and effect the process of a mind brought and charitably we should reason with from its early belief to the conviction of them and show their errors. Mr. Elliot, the truth of the New Church. After having seconded the report in a few apfurther details about the Society, Mr. propriate words, it was agreed to una. Williams said that every one could nimously. contribute to the good it was doing, by "Mr. Gunton, after being appointed subscribing to its funds, and thus help Treasurer for the ensuing year, said that to diffuse joy throughout the world. the Society had effected a great deal. "After this the Secretary, Mr. Jobson, The Institution was eminently useful. read the report. 8,161 pamphlet tracts There had been an advertisement in the had been disseminated during the past papers, offering to forward, for ten year, and 4,576 volumes, besides 21,500, stamps, copies of "The True Religion." four-page and 8,300 leaflet tracts. The In a few weeks, 400 applications had sale was considerably greater than that been received; and no less than 108 of any former year. The amount of that morning. Mr. Gunton then demoney expended was larger than any scribed his visits to various towns in former year, except 1861. New tracts England, and the success attending his had been ordered, and new editions of efforts. The result, on the whole, was works were in process of publication. eminently satisfactory. Mr. Austen's The report, which occupied some time, speech in moving the resolution "That was delivered in a clear and business-like in the opinion of this meeting, the great manner; and not the least interesting power of the New Church lies in the parts were those which Mr. Jobson spiced exposition of the Divine word," was with his own shrewd and sagacious most impressive and eloquent. His concluding metaphor was both season"The next phase of the proceedings able and beautiful. He compared a was the reading over the accounts by man, before receiving the new light of Mr. Gunton. Last year the Society had the internal inspiration of the Scriptures, started with a balance of £122; they to one who had wandered round an now had in hand £132. The total edifice at the dead of night—all was dim receipts of the year were £547, 11s. 3d., and obscure, and he could not make out and these were derived chiefly from its fair proportions; but when he saw subscriptions, the interest on donations, the same building in the light, its and the products of works published by splendours flashed upon him, and he the Society. could admire the design and the skill of its maker.

remarks.

"The adoption of the report was moved by Dr. Bayley, in a fervent and "We regret that we must briefly telling speech. The Doctor thought pass over the remaining speeches. Mr. the union of preaching with the publica- Joseph Deans, in moving a resolution to tion of books and pamphlets the most the effect that the meeting pledged itself effective mode of spreading the Society's to support the Society, glanced at theoviews. The Society was a union of logy in 1774, and theology in 1874, these two, and therefore its work was Very gracefully did Dr. Tafel touch done thoroughly. More tracts were upon the objects of the Society, and the wanted; the old truths were required to good it had done. The present was a be put in a new form. Lately, the transition period between Spring and Society had been offering £2, 2s. for Winter. When Swedenborgianism was a very good tract, and they had some first preached, it had everywhere endozen ready for distribution. The countered opposition. The Dr. referred Doctor speaks in a homely, pleasant to what had been done in America and manner, and without being eloquent, is Germany, and concluded his able remarks fluent and forcible. He created some by reading some interesting, letters in merriment by his description of the answer to the advertisement referred meeting in the East End of London, to.

where the views of the Swedenborgians "The evening was diversified by some were to be traversed and refuted. He admirable music, and great praise is due caricatured the attitude of the chairman, to Mr. Whittington and the choir for and those who were present. The the excellent manner in which the anterrible lions cooled down and became them 'Praise ye the Lord' was peras weak as lambs. Kindly, lovingly, formed.

"There are in this world so few voices, so many echoes,' that we welcome gladly the earnest and original spirit animating the New Church. We have all often beheld from some mountain or hill the sun-light glancing through clouds, and falling in a thousand rays upon the world beneath. So ever and anon, it seems to us, glances of the Eternal reach us, and we at best have only visions of the Divine through the scattered rays of light. All who earnestly and conscientiously try to give us insight and knowledge as to these rays are doing a good work, and the New Jerusalem Church is decidedly among the number."

present time, when the scientific world
was making inquiry into such questions
as the efficacy of prayer, was an open-
ing to bring prominently forward the
doctrines of the New Church.
He re-
minded the meeting that it represented
the first Printing and Tract Society of
the New Church in the world, and that
the use that such societies performed
could not be overvalued. That although
the descent of the New Jerusalem was
universal, yet it was necessary to work
and plant the seeds that have been
furnished by Providence. In support-
ing the motion the Rev. John Presland
thought that at the present time there
was manifested a readiness to receive
the truth, and in illustration gave some
account of the work that was being done
in the East of London. He considered
that a work of demolition was going on
around us, and that our duty was the
work of construction and the clear ex-
position of the positive side of the
doctrines of the Church. He urged the
institution to establish an auxiliary
society, such a one as they had in Lon-
don, and which was doing a great work.
The members of the auxiliary society
attended religious meetings of all de-
nominations, and distributed tracts and
books, and did their utmost to correct
any misstatements that might creep into
the public journals.

THE MANCHESTER NEW CHURCH PRINTING AND TRACT SOCIETY.-The annual meeting of subscribers and friends of the above Society took place on the evening of Tuesday, 12th May. After tea, which was attended by about 250 persons, the meeting was opened by the singing of a hymn and prayer. The Chairman, Dr. Pilkington (Clayton-leMoors) said, he thought that members of the New Church too often lacked zeal and were afraid of hard work, and that the great use of such meetings as the one he was addressing, was to warm the affections and attach us more closely to the cause. Now that the Athanasian Creed had ceased to be talked of and cremation had begun to attract the The Rev. J. Hyde next moved that attention of the public, it was an the subscribers should choose books to excellent opportunity to bring before the amount of their subscriptions and the world the views of Swedenborg con- distribute them personally. He thought cerning the life after death. Much had that subscribers were not sufficiently been done in the past year, and a review acquainted with the literature of the of the work was encouraging; it showed institution, and that it would indeed be that prejudice was dying, and he hoped a great shame to ask anybody to read that it might never have a resurrection. that which the donor himself had not The Secretary of the institution then read. The method of progress of the read his report, the most interesting New Church differed essentially from part of which was the announcement of that of all other religious denominaan arrangement with the London Mis- tions. Other bodies had been started sionary Society for a mutual exchange by the eloquence of a preacher, but of works, so that each institution might the New Church had received the not print that which had already been truths of the New Dispensation by the published by the other. After the works of Swedenborg. He thought that Treasurer's accounts had been read, the for many reasons it was better to read Rev. Dr. Tafel moved that the accounts than hear, especially because a tract be received and printed under the direction of the Committee. As a member of the Swedenborg Society he had a lively interest in the work of the institution, and if he might judge from the Secretary's report he thought that a very great work had been done. The

could excite no prejudice; and that the New Church had grown and would continue to do so, rather by the printing and publication of books than by preaching.

The Rev. J. J. Thornton seconded the

motion. He thought that the work of

the institution was a great one, and the Acts of the Apostles, and tended to stated how much he had personally show that Swedenborg never quoted benefited by the perusal of its publica- from St. Paul to establish any doctrine. tions. He regretted that at Accrington the work of the colporteur had been discontinued, but trusted that ere long the friends would be able to recommence the work which had been so well begun. He was sure that if they only looked at the activity of other denominations, especially the Unitarians, that they must be convinced of the necessity of greater zeal.

In supporting the motion Mr. Broadfield expressed his opinion that everybody who had received the New Church doctrines had been blessed, and the best way of showing our gratitude was to try and take the same blessing to others.

Mr. Ramage moved a resolution, the object of which was to urge the collectors of the institution to greater energy and zeal. He considered that the doctrines of the New Church met all wants, for it was a religion of head, heart, and hands, but that as it was impossible to make progress without money to spread the doctrines, he urged the collectors and subscribers to greater energy.

The Rev. Dr. Bayley rejoiced that he was enabled to be present at the meeting. He could cordially agree with Mr. Presland in recommending the institution of an auxiliary missionary society. He believed in giving encouragement to the young people and in giving full scope to their efforts. He reminded the meeting that the effort of all religion was to change the soul, and that the doctrines of the New Church would assist a man to do this.

The paper was long but was attentively listened to, and gave rise to an animated discussion on the merits of St. Paul. The Rev. W. Bruce stated that he would take up the opposite side of the question in a paper to be read before the Society; and it was arranged that it should come on at the first meeting of the next Session, commencing in October 1874. Arrangements were made to have the usual Conversazione on Thursday the 25th of June.

BARNSLEY.-Three Lectures and two Sunday Services were given in the Temperance Hall, Pitt Street, by Mr. Gunton, on the first evening in the month of May. The chairman, James M'Lintock, Esq., a member of the Methodist Free Church, opened the meeting with a few appropriate re marks in favour of the pursuit of truth wherever it may be found. The lectures were well attended, considering its being Whitsuntide, by appreciative audiences.

On

At the conclusion of each lecture Mr. Gunton kindly invited questions from any one who wished to ask them. This permission was taken advantage of to the full, the questioners generally being local preachers, sometimes forgetting the question, and really giving a lecture against the doctrines. Nevertheless Mr. Gunton replied to the full satisfaction of the whole audience, with the exception of about half-a-dozen. the Sunday, especially the Sunday evening services, the attendance was exceedingly good, and was pervaded by an excellent feeling, and it was felt to The Rev. E. D. Rendell said that be a solemn and profitable season; they must not be discouraged because many expressing their delight on hearthe distribution of tracts does not always ing the clear and obvious exposition produce fruits, and told the history of of texts which had been sources of a tract left in a shop which had been difficulty to them all their lives. At the means, after many years, of building the close of the last lecture Mr. and endowing a church, and giving M'Lintock proposed a cordial vote of £500 to the Printing and Tract Society. About 9.30 the Rev. Dr. Bayley closed the evening by prayer.

thanks to "Brother Gunton," wishing to see all sects one great brotherhood in the service of our common Lord. The genuine warmth of his speech told upon SWEDENBORG READING SOCIETY (36 the audience, who greeted him with loud Bloomsbury Street).-At the last meet- applause. The resolution was duly ing of the Session a paper was read by seconded, and being put to the meetR. Wornum, Esq., on "Swedenborg's ing by Capt. Bufham, was carried quotations from St. Paul." This paper with rapturous applause. On the Tueswas supplementary to a former one on day night Mr. Gunton met the friends

of outside pecuniary aid, the Committee

and others in the Committee-room of the Temperance Hall, to the number of Management have purchased a plot of forty, the room being well filled. This last was a social meeting, where every one was invited to speak, either by asking a question or making any remarks of their own. The speakers were Mr. Gunton, Capt. Bufham, James M'Lintock, Esq., and others. Quite a number of copies of the T. R. C. were ordered, which are to be sent to Capt. Bufham for delivery. Upon the whole, it is becoming more than ever apparent that the sublime doctrines of the New Jerusalem are gaining ground in Barnsley, to the great delight of those who receive them into the heart and bring them down into the life. A service is held every Sunday afternoon at 2-30 in this room, to which all of every denomination are invited.

HULL.—The members of this Society continue steadily to pursue their efforts to build up the Church and extend the knowledge of the truth in their important town. The labours of Mr. Bastow seem to have been very successful, and the Society feels deeply the need of a suitable place of worship. A renewed effort is being made to secure this desirable object. Hull is one of the towns where the doctrines have been long known; but where the establishment of the Church has been retarded by adverse circumstances. Some of the earnest members of the Society are the worthy descendants of parents whose lives were devoted to the Church. The Society has in it, therefore, the stability arising from long and tried attachment to the cause of truth, combined with the earnest zeal of those who have more recently entered the pale of the Church. The following "APPEAL" has been issued by the Society, and we hope for it a hearty and liberal response :"The Society at Hull has existed now for about eleven years, and its vicissitudes and struggles have been numerous and severe. About four years ago an effort was begun, and something considerable was effected, and the present appeal may be considered a continuation of that effort. The prospects of success, and a realization of the Society's needs and hopes, have never equalled those which at present exist, and after mature deliberation on the part of the Society itself, and taking counsel of those who have had experience in the probabilities

of ground, admirably situated for the purpose, on Spring-Bank, and have obtained plans and specifications for School and Church accommodation. The moderation of our aspirations, and the strong necessity for immediate action (our present place being altogether inadequate to our requirements, and no other suitable one being obtainable), will we trust be strong commendations to the Members of the Church at large to consider our case, and to lend a helping hand. Our friend Mr. Gunton has examined all the circumstances of the case, and has resolved to help us, by a personal application to those Friends who have so often, and in various forms of benevolence, through his hands helped on the Church. The present leader, Mr. Bastow, seems well adapted to the office, and has obtained the warm attachment of the members and friends of the Society. The supposed cost of the structures and the ground (freehold) will be about £1100. The Society has received payments and promises amounting to nearly £400. They propose to borrow from the Conference a sum not exceeding £400, and they ask the members of the Church and others interested in their welfare kindly to assist them in raising the remainder. A generous response from our friends will lessen the amount of the loan required from the Conference. If this is done the Society will be able to go on prosperously, and become an efficient missionary, as well as a home for the members, in a large and important town. Promises or subscriptions are earnestly invited, and may be forwarded to Mr. W. Botham, the Treasurer of the Society, 37 Sutton Street, Spring-Bank, Hull; or to Mr. R. Gunton, Treasurer of the Conference, 19 Oseney Crescent, Camden Road, London, N.W. Signed on behalf of the Building Committee,H. BEST, Secretary.

"Having had sufficient opportunities of becoming acquainted with the New Church friends in Hull, and of forming an opinion as to the possible prospects of the Church in that large centre of a very extensive district-knowing the earnestness and faithfulness of the friends there, and the many sacrifices they have made for the truth, feeling every confidence in the probable per

manence of the Society, and believing that, if it could obtain a suitable house of worship, very favourable indications exist of its increasing usefulness in an important, intelligent, enterprising, and rapidly advancing town, I have pleasure and confidence in commending the Appeal of the Hull Society for help to erect a Church and Schools to the favourable considerations of all members of the New Church, JOHN HYDE. Manchester, June 3rd, 1874.'"

We beg to commend the effort of the Hull friends to the hearty assistance of all who wish well to the Church.

J. BAYLEY.

RICHARD STORRY.

NORFOLK.-On Whitsunday Mr. Spilling of Norwich visited the little body of receivers of the New Church doctrines at Swanton Abbot, and preached to earnest and attentive congregations. The room built by Mr. I. Richardson has been opened eight or nine months, and the cause continues to progress steadily. Mr. Richardson himself sustains the greater part of the duties associated with the services and

month by Mr. Harcourt of Norwich, and occasionally by "local preachers" in the neighbourhood. The interest connected with this movement arises from the fact that it shows how much may be accomplished by one earnest and zealous believer who puts his heart into the work, and also that the teachings of the New Church are adapted to the humblest and simplest minds.

LIVERPOOL. That all religion has relation to life, and the life of religion is to do good, is a precept of Swedenborg that cannot too frequently be made the subject of individual study and application, whether in our moments of labour or of pleasure. Pleasure, indeed enjoy- Sunday-school, being assisted once a ment, must be based upon innocence, which makes all children of God. Acting upon this principle, the Sundayschool committee arranged to give the children an outdoor treat, and endeavoured to make it as far as possible a church as well as a school party. In this they were fairly successful, as upwards of fifty members and friends joined them in their excursion. The party left Lime Street by train a few minutes after eleven on the 21st of May. WIGAN. On Monday evening, May The journey to Frodsham, which was 18, a congregational and parents' teathe end of their journey, was through party was held in the schoolroom of the a portion of Lancashire which for beauty above church, after which an entertainof scenery will compare favourably ment was given by various ladies and with other parts of the United Kingdom. gentlemen. An excellent programme was The scenery around Frodsham also gone through, Mr. T. Lowe presiding at presents to the eye a most lovely land- the pianoforte. Mr. Johnston, who oc scape. In the foreground is the river cupied the chair, in his opening remarks Mersey, with the Weaver flowing into it, said he was glad to see so many gathered and beyond a large tract of cultivated together, and observed there were many land. The town is principally composed strangers amongst them whom he heartily of cottagers' dwellings, and behind the welcomed. It was customary to have tea town rises the Overton hills, which run parties at Wigan Fair, and they did much several miles north and south. Upon to prevent the young people from associa pleasant situation near the summit ating with the many evils to which on of one of these hills, is Belle Mont, the such occasions they are often tempted, recreation grounds of Mr. Rigby. Here and it would also give the members of we located ourselves for the afternoon. the Church and the parents of the This place is well-adapted for a pic-nic, scholars an everything that can conduce to the happiness of a pleasure party being well provided by the considerate proprietor. Many of our friends betook themselves to the mountain passes,

opportunity of mixing together, and be the means he hoped, of cementing friendships which might be productive of much good. On reviewing the financial state of the Society they found they now needed £200 to