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MISCELLANEOUS.

GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE. BURSLEM.-In the months of September and October last a course of lectures was delivered here by the Rev. John Ellis, a Unitarian minister, from Newcastle. A New Church friend, residing in the place, attended these lectures, and was induced to ply Mr. Ellis with questions, in which he found himself so much encouraged by the audience that he persevered to the end of the course; and then, as the lecturer was drawing him away into the unknown fields of criticism upon the original text, translations, &c., our friend proposed a public discussion between the Rev. W. Woodman and Mr. Ellis. This was eventually agreed to; but before it came off, Mr. Woodman came and delivered two lectures at Burslem and one at Tunstall to very attentive audiences, numbering from about 50 to 200 persons. Our friend now found himself joined by several others in the wish to make known the doctrines of the New Church in this neighbourhood. At the close of Mr. Woodman's last lecture, a Mr. Pickstone, from Manchester, rose and proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Woodman, expressing at the same time his great admiration of what he had heard that evening. He had previously been much prejudiced against the New Church, but his prejudices were now removed, and he should certainly give the doctrines of the New Church a thorough examination.

The discussion alluded to was carefully planned, and carried out in a very excellent spirit. It was held in the Temperance Hall, Pitt-street, and occupied two evenings, viz., November 17th and 19th. On the former of these, Mr. Woodman opened the meeting by affirming and proving that Jesus Christ is the Supreme God. Mr. Ellis, in reply, utterly failed, or rather scarcely attempted, to prove the reverse, but contented himself with repeatedly ask ing what such and such passages could mean if Mr. Woodman's views were correct; nor could Mr. Woodman succeed in inducing his opponent to a more direct answer to the opening statement. There were fully 350 people present, the room being as full as it

could hold, and the prevailing feeling was that the affair had been conducted on both sides in a highly creditable and Christianlike manner.

The subject was continued on the next appointed evening, Mr. Ellis being the opener on this occasion. The numbers were not quite so great as on the former evening, but the discussion was evidently a matter of very deep interest. Mr. Woodman complained as before of the discursiveness on the part of Mr. Ellis, urging him strongly but kindly to keep to the point.

There is every reason to suppose that this movement has been attended with very great use, and that good fruit will be the ultimate result. A small society of some thirteen members has been formed; great good feeling preserved or created between the New Church and other bodies, and a demand for tracts excited, about 2,000 having been distributed before and at the time of the discussion. The best thanks of the Burslem friends are hereby rendered to the Missionary and Tract Society for their valuable aid in money and tracts. It should be mentioned that a clergyman of the Church of England withdrew from an engagement to discuss publicly with Mr. Woodman after a brief conversation in private with him.

LEEDS.-On Sunday, Feb. 21st, the Rev. R. Storry visited this society, and delivered to us in the morning a sermon, and on the Thursday evening following a lecture on "The Future Life and its relation to the Present." The doctrines of the Church on the above subject were set forth in such a clear and masterly manner that the audience seemed riveted to their seats while the lecturer expounded to them the sublime truths of the Bible. We cannot close this notice without expressing our thanks to Mr. Storry for his kindness to us, and also to the Missionary Institution for paying his expenses. H. A.

BIRMINGHAM.-Hockley Society. The Committee of this society were fortunately able to secure the services of the Rev. John Hyde, for four lectures on the following subjects: "The Future Life;" "The Word of God, and the

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laws by which it is written;" "The Serpent that beguiled Eve;" "If God is Love, why is there a Hell?" The first lecture was delivered on February 18th, and the last on March 10th. A very favourable notice of the first lecture appeared in the Birmingham Daily Gazette, which says:-" The room was well filled with a numerous and appreciative audience, who listened to the lecture with profound attention. There is in Mr. Hyde's lectures, apart from the advocacy of the doctrinal principles appertaining to the New Church, a deal of instructive information, and his addresses evince patient and diligent philosophic and scientific research." The subsequent lectures were well at tended, over 200 persons being present on each occasion, and there is every reason to hope they have been instrumental in removing a great deal of prejudice that existed against the society.

The Hockley friends are very earnest and active in the good work. A week night meeting is well attended, and proves eminently successful in disseminating a more detailed knowledge of the heavenly doctrines amongst the members. The want of a church library of reference is keenly felt, and strenuous efforts are being made to secure one by voluntary contributions of money and books. Impressed with the conviction that no time is like the present for making an effort, a general meeting of the society has been held, and steps taken to promote the erection of a chapel, when nearly £200. was promised in subscriptions from members of the congregation alone. On visiting the Sunday-school recently, I found 150 children present, and a goodly array of teachers. The members of the society now number forty-five, and it is a most gratifying fact that it never rested on a firmer basis.

J. KNIGHT MORLEY, Sec.

ARGYLE-SQUARE CHURCH.-The members of the church will read with pleasure the following circular just issued by the committee:-

"Committee Room, March 7th, 1864. "Dear friend,-It is with a deep feel. ing of satisfaction and gratitude the committee announce to the members and friends that the efforts which they have for some time been making to extinguish the debt on the building, have at length been crowned with complete success.

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This gratifying fact was reported by the treasurer to the committee at their meeting this evening.

"It may be interesting on this occasion to state, that the whole amount raised by the society for the building, fittings, and furniture, has been £6,416.: that is, for the freehold and original building £3,980., and for the enlargement £2,436.: thus affording accommodation for nearly double the number of attendants.

The society being now relieved, by the liberality of so many friends, from the debt which had so long been felt as a heavy incumbrance, will be enabled to direct its energies to various agencies for furthering the cause of the Lord's New Church.

"Under these happy circumstances the committee desire to present their thanks to every member, seat-holder, and contributor, pecuniary or otherwise, for the very kind co-operation and liberal assistance that have been afforded them. By order of the committee, very sincerely yours, "THOMAS WATSON, Sec."

YORK.-BUILDING FUND.-At a meeting of the members of the York Society, held February 3rd, to take into consideration the practicability of commencing to build a place for public worship; it was considered that at the present time it would be impossible for them to accomplish their object, the amount of subscriptions promised not being sufficient to justify them in commencing operations. Therefore, as announced in the Intellectual, the subscriptions received are to be returned, with thanks to those friends who have kindly come forward to their help. It was further resolved, that from the present time a permanent building fund be established, so that a foundation may be laid for future efforts.

J. WEBSTER, Sec.

ONE CHURCH SHOULD HAVE ONE NAME. Sir,-The Daily Telegraph of Feb. 20th, and other papers, give the result of last census relating to the different religious professions in Ireland, amongst whom 17 persons report themselves as belonging to the "New Jerusalem Church," 8 as "Swedenborgians," and 4 as of the "New Church." Now, it strikes me that all of these persons belong to that one Church which acknowledges the Lord Jesus Christ to be the only

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God of heaven and earth, the Creator, Redeemer, and Saviour of man. Presuming this to be the case, and seeing that these persons divide themselves (apparently) into three denominations, I thought it not amiss to write to you simply to ask whether it is not advisable that some means should be adopted whereby one Church should be universally called by one name, and what name more suitable than "The New Church"? Our societies at present are not very numerous, and to characterise them by different appellations is calculated to mystify, and make our numbers seem smaller than they really are. Let us, then, as we worship "One God," give the Church one name, and strive to make that name universal! Then those who are not of us will, in course of time, know what to call us; but so long as we give various names to the Church, so long shall we be called sometimes by one name and sometimes by another.-I am, &c.,

Bath, March 3rd.

R. B.

WIVENHOE, ESSEX.-The society at this little port has lately been relieved from great inconvenience by entering upon their new place of worship, which is a large and handsome room, capable of seating about 200 persons. Although this structure, like the temples of the celestial heaven, is "without magnificence," it has many practical beauties which admirably adapt it to the uses it is designed to fulfil; nor is the building at all unpleasing to the eye, either externally or internally, being perfectly neat, and possessed of a cheerful appearance. By day the room is lighted from ample round-headed windows at each end, and by a corona of gas jets at night. It has the somewhat rare advantage of being well adapted to the transmission of sound, every modulation being heard almost equally well in all parts, without effort to either preacher or hearers. The chapel is fitted with reading desk, music stand, comfortable seats, and every convenience. building has been erected at the sole expense of one of the members, Mr. Husk, and is now placed at the unlimited disposal of the society. Mr. Husk is a working man, and it will be perceived by all that he has justified his claim to that honourable title in a signal manner.

This

I was made acquainted with these facts during a recent missionary visit to Wivenhoe, and have thought it no more than justice to make them known to the church. J. F. P.

BRADFORD-The Rev. Mr. Storry, of Heywood, has, under the auspices of the National Missionary Society, delivered two lectures in the school-room of Mr. Child, of Drewton-street, Bradford. The first on Wednesday, Feb. 17, on "The Future State: when and how do we enter upon it? What is our condition therein?" The second on Feb. 24, on "Faith, Charity, and Good Works: their united influence in Man's Salvation." The lectures were duly announced by placards and small bills, and a very good attendance was sccured upon both occasions. The reverend gentleman handled his subjects at once ably and eloquently, and carried his auditors entirely with him. He enforced the principles he enumerated respecting the future life by apt illustrations from the thoughts, deeds, and associations of the present. He shewed in a convincing manner the necessary connection of faith, charity, and good works in man's salvation; proving from the Word that the future of every man depended upon the motives cherished and the deeds done in the body.

The friends here were much delighted with the lectures, and believe that they have produced a very favourable impression on the strangers who attended. They desire to thank the Missionary Society, not less than the Rev. Mr. Storry, for the pleasure they have experienced; and to express a hope that such visits may be more frequent in the future than they have been in the past.

Contribution to the Memorial edition of
the "Help to Devotion," by the late
Rev. William Mason:-
Mr. Tong (Woodhouses)....£0 5 0

EDINBURGH. I have just finished a course of six lectures in our church in Infirmary-street, the Committee having kindly given me the use of it for that purpose. They were addressed particularly to the Secularists of the city. They are not a very strong body in this town, but their place of meeting is very well attended by a number of young men who cannot receive the popular theology

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of the day. I may tell you that my lectures have been very successful, having been attended by the young men generally who attended the Secular meeting. Many of the same persons attended regularly during the entire course. Opportunity was given to put questions at the end of each lecture. Many have said they could not object to any of the lecturer's statements and arguments, and some have told me that they now look upon religion somewhat more favourably than they did before, and perceive that reason is not entirely on the side of Secularism. My subjects were to a great extent treated in a philosophical manner, but from a New Church point of view. Lecture first, "Belief in God;" second, "Moral objections to belief in God from the existence of Evil in the world;" third, "Conscious ness; what is it?" fourth, "Liberty and Necessity;" fifth, "Miracles;" sixth, "Evidences of the Truths of Christianity." I have been requested to continue them, but I find I shall not be able to do so at present. HENRY CAMERON.

To the Editor.

Sir,-In the current (January) num. ber of the Intellectual Repository, mention is made of a Mr. Potts, whose services as a preacher and lecturer are very favourably spoken of. Pray, sir, is this the gentleman who was recently studying for his degree at the London University? And has he passed all his examinations? If so, surely the church should be informed of so interesting a circumstance through the medium of its magazine; especially as it is known that Mr. Potts received pecuniary assist ance from New Church funds to enable him to complete his college course. When a new convert is gained we are commonly ready enough to publish it. Now methinks it would be more worthy, when one of the church's own sons achieves an academical success, to announce the fact in congratulatory terms, and give joy to the hearts of all who are anxious to see a greater number of educated ministers engaged in the work of extending the boundaries of the Holy City.

Mr. Potts, if now a B.A., is the first gentleman who has graduated in an English University under the auspices and with the aid of the New Church. It seems, therefore, particularly due to

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him that the fact should be recorded, as an expression of the church's interest in the education of the candidates for her ministry.

It should also be remembered that it would be gratifying to the student, on acquiring his collegiate certificate, to feel that the approving eye of the whole church was upon him, and encouraging to others who are following in his footsteps to think that the same meed awaits them also, on the successful conclusion of their educational training.

But from the course at present pursued, it would appear as if no one cared how the ministry is to be suppled with men, or how students for it are progressing. INTERESTED.

In answer to the inquiry, we subjoin the resolution of the Committee of the Students and Ministers' Aid Fund, adopted in December last, which we did not receive in time for the March number. We are sure the church will join in the congratulations of the Committee, and wish Mr. Potts a long career of usefulness in the sacred work which he has chosen for himself:

"This Committee having learned that Mr. J. F. Potts has passed his examination at the London University, and obtained the degree of B.A., desires to express its great satisfaction, and hereby congratulates him on his well-earned honours."

NEWCHURCH.-On the 13th of Jan. uary the Rev. R. Storry, of Heywood, delivered a lecture in the Odd-Fellows' Hall at the above place, on "St. John's Vision of the New Jerusalem;" and on the 20th of January, a lecture on "Religion and Life, their mutual relation." The Rev. J. B. Kennerley, of Salford, delivered a lecture at the abovementioned place, on "What and where is Heaven?" and on February 3rd, a lecture on "What is the Human Soul?" The Rev. W. Woodman, of Kersley, delivered a lecture at the same place on February 17th, on "The Resurrection;" and on February 24th, a lecture on "Luther, Wesley, and Swedenborg." All the lectures were well received by the respective audiences, the average attendance at each lecture being about 200. The weather was rather unfavour

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to the London National Missionary Society for the aid they have afforded them, being assured that the lectures will have a good effect in creating an interest and further establishing the doctrines of the New Jerusalem in Rossendale. JOHN MELLOR.

Married.

On the 15th of February, at the New Jerusalem Temple, Heywood, by the Rev. R. Storry, Mr. Joseph Booth, of Liverpool, to Miss Hannah Smith, of Heywood.

On the 17th of February, at the same place, and by the same Minister, Mr. George Ashton, jun., to Miss Betsy Lee, both of Heywood.

Obituary.

On Tuesday, February 2nd, 1864, Hugh Becconsall, Esq., of Preston, passed from the natural into the spiritual world. A funeral sermon was preached on the occasion, on Sunday morning the 14th, by the Rev. E. D. Rendell. This has been published by request, under the title of "The First Resurrection," and from this the following sketch has been selected :

"It is not our prerogative to speak decisively upon the spiritual life and destiny of others. Still it is permitted us to estimate the character of our friends by what we know of their tastes, their habits of thought, their longsustained conduct and conversation with the world; and on these grounds we think there are good reasons to give expression to the most encouraging hopes respecting him of whom we speak. "Our friend had lived beyond the age of promise, and sustained throughout his long career the estimation of all who knew him. He was in his 90th year; his removal, therefore, though deeply regretted by those who knew and loved him, was an event to be expected. Comparatively few experience the privilege of so long a life, and fewer still the enjoyment of so much continuous health. Within the last few years he was assailed by some of the usual concomitants of age; but it was only within the last twelve months that they began to assume a form which excited the apprehension of his friends. Symptoms which indicated a softening of the brain were occasionally apparent, and this was the final cause of his dissolution.

His mind throughout life was generally equable, cheerful, and quiet; these things, connected with the great care and devoted attention of his bereaved wife, no doubt contributed much to his longevity and happiness. He was a branch of an old and respected family in the neighbourhood, residing upon their own estate at Ashton-on-Ribble. He was the third of a family of four sons and two daughters, and all but one have now passed into the spiritual world. He received his education in Preston, which was such as to fit him for the purposes of trade and commerce. leaving school he was apprenticed to a grocer at Walton; and after the expiration of his time, he commenced business in Preston. This was towards the close of the last century. In this business he was successful; it was continued until about the year 1826, when he retired. Since then he has lived in quietude, without ostentation, as 8 gentleman, still adding to his fortune, and so increasing his means of usefulness.

On

"It was while he was in business that he first became acquainted with the writings of the New Church, to the propagation of which he has since contributed with so much consideration and liberality. He has frequently told me the circumstances by which they were introduced to his attention; but, at my request, he kindly furnished me, in July last, with a written account of the event, with some other matters which have resulted from it. It is interesting to have the main incidents of the history from his own hand, prepared when he was in his 90th year, and nearly sixty years after the time of their occurrence.

"He says About the year 1807 a person called at my shop to sell some tracts. I was induced to buy one; its title was "The Greatest Truth ever Published-Jesus Christ the only God."* After reading it, and shewing it to my brother Edward, it was lent to a young man who was then studying for the law, but he returned it with disapproval, having written, with pencil, under its

*The full title of this pamphlet is-" The Greatest Truth ever Published since the World's Creation, contained in an Explanation of the Holy Trinity, wherein it is proved, both from Scripture and Reason, that Jesus Christ is the only God." It is written by J. Hill. Published in Birmingham. Price 6d.

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