was spiritual body in which St. Paul be- ment by the Convention of one thoulieved has been recently advocated by sand dollars towards the expense of that eminent naturalist, the equal of publication of the Liturgy. The followMr. Darwin, though his modesty forbids ing declarative resolution also him to say so, Mr. Wallace. Thirdly, adopted :-"That the Convention reSwedenborg is the author of a sublime gards it as one of its duties to provide saying, which may be read by the at all times a suitable book or books passer-by in Argyll Square, close to the of worship, for the use of the New unromantic Euston Road, that 'all re- Church, and that in future it recomligion has relation to life, and that life mends all who may desire new books, or consists in doing good.' At a point like changes in existing books, to bring the this all creeds meet." matter before the Convention or its Executive Committee, that original action in the case may hereafter be taken by this body, with the intent that no further misunderstanding may ever occur, and also that the propriety of a supervision of this work by the Convention may be recognized. The action of the Executive Committee in the preparation of the new book of worship was approved. GENERAL CONVENTION OF THE NEW CHURCH IN AMERICA. The New Jerusalem Messenger of June 28th gives an abstract of the proceedings of this body: The ministers and delegates to the Convention met in the temple of the First New Jerusalem Society of Philadelphia, in Broad Street, on Friday, June 9th, and continued in session until the Tuesday following. The roll of the Convention as finally compiled showed an attendance of forty-five ministers and ninety-eight delegates. Rev. Dr. Tafel, of London, who was present as the accredited messenger of the English New Church Conference, was heartily welcomed, and cordially invited to take a seat in the assembly. The early part of the session was occupied, as is usually the case with assemblies of this kind, in reading reports and other documents, which require the attention of the members. Rev. James Reed offered a resolution, which was adopted, instructing the Committee on the Journal to condense and tabulate as far as possible all reports and documents which are entitled to a place in the Journal. A lengthened discussion seems to have taken place on a series of resolutions and amendments having relation "to the publication of the Liturgy prepared by the successor to the Commission on the Liturgy, appointed by the Conference of New Church Ministers, as well as that of the Book of Worship prepared by a Committee appointed by the Executive Committee of the Convention." The discussion of these resolutions, which extended to the general publishing operations of the Convention, seems to have led to considerable diversity of thought. The whole subject was referred to the Executive Committee, and on their report, settled by the pay The following resolution, contained in the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, was referred to the Board of Managers of the Work of Church Extension, with full powers :-“ That the sum of one hundred dollars each be devoted the present year to the support of the foreign New Church ministers, namely, the Scandinavian Mission and the Italian Mission, the same to be drawn from the Mission Funds of the General Convention, and to be forwarded respectively to the Rev. Adolph Boyesen, of Copenhagen, and Professor Loreto Scocia, at Florence." In the following resolution members of the New Church in this country will sympathise, Mr. Reed's labours having conferred benefits on the Church in England as well as in America :— 66 Resolved, That this Convention feels it to be its duty to take notice and to express its deep regret at the absence from its session of our honoured and beloved brother, Mr. Sampson Reed, of Boston. Probably no other member of this body has for fifty years been more uniformly present at its sessions, or has contributed more to the dignity and usefulness of this body than he, and we affectionately tender him our sympathy in the circumstances which have prevented his attendance upon the present session of this Convention." The subject of correct translations of the sacred Scriptures, or Word of God, was brought under the attention of the Convention by Rev. N. C. Burnham, and the following resolution proposed by Rev. James Reed, was adopted: That the Committee on Ecclesiastical Affairs be requested to consider the question of a new translation of the Scriptures, and with this end in view, to confer with our New Church brethren in England." The election of the officers of the Convention is not, as with us, at the beginning of the session, but near its close. The following were elected to the principal offices:-Rev. Chauncey Giles, President; Hon. T. A. Plantz, Vice-President; Nathan Hobart, Treasurer; Willard H. Hinkley and Francis A. Dewson, Secretaries. In a leader on the Convention, the Messenger says:-"So far as we have heard any expressed opinion, the session was regarded as a useful one. There were things done which some will regard as unwise, and there were words spoken which seemed to some it would have been much better to have left unsaid. But we have good reasons for believing that all the members of the Convention have a common purpose, and that the conflict of opinion is caused by difference of view concerning the best method of gaining that end. New Churchmen must and will work together. The forces which draw them together are much stronger than those which keep them apart. A great part-perhaps the best part of our discipline, and the most efficient means of our spiritual growth, are found in working with others." BRISBANE (QUEENSLAND).-Report of the Committee of the New Church Society, for the year ending April 1876. We have just concluded the third year since regular services have been held by our Society in Brisbane. From that time to the present, our apparent progress has been steady but slow; but we must be satisfied that we hold fast what we have obtained, and gradually augment our numerical strength. Very few who have joined us since the inauguration of this Society up to the present time, have withdrawn themselves, and we have reason to believe that those who are enrolled as members of the Society are heartily interested, not only in the progress of this Society, but in the general propagation and advancement of the doctrines of the New Church. We have reason also for congratulation that many who have not formally joined us, but who attend our services regularly, show by their efforts to obtain more knowledge themselves, and to enlighten others, that they are in the same love. At the present time the number of names on our roll is forty-six. There has been a little improvement in the attendance, not so much in number as in steadier attendance: it is not so fluctuating as it used to be. We have to report, with reference to the Sunday School, that it has gradually dwindled away. We may account for this partly by the fact that the homes of our members are scattered over a very wide area, and most of those who have children live at too great a distance from the Temperance Hall for their children to attend every Sunday. We would urgently recommend that the Sunday School be reorganized, and that all use their best energies to raise it to the position its importance demands. The Treasurer's report, which will be read to you, shows a balance_against us of something less than £5. During the year just concluded, the system of voluntary contributions has been allowed to supersede that of quarterly subscriptions, and we have found it, so far, to work better: perhaps it is rather too early to express an opinion upon it, as it has been tried only about two months, but it is free from many objections which accrue to the other plan, and is more in accordance with New Church principles. Amongst the changes made during the past year, our removal to the Temperance Hall seems to have been, on the whole, a beneficial one. With reference to the library, it is in about the same position as last year. There are in it at the present time about 90 books, and about 30 are lent out in the hands of members and others. We require funds to replace a few volumes lost, and to make some additions to this invaluable branch of our work. We have also, for some time, had a very small supply of tracts, but as our financial position improves, we shall be able to purchase some of recent publication, of which there is a good stock in Brisbane. At our last annual meeting, Mr Garsden was appointed leader, and a report of the resolutions of that meeting were forwarded to the Secretary of the General Conference in England, with the request that it should be placed before the Conference at their annual meeting, and the necessary credentials returned. But our letter miscarried, and was returned a short time ago. The Committee then decided that Mr. Garsden should fulfil all the duties of leader, as though the required license had been received, as there is no doubt that the Conference would have endorsed the action of this Society, had they received the intimation of his appointment. As it is only a short time since the miscarriage of our letter was discovered, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper has been administered only once, and the ordinance of Baptism has been administered twice. In concluding our report, we would urge upon our members the necessity of frequently attending public worship, of studying the Word, and applying its truths to their lives, that the knowledge of truth, and the love of good may be one, finding embodiment, or their life, in good actions. If all in Brisbane who acknowledge the truths of the New Jerusalem live a life in conformity therewith, their influence amongst their neighbours must be great, both in dispelling the popular notions concerning their belief, and in inducing a spirit of inquiry respecting their doctrines. MANCHESTER AND SALFORD MISSIONARY SOCIETY.-The annual meeting of this Society was held in the schoolroom, Irwell Street, Salford, on the evening of Tuesday, June 20th. At six, tea was provided, and a little before seven the chair was taken by John Broadfield, Esq., the Treasurer of the Society. After a very brief devotional service the Chairman proceeded to address the meeting. It was interesting, he said, to all true members of the Church to make known the truth, which they had found so comforting and profitable to themselves. We know that the New Church is in agreement with all truth, We are encouraged, therefore, to extend the knowledge of its truth to all who are willing to receive it. Every member of the Church should also think on this subject. We require energy to spread the knowledge of the doctrines, and to extend to others the blessings we have ourselves received from them. If any one should be in earnest it should be the member of the New Church. The Church shows us how to secure peace and hope, and points out to us the way in which we should go. We ought, therefore, to point out these truths to others. The Missionary Society was for this purpose, and it was returning more fully to its first intention. One feature of former reports would be found lacking in the present. Former reports had accounts of sums spent in visiting the neighbouring Societies. This expenditure was now discontinued, and the funds of the Society were wholly devoted to more distant service and more distinctly missionary work. The Society was seeking to employ men of ability to make known the doctrines where the people know them not, and we are met to-night to encourage one another in this good work. Mr. The Secretary read the report, from which it appeared that lectures had been delivered at Lancaster and Barrowin-Furness by Revs. P. Ramage and W. Westall. Mr. Ramage has also delivered lectures at Blackburn, Bury, Stockport, and some other places, and Mr. Westall at Rawtenstall. Henshall, the Colporteur, has been employed at Lancaster, Barrow, the Potteries, Manchester, and Salford, and the towns and villages around. He has sold 1051 New Church publications, 369 of which were works by Swedenborg, and given away 4000 tracts. The Rev. R. Storry, in moving the adoption of the report, said-The Head of the Church gives gifts to men, and He desires the exercise of these gifts by all His disciples. He does not give to all the same gift. To some He gives the ability to proclaim His truth to their fellow-men, to others the ability to sustain the preachers in their work, and to aid them in a variety of ways in their labours. All the disciples of the Saviour are called to build up the Kingdom of God in the world; though all cannot become preachers. The Church is compared to the light. "Ye are," says the Saviour to His disciples, "the light of the world." It is the nature of light to diffuse itself in every direction. In relation to the ministry there were two ways in which the whole body of disciples could render them effective and useful attended as they were formerly. The ablest and most eloquent ministers of other denominations, as well as our own, confess and deplore this. Are we then to give up our work? No. There are encouraging features, and we must persevere. If fewer people attend there is less of the controversial element, and, more thoughtful inquiry. There is a growing desire on the part of members to know more of Christ and of the truth; and he who can throw most light on the Word, and lead men to the noblest and best life, will be the most acceptable teacher, and do the most good. assistance. The first was by an adequate is only to be done by persevering labour. support to this and kindred institutions. Lectures are not now so numerously In their contributions to the support of the ministry it was not the ministers and missionaries alone that were benefited. The contributors were themselves benefited by their interest in this great work, and by a larger development of Christian feeling and religious character. The second way in which the ministers were aided in their work was by the hearty sympathy of the members of the Church. If ministers were regarded as an idle body of men who made their living by talking,—if their work was neither understood nor appreciated,if opportunity were frequently taken for disparaging remarks as to the value of their services, we could not reasonably expect much success from their labours. But if these labours were appreciated and aided by a warm sympathy and hearty co-operation, the minister would be encouraged and strengthened in his work, and that work would be carried to a successful issue. The Meeting was afterwards addressed by Messrs. Boys, Mackereth, Seddon, G. H. Smith, Henshall, Jones, and J. Robinson. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.-On Monday, June 26th, the 37th annual meeting of this Union was held in the New Jerusalem Temple, Church Rev. Mr. Ramage said that he trusted Street, Heywood. There were sixty that some good had been done by the lec- delegates, ministers, and leaders present tures at Lancaster and Barrow. In their from various parts of Lancashire and delivery, the formation of Societies was Yorkshire. The Rev. W. Westall, of not the end in view. If people received Salford, was appointed President, and the truth, and were thence induced to in a few very appropriate observations lead good lives, the end we had in view introduced the business of the meetwas accomplished. If a number receive ing. The Committee's report stated the truth, and desire to associate together that the work of the Union was slowly for their mutual help and edification, progressing. One evidence of this was then a Society would be formed. The seen in the continued demand in the meetings that were held were very schools for New Church Literature. enthusiastic, and considerable interest During the year there has been sold was excited. But if you wish to establish Societies a considerable expenditure will be needed. It will not be done by a solitary lecture or by a number of lectures. The Presbyterians accomplish this by a large expenditure. They raise a large sum, and when they have fixed upon a place plant a man there for five years. We need also a man to keep working at it. This is the experience of the ablest New Church missionaries. Our business is to sow the seed broadcast. If it find congenial soil it will take root and grow. The truth is spreading and will spread, and it is our duty and privilege to aid its extension. Rev. W. Westall said-My experience has been similar to that of Mr. Ramage. The prospect at Lancaster seemed most favourable. The establishment of Societies, however, is a work of time, and in the schools of the Union 13,000 publications, and during the past twentyseven years 198,734 publications have been circulated. During the day's session a number of subjects relating to the Sunday Schools, and the best mode of promoting their efficiency, were passed in review. A resolution was submitted and passed recommending the schools which have not established book clubs to establish them as early as possible, in order that the teachers and scholars may have the works of Swedenborg and other writings explanatory of the doctrines of the Lord's New Church brought within their reach." The schools were also recommended to take advantage of the district meetings as a valuable means of quickening their interest in the work of Sunday School education. The Rev. P. Ramage and Mr. Smith, Bolton, were work. Mr. Potts said the Lord had committed to us a great treasure, the knowledge of His Second Advent, which He is making through the literal sense of the Word. If we do not learn the letter, we cannot know the spiritual sense of the Word. We are to teach the literal sense adapted to children. If the Church is not progressing, it is because too much is done for the strangers, and too little for the Church itself. If we would become angels, we must become likeminded with the angels. Angels love their neighbour, and Sunday School teachers must love their scholars, and do all they can for them. Teachers can only do this by first doing for themselves. Our want of progress lies here. The teacher has not prepared himself to teach. Swedenborg teaches that the Lord can illustrate the mind which is prepared for illustration. If teachers have learned nothing, how can they teach? Books are prepared, and every means offered for their improvement. They must avail themselves of these means of instruction, so that the work done may be done well. appointed a Committee to consider the where Sunday Schools had given way, it subject of preparation classes, and was from a lack of earnestness in the report to the next annual meeting. The attention of the schools was also called to the advantage which might accrue to them by following the example of Peter Street schools, Manchester, in establishing parents' tea parties, which it was urged might tend to enlist parents on the side of the teachers, who would thus gain a valuable aid. A resolution was also carried affirming the desirability of each school keeping a register, by means of which scholars leaving one town for another might be written about to the secretary of the school in the town in which they went to reside, and kept in the schools and churches; also that old scholars who left off attending school might not be lost sight of, and that an effort should be made to induce them to return to the fold of the Church. In the evening a meeting was held in the Church, and the attendance was moderately good. The Rev. R. Storry presided, and after devotional exercises he spoke of the present time as one of transition in connection with Sunday Schools. At the same time he did not doubt that they had within their schools elements of progress which would make them increasingly useful. He urged on Sunday School teachers perseverance, insisting that an imperfect plan persistently pursued would be more effective than the best plans listlessly and carelessly practised. Mr. Tansley said that the whole aspect of the Sunday School question had altered in recent years, and Sunday School teachers now stood in a different relation to their scholars than the teachers of thirty years ago. Children were now being trained in day-schools in such a manner as would enable them to study science with some degree of success. They would find these children as they grew up bringing up questions of importance, and it behoved them, as teachers and ministers, to render themselves able to solve in a straightforward manner what would be the questions of the future. Dr. Pilkington held that the first and foremost necessity in a Sunday School teacher was that he should have a full determination and purpose, and he be lieved that determination would succeed when a cold heart and a speculating mind would fail. He believed that Mr. Smith, of Bolton, said-The Sunday School will never cease. It will last as long as the Church. It has its own individuality and its own usefulness. There had been diversity of thought in the meeting, but we are agreed in the desire to make the schools increasingly useful. We do ourselves injury when we speak of a want of success. The schools have been successful. They have brought many children to Christ, and this is life eternal. This Rev. Mr. Westall said-If we look over the world we see those who walk by sense, and those who walk by faith. There is faith in other Churches, but the stones which have built up that faith are crumbling away in their hearts. The light which is causing these stones to crumble away is cementing a rational faith more strongly together. faith is built up with truth by reading and reflection. Those who had gone before us had been distinguished by their zeal, their fidelity to truth, and their attention to duty. The social influences of to-day tend to draw men away from Sunday Schools to haunts of pleasure. Can men pursue this and |