which (or three double numbers) contain a translation of the Diary.

A committee was appointed to prepare and publish, in a pamphlet form, an answer to the objections brought against the writings of Swedenborg, grounded upon certain passages in the treatise on Conjugial and Scortatory Love. It is understood that two works are in course of publication, by two distinguished orthodox professors in theological seminaries in this country. They have each delivered the substance of their works in popular lectures. This seems to have been a favourite mode of assault upon the New Church, with a certain class of opposers, but I have never known of a single instance of such assault which did not operate favourably for the good cause. No Address and no Minutes had been received from the English Conference the last year; but both came to hand since the adjournment, by the steamer which left Liverpool June 4th. It may be well to state that anything intended for the General Convention, if left with Mr. Newbery, would come promptly to hand in his monthly parcel. The Book Committee of the Convention are proceeding to supply the college libraries in the United States with sets of Swedenborg's Theological Works, as fast as their funds will allow. About a hundred public libraries have been furnished with them through this committee.

Four persons have been licensed to preach during the year; viz., T. B. Hayward, T. D. Sturtevant, T. H. Perry, and Rufus Dawes. The latter has gained considerable reputation as a poet, having published a volume of poems in 1839, some of which are characterized by great purity of sentiment and beauty of style. He officiates for the society newly formed in Washington, district of Columbia.

The report of the Conference on the subject of a "Trine in the ministry," was last year referred to the Pastoral Committee. That committee reported "that they are not prepared at present to express an opinion upon the above-named report, but recommend that it be printed in the journal of this Convention," which was accepted.

The Convention, unlike the Conference, has no funds except what are contributed from year to year, and this amount is quite small, when we consider the uses which are before us. This is evidently the day of small things, so far as the efforts of man are concerned, but the signs

The twenty-fourth anniversary of this society was held on Wednesday, the 1st July, at Highbury Barn Tavern, Islington, when the children assembled early in the afternoon, to spend their holiday in innocent sports and games, and to have their annual treat of plum cake, which on this occasion, as well as at the last anniversary, was provided by several ladies, who kindly undertook to prepare it without expense to the society. Ladies and gentlemen, to the number of 172, assembled to partake of tea and coffee, after which the company increased to upwards of 200.

The chair was taken, at seven o'clock, by Dr. Spurgin. After the usual interesting examination of the children, several boys and girls who were leaving the school were each presented with a copy of one of the four Leading Doctrines, and whom the chairman affectionately addressed, pointing out to them that we are not placed in this world merely to eat and drink, and to get what is called a livelihood, but that we are placed in this lower state of existence preparatory to entering into a higher, and that our state in that higher world will wholly depend upon the affections which we have cultivated while in this. The truths (he added) which you have been taught in this school, if received in affection, will prepare your minds to receive the Lord, so that he can take up his abode with you. They will act like the angel who removed the stone from the sepulchre, by ejecting the wicked principles which obstruct the coming forth of the Lord.

The children sang the following hymn, written by a lady for the occasion:

"Benign Redeemer! Father! Friend!
In lowliness to Thee I bend;
Do Thou my inmost heart prepare,
To worship Thee in humble prayer!

Oh, teach my infant mind to see
All that a child should know of Thee;
And fill my bosom's deep recess
With love that only flows to bless!

May I possess a tender mind,
Obedient, dutiful, and kind;
And, bending meekly to Thy will,
The duties of a child fulfil!

Do Thou my plastic spirit mould,--
Be all its form by Thee controlled;

And germs of every good inspire, That life's maturer scenes require.

Thus may my infancy and youth,
By Thee sustained with love and truth,
The soul's due preparation be
For time and for eternity!"

The report of the committee was read. It alluded to the deep interest now so universally felt on the subject of education, and expressed a desire to see the truths of the New Church become the basis of all instruction. It stated, that the finances have very much improved this year, and acknowledged the kindness of several ladies, whose exertions have contributed to produce this favourable condition.

The Rev. A. Clissold, in addressing the meeting, said "that he, as a minister in the Established Church, could not but express his surprise and wonder to hear from the lips of young children truths of the mightiest import, which the so-called learned and wise of the present day reject. It reminded him of the Jews rejecting the Lord, while the children were chanting his praises in the temple." Mr. Clissold related the following circumstance, as shewing the dreadful evil which a perverted church is introducing into education. "A friend of mine was applied to, some short time ago, soliciting his subscription to a school, upon which he asked, 'Is it for a school in the Church of England? Pray what do you teach ?' The reply was, 'I cannot exactly tell you what we do teach, but I can tell you what we do not teach. We do not teach either the Lord's Prayer or the Ten Commandments.'" Mr. Clissold stated his belief to be, that this is the case with many schools in London and its suburbs, and it results from a very general belief that extempore prayer far exceeds the Lord's Prayer, and that there is no occasion for the Ten Commandments for those who have saving faith. Mr. Clissold concluded by saying, that it is in the order of Divine Providence that, in all good works, man is to use his exertions, and that if these exertions are made in the cause of education in the true and heavenly doctrines, they will assuredly be blessed by the Lord.

Mr. Finch contrasted the present state of mankind with that which existed when the nobles of the land prided themselves on not being able to read. As education increases, the desire for it becomes proportionably greater; and this is that peculiar feature of the human mind which, for good or for ill, is so strongly marked, that the more we have the more we desire,

and the less we have the less we feel to need it. How often do we meet with men whose strong minds are stunted, because they have been without the advantage of early instruction! Men without education may be compared to torches never lighted, which, had they been enkindled, would have served as beacons of intelligence. In the Roman Catholic Church, ignorance in the people is the basis of devotion; but in the New Church, intelligence is the companion of faith; advancement in knowledge is the preparation for the reception of true wisdom. In this, man may be compared to the water-pots of stone which were first filled with water at the marriage at Cana, and which was afterwards changed into generous wine.

The Rev. T. C. Shaw observed, "that this society was truly a religious 80ciety, its object being, as the report beautifully stated, to prepare the way of the Lord. It had now been established twenty-four years, and during that period had experienced vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity. So adverse, indeed, at one time had been its condition, that thoughts of abandoning the school altogether had been seriously entertained; but its state of adversity had roused the dormant energy of its friends, and a new era was opened. The prospects of the school again bore a prosperous appearance, and he trusted the exertions of the committee would be attended with continued and increased support."

Mr. A. Essex, remarking upon the obviously improved state of the periodical literature, as compared with its quality twenty years ago, observed-" that it was extremely pleasing to know that some of the members of the New Church were contributors to produce this beneficial effect. But an improved state of the periodical literature would be to a great extent useless, unless individuals were prepared to receive the truths thus set before them. This it was that our school was doing. By the beautiful doctrine of 'Remains' we are taught that good affections and truths are inseminated during the periods of infancy, childhood, and youth. These lie dormant until some external influence calls them into activity, just as the organs of respiration were prepared before birth by the Creator, and waited only the period when the atmosphere should gain access to them, when immediately they came into play, and gave activity, animation, and consciousness to the individual. Even so Remains,

prepared and stored up by the Regenerator for the new birth, lie inactive until touched by the entrance from without of some congenial truth, when they acquire activity, and give consciousness, life, and power to eternal truths and affections, of the existence of which the individual was previously unconscious. Thus, while the world at large will receive the views presented by the pens of our members in a common or general way, those children who have received a New Church education will recognise and welcome them as old friends, acknowledge the source whence they are derived, and receive by these means new life and vigour to run the Christian race."

The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Mr. Chalklen, Mr. Bateman, Mr. Coxe, and others. There appeared to be a happy sphere pervading this meeting, and the company separated at a late hour of the evening, well pleased with their entertainment, and grateful for the success of the institution.

To the Editor of the Intellectual Repository. SIR, When the present number of the Magazine shall be published, the period for the meeting of the General Conference will be very near at hand; but not perhaps so near as to make it too late to call attention to some of the points which are likely to come under its consideration.

The ostensible object of the Conference is the orderly regulation of the external affairs of the New Church, distinct from the Old; and so far to make suitable preparation for the more full and powerful descent of the New Jerusalem. In this way much benefit has emanated from the Conference;-it has been the means of giving a form and shape to the Church, and has adapted for it a suitable government. From it has proceeded the books necessary for the public worship, and some other useful publications; by its existence, charitable individuals have found a sure means of providing for carrying into effect their benevolent intentions for the general good of the Church, and for the instruction of children in the doctrines of truth. But I am wandering from the intended object of this communication. Several propositions will be made, of which notice has been given in the circular to societies, affecting the

general regulations; the adoption of which, it is thought, will be useful in facilitating the business (which increases annually), and in securing the performance of such as may be handed over to committees to attend to during the recess. One proposition will require the careful attention of the members: the mode appointed by the Conference of constituting a member of a society is the signing a declaration of faith. This test has met with objections, and it is proposed to exclude from its operation societies formed prior to its enactment, if they have any reasonable objection to it.

An important proposition it is expected will be submitted, relative to the appointment of the Trustees of Conference, having for its object a triennial appointment instead of, as at present, an appointment for life.

Some interesting reports are required to be laid before the Conference: some on the subject of the religious education to be afforded in the day schools; and on the visible effects of such instruction which have hitherto been observed. One on the subject of ordination into the ministry; and one from a committee appointed to investigate the Conference accounts. It appears from a statement contained in a report on this subject, made to the last Conference, at page 65 of the printed minutes, that there is a debt of £150. owing, and totally unprovided for. An appeal was directed to be made to the Church, to afford its aid in relieving the Conference from this awkward position; but its nonappearance must not lead to the supposition that the aid is not required; it is as necessary now as ever; and in the absence of a more able advocate, allow me, in the name of the Conference, to urge upon the societies the propriety of their stepping forward to its immediate relief, and to do something towards removing from it the discredit which naturally attaches to such a body being unable to meet the pecuniary demands upon it. Let none hesitate to afford relief by asking how such a state of things has occurred. It has occurred, and requires immediate attention; and when the difficulties are surmounted, institute inquiry, if thought necessary, with the view of preventing their recurrence. The amount that shall be sent to the Conference Fund, is about now a matter of consideration in each society; it is therefore a fitting opportunity to add this consideration, "What extra amount can be sent on this pressing occasion ?"

Those friends of the Church who have

before attended the Conference, will be aware that none should undertake the office of representative under the impression that it will afford him a week's holiday. Properly to attend to the business requires close application, and may fairly be rewarded with a cessation, for a time, from all business afterwards. I will also take this opportunity of dropping a hint (if I may do so without presumption) to the ministers who may attend the Conference. Their presence is as necessary, and their services as important, as those of the lay members, and sometimes more so: constantly absenting themselves from the meetings is therefore injurious; and although they may be devoting themselves to the duties of their sacred calling, they are neglecting those duties to which, by their presence in the Conference, they have for the time specially pledged themselves. I would therefore suggest that no engagements be entered into for missionary exertions, during the days that the Conference sits. The Conference makes arrangements for the necessary religious services during the time of its meeting, and any further proceedings of the kind interrupt and retard the business of the Conference, which must either be hurried over at the end of the week, or be completed in the following week by the few members who may be able to remain. This inconvenience was experienced to a great degree at the last Conference; although it was partially checked by the operation of the rule which requires all members wishing to absent themselves from the Conference, to obtain the sanction of the president.

The ministers and representatives attending the Conference should be careful to provide themselves with copies of the last Minutes.-I am yours, &c.

JAS. S. HODSON.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

THIS meeting was held this year at Has lingden, on the 22nd of June. Twenty-five representatives, from different societies, and nine ministers, leaders, and missionaries, were present at this interesting assembly. There is something peculiarly delightful in the idea of many gathering themselves together from a distance, for the sole purpose of considering the interests of the young, and of consulting for their good. A sphere of a peculiarly heavenly kind seems to attend such an

assembly. The "little child seems to be in the midst thereof;" and the divine declaration, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," seems to apply in a striking and delightful sense to the deliberations of such a meeting. The Rev. J. Bayley was president; and Mr. Potts, of Manchester, was secretary. The deliberations were extremely interesting, and conducted in a truly Christian spirit. Many resolutions, involving projects and plans of extensive usefulness, were passed, and will, we trust, through Divine aid, be carried out into effect. The address prepared by the Rev. W. Woodman was admirably adapted for the purpose; all were affected with the delightful sentiments it contained. This address, together with the report of the Union, will be found in the ensuing number of the "Juvenile Magazine" (for August), to which we especially refer our readers for the interesting statistic details it presents. Upwards of 3,000 children are instructed in the schools connected with the Union. These children are superintended and taught by 480 teachers, who, whilst engaged on the Sabbath in instructing and improving the children brought by Providence under their immediate influence, are thereby improving their own spiritual states, and laying up for themselves treasures in heaven which can never be destroyed.

HOW MANY RELIGIONS ARE THERE IN THE WORLD? (Copied verbatim from the "Sunday School Teachers' Magazine," for July, 1846, published by Richard Davis, Paternoster Row.)

THE following extract, from the "Sunday School Teachers' Magazine," shews us the gross injustice which is inflicted by ignorance and prejudice upon the members of the New Christian Church, commonly called Swedenborgians. To class them with Unitarians and Mahomedans betrays in the writer not only a most criminal ignorance, but a determination to mislead the numerous readers of the said magazine, in respect to what is most essential for every one to know. The Swedenborgians believe in Jesus Christ as the one only God, in whose Divine Humanity or "Glorious Body" is concentered the Divine Trinity. The Unitarians and Mahomedans, and also the various denominations mentioned by the writer, altogether deny this, which is certainly the foundation

stone of Christianity, but which, however, is rejected by them. The Swedenborgians believe, that faith, charity, or love, and good works combined, are essential and indispensable to salvation. In short, it is abundantly evident that the writer never gave himself the trouble to ascertain what the Swedenborgians really do believe; and, in order that he may not continue to misrepresent his neighbour, we would seriously recommend him to go to one of the Sunday Schools for the instruction of which he professes to write, in order to learn the very first principles of Christianity-that of a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and of love towards his neighbour :

"It is frequently said, that there are 500 religions in the world, but I do not believe that there are more than four; for what is the object of religion? The salvation of the soul. Then whatever exists in the world with that object in view is religion. What are the means taught by the different religions in the world to attain this desirable object? The Unitarians, Swedenborgians, Mahomedans, and others, teach that man is to be saved by his own good works only. The Church of England, Moravians, Independents, Wesleyans, Baptists, Plymouth Brethren, and others, teach that salvation is through faith in Christ only. Roman Catholics say that it is partly by faith in Christ and partly by our good works. The Heathen

endeavour to obtain it by offering that which they most highly value themselves. All the religious sects in the world teach, that salvation is to be obtained by one or other of these means; therefore I do not conceive that there can be more than four religions in the whole world, for how can they be different religions that teach the same means to the same end?

"Though the Unitarians, Swedenborgians, and Mahomedans are generally considered as different religions, yet can such indeed be the case if each of them teach the same way of salvation? It is true, that they differ upon some points; but upon the main point, the way in which sinners might be saved, they agree. If the Wesleyans, Independents, Baptists, Moravians, and Church of England are not considered different religions (justly so, too, though they differ in doctrines of minor consideration), because they agree upon the way of salvation, but only looked upon as different sections of the same religion; so I think justice and consistency ought to make us consider Unitarians, Swedenborgians, Mahomedans, and all who teach that way of salvation, as different sections of the same religion; and so with every religious community,all those who teach one way of salvation as one religion, and only those who teach another way of salvation as another religion." J. G.

Bath.

On Thursday the 25th June, 1846, at the New Jerusalem Church, Summer-lane, Birmingham, by the Rev. Edwd. Madeley,

Mr. Isaac Arrowsmith Best, to Elizabeth Janet Haseler, eldest daughter of Mr. John Haseler, both of Birmingham.

At Farnworth, on the 12th of April, 1846, in her thirty-first year, Elizabeth Seddon. The subject of this notice was an active and affectionate teacher in the Kersley Sunday School, from its commencement, and continued to be so for several years, till the state of her health prevented her attending to the duties of her office. She was also a member and communicant of the Kersley Society, and felt a deep interest in the welfare of the school and church. The disease which caused her removal from this world was a decline; and as her illness was somewhat protracted, her patience was called into exercise; but, being mercifully sustained by the Lord, it never forsook her. The power of the New Church doctrines, when

truly believed and applied to life, in sus. taining the soul in the immediate prospect of death, was strikingly exemplified in her case. So tranquil, and even cheerful, did she appear, that a respected deacon of the Independents, who frequently called on her, was some time before he could be satisfied that she was aware of her approaching end. The writer, when administering the consolations of the New Church to her, was often reminded, more especially towards the close of her earthly pilgrimage, of that line in one of our beautiful hymns (548) :

"A holy quiet reigns around," &c. She experienced the reality of the promise to the righteous,-her end was peace.

W.