borg tells us, agreeably to Scripture, that it is only by comparing them with the 'Jesus Christ is the true God and rest of his writings that I am compelled eternal life,' and that within Him to assent to their truth. Swedenborg (Christ) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily' (Col. ii. 9), and that, therefore, the whole Divine Trinity is centred in His glorified Person. To think of a Father separate from and out of Him is what Swedenborg condemns, since the mind thus forms an idea of two Gods. Swedenborg tells us, agreeably to the words of the Lord, that no one can approach the Father or Divine Soul except through the medium of the humanity which covers it; the error of which he speaks is the approaching one Divine Person, the Father, and asking Him to accept the petition on account of the merits of another Divine Person, the Son. If all the fulness of the Godhead' is centred 'bodily' in the Person of the Lord Jesus, where shall we look for any Divinity out of Him?

has shown me more clearly than any other writer the greatness and goodness of God, and my entire dependence upon Him for every thing I enjoy; he has given me a clearer insight into the Divine Word, and instructed me that it is holy in every syllable; he has shown me upon what principles it is built, and declares that it contains Infinite Wisdom; he has pointed me to Jesus Christ as the only Fountain open for sin and for uncleanness; he declares that if I would be saved, I must, by God's help, keep the Divine Commandments; that I must love God with all my soul, and my neighbours as myself. This, then, is the main ground of my belief in Swedenborg, because I see that he is a witness to the truth; and I accept his descriptions of the Spiritual World because I see that they are in accordance with the great laws of order by which the Lord operates, and which He has been pleased to reveal to man.

“(ii) Puerile Absurdities.—Your correspondent seems highly amused at some of the statements made by Swedenborg relating to the other life; but is it not likely that a fresh revelation from hea- "(iii) Immoral Teachings.-I consider ven purporting to give us some account this to be the most serious charge of the spiritual world would contain many against Swedenborg, and one which, if statements which at first might seem it could be supported, would shatter all ridiculous and absurd? The fact that belief in him as a Divine Teacher sent there are such statements does not dis- from God. But I must express my unprove the revelation; if it did, the bounded surprise that such a charge Bible might be easily overthrown. should ever have been made. With Take, for instance, the wonderful things reference to the Seventh Commandment seen by St. John, the four beasts full Swedenborg says: This Commandof eyes within,' the 'great red dragon,' ment signifies not only the committing the woman clothed with the sun;' of adultery, but also the cherishing of Ezekiel's description of the cherubim filthy and obscene desires, and giving (i.), his being commanded to lay siege them vent in wanton thoughts, words, against a model of Jerusalem (iv. 1-8), and actions' (T. C. R. 313), adducing to eat bread baked with dung (iv. 9-17), our Lord's words in Matt. v. 27, 28 in etc., etc. In order to get a clear idea proof of the statement. In the work of what these things mean, we must on 'Conjugial Love,' we read 'Love compare them with the other parts of truly conjugial can only exist with one the Sacred Scriptures; and in like wife' (333); If a Christian marries manner we must not judge Swedenborg several wives, he commits not only by these passages merely, but must natural but also spiritual adultery' compare them with the other portions (339); Conjugial chastity, purity, of his writings, and endeavour to find and sanctity cannot exist with polyout their connection and dependence. gamists' (346); with many other pasEvery messenger from heaven has been sages of like import. Any statement pronounced a madman, our blessed which Swedenborg makes respecting Saviour not excepted; is it not likely the permission of polygamy refers to that the instrument of a further revela- those out of the Christian Church, who tion would receive the same title? are in ignorance of the Lord and of His Swedenborg's statements with respect Commandments. I cannot do better

to the spiritual world, would, did they than refer the reader to the note stand alone, have no weight whatever; between the two parts of the work

in question. I will just quote the last England and America, and stated as his paragraph While, therefore, the Author distinguishes the different degrees of evil, he cannot be justly understood as sanctioning even the least. In drawing any conclusion from what he says of unchastity as practised in the world, it must be borne in mind that he shows it to be an evil that can be practised by men only while they are in a natural or unregenerated state, it being inconsistent with a spiritual state of mind and with the life of heaven, and consequently with the Christian religion, which is intended to prepare men for heaven. No one, therefore, if guided by the principles of the true Christian religion, can indulge in any of the forms of unchastity which the author has pointed out. This is a sufficient refutation to the whole charge of immorality brought against the illustrious and pure-minded Swedenborg.'

experience that he had not found, in going the round of the churches, one which was free from mystery till he came to the New Church, where, he emphatically said, there was no mystery. An objection that the teachings were wanting in positiveness was ably replied to by a member of the Camberwell Society, who also explained most lucidly the New Church doctrine of the Trinity. At the conclusion, the essayist was warmly thanked for his paper, and the most cordial interest in the subject very generally expressed, the odium theologicum being conspicuous by its absence.

Apologizing for the length of this letter, but feeling it necessary to answer as fully as possible the false statements and misrepresentations put forward by Mr. Leeke, I beg to remain yours very faithfully,

"GEO. L. ALLBUTT. "St. John's College, Cambridge, "June 10th, 1875."

We append to this letter the follow ing notice, which will interest our readers- "At the special examination in Natural Sciences, for the ordinary B.A. Degree, held at Cambridge in June, Mr. Geo. Lawrence Allbutt, of St. John's College, Cambridge, passed 1st Class in Geology, and obtained his degree of B. A.”

ALLOA. We copy the following ac count of a recent visit to this Society from the Alloa Circular of June 30th:

"The Rev. W. C. Barlow, minister of the New Church, Paisley, delivered two sermons on Sabbath last, in the New Church place of meeting, Alloa, to interested and full meetings; morning, on The Glorification of the Lord;' evening, on Isa. xxxiii. 21—But the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.' This passage afforded a fine opportunity of illus trating the principle according to which the Word of God is understood and explained in the New Church. We give the concluding portion of Mr. Barlow's very interesting discourse :Divine truth flowing from Divine love is a river of wisdom. Let Ezekiel describe its fulness and its source-it flows from beneath the threshold of the House of the Lord, for it is the Divine truth from Him. Its measurement, a thousand cubits, it is up to the ankles-wisdom is there for the lowest degree of the natural mind; a thousand cubits onwards, up to the knees; a thousand further, up to the loins; a thousand further, and the waters were risen-waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. Sons of men, have ye perceived this fulness of the Divine truth; that at the verge it will purify your lowest nature, and in its depth, no human mind can sound its

LONDON ASSOCIATION OF CORRECTORS OF THE PRESS. -At a meeting held by this Association on the 21st of June last, a paper was read by one of the members on Swedenborg and the Science of Correspondences," in which the life of Swedenborg was briefly sketched, and its moral and intellectual character placed in its true light. An outline of the science of correspondences was then given, and its value as being the key to the interpretation of Scripture strongly profundity? Its vitalizing power is redwelt upon, several interesting illustrations being adduced. In the subsequent discussion, a member of the Association gave an eloquent description of his intercourse with "Swedenborgians" in

ported by the Prophet-‘Ön the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other; and in the waters thereof a very great multitude of fish; and everything shall live whither

several

LONDON-Camberwell.-For years past a meeting has been held, week by week, on Tuesday evenings, in the schoolroom of the New Jerusalem Church, Flodden Road, Camberwell, at which the public are invited to discuss religious topics with members of the congregation. Wisely adapting their arrangements so as to include in their programme a subject now uppermost in the metropolitan religious world-especially in Camberwell-the managers of the gathering have publicly announced their intention to consider the leading teachings of the popular American Revivalists who are at the present time working in our midst. This special series of meetings commenced with the question, Is it true that Christ suffered instead of man?" The chairman, Mr. F. Skelton, opened the proceedings by saying that any one who had come expecting to hear a violent sectarian attack upon Messrs. Moody and Sankey and their work, would go away disappointed. It is not to the men and their evident zeal and earnestness that New Churchmen take objection, but to some of the doctrines taught at these revival services, particularly that currently known as "Substitution"

the river cometh.' This growth of the street of the city. Language fails trees, or the perceptions of truth; this to tell the glory of this heaven-it is fulness of fish, or the multiplication of the Lord our dwelling-place. Lost in knowledges; this quickening of all wonder, love, and praise, we can only things-all this is descriptive of the strive to be fit for it, in humbling our effects of that spiritual intelligence which minds to receive His truth as our only results from receiving the Divine truth wisdom, and our sufficient law." of infinite wisdom. This intelligence from Divine wisdom is spoken of in our text under the name streams-as the Psalmist also says-There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of our God-as it is in intelligence alone that the doctrine of the Church becomes at once the abode and the source of spiritual delight. It is the same river which John saw-a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the Throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of the city, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life. The reading of which is, that the new heaven and the new church originates, as to its intelligence, in Divine truth from the Lord. The pure river, clear as crystal, is the Divine truth of the Word in abundance; translucent from its spiritual sense, which is the light of heaven. The midst of the street is the inmost principles of doctrine and of life; and this also is the meaning of the broad places of our text. They are far-reaching truths from good. Thus, then, the heaven for which we hope is the Lord Jehovah of glory. He shall be to us a place of rivers-streams and broad places. Therein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby; the galley with oars is human intelligence, it is built by man, and is impelled by human force; the gallant ship is the result of human pride, it is the prowess of man's self-derived wisdom -it is his wisdom bearing on in its course of triumph the wealth which he has acquired. But it is said that this self-derived intelligence and wisdom will have no place in heaven,-in the broad rivers and streams there will go no galley with oars, nor shall any gallant ship pass thereby. Shall we then have no travel in heaven? The Lord will ever place us where our heart is, we shall not. journey from our own power. Will there be no progress in heaven? Shall we not delight in the fulness of wisdom? Yes, but not by our powers of thought and reason-the truth will be given to us, the water will flow to us as we can receive it-the river is in the midst of

the subject of the present discussion. Mr. Skelton then proceeded to characterize the tenet in question as being unscriptural and immoral in its tendency, since it ignores the necessity for our fighting, by the Divine aid, against the evil in our own unregenerate nature. In illustration of this latter statement he said that, recently, a young man, in the inquiry room, asked Mr. Moody "What must I do to be saved?" "Do," said Mr. Moody, "do nothing! only believe that Jesus Christ suffered in your stead." "But," persisted the questioner, "I have been told that I must keep the commandments." Oh," said Mr. Moody, "who has told you that? Some Swedenborgian preacher, I suppose. "No," the young man replied, "Jesus Christ Himself told me, for I read in Matthew xix. that to the question,

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resolved to hold their meetings in future on the first Thursdays in the months of September, December, March and June.

'Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?' He replied, "If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments,' "" and then repeated seriatim those clauses in the The Treasurer having mentioned the decalogue which relate to our duty to present income of the Association as wards our neighbour. Upon this apt being insufficient, it was resolved that quotation Mr. Moody made no com- each society be solicited to subscribe at ment. Mr. Skelton concluded his re- the rate of 2d. per member per annum. marks by wishing all success to the Mr Austin proposed that arrangements Christian workers associated with be made to hold a public meeting for the Messrs. Moody and Sankey, at the purpose of giving Mr. Giles a befitting same time expressing his regret that welcome to London, which was supported they wrought with, in his opinion, most in a most generous and hearty spirit, imperfect tools, and therefore could not and steps were immediately taken to achieve a success proportionate to their carry out the proposition. labours. A general discussion followed, The next meeting of the Association sustained alternately by an advocate of will take place at Devonshire Street, on the orthodox belief and one who en- Thursday, September 2. dorsed the views of the chairman. Although each party used great plainness of speech harmony prevailed.

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE-Nun Street. -Thursday the 1st July being a general half-holiday here (in consequence of the LONDON ASSOCIATION OF THE NEW Newcastle Races), the members of this CHURCH. The quarterly meeting, held Society thought it a favourable opporat Camden Road on Thursday, July 1, tunity to repeat their visit (as promised) was well attended. Mr. Austin, in re- to Cullercoats. About a dozen of them porting on the publication of the Al- accordingly attended, and the Rev. W. manac for 1875, gave the number sold Ray delivered an open-air address on to each of the London societies, and the text, "Behold, I stand at the door those forwarded to the country. A small and knock," Rev. iii. 20. The attend. profit was realised, which was considered ance was about a hundred, and every by the Association as very satisfactory. attention was paid during the whole of Mr Gunton remarked upon the creditable the discourse. About a hundred copies way in which the Almanac was produced, of the tract "Why did Jesus die?" and and the very great value it was as a mis- forty copies of Mr. Ray's sermon on sionary for persons not acquainted with "True and False Conversion," were New Church teaching. Mr. S. B. Dicks distributed. Altogether, we have every stated that a copy was given to each reason to feel satisfied with the result, scholar in the Sunday School at Buttes- and that we have not worked in vain. land Street, and while forming a pleasing Speaking of the Society itself, it is in gift to the scholar, served to carry the every respect in a healthy condition. doctrines to their parents, an example By means of the mutual good-will and worthy the consideration of other Sunday unity which exists among the members, schools. Mr. Austin related the use it continues to increase its numbers, made of them by Mr. Bermond at some and much good is done in the town by provincial temperance lectures, and in its influence. consideration of the extending use made of them, it was resolved to increase the issue for 1876 to 7000 copies.

Mr. Skelton proposed that a committee be appointed to draw up propositions for the arrangement of the next annual meeting for consideration at the next quarterly meeting. Messrs. Austin, Madeley, and Skelton were appointed the committee.

It being found that other meetings were held on the days at present fixed or their quarterly meetings, it was

PALACE GARDENS CHURCH, KENSING TON.-The Annual General Meeting of this Society was held in the LectureRoom adjoining the Church, on Tuesday evening, July 13th-the Rev. Dr. Bayley in the chair. The Reports of the Secretary, Treasurer, Ladies' Benevolent Society, and of the Mutual Improvement Society were read and adopted, and ordered to be printed immediately under the supervision of the Chairman and Secretary. Very gratifying evidence is afforded of

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the success of the Society, and of the cious arrangements of Miss Hawkins, the valuable work being performed by the communion table and font were most Church, situated as it is in the midst of beautifully adorned. In addition to the a different circle of society to that of many monetary offerings which have any other New Church in the metro- been freely presented to the Society polis, and in a locality that has hitherto during the past year, were blinds for always been the most difficult to pene- the church windows, Miss Hawkins; and trate. Before the establishment of this silver covers for the communion cups, Society no public place could be obtained Mr. Herbert." The report of the Soon any terms for any missionary effort ciety was followed by interesting reports in connection with the New Church. of the Mutual Improvement Society, and The Secretary's Report states the num- the Ladies' Benevolent and Working ber of seats in the Church at present let Society. new members were to be 320, and the number of registered elected. Votes of thanks were passed members over 160. "There have been to the various retiring officers, and the celebrated three marriages, nine adult, officers for the ensuing year elected. and fifteen infant baptisms. The aver- Messrs. E. H. Bayley and Duncan were Conage number of members who join in the appointed representatives to Holy Supper is sixty-five; but we believe ference. gentleman proposed all are partakers at one time or another. as the third representative being unable The attendance at public worship con- to undertake the duty, it was left to the tinues to increase. A considerable num- new Committee to appoint another gentleber of strangers may be noticed at each man. The Rev. Dr. Bayley was also service; this fact arises not only from requested to attend Conference. The the great truths so clearly set forth in memorial to Conference for the conthe pulpit, but your Committee attribute tinued use of the building was adopted, to the kind efforts of some of the friends and other business transacted, including in distributing circulars, tracts, and ad- the following resolutions :— dress cards throughout the immediate neighbourhood, and amongst the public generally. Besides which, announce ments of the Sunday services have appeared each Saturday in three of the daily papers, the editors of which kindly insert the same free of charge. The musical arrangements of the Church have been unusually attractive this year, under the able management of the organist, Mr. King Hall, and the leader of the choir, Mr. E. H. Bayley, to whose combined talents and judicious arrangements, and the assistance of the ladies and gentlemen of the choir, we are much indebted, both as regards the musical portion in public worship, and for the complete success of the Oratorio which was performed in the Church, and brought together a large and influential audience. We have also to thank our musical friends for their prompt and valued assistance at the meeting and entertainment given by the Society during the year. ... The Church was again tastefully decorated at Christmas, and your Committee fully appreciates the kindness of those friends whose judicious labours gave it an appearance altogether becoming that interesting season. On Easter Sunday, also, by the kindness of the Countess of Hopetoun, and the judi

"Resolved-That a sub-committee be formed from the present committee, for the purpose of raising a fund of £50, one pound of which is to be expended weekly in suitable advertisements.

"Resolved-That this Society, on looking over the privileges it has enjoyed during the past year, acknowledges with profound gratitude the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, and our Heavenly Father, whose Word has diffused its Divine Light amongst them, and whose comforts have been vouchsafed again and again in the Services of the Church. We pray that the blessing of the Lord may be with us in the coming year, as a pillar of a cloud by day, and of fire by night, and we resolve to do our best by our precept and our example to lead others into the kingdom of the Lord, and induce them to say, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'

The proceedings of the meeting were varied with vocal music, by Miss Edwards, Hymn 194 was sung, and the meeting closed with the benediction.

SERVICE OF SONG.-On Wednesday evening, July 7th, there was held in the New Jerusalem Church, Flodden Road, Camberwell, one of those recently in