had a circulation in a month said that the New Church comes with a approaching 30,000; but with the zea- doctrine that the sacred Scriptures con- lous aid of other friends and societies, tain both a natural and a spiritual who may wish to give their neighbours a meaning, and that there is a perfect good word upon this important subject, analogy between them. This analogy the above number might be doubled. is unfolded by the "Science of Corre- 100 for Is. 6d. They can be posted for spondences," which he called the science three stamps. J. BAYLEY. of all sciences, inasmuch as it showed their relationship with one another, ond elJituatp. all with the Lord as their source. The morning and evening congregations were Departed this life August 17th, at crowded, and the afternoon a full one. Adelaide, South Australia, Jnlle Hannnh, The collections amounted to £38. 8s. 2d., the beloved wife of M. S. Goldsack, and which will do much towards the pay- mother of 1"Ir. R. Goldsack, Clifton, ment of expenses incurred hy removing Bristol. Mr. Day, minil3ter of the New the pulpit and enlarging and beautifj~ing Church, officiated at her funeral, and on the communion. the following Sabbath improved the event in an impressive and affecting ser- mon, and the members generally testified SWEDENBOBG '8 "TRUE CHRISTIAN to the esteem in which the departed was RELIGION."- The committee of the Swe- held. Her soul was purified during the denborg Society are desirous of placing last few months of her 51 years' sojourn
- 585. 580 ~II~CELLAKEOUS. here by an afllicting illness, which did with delight the truths of the New much to WPnD her heart from earth and Dispensation. He came with his fix it more firmly on things abo'e. fa~y finally to reside in Birmingham. He was highly respected by all who Departed into the spiritual world, on intimately knew him. The final attack the Itith Octol l er, John JH('k~on, of of his disorder (affection of the heart) Rhodes, in the 2Hth year of his age, of occmTed in a street at Wolverhampton, consumption. He was a memLer and and after a few minutes he expired. A teacher of the society at Rhodes, and a funeral discourse was delivered to the faithful worker for the spread of the congregation in Cannon-street, Birming- heavenly doctrines. ham, of which he was a member, as an On the 18th October, Mr. Edward improvement of the event, by the minister, Chater, of Edgbaston-juxta·Birminghmn, the Rev. Edward Madeley, on the morn- was very suddenly relDOycd into the ing of Sunday, the 4th November, to a spiritual world, in hi~ 59th yc~r. lIe large audience, from these words:- was born at lIarket Harborough, ana at " ,Vat ch ye, therefore, for ye know not Melbourne, in Derbyshire, he became w hen the Master of the house cometh, at acquainted with his e~timnhle wife. J-Iere even, or at midnight, or at the cock- he was introduced to her late respected crowing, or in the morning; lest coming uncle, William Harnles, Esq., and to the suddenly, he find you sleeping. And late Rev. WillialU llason; and nIuidst what I Bay unto you, I say unto all, this intelligent sphere he accepted Watch." INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. ltfeetin[Js of the Committees for the Month. LONDON. p.m. Swedenborg Society, Swedenborg House, Bloomsbury·street.-First Thursday 7-0 Missionary and Tract Society, (litto.- First :Friday . " • • . . • . • . • • • . • • • • . . •• 6-80 National Missionary Institution, and Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, ditto.-Fonrth ~Ionday "•.••••••••......•.. " . • • • • • . . •• • • •• 6-80 College, Devonshire-street, lslingtoll.-Last Tuesday .••• ".•• . . . . •. •• •• •• 8-0 MANcnEsTER. Tract Society, Schoolroom, Peter- stl'eet.- Third Friday.. . • . • • . • . • . • . • • •• 6-80 Missionary Society ditto ditto • • • • • • . . • • • • • . • • • • 7-0 Members of Conference are invited, when in London, to attend the National Missionary, and when in ~Ianchester, to attend the Missionary and the Tract Societies. TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All communications to be sent to the Editor, the Rev. W. BnucE, 43, Kensington Gardens Square, London, 'V. Those intenued for insertion in the forthcoming number, mnst be received not Inter than the 15th of the month. Brief notices of recent meetings, IcctUl'es, &r., luny appear if not later than the 18th. E. S.-The difficulty will be noticed in om" next. CHANGE OF ADDRBss.-The address of the Treasnrer of Conference, Mr. Gunton, is 83A, Guilford·street, Russel-square, London, W,C.
- 586. 581 ESSAYS, &c. " Humanum in Se," 209. India, Signs of Religious Progress in., Address from the General Conference to 245. . the Members of the New Church in Infants Grow in Heaven, 167. Great Britain and Ireland, 385. Inquiries with Answers, 68. Address to the Members of the Man- Inspiration, 1. chester Printing Society of the New Isolated Receivers, 167. Jerusalem Church, 401. John xx., Exposition of, 199, 258, 299, Aid, Divine, 163. 350. Bayley, Dr., Visit to Norway, Sweden, - - xxi., - - - - 396, 468. Finland, and Russia, 433, 481, 529. Little Things, 5. Beauty, 253, 301. • Lord's mode of Manifesting Himself to Boston Ministers who have been in His Creatures, the, 153. Pulpit Harness Thirty Years, 164. Love of Work, the, 6. Building Fund, Proposed, 171. Manchester Printing Society of the New Commandments of God, Keeping the, Jerusalem ChUl"ch, Address to the 105, 145. Members of the, 401. (Jonferenoo, 274, 324, 369. Mr. John Stuart Mill on the External Conference, Address from, 385. World, 506. Conference Proceedings in relation to Ministerial Salaries, 11. the Magazine, 463. Ministers, Boston, who have been in Christendom, the Reunion of, 337. Pulpit Harness Thirty Years, 164. Christian Perfection, on, 241. Morning, 21. Critics, Swedenborg and his Modem, 122. Names of the Lord in His Word, the Divine Humanity, the Omnipresence of, Distinctive, and the importance of 354. Preserving them, as far as practicable, David and Paul, 70. in a Translation, 551. David and Paul, on the Final State of, 13. Neighbour, and 'Vho is my? or, Which Divine Aid, 163. is our Example? 503. Divine Providence, Reliance on, 362. New Church, the, has it a Gospel? 20, 6l. Essays in Ecclesiastical Biography, 315. New Movement) the, 247. Everlasting Gospel the Gospel of the Numbering Israel, 193. New Jerusalem, the, 219. Omnipresence of the Divine Humanity, Exposition of John xx., 199, 258, 299, the, 354. 350. Orphan Houses of AshIey Down, the, Exposition of John xxi., 396, 458. 53,123. External World, John Stuart Mill on, Patience, the Spiritual Uses of, 289. 506. Panl, David and, 70. Freedom of the Will, the, 448, 495, 542. Paul and David, on the Final State of, 13. Glorification of the Lord's Humanity, Paul and Swedenborg, 261. and its Results, 97. Perfection, on Christian, 24l. U Has the New Church a Gospel? " 20, 61. Receivers, Isolated, 167. Gospel, the Everlasting, the Gospel of Reliance on Divine Providence, 362. the New Jerusalem, 219. Religious Progress in India, 245 ~ ' Honour due to God, the, 389. Reunion of Christendom, 337 ~
- 587. 682 CONTBNTS. BoberiloD, Bev. F. R., Extracts from Swedenborg's Doctrine of Marriage and hia Life and Letters, 867. its Opposites explained and defended: ~vanoD, 110, 154, 218. also a Review of the charges against, Babbath Question, 806. and misrepresentations of the General Salaries, Ministerial, 11. Teachings of Swedenborg, in Mr. Sentences, Brief, 116. Brindley's Swedenborgianism: What 8pring, 271. it is, &c., 182. Sun, on the Power of, 891, 444. Wheat and Tares: or Christianity versm 8wedenborg, Anecdote of, 170. Orthodoxy, 28. Swedenborg and his Modem Crinea, 122. 8wedenborg, Paul and, 261. Temple of Solomon, -'9. POETRY. Trees of Old England-The Beech, 488. Truth and Error, Thoughts on, 404. "Good Bye," 213. Wemer, Gustav, 268. Kingdom, the, of God, 825. Wheat and Tares, 63, 118, 168, 205. Ridicule, on Indulgence in, 203. Will, the Freedom of, 448, 490, 542. Temptation, 12. Works, 320. Tribulation, 861- Work, the Love of, 6. Trust, 400. SERMONS. MISCELLANEOUS. Gloriftcation of the Lord's Humanity, Aeerington, 478. and ita Results, 97. Advertising, a Suggestion. 526. Numbering Israel, 198. A1fairs of the Church, 135. Spiritual Uses of Patience, 289. Africa, 185. Anniversary of the Missionary and Tract Society, 279. REVIEWS. Anti-mourning Association, 288. Argyle-square, 39, 477. ~ ~ugustine Hymn Book, 26. - - Junior Members' Society anel Bible Photographs: a Contrast between Literary Institute, 38. the Righteous and the Wicked, aa Bath, 141, 526. described in the Word of God, 82. Birmingham, 88,40, 98, 882, 473,477. Child's First Catechism, the, 565. - - Local Missionary Association, 88. Critical English Testament, the, 563. - - Mutual Improvement Society, 93. . Education of Girls, a Woman's Thooghts - - Presentation to the Rev. E. Made- on, 181. ley, 231. Ellen French, 566. B1ackburn, 87, 98, 881. God's Week of Work, 82. Bolton, 579. Nonconformity Vindicated, 560. Brightlingsea, 578. Parables of Jesus Christ Explained in Bristol, 577. the way of Question and Answer, 512. - Building Fund, 578. Plant Life, Phenomena of, 225. British Association, 522. Plenary Inspiration of the Scriptures, Building Fund, Proposed, 141. &0.,870. Bust of Swedenborg, 474. Psychonomy of the Hand, 22. Carlisle, 524. Pocahontas: or the Founding of Virginia, Chatteris, 142. a Poem, 80. Christmas Tree, 882. Revelation, Ten Lectures on the Book College, New Church, 48, 94, 148, 1~ of, 225. 284, 888, 381, 481, 478, 525, 577. Robertsons, Life and Letters of, Incum- Conference, 417, 478. . bent of Trinity Chapel, Brighton, Conference Tune Book, Proposed, 89. 407,464. Conjugial Love in the Palace, 8M. Sermons Preached at Trinity Chapel, Dalton, 181. Brighton, 513, 556. David and Paul, 95. Swedenborg and his Modem Critics: Death and Eternity, 479. with some remarks upon the Last Deptford, 578. Times, 178. Derby, 428, 476.
- 588. CONTENTS. 588 Diary, 37, 183. Norwich, 281. "Do You Pray to the Lord Jesus?" 579. Nottingham,181,188 (erroneously printed Exhibition, Paris, 1867, 526. Southampton), 425, 474, 476, 525, Heywood, 142, 181, 426. 577. - - Re-opening of the Church, 381. Nottingham, Hedderley-street, 141, 282, Hull, 38, 431, 524. 880, 527, 578. India, 90. Oldham, 284, 526. Inquirer, 527. Ordination of Mr. C. Gladwell, 182. Ipswich, 94, 382. Paris Exhibition, 1867, 526. Islington, 143, 18!, 284, 330, 431, 478. Presentation to the Rev. E. Madeley, 231. Jersey, Missionary Visit, 282. Ramsbottom, 142, 288. Junior Members' Society and Literary Religion and Science, 528. Institute, Argyle-square, 88. Rules of Life. Swedenborg's, 527. Juvenile Magazine, 18!. Royal Society of Literature, 882. Lancashire Ministers' Quarterly Meet- Sanctity of the Sabbath, 383. ing, 140, 285. Science and Religion, 628. Leeds, 472. Sheffield, 182, 478. Lincolnshire New Church Association, Shields, North, 92, 142, 331. 476. Snodland, Ordination of Mr. C. Gladwell, Liverpool, Bedford-street, 92, 140, 288, 182. 472. St. I ve's, 282. Local Missionary Association, Birming- Sweden, 186. ham, 38. Swedenborg, Bust of, 474. London,3S. Swedenborg's Diary, 87, 188. - - Argyle-square, 38, 39, .(.77. Swedenborg's Rules of Life, 527. - - Islington, 143,184, 28!, 330,431, Swedenborg's "True Christian Religion," 478. 579. - - Mission Work in, 39. Swedenborg Society, 875. Longton, 14:0. Switzerland, 186. Loughborough, 142. Testimonial to the Rev. D. G. Goydel', Melbourne, 141,527. 425. Melbourne, Victoria, 879. Tune Book, Proposed Conference, 89. Ministers' Quarterly Meeting, "140, 285, Woodman's Rev. W., Visit to Hnll and 578. Grimsby, 280. Missionary and Colportage Association, - - to Kilmamock, Paisley, and Glas- Yorkshire, 429. gow, 48. Missionary, National, Institution, 882. - - to Leicester, 475. Missionary and Tract Society, Anniver- - - to Northampton, 476. sary of, 279. Wivenhoe, 182. Mission Work in London, 39. York, 37, 148. Monthly Retrospect, page. 83, 34, 85, Yorkshire Missionary and Colportage 86, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 135, 186, 137, Association, 429. 188, 139, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 226, 228, 229, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 826, 828, 829, 330, 371, 872, MARRIAGES. 878, 874, 418, 414, 415, 416, 417, 481, 469, 470, 471, 518, 520, 521, Hr. Thomas Alston and Miss E. WilsOD, 522, 567, 568, 569, 570. 96. Miiller, Mr., and his Means of Success, :Hr. John Stuart Bogg and Miss Isabella 185. . Horn, 528. Newcastle-on-Tyne, 284, 8S1. Mr. John Gees and Miss Eliza Barber New Church College, 48, 94, 143, 18i, French, 285. 284, 388, 381, 431, 473, 525, 577. Rev. J. Hyde and Miss Anne Holme, New Church in France-Paris, 478. 888. New Church in the United States, 378. Kr. Jacob J ames and Miss Hatild.a New Jerusalem Church, Summer Lane, Gees, 45. Birmingham, 571. Mr. James F. Kel1as and Miss Mary New Places of Worship, 475.' Boyd Mitchell, 284:. New Zealand, 187. Mr. Edward Mundye and Miss Annie Norway, 185. Moss, 48~.
- 589. CONTENTS. Jrfr. Thomas Pilkingtonand Miss Han- Jackson Mr. John, 680. nab Margaret Craig Mc.Connel, 431. J esseman Mr. John Alonzo, 479. Jrfr. James Rawsthome and Miss Bayley, Keene Mrs. Dionysia, 48. 479. Lamb Mr. Richard, 46. Jrfr. James Sykes and Miss Jane Tinsley, Livsey Mrs. Harriet, 383. 144. Macpherson Rev. Charles Gordon, 240. Mr. J esse Henry Watson and Miss Mc.Na.b Mr. Daniel Robert, 45. Emily Atkinson, 431. Mattaeks Mr. Alfred William, 46. Mould Mrs. Susanna, 96. Nuttal Mr. David, 47. Provo Mrs. Hester Sophia, 190. OBITUARY. Radcliffe Miss Sal·ah, 239. Ravenscroft Miss Sarah Ann, 585. Artingstall Mr. John, 239. Reed Mr. John, 335. Berry Mrs. Mary, 383. Riches Mr. Thomas, 383. Birchwood Mr. John, 238. Rudgyard Mr. Thomas, 191. Birchwood lIrs. Mary, 289. Sandy Mr. Edward Crucknell, 386., Bogg Mr. John, 285. Shaw Mr. James, 431. Chater Mr. Edward, 580. Sheldon Mrs. Ann, 480. Clark Mrs. Susan, 191. Shepherd Mr. William, 48. Cooke Mr. James, 479. Simpson Mrs. Jane, 239. De Faye Miss Amelia, 285. Spnrgin Dr., 234, 334. Elliott Mr. John, 528. Standage Mrs. Frances, 190. Elliott Mr. Thomas, 479. Stones Mrs. Mary, 190. Goadsby Mr. Alderman, 144, 188. Storry Miss Alleyne, 384. Goldsack Mrs. Jane Hannah, 679. Stott Mr. William, 287. Green Miss Martha, 48. Swann Mr. W. B., 191. Haywood Mrs. Harriette Louina, 189. Trimen Mr., 238. Hook Mr. Samuel, 384. Thornton Miss Jane, 96. Howarth Mr. Edward, 144. Williams Mrs. Mary Anna, 883.. :powarth ~r. ~chard, 431. Woolterton Mr. ~bert, 431., CAVE AND SEvER, Printers by steam Power, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.