Obrázky na stránke
PDF
ePub

must be in the nature of the human mind a diversity of faith so long as there is a fragmentary culture." We think there is need for all the churches that at present exist, and among others for the New Church. Men will never be united in point of faith-they can only be one in life. In life the Church of the Lord is one; in life we are all brethren; in life we illustrate the law of all naturevariety in unity and our benediction falls, like sunshine and rain, upon the good and the evil alike.

[ocr errors]

The Rev. Dr. Tafel then offered up prayer.

The hymn,

"The Church's one foundation

Is Jesus Christ the Lord." was then sung, after which the Benediction was pronounced, and the assembly adjourned to the school-room in Summer Lane to tea, and for the evening meeting. The room was most beautifully decorated with ferns and flowering plants, and the tea-tables with cut Howers.

After tea the company adjourned into the church, where organ music and anthems delighted the very numerous audience, while the large room was rearranged for the meeting.

inspired, and to contain a spiritual sense. The third of our leading doctrines is "The doctrine of Faith;" and the fourth is "The doctrine of Life." But the creed of the New Church is contained in the five Articles already given, and relate only to the acknowledgment of the Lord Jesus Christ and to the conduct of life. Whether it be true or false, we hold that, in consequence of the loss of faith in the sole Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the first Christian Church has come to an end; that a new Church has been established, which holds, as its central doctrine, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the one and only God-the Divine Father of infinite love, the Divine Son of infinite wisdom, and the Divine Spirit in His infinite proceeding, and that He is thereby the one God, and the only Object of Christian worship. Round this doctrine we believe a new Church is being aggregated, and upon this fact, as a starting point, we believe that it will continue for ever. The doctrine that there is but one God, and that this God is Jesus Christ, fed the hunger of the world eighteen centuries ago. It was new, substantial, satisfying, ennobling; then it was obscured by theologians, and gradually faded out. And then history repeats itself on a higher plane of thought, and the faith is revived that sees in the Lord Jesus our beautiful All-Father, descending to reveal Himself to the sensuous understanding of man. Unencumbered by medieval tradition, a New Church begins holding up this ancient, this newly-opened tenet-a God not unknown and impersonal, but known and personal, visible for ever to heart, to hope, to reason, and conscience-God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Next to the doctrine of the Lord comes the doctrine of life. If we have truth to tell, we do not forget the poet's warning, "Think not wine the better because drawn or served by thee." Our mission Mr. J. Bragg having briefly spoken is to be of use, to do good, and to favour upon "Foundation stones" and their all movements calculated to reform and correspondence, and some resolutions of regenerate society. In coming into a thanks-first to those friends who, in new neighbourhood, our mission is addition to their contributions to the wholly one of peace and good-will. In Building Fund, have given stained-glass offering light, we shall be wilfully windows; next to Mr. Bloore, the conhostile to no one; but if the light should tractor, who at his own expense is facing happen to discover flaws, we must beg the tower and front of the church with our friends neither to blame the light Hamstead stone; and next to Dr. Tafel, nor the giver. "We believe that there for his very acceptable services both

Mr. R. R. Rodgers occupied the chair, and spoke of the happy events of the day in a pleasant manner, offering much good counsel, and expressing many hopes for the future, when the Society should assemble for worship in its new church.

Mr. J. W. Tonks followed, in an able and eloquent speech. Dr. Tafel then addressed the meeting at considerable length upon the newness of the Church, and especially opening out, in his earnest and clear manner, the doctrine of the Divinity of the Lord. His address was listened to with the most perfect atten. tion, and a number of strangers to our views who were present expressed themselves deeply interested.

during the day and on the previous Charity," were sent by post to all the Sunday, the Benediction brought to a leading public men, including clergy, conclusion one of the most interesting town councillors, dock board, &c. They and numerously attended assemblies of the Birmingham New Church Society ever held.

CLAYTON-LE-MOORS.-Whit Monday is always a great day at Clayton-leMoors, for on that day the various Sunday-schools of the township walk in procession through the streets, and considerable interest is evinced by the inhabitants in their proceedings. As it is also "The Fair," and the weather this year was exceedingly fine, thousands from the surrounding country flocked to the neighbourhood to spend the day. By seven o'clock the township was fully awakened, and all seemed bent on making the most of the auspicious day. At such a time the New Church is not behindhand. For several Sundays previous to the day two of the teachers had bestowed much time and care in teaching the scholars to sing the hymus commencing "None is like Jeshurun's God," "There is a land of pure delight," and "Oh, may I find a home," as it is customary for each Sundayschool to sing at the residences of some of its prominent members. Our procession, to the number of 240, left the school at 9.30, headed by the Enfield Brass Band, before which walked Dr. Pilkington, Mr. Tansley, and the Rev. P. Ramage, who had kindly come over from Kersley to take part in the proceedings. They marched through the streets of the town, singing at four different places, and then back again to school, where they were refreshed by a plentiful supply of coffee and buns. The rest of the day was spent in recreation, which all seemed to enjoy.

LIVERPOOL.-A Committee which was formed for the purpose of sending the works of Swedenborg to the leading men of the town, having joined the Local Committee of the Auxiliary New Church London Missionary Society, they wish to make known what has been done, in the hope that they may induce the Societies in other towns to engage in the same work. A few years ago a copy of the "Future Life" was sent to each Protestant clergyman; then six tracts on the most important doctrinal subjects were sent to the same; and in 1874-5, 800 copies of the small edition of "The New Jerusalem and the Heavenly Doctrine and

believe the effect has been to make the name of Swedenborg more respected, and the doctrines he taught more tolerated. The Committee think that if the last-mentioned book could be largely distributed over the country, it would act powerfully for the good of the Church.

LONDON (Argyle Square).-The annual meeting of the Mutual Improvement Society was held in the Schoolroom on Friday evening, June 11th. Tea was provided at six o'clock; and at seven the chair was taken by the Rev. J. Presland. The Reports of the Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, and the Secretaries of the Theological and Elocution Classes were read and adopted. Cordial votes of thanks were passed to the late Secretary, Mr. Gregory (now residing at Newcastle), and the retiring Treasurer; also, to the Church Committee, for the use of the rooms; and last, but not least, to the President of the Society, the Rev. John Presland. In the course of remarks upon the past operations of the Society, special attention was directed to the value of the Monday evening Theological Class, and the desirableness of the members and friends of the Society taking advantage of its lectures, readings, and conversations. This class was most ably conducted for some time by Mr. Skelton (of Camberwell), and is now in the hands of Mr. Keene, whose name is sufficient to recommend it. Two new members of the Society were elected, and the Committee and Officers for the ensuing year. Mr. Hyde was elected Secretary, and Mr. Durham, Treasurer. The business having been disposed of soon after eight o'clock, a lecture was delivered by the Rev. J. Presland, entitled, "Poetry and Parody." The lecturer read several humorous parodies on some of the well-known poems of Wordsworth, Longfellow, Tennyson, and others, and caused incessant amusement and laughter. The meeting throughout was very enjoyable, and closed at half-past nine.

LONDON (Palace Gardens Church).— Two organ recitals were given in this church by Mr. King Hall, the first on Tuesday evening, May 25th, the second

on Tuesday evening, June 8th. performance consisted of a and varied selection from the works of the best composers, which were most excellently executed, and elicited from the audience expressions of great plea

sure.

[ocr errors]

The Efforts have been made, during this course choice of years; talented ministers have preached; advertised lectures, many and vari ous, have been given, and tracts have been, from time to time, numerously circulated, yet the visible effects are almost nil. We believe we are not singular in our experience; but, if not, we have all the more reason for asking, How is this? Have we missed our aim by mistaking the means to effect it? Is there a more acceptable way which is hidden from our ken; or, are we striving after the unattainable in the present state of the world? These are mo mentous questions, especially to us in our transition state. It were well if they could be satisfactorily answered, for it is not good that we should spend our strength for nought and in vain.— THOMAS RIDDELL, Secretary.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE. New Bridge Street, late Percy Street.-The New Church Society in this town having recently sold their Temple in Percy Street, now assemble for worship in one of the Halls of the Mechanics' Institute, in New Bridge Street, under the leadership of Mr. Henry M'Lagan. The Society, in February last, inaugurated the opening of their new place of meeting by a course of lectures on some of the prominent features of New Church theology, which were publicly announced by hand-bills, and, the Institute being in a central position, there was a marked improvement in the attendance. It is intended to build a new place of worship in a more eligible part of the town, when a suitable site and sufficient means are procured. In the meantime, with the view of gathering together the members and friends of the Church, and promoting mutual sympathy and good will amongst them, a social soiree was held on Wednesday, the 19th of May last, when about ninety sat down to tea, which was kindly presided over by several ladies of the congregation. After tea, the meeting, then considerably increased in numbers, was addressed by the Leader and others, in illustration of the leading doctrines of the New Dispensation. The addresses were interspersed by music, harmoniously rendered by several talented members of the Society and their friends, and, altogether, a pleasant and enjoyable evening was spent. The Society here is somewhat isolated, and the members have few opportunities of meeting with New Churchmen from places more favourably circumstanced, who might influence them for good by their sympathy and advice, but they are fully alive to their responsibilities, and of their duty to spread a knowledge of the glorious truths of the Church amongst the inhabitants of this populous town, the most of whom are ignorant of their import. This Society has been in existence here for upwards of fifty years, yet the most lamentable ignorance prevails as to its principles and its aims.

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE-Nun Street. On Whit Monday about forty members and friends of this Society made a pleasant excursion to Whitley and Cullercoats, where they took tea, and enjoyed the afternoon, some from the neighbourhood joining them. By ar rangement a service was held in the evening in the open air. The weather was very fine, and the scenery beautiful. Many visitors and a good number of fishermen assembled. A lecture was delivered by the Rev. W. Ray on the great questions-"Who is the Redeemer?" "What is Redemption?" and "When can a man be said to be saved?" The discourse was based upon Psa. cxxxvi. 1, &c., "O give thanksunto the Lord of lords, who hath remembered us in our low estate, and redeemed us from the hand of our enemies, because His mercy endureth for ever." The attendance was excellent, and unabated attention was manifest for nearly an hour. The singing was good, many of the Primitive Methodists and others joining, hymn-books having been brought for the occasion. At the close several came forward to solicit information. One gentleman (a preacher) commenced a discussion, which lasted a considerable time, during which the numbers increased, his subjects being "Justification by faith alone,' "A Trinity of Persons in the Godhead," "The mediation of Christ between God and us," and especially the personality of the Holy Ghost. In the estimation of nearly the entire audience these difficulties

[ocr errors]

seemed to be cleared up by the lecturer. He announced himself to preach on the following Sunday at the same place. Tracts were offered to any who desired further information on the New Church doctrines, and Mr. Ray's promise to repeat his services was received with much satisfaction.

RAMSBOTTOM.-The Society in this town has been favoured with a visit from the Rev. P. Ramage, who preached their annual Charity Sermons on Sunday, May 9th, in the Co-operative Hall, to large and appreciative audiences. It is gratifying to report that the preacher's eloquent discourses gave much satisfaction to the general public, and especially to persons belonging to various denominations in the town, who were present at the services. That there is a good feeling existing among the different religious bodies here is shown in the fact that for some years past there has been a manifest desire to help each other on these annual occasions by securing large audiences and good collections. A very successful scholars' service was also held in the morning of the same day, when Mr. Jonathan Robinson delivered an appropriate address to teachers, scholars, parents, and friends. This service gives an opportunity for the little people to contribute their offering, which they always do with a pleasure and an eagerness delightful to witness. The collections of the day amounted to £48, 10s., a sum rather below that of the previous year, owing, no doubt, to the great demand there is upon the Society by the expense incurred in the erection of their new church and schools. These new buildings are now near completion, the opening services being arranged to take place on Wednesday, the 4th of August, when the Rev. Dr. Bayley, and the Rev. R. Storry will officiate at the dedication of the church. Other services will follow, particulars of which will be duly announced on the wrapper of the Intellectual Repository. As these services will take place on the Sunday before and the Sunday after the approaching Conference session, it will give great encouragement to the Society if members of the Conference will avail themselves of the opportunity of visiting Ramsbottom, which is at an easy distance from Manchester, and assist them to make the opening of their beautiful

and commodious Church as successful as possible. It is their earnest hope, and they are doing their utmost at present to realize the hope, to raise at least £250 by collections at these services, which will not be impossible if they receive that help from the friends of the New Church which they expect, and which their earnest and self-denying labour deserves.

RHODES.-The sermons on behalf of the Sunday school at Rhodes were preached on Sunday, May 2nd, by Mr. J. R. Boyle. The subject of discourse in the afternoon was the Transfiguration of our Lord before His three Disciples, Peter, James, and John; and in the evening, the Angel standing in the sun and calling to the fowls of Heaven to come to the Supper of the great God. The sermons were clear and impressive, and were well received, both by the friends of the school and the strangers who were present at both services. The church in the evening was crowded to overflowing. The children, assisted by the choir, under the leadership of Mr. R. Clarkson, who conducted the singing, and Mr. G. H. Briggs, who presided at the organ, sung some very beautiful hymns and anthems with very pleasing effect and good taste. The collections amounted to over £26, of which sum the teachers and scholars contributed £10, 14s.

The

WORSLEY, near Manchester. Eccles Journal of June 5th gives a lengthened report of a soiree held in the new school-room, in aid of the Building Fund, from which we make the following extract:-"The Chairman, Mr. Thomas Mackereth, F.R. A. S., in opening the proceedings, gave a brief sketch of the rise and progress of the New Jerusalem Church at Worsley. He said he had been connected with the little society for the past sixteen years, and during that time he had watched with anxiety and interest its gradual and steady progress. The Society was instituted, he believed, at the close of the last century-about the year 1780

by the good and revered Rev. John Clowes, M.A., Rector for sixty-two years of St. John's Church, Manchester; who at that time became a believer in the doctrines of Emanuel Swedenborg, the result being a strong desire to spread a knowledge of these doctrines

the loan of the room. The number of scholars still increased, and at length it was found to be inconvenient for the work, and an effort was made to embellish the chapel and raise funds for a new building at the rear of the chapel for Sunday school purposes. An organ was also purchased, costing £150. That was paid for. A determined effort was again made to carry out the idea referred to, namely, to erect a commodious school-room, and he was proud to state, willing hands set to work, and that was the room in which they were assembled, built at a cost of £500, of which, he was thankful to inform them, £440 had been paid, leaving about £60 to be provided for. Their efforts that evening were to raise a sum of £10 to help

from the large numbers that had so kindly come forward with their presence and support, he was confident their aim would be accomplished. He and his friends had every reason to be grateful for the support accorded, and hoped they would all during the evening enjoy themselves by appreciating the programme that had been drawn up for their edification."

wherever he had an opportunity. The good man made no secret of his discovery, and his name was soon blazed about Manchester as a Swedenborgian. Great curiosity was excited, and his house was frequented with people seeking information. Societies began to be formed in the neighbouring towns and villages for the study of the new doctrines, and a number of friends welcomed him to the village of Worsley. At that time a small number of sincere minds assembled together to listen to the then new doctrines propounded by Mr. Clowes in a small room near the church. He (the speaker) remembered some twenty-six years ago preaching in that room—which was more like a cosy little parlour-for the first time to a few people. The last time he preached to wipe off the remaining debt, and, there, there was a gentleman presentMr. William Clarke-who also worked with an earnestness in the highest degree commendable to further the new doctrine and its teachings. Mr. Clarke informed him that they were about to form a Sunday-school, the same being now used as a place of worship. The work was commenced with a true Christian zeal, and cost between £200 and £300. The good work, so well begun, presently became a delight; the friends engaged in the accomplishment of the work felt that what they were achieving was to bring people to a knowledge of the truth as it was shadowed forth by Swedenborg, the author of a profound and original philosophy, who proved that wherever there is love and wisdom, there is God; wherever there is love, there is Jesus; wherever there is wisdom, there is Christ; whoever loves good ness, loves Jesus. When he came to reside in Eccles, a number of the friends at Worsley requested him (Mr. Mackereth) to give his services to assist the cause. He complied with the request, and commenced a service, his hearers not numbering more than ten or fifteen adult people. God prospered their small beginning, and their numbers became too many for the size of the room. They then determined to erect a Sunday-school, which had since been converted into a place of worship. For that purpose a sum of £350 was raised amongst themselves. After accomplishing that, the Guardians were applied to for the use of a room for a Sunday school; the request was complied with, and they were deeply thankful for

The evening was spent with music and recitations of a high order of excellence. An address was also given by the Rev. W. Westall, who narrated many evidences of progress in the Church. The evening passed pleasantly away, and appeared to yield enjoyment to the numerous assembly.

66

GENERAL CONFERENCE.-The Secretary announces that the yearly Circulars, together with the copies of Queries and Forms," were sent to the several Societies on the 25th of June. If, in any case, they have failed to reach their destination, he will be glad to be informed at once. All applications and notices of motion intended to be laid before the ensuing Session must be in the Secretary's hands not later than the 12th of July, or they cannot be included in the "Statement of Business" which will be prepared for the August number of The Intellectual Repository.

All Ministers and Representatives in. tending to be present at the next Con. ference, are respectfully requested to communicate with Mr. Broadfield, Cheetwood, near Manchester, as early as possible, so that the necessary arrangements may be made for their accommodation.

« PredošláPokračovať »