ginate in and are fostered by this practice. We therefore do not think it right to follow the custom, so common, of calling things by wrong names. If we regard any act as 'ungentlemanly,' or 'cowardly,' we say so; and these, be it observed, are mild terms, compared with 'mad,' 'foolish,' and 'crafty;' and we do this without ' acrimony' or 'bitterness.' That the Christian is not to expect unmixed 'love and peace' until he has fought for them, is evident from the Lord's words-Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; I am not come to send peace, but a sword.' These words are as true now as when spoken; for until the Lord comes, by goodness and truth, to every individual man, he can have no peace. The sword we use is the sword of truth; and we do not consider the application of the term 'vulgar mauling' at all an appropriate expression under such circumstances. We might remind 'Looker-on,' that had he retained that character by desisting from finding fault, we should have had from him the practice of peace, instead of precept opposed by practice.

"Your correspondent J. H. W. is again reminded, that assertion in matters of opinion is no proof, and does not convince the rational mind. There are matters of fuct, and there are matters of opinion. Suppose we have before us two horses, that is a matter of fact; we are both agreed, there is no question, there the horses are; but we proceed from the matter of fact to a matter of opinion, which is the most noble animal of the two? This is a question, and in discuss ing it, we compare each point of each horse with a recognised standard of excellence. By such a course, we may agree that either the one or the other is superior, or we may agree to differ;' and while one person decides in favour of one, the other person may decide in favour of the other, and there the matter ends. Each has heard what the other has to say, and enjoys his own opinion at last. Your readers will excuse this homely illustration, as I wish to show that this is just what we have invited J. II. W. to do,-to give us first the matter of fact. Let that matter of fact be a statement of any doctrine or principle of the New Church in the words of Swedenborg; and then a statement of his own doctrine, as opposed to that of the New Church. Or, a statement of the very words of Dr. Bayley; and then a statement of his own views, or from any

other source, as opposed thereto. We should then have before us a matter of fact, and could proceed from thence to a matter of opinion, by each pointing out what the other had overlooked, of the agreement or disagreement of these doctrines with the infallible standard—' the Word of God,' The result might be in this case also, that they at length' agree to differ;' but surely such a course could be taken by Christian men without acrimony, bitterness, and calling bad names. No jury can give a verdict until they have heard the facts in evidence, and we have not yet had a single fact before us. I wish the jury, who in this case is the indefinite public, to observe this. Whatever has been so offensive to J. H. W. from either Bayley or Swedenborg is not stated; but he, not very like a sensible judge, sums up to himself, condemns us wholesale, and proclaims his condemnation to the world,, imagining, I suppose, that the cool, deliberate, and sensible of mankind, who demand the evidence and wish to examine the subject before they decide, are all banished from existence.

"The assertion that Swedenborg was 'mad' is so groundless, and has been answered so fully and so repeatedly, that it is only a proof of ignorance on that subject to bring it forward.* If 'conversing with spirits' is in itself a proof of madness, then Abraham was mad, Paul was mad, Peter was mad, and Swedenborg was mad; and lengthy indeed would be the list of madmen furnished by the Word of God, between Adam and John the Divine, both of whom inclusive conversed with spirits. If any one was publicly to assert that Dr. Wright had gone mad, would not the first question be― What makes you think so? or, How do you know? and then follows the statement of fact-He has said or done such and such things, which have induced such a conclusion. Or if there were no facts to warrant such a conclusion, would it not be an act of base malignity to circulate such a report? We assert, that in Swedenborg's case there are no such facts, no single deed or word of his whole life from which such a conclusion can be drawn; and we again request J. H. W. to look for the facts, and present them from sound authority, before he further impugns the character of one of the wisest and

best of departed men. This, and this

"See Noble's Appeal to the Reflecting of all Denominations." "

66

1. "Hieronymi Laureti Sylva, seu potius Hortus Allegoriarum Sacræ Scripturæ,"&c., that is "The Forest," or rather, the Flowery Garden of Scripture Allegories, comprising its Mystical Sense," &c. This work, which is a folio of 1,096 pages, is arranged into the form of a Dictionary of Allegories or Types. The learned author, with a prodigious industry, has collected together everything worth knowing from ancient times, through the medieval ages, to the time of its publication in 1701. As the allegorical mode of interpreting Scripture was the prevalent one up to the time of the reformation, this dictionary of types is of interest to the student of the spiritual sense of God's Word, as he can plainly see the inestiinable value of the Science of Correspondences, which, as a key, is indispensable to the true interpretation of Scripture.

2. "Alcazar Hispalensis Vestigatio Arcani Sensus in Apocalypsi," &c., that is, "Alcazar's (the Spaniard) Investigation into the Arcana of the Apocalypse," &c.

This

work is valuable as shewing the efforts which have been made from the apostolic age to explain the Arcana of the Apocalypse. This work was published in 1614.

3. "Prælectiones Theologica quas in Collegio Romano Societatis Jesu Habebat J. Perone," &c., that is "Theological Lectures, delivered by J. Perrone, in the College at Rome belonging to the Jesuits," &c. These lectures are valuable on account of their great authority in the Church of Rome, as well as on account of the great learning displayed in their composition.

These works have been presented to the above library in order that they may be accessible to those who may wish to con

of the society in Peter-street hereby present to the Rev. A. Clissold their most respectful acknowledgements and thanks for this donation.

REGULATION PRESCRIBED BY CONFERENCE AS TO CONTROVERSY.

To the Editor.

Dear Sir,-In a pamphlet lately published, entitled "Reply to the Three Reviewers," I perceive, at the last page, that the writer says,-"The following regulation is given by Conference for the guidance of the Editor," namely “When controversy unavoidably arises, to close it by giving the assailed party the right of reply, but not the assailant the right of rejoinder." I was induced to refer to the Minutes of Conference for 1847, where the regulations for the guidance of the Editor are printed, and I was astonished to find, that instead of the above erroneous statement as the regulation respecting controversy, the following is the true one:"The Editor is to guard against controversy on fundamental points; to keep discussion as far as possible, consistently with a due regard to the exercise of intellectual freedom, from running into and assuming the features of controversy; and when controversy unavoidably arises, to close it, except in particular cases, and on his own responsibility, by giving the assailed party the right of reply, but not the assailant the right of rejoinder, excepting for the purpose of explanation. In carrying on discussions, he should not, on any account, allow one writer to treat another in an unbecoming manner, and therefore he may strike out at once all obvious personalities, leaving the writer, however, to his own responsibility for more constructive ones."

Now this is the regulation given by Conference, in respect to controversy in the Magazine; and by comparing it with the statement above, it will be readily seen how calculated, if not intended, to mislead the reader, such a one-sided, mutilated statement is. But I will only advert to two points, which have struck me, and which, as they are calculated to induce the reader of the said pamphlet to draw, like myself, erroneous conclusions, affecting both the credit of the Magazine and of the Editor, I must here explain: First,-I was led, by reading the statement in the pamphlet in ques

tion, to conclude, that the Editor had refused to insert a reply to Mr. Woodman's remarks, who, in his review of Mr. Wilson's lectures, called into question some of Mr. Beswick's statements in respect to Mr. Wilson's ideas; but I find, on referring to the November number of the Magazine, p. 418, that Mr. Beswick had his full reply. Secondly, I was led, from the curtailed statement respecting the Conference regulation, to conclude that the Editor had acted unfairly; but now I find, that by admitting Mr. Robinson's rejoinder [as adopted by Mr. Woodman]

by way of explanation," the Editor has acted strictly in agreement with the Conference regulations.

As many, like myself, may, by this partial statement, have been misled, I hope you will find room for this explanation, as it seems due to the Editor, and to the Magazine, that it should appear.am, &c. LEON KENWORTHY.

I

"When the reader (says the reviewer) has a little accustomed himself to the peculiarities of the style, and to those poetical excursions which, to ordinary mortals, appear extended into regions quite beyond the subject, or the grasp of average imaginations, he will find this volume one of the richest in scientific matter, and pure and profound thought, evidently elaborated with great care, and recommended by a beautiful spirit of humanity, and of genuine Christian faith, which has for years issued from the press."

ing subjects :-" Man an Organ of Life;" "On Conscience;" "On Miracles;" "On Divine Providence;" "On Goodness and Truth." These tracts, which contain a condensed summary of arguments and illustrations on the subjects, are admirably adapted to the purpose intended. We hope, therefore, that our friends will procure an abundance of these tracts; the price is only 2d. per dozen, so that, as to excellence and cheapness, we do not see how they can be surpassed.

MINOR WORKS OF SWEDENBORG.

The Manchester Tract Society have now concluded the publication of the minor works, which the author published evidently as a kind of tracts on the prin cipal subjects of doctrine relating to the New Church. The author's design has now been carried ont to an extent which he himself did not probably anticipate, as 5,000 copies of each work have been published, and may be had in a correct and neat form, good type and paper, at a very small cost. Henceforth there can be no just complaint as to the cheapness of Swedenborg's theological works; for the London Printing Society, in publishing the larger works, have also studied correctness, as a primary essential, which, together with excellence of type and paper, make them as elegant and cheap as any books which issue from the London press. The Minor Works" are1. Doctrine of the Lord; 2. Of the Sacred Scripture; 3. Of Life; 4. Of Faith; 5. Of Influx; 6. The Heavenly Doctrines; 7. Brief Exposition, shewing the Doctrinal Differences between the New Church and the Old; a most important and instructive work. And 8. The Last Judgment, with the Continuation.

NEW PUBLICATION.- 66 Fanny Dale, or a Year after Marriage."-Mr. Hodson has presented the public with another of Mr. Arthur's beautiful stories under the above title. The tendency of it may be accurately gathered from the motto fronting the title page, extracted from Swedenborg, as follows:-"The desire of exercising rule cr dominion in marriage destroys genuine love, because it takes away its freedom, and thus also its delight. The delight of exercising dominion which then takes the place of genuine love, begets animosities, sets the minds of the two parties at enmity, and causes evils to take root, according to the nature of the dominion assumed by one party, and of the servitude yielded by the other." A very important subject is this, and one bearing powerfully upon human happiness and improvement, as every thinking person must admit; and we can safely assure our readers, that the illustration of it afforded in this very interesting narrative, is well calculated to leave a deep impression on the young mind, of the necessity and advantage of guarding against the first quarrel, by a wise distribution of conjugal rights, and a prudent exercise of them, by young married partners.

THIRD VOLUME OF "SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS"-We are requested to notice to subscribers, that the third volume of "Spiritual Reflections with Daily Prayers," commenced by the late Rev Thos. Goyder, will be published on the 30th June. Subscribers will receive their copies through the post; and intending subscribers are requested immediately to transmit their names to the Rev. D. G. Goyder, Mel

bourne, Derbyshire. After the subscribers are supplied, all the New Church publishers will be supplied with copies on sale.

LONDON MISSIONARY AND TRACT SOCIETY. The thirty-first anniversary of this Society is fixed to be held at the Church in Cross-street, Hatton Garden, on Wednesday, May 12th; the chair to be taken by the Rev. T. C. Shaw, at seven o'clock precisely. On this occasion, besides the usual business of hearing the committee's report, electing the new committee, &c., the trust deed, enabling the society to hold property that may be left to it, will be laid on the table. It is anticipated that matters of great interest to the church will be brought forward: a numerous attendance is therefore much desired. It is requested that subscriptions will be paid either before or at the meeting.

GENERAL CONFERENCE.-It is required by the rules that three months' notice be given to the Secretary of any proposed alteration in the rules of Conference, or of any intended application for ordination; and by the 1st of June, of the intention of a society to be received into connection with Conference;-in order that they may be mentioned in the Secretary's circular. Such notices are to be addressed to the secretary, Mr. Butter, 48, Cloudesley-terrace, Islington, London. Subscriptions to Conference, or to the Pension Fund, and any sums of money that may be due for Minutes, should be remitted as early as convenient, by post-office order or otherwise, to the treasurer, Mr. Thomas Frederick Salter, Aldgate, London.

On the 17th March, aged 16, Isabella, daughter of Mr. Noah Shulders, of Norwich, was removed from a state of suffering, in the bright hope of a blessed immortality. She sustained a pulmonary affliction of nearly four years with a fortitude beyond her age, and delighted her parents and friends by her patience, affection, and piety. She was fond of reading the Scriptures, and of conversing on religion, especially, at times, on the life after death. She often expressed a desire to be good, and to hate evil, regarding these as the principal features of religion. During her last confinement to her chamber, her sufferings were distressing, and she was

Cave and Sever, Printers, Palatine

able to speak but little. But a spirit of resignation distinguished her behaviour, and she devoutly acknowledged the heavenly aid she experienced in bearing her affliction. She begged her parents would console themselves, after her departure, by reading the 563rd Hymu, on resigning a dying child to heaven. A short time before she breathed her last, she directed attention to the angels who had come for her. Her last words were"Tell father, tell mother, tell all, it's true; all's true;" meaning, undoubtedly, that the heavenly truths she had been taught respecting the future state were rapturously confirmed to her experience. R. A.

Buildings, Hunt's Bank, Manchester.