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sent us, and from the publications of the American Conference, that there is progress in the New Church in all directions, and although that progress is the reverse of rapid, yet it is enough to prevent our being discouraged, and to induce us all to work both with our wills and understandings in the great duty of building up the glorious fabric of the New Dispensation in ourselves and in society at large.

Signed on behalf of the New Jerusalem Church Society in Mauritius, EDMUND DE CHAZAL, President. J. H. ACKROYD.

Port Louis, Mauritius, 21st July 1874.

From the General Conference to the Society of the New Church in the Mauritius.-Beloved Brethren,-The salutations of peace and messages of love which come to us across the wide ocean from our dear friends on the vast continents of America and Africa, and in the isles afar off, are among the most cheering, encouraging, and hopeful of the communications that are laid before us, when we assemble annually in our island home, to cultivate the union in which there is strength, and to deliberate on the best means of consolidating and extending the Church.

These letters remind us that if the glad tidings of the Lord's Second Advent have spread more slowly than those of His First, they have already extended over a far wider area than the early Church ever knew. And the Divine promise that the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea; that nations shall come to the light of the New Church, and kings to the brightness of her rising, is already receiving its fulfilment. This is a consummation for which we should all earnestly work, as well as devoutly pray. And although questions such as those which you notice in your address deserve their due share of attention, yet the great question of all questions is, How can we help forward that cause which is to make all men brothers, and all nations kindred, not in name only, but in deed and in truth? Everyone can contribute something to this end by the purity and usefulness of his own life, and without this no true advance in the state of the world can be made. But there are collective as well as individual uses; and as fellow-workers we should so act as to

make the light of the Church known as well as to make its influence felt.

We are happy to have observed, what you state in your letter, that you have been doing something to make the principles of the New Church better known among those around you. We cannot, of course, rejoice in the circumstances that gave occasion to your effort; but we can approve of your making so gratuitous an attack the opportunity of showing the truths of our doctrine, and admire the Christian spirit in which you treated the official arrogance and insulting conduct of your priestly assailant.

We trust, beloved brethren, you will continue to pursue with enlightened zeal the course of Christian charity and truth, of which you have given so commendable an instance, and in due time the Lord will crown your labour with abundant success. We are in some measure aware of the difficulties under which you have to labour, and the unpreparedness of the soil on which you have to cast the seed. But all that the Lord requires of you is to labour faithfully in the sphere of usefulness in which His Providence has placed you. Few may be able to see the truth, but all can feel the influence of disinterested love and the power of well directed goodness. "Therefore, beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you." On behalf of the Conference,

W. BRUCE.

NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-The Winter Course of Popular Lectures was com. menced on 13th October by Rev. Dr. Bayley. The subject of the lecture was "The corroboration which the advances of Literature and Science, since the decease of Swedenborg, has furnished to the doctrines taught in his Writings." Contrasting with admirable effect some of the views which had been held in the last century as the essentials of the Christian religion with those now extensively maintained, even out of our own pale, he showed the general advance in light and knowledge. Pointing out some errors of translation in the Autho

ORDINATIONS.-At the recent session of the General Conference, resolutions were passed approving of the introduction of five candidates by ordination into the ministry of the New Church. The services connected with these ordinations have now been held, and, by the favour of correspondents, we are able to give our readers the following notice of each :

rized Version of the Bible which had stand the particulars of New Church lent a sanction to the old doctrines, he doctrine, will do well to go there. demonstrated that the true rendering, as given by modern scholars, expressed the doctrines of the New Jerusalem. He thus showed that the progress of learning was altogether to our advantage. Dr. Bayley was, as usual, very happy in his allusions to the great help which the progress of geology has afforded to the reception of the New Church doctrines of the Word. Opposing itself to all the Old Church notions of chronology, it demonstrates that the first chapters of Genesis cannot be literally interpreted, and thus prepares for the reception of Swedenborg's teaching, that this part of the Word contains only spiritual truths in historical forms.

Mr. Isaiah Tansley.-The service connected with Mr. Tansley's ordination was held on the evening of Sunday, October 24, in the Chapel school-room of Clayton-le-Moors, near Accrington. The officiating minister was the Rev. R. Egyptian mummy cases and Egyptian Storry. The candidate was presented tombs were next referred to in illustration for ordination by Dr. Pilkington and of the doctrines of the New Church on the Mr. Joseph Ridings. The congregation Resurrection, the Judgment, and the Fu- assembled to witness the ceremony and ture State, as well as in confirmation of the take part in the service was unusually doctrine of correspondence. Dr. Bayley large, the spacious room being comalso pointed out that the knowledge of pletely filled. Nothing could exceed Egyptian hieroglyphics and the ac- the order and attention with which the quaintance with Egyptian monuments service was witnessed. Every one and remains, which makes this branch present seemed interested, and many of science worthy of the name of expressed their sympathy with the Egyptology, are the result of modern young minister. The choir had been research. All these confirmations of occupied for some time previously in the statements of Swedenborg have training the children of the Sunday been providentially furnished since his school for a "Service of Song," which decease. Thus it can never be truly was held in the afternoon of the same said that the theology of the New day and yielded great pleasure to a Church is an adaptation to modern numerous audience. The preparation science, for it was promulgated before of this service precluded any additional science came into existence.

On 16th October the Rev. Dr. Tafel gave the first of a Course of Lectures on the Science of Correspondences, which is, D. V., to be continued on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month until the end of July next. The lectures commence at 7.30 and terminate at 9.30, thus lasting two hours.

music in the service of ordination. The service of praise and song was the usual ordination hymns and psalm, which were chanted. These were well rendered by the choir and heartily joined in by the congregation. The service was throughout of the heartiest kind, and will be long remembered by those who took part in it.

The lecture was enriched by copious Mr. Robert Richard Rodgers.- On appropriate extracts from the Writings Wednesday evening, November 10, this of Swedenborg, connected by statements ordination took place in the church, of what they were cited to prove, and Summer Lane, Birmingham, in the illustrated by comments. It demanded presence of a very numerous congregaincessant thought and attention, and tion. The Rev. Dr. Bayley and the was calculated to strengthen every Rev. R. Storry had accepted the Sobrain potent enough to bear it. No one ciety's invitation to conduct the serwho wants to wile away a weary hour vice, and were welcomed by a large by a little light amusement would find party to tea in the Girl's school-room, himself at home with Professor Tafel's prior to the servic The Rev. E. Theological Class; but every one of Madeley had also been invited, but sound mind, who desires to fully under- replied in kind terms, regretting his

inability to be present. The tea-room was attended by a pleasant party of and the church were decorated with seventy persons. After tea, the party flowers and plants, so as to more fitly removed to the church, where the or accord with the rejoicing spirit that dination took place in the presence of a pervaded those present on the occasion. large congregation. The arrangement of The minister of the Society, as the the service observed at Birmingham was candidate for ordination, was presented repeated at Derby. The service was in front of the communion by two of the felt to be impressive and interesting. deacons, Mr. G. Haseler and Mr. J. Mr. Ashby, whose early training would Bragg, Dr. Bayley and Mr. Storry, indicate a pastorate in another Christian robed in white surplices, being seated community, has been led by deep conwithin the communion. After the pre- viction, and at the cost of self-denial liminary portion of the service, con- and worldly sacrifice, to devote himself ducted by Mr. Storry, the choir sang to the ministry of the New Church. the anthem, "I will wash mine hands His services appear to be warmly ap in innocency, O Lord, so will I compass preciated by his flock at Derby, the Thine altar," etc. Dr. Bayley gave members of which seemed much inthe address to the candidate, and Mr. terested by the service. At the close, Storry asked the questions as to faith Dr. Bayley delivered a discourse from and doctrine, which were very impres- Zec. xiv. 8, 9, which was followed sively answered by Mr. Rodgers in the by a brief address by Mr. Storry, grounded form appointed by Conference. The on Matt. x. 7-10. At the close of the passages from the Word were then read service in the church the social meeting by Dr. Bayley, who, whilst the can- was resumed in the school-room, and didate knelt before him, placed both interesting addresses were made by the hands upon his head, and in the most newly-ordained and the ordaining minisolemn manner pronounced the benedic sters and by Messrs. Ward, Clemson, tion. The whole of the service, as revised, Austin, Cook, and Rev. C. D. Badland, abbreviated, and otherwise greatly im. M.A., who, although the minister of proved by the recent Conference, was another body, expressed his warm symused, and everyone present seemed to pathy with Mr. Ashby in his labours. feel its spiritual value. After the ordination, Dr. Bayley addressed the minister on his duties, especially counselling earnestness and clearness in heralding the truths of the New Dispensation, and also urging due attention to those pastoral duties which tend, when properly discharged, to cause the fruits of the ministry to "abound" as well as to "remain." Mr. Storry followed with a short address to the Society and congregation upon their especial duties-an address which was marked by great practical wisdom, and was listened to with marked attention. The Congregational Hymns, during the service, were sung in a manner which called forth remarks from many friends as testifying to the deep feeling which was present, and at the conclusion of the evening unanimous expressions of delight and thankfulness prevailed.

Mr. Joseph Ashby.-From Birmingham the ordaining ministers, Dr. Bayley and Rev. R. Storry, proceeded to Derby for the ordination of Mr. Ashby, which took place on the evening of Friday, November 13. Tea was provided in the school-room before the service, and

Mr. Joseph Deans.-The ordination of Mr. Deans took place at Brightlingsea on the evening of Monday, November 15. The service of ordination was preceded by a tea-meeting in the schoolroom, which was well filled by an interested party of friends. After tea, sixteen new members were added to the society's roll, and short addresses delivered by Mr. Deans and Rev. R. Storry, who was present for the ordination, and had also preached the previous day to large and attentive congregations. At the time of commencing the ordination service the large church erected a few years since for the use of the New Church in this town was nearly filled with an attentive congregation. Deans was accompanied to the front of the communion by four of the leading members of the congregation, one of whom was our venerable friend, Mr. Griggs, who in days gone by has rendered extensive and useful services in the church. The service was the same as in the case of the other ministers, and was followed by a discourse by the ordaining minister from Matt. x. 7-10, which was listened to with marked attention by the congrega

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tion. Mr. Deans is the son of New that we shall be blessed in the extension Church parents of the third generation, of the Lord's New Church in this portion and has from early life contemplated of the globe. I have the honour to be, the great work to which he has now Sir, your faithful servant,—G. MOCATTA, more fully devoted himself. His settle- Secretary to the "Sydney New Church ment at Brightlingsea seems full of Society." promise for the progress of the church, which is increasing in numbers and LONDON ASSOCIATION OF THE NEW rapidly filling the increased space af- CHURCH.-The next meeting of this forded by their new church. A com- Association will take place at Palace modious school-room has been erected Gardens Church, on Thursday, Decemon a plot of ground adjoining the church, ber 2. The first outcome of the action which will soon be ready for opening, and taken in Sunday School Education is a increased accommodation will thereby generous offer to illustrate a Juvenile he provided for the instruction of the Magazine. If the church in the south young, and the building up of the church and north can be united in this work, through their instrumentality. an eminent use may be accomplished.

Mr. Redman Goldsack.-Of Mr. Goldsack's ordination we have no information beyond the fact that it took place soon after the Conference, Rev. Dr. Bayley being the ordaining minister.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES.— These services, so popular in the Church of England, are being introduced into some of the societies of the New Church. A correspondent writes us respecting SYDNEY (New South Wales).-The these services at Argyle Square, on 3rd following letter will be read with interest: October:-"Despite incessant and heavy -3 Gresham Street, Sydney, New South rain, our congregations at both our HarWales, August 1875. To the Secretary vest Thanksgivings yesterday were good, of the General Conference of the New and upwards of eighty friends received Church in Great Britain.-Dear Sir and the Sacrament. The chancel was most Brother, In accordance with a resolu- tastefully decorated with sheafs of wheat, tion passed by the members, I have the barley, oats, etc.; and a liberal and pleasure of informing you that the beautiful display of fruit-grapes, pines, "Sydney New Church Society was apples, pears, etc., all tended to remind formed on the 24th of June last. A us how good our bountiful Lord is to us printed form of its rules and bye-laws is all. The fruit is to be given to a neighenclosed. It is our earnest wish to con- bouring Hospital, an application which nect ourselves with your body, in order is beautifully appropriate." to strengthen our, at present, numerically weak organization, and by means of the powerful and loving aid and sympathy which we hope you may see fit to grant us, we may, even from so small a beginning, be enabled to spread the Heavenly Doctrines of the New Church widely.

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Our Society consists of eighteen members, truly a feeble gathering for this the metropolis of the oldest of the Australian Colonies. Yet there are several receivers around us whom we may hope soon to enrol among our members; and it is very observable that there are numbers, of various creeds, who are dissatisfied with the teaching they have hitherto received, and who are searching after truth. Our hope is high, that by a zealous effort to spread the New Church Writings, and still more by securing the ministrations of a powerful expounder and preacher of New Church Truth, our numbers will continually increase, and

The Manual of the New Church, Summer Lane, Birmingham, for November, gives the following account of a similar service:-"The Harvest Thanksgiving Services were held October 10th, when the Church was beautifully decorated with wheat, fruits, flowers, and plants. Many and hearty thanks are due to those friends who provided, by purchase or by loan, so many choice contributions, and equal gratitude is due to the ladies, whose tasteful arrangement made fruits and flowers doubly beautiful.”

BLACKBURN.-On the 12th of September the Rev. P. Ramage preached the Annual Sunday School Sermons. The morning's service was specifically assigned for the children, who had prepared and sung a varied selection of music for the occasion, and during an interesting address Mr. Ramage, in a homely, pleasant manner, recited two or three historical facts illustrative of the

prudent advocate of the doctrines of the New Church, and a lucid expounder of Divine Truth, "A workman that needeth not to be ashamed."

ways of Divine Providence in preserving children from harm and want, and also showing how little incidents were frequently made instrumental of good. The sermon in the afternoon was from 2 Samuel xxiii. 14 to 16, and was dis- LONDON (College Chapel, Islington).— tinguished by clearness of perception of A course of Sabbath Evening Lectures the true meaning of the Bible. The has been delivered in this church by the evening's sermon was based on Deut. Rev. W. Bruce, on the following subxi. 10 to 12, from which a delightful jects: "The personal and typical and encouraging picture was given of character of David and of Solomon;" the good land of holy affections and "The personal and representative chapurified thoughts, as indicated in the racter of Elijah and Elisha;" "The symbolic language of the text. At the symbolic character and religious teachclose of this service hearty and numer- ing of the Book of Job;" "The Parable ous congratulations of satisfaction were of the Prodigal Son; or the tenderness heard from many as the congregation of Divine Love, and the efficacy of departed, and there cannot be a doubt but good results will follow Mr. Ramage's visit. The total collections amounted to £13, 10s.

sincere Repentance;" "The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus; or, Death the great leveller of all outward distinctions, and Eternity the revealer and rewarder of Good and Evil." These subjects were discussed with the well-known ability of the preacher, and afforded delight to the lovers of spiritual truth by their lucid expositions and interesting style of treatment.

KERSLEY.-At a public meeting of members and friends of this Society, held on Monday evening, September 20, Mr. John G. Woodman was presented with several testimonials as an acknowledg ment of the valuable services rendered by him in the capacity of organist and conductor of the musical arrangements of the church. From the report of the meeting which appeared in the Farnworth Journal of Oct. 2, we are able to give the following particulars :

DONCASTER."The New Church" has not any Society or meeting-house in this town, and is only represented by a few individuals who have not yet formed themselves into a distinct body, but are unceasingly labouring to extend a steady and evidently an increasing influence. Several copies of the "T. C. R." have been circulated, and there is a growing inquiry after a knowledge of its doctrines. On Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 27th and 28th, it was the privilege of those inquirers to listen to two popular lectures by Mr. H. Cameron of Leeds, who in an eloquent and masterly manner discussed, firstly, "The historical evidences of the New Testament;" secondly, "The internal evidences of the Old Testament, and what constituted it the "After tea Mr. William Partington, inspired Word of God." The congrega- who was unanimously elected chairman, tions were small, but certainly of those expressed sympathy with the object of who desired to hear the Word of God the meeting, and stated that the remissexpounded more perfectly, it having ness of the society had often occurred to been announced on the bills that "Ques- him when at their annual meetings Mr. tions will be allowed at the end of each Woodman's services had not been aclecture, and that all who have doubts of knowledged; it was no doubt an overthe Bible being the Word of God are sight, but now they were met to exparticularly invited to attend." This press their gratitude to him, and the attracted sincere seekers for truth, and testimonial, though small, would no at the close of each lecture several ques- doubt be accepted with as good a spirit tions were asked, to which the lecturer as it had been given. He concluded by gave the most explicit and satisfactory calling upon Mr. William Howe, who answers, eliciting the warmest thanks recapitulated many of the valuable serand expressions of high admiration even vices rendered to the society by Mr. from his keenest critics. Mr Cameron Woodman, which extended to a period is an able lecturer, evidently an exten- of three apprenticeships. He alluded sive reader of great and good works, and knows how to apply his great resources most effectually. He is a bold but

particularly to the training of the chil dren in the Sunday school for the Christmas recital two years ago, on

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