into the human heart and understanding. The prediction also of Swedenborg, that a church founded on the principles contained in his writings would exist upon the earth,-a prediction made when those principles were (so far as this world is concerned) confined to the recesses of his own mind,- is now amply verified, and the New Church, by societies or readers of her doctrines, exists in every civilized country of the world.

"May these confirmations, while they render us steadfast in the faith we have received, render us equally alive to the duties which that faith necessarily enjoys! "To one of these, more especially indicated by the striking events around us, it is now the earnest wish of the Committee of the London Missionary and Tract Society to direct your attention.

"In the light which is now diffusing itself, it cannot but happen that the deformities of religious creeds, conceived during a darker state of the human intellect, should become more and more manifest, that dissatisfaction, change, and a restless searching for views more consonant with the growing rationality of the age, should become one of the leading characteristics of the religious world. This has already taken place to an extent which forces upon us the conviction, that there are now multitudes of human minds so loosened from their attachment to ancient error, as to be in a condition to receive the truths of the New Dispensation, could those truths be brought before them in any thing like their real form and character.

"It is to the duty therefore of making renewed efforts to bring these truths home to the understandings of mankind by the labours of her missionaries, that we would now rouse the attention of every society of the New Christian Church. A wall of prejudice and utter misconception rises between our doctrines and the minds of religious men, and it is to the labour of the missionary that we must mainly look for its removal.

"The proposal which the committee of the Missionary and Tract Society beg now to submit to the ministers and societies of the church, and which, with a view to shew its expediency, they have prefaced by the above remarks, is the following:

"They earnestly request that sermons may be preached and collections made, annually, in every society of the New Church, as a means of providing funds for

further missionary efforts, and to keep into operation the other uses of this society, which are greatly impeded by the present state of its finances.

"The purchase of a considerable amount of tracts and stereotype plates, together with its recent exertions, have drained the present resources of the society, and produced a debt of £130.;a state of depression ill-suited to its further exertions in the field of usefulness opened by the present posture of religious affairs, or to its carrying out the endeavours of the New Church to lead mankind to the refuge which the Lord has provided for them, amid the various sources of bewilderment by which they are now surrounded.

"The committee earnestly hope that, by the plan they have suggested, this impediment may be speedily removed, and that the society may receive that support which the importance of its uses demands. They beg at the same time respectfully to state their conviction, that the amount hitherto at their disposal has never adequately represented either the present extent of the New Church, or that sense of the paramount duty to make her doctrines known, which they trust exists in the minds of all her members, and which they also trust this appeal will call into full activity.

"The proceeds of collections, together with subscriptions and donations, may be paid, by post-office order or otherwise, either to the treasurer, Mr. Newbery, 6, King-street, Holborn, or to the secretary, Mr. Butter, 48, Cloudesley-terrace, Islington; and it is important that they should be transmitted early in each year, in order that they may appear in the society's accounts."

A SKETCH OF THE PROGRESS OF THE NEW CHURCH DOCTRINES AT FAILSWORTH AND WOODHOUSES.

As a new chapel and school-room are to be opened in this locality on the 25th of this month, it may not be uninteresting to your readers, to see an outline of the gradual progress of the heavenly doctrines at Failsworth and Woodhouses, in the neighbourhood of Manchester. About thirty-six years ago, Mr. T. Wilson, then a young man, having recently received the doctrines of the New Church, through the medium of the late venerable R. Boardman, of Middleton, invited the Rev. J. Bradley to preach, in a private house, at

each of the two places. Mr. Bradley, and other Manchester missionaries, frequently visited them. The consequence was, that several individuals became favourably disposed to the doctrines. A small library was formed, and Sunday morning reading meetings were instituted, and carried on for some years, at the houses of several friends. A portion of doctrinal knowledge was thus acquired, which served to combat with and break down the strong-holds of religious and infidel prejudice. which at that time stood high on every hand. Meetings for the discussion of religious subjects were, at times, carried on at both places, between Unitarians, Methodists, and others, at which Mr. Wilson, his father, and another friend, advocated the doctrines of the New Church. They also, on some occasions, obtained the assistance of that able champion of the truth, the late Rev. R. Hindmarsh, and of other friends from Manchester. For a series of years considerable opposition was experienced, but the doctrines made a steady progress. Mr. Wilson was then engaged as a missionary by the Manchester Society, and has been actively employed in that capacity ever since. His most distinguishing talent, however, always appeared to be that of advocating and defending the doctrines in public discussion. In this respect he appears to have been peculiarly adapted to the situation in which he has been placed; for Failsworth has been one of the principal strong-holds of infidelity during the last half century. The works of Mirabaud, Voltaire, Paine, Volney, and Carlyle, besides other deistical and atheistical writers, were much read in this district, and their principles publicly advocated, as well as instilled into the young mind by education. But in Mr. Wilson these pernicious works found a most powerful opponent: for he had read and deeply studied most of them previous to his reception of the New Church, doctrines; and, as I have heard him say, must himself have become a deist, had not those doctrines been mercifully presented to his mind. Thus previously familiar with the most powerful arguments of materialism and infidelity, he always knew even better than his opponents the nature of the arguments they would employ, and would often state them in clearer terms than they could. Frequent discussions took place, till, at last, Mr. Wilson occasionally met in public discussions the great infidel

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champion of the day, the late Richard Carlyle. The discussions with this redoubtable infidel commenced in the year 1829, at Ashton-under-Lyne, and subsequently at several other places. But however powerful the opponents, the immortal weapons of New Church truth laid them all alike prostrate in the dust, and a calm ensued; during which the seeds of truth were sown by Mr. Wilson, who preached at his own house on Sunday evenings, for nearly ten years. In the year 1829, shortly after he had begun to preach at his own house, he delivered a course of six lectures in a school-room at Failsworth, on the following subjects :1st. "On the Being of a God." 2nd. "On the Immortality of the Soul." 3rd. "On the Truth of the Sacred Scriptures.” 4th. "On the Excellency of Christianity." 5th. "On Redemption." 6th. "On John viii. 10." These lectures made a considerable impression on a Wesleyan Methodist Society in the neighbourhood. Several of Swedenborg's works were in consequence borrowed, and in particular Mr. Noble's "Appeal" was much read, the doctrines were canvassed, and a number of individuals who were members of the Wesleyan Society, began frequently to attend on the Sunday evenings, as before mentioned. For several years many strangers visited these meetings, which were rendered more interesting and useful by a conversation which generally took place upon some doctrinal point, after the service. Events, however, subsequently proved that, in some cases, the "seed fell upon stony ground, where it had not much earth, hence it sprang up immediately, but when the sun was up, it was scorched, and withered away;" "other fell among thorns, and the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choked the word, and it became unfruitful." But the writer feels pleasure in adding that "some fell on good ground, and has brought forth fruit" accordingly. A number of individuals became regular attendants, and in 1831 formed a library, which has continued increasing to the present time, and now contains most of Swedenborg's theological works, besides some by other writers in the church. The writer of this paper, being then quite young, became deeply interested in these meetings, and in humble gratitude acknowledges that from them he received much valuable instruction in the New Church doctrines. And he will ever, he trusts, feel a due sense of obligation to

his esteemed uncle, Mr. Wilson, for the valuable instruction he has received from him. About the commencement of the year 1834, he began occasionally to officiate, in his uncle's absence, at these services, and has continued to assist him ever since. In the summer of 1839, it was determined to apply for permission to hold service every Sunday evening in the village Sunday school, Woodhouses, as the attendance became too numerous to be comfortable in a private house. This was granted; and for about two years service was performed there. But as this school is the property of the neighbourhood, and cannot be under the absolute management of any one denomination, it was felt as though the small society which was growing up was still without a home. Hence, in the summer of 1841, the friends from Failsworth determined upon commencing a Sunday school in the upper part of one of their houses. The idea was approved by all the friends, and a school commenced. It was opened on the 15th of September, 1841, by the Rev. J. Bayley, and has continued to prosper ever since its commencement. A year or two previous to this, there was a resurrection of the principles of materialism, under the new garb of "Socialism," so called. Proud of their new dress, its advocates thought themselves champions indeed, and hesitated not to challenge all religionists without exception to open combat. In particular, Mr. Wilson was requested to come and try their strength. He was not backward at doing so. But no sooner did he set his eyes upon the boasting combatants, than he discovered that they were the ligitimate offspring of his old foe, (Carlyle) dressed in a different costume from that which their parent had worn. Thus, with the "rod of iron" with which he had been accustomed to clear his way before, he soon gave full satisfaction to several of the most talented so-called "Socialist missionaries," who have been quiet ever since.

Between four and five years ago, the Failsworth society received a very valuable acquisition in the person of Mr. A. Edge, an active and zealous member of the Salford society, who, having gone to reside at Newton Heath, undertook to teach the Failsworth scholars the science of music. And being well versed in the science himself, he was peculiarly fitted for his undertaking. The scholars and society owe a great debt of gratitude to the benevolent exertions of this worthy

individual. I trust he will pardon me in thus bringing before the public his name and Christian conduct; as I feel that I cannot do justice to the subject of this paper without so doing. For it is principally owing to the promptitude of his zeal and intelligence, that the society has now nearly erected a new place of worship and a commodious Sunday school. It may be as well to introduce here the copy of a circular that was printed and distributed in the early part of last year, which is as follows:

"The New Church friends at Failsworth wish hereby to inform the societies and friends of the New Church at large, that they have upwards of a hundred Sunday scholars, and that the only place in which they have to teach, and perform public worship, is an upper room in a friend's house, which he has kindly allowed them to occupy for about five years; during the latter part of which, he and his family (which are numerous) have suffered much inconvenience, and some pecuniary loss.

Hence it is evident that he cannot allow the use of the room much longer, and, if he could, it is too small for their purpose; they have therefore determined to make an effort to raise a new building. Now it appears that the cost of one to suit their present wants as a Sunday school and place of worship will be about £150., towards which sum they can raise amongst themselves about £80.; and being very desirous to have as little incumbrance of debt upon the place as possible, they affectionately solicit all friends who are ABLE, to lend them their aid. Mr. L. Kenworthy, 7, Cateatonstreet, Manchester, has kindly consented to receive any contributions that may be sent to him, and as it is intended to commence building early in June, those benevolent individuals who may be disposed to contribute towards the abovenamed charitable object, are respectfully requested to forward their contributions to him as early as convenient.-Signed on behalf of the Society,

"T. WILSON, Leader. "W. STANDRING, Secretary. "T. ROBINSON, Missionary. "Failsworth, March 30th, 1846."

The building being larger than was at first intended, has involved a greater outlay; and, though built in the plainest possible manner, will not be properly completed under £200. While, therefore, they feel very grateful to those friends who have so liberally responded

to their call, they beg further to solicit the assistance of those who have not yet contributed, but who are inclined to do so. The sum of £78. has been collected within the society, and about £19. have been received from other friends. It is intended to open the place for public worship on Sunday the 25th instant. The services of the Rev. J. Bayley have been engaged for the occasion. I think it will be seen from the above sketch, that, with patience and perseverance, the most sterile ground may be made, by the blessing of the Lord, to bring forth New Church fruits. And I doubt not that the society will deeply feel, and gratefully acknowledge, the obligation they owe, under Providence, to Mr. Wilson for his long and gratuitous labours; and that he will experience the enjoyment of that reward which always accompanies the performance of uses intended to promote the Lord's kingdom upon earth. May the Lord of life and glory bless and crown this undertaking with abundant success, and to Him be all the praise and glory! T. R.

LONDON NEW CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

The first annual meeting of the above Union was held in the school room, Argyle-square, on Thursday the 4th inst. After the company had partaken of the refreshment provided, the Rev. T. C. Shaw was requested to preside, who opened the proceedings of the evening by repeating the Lord's Prayer. A hymn was then sung, and the minutes of the previous meeting were read, with the following report :

"In presenting the first annual report, your committee cannot but offer their congratulations on the pleasing duty they have to perform; as, although few of the objects contemplated by the Union have been accomplished, yet, when the many difficulties which an incipient cause has to encounter are taken into consideration, it will, they imagine, be seen, that by the divine mercy of the Lord, the present position of the Union is much more satisfactory than could reasonably have been anticipated.

"Your committee have hitherto chiefly exerted themselves to establish the Union on a firm and extensive basis in London; whence it might ultimately extend its ramifications to every New Church Society south of the Trent; strengthening and encouraging such schools as already

N. S. No. 88.-VOL. VIII.

exist, and assisting in the formation of others wherever it may be found practicable.

"As a means of accomplishing this object, the Quarterly Social Meetings were established, for the discussion of subjects bearing either directly or indirectly on Tuition-for the consideration of all matters connected with the Unionand for the dissemination of such information relating to the schools of the New Church as might prove generally interesting to their supporters and friends. Your committee have always sedulously exerted themselves to obtain, on such occasions, the presence of as many of the teachers and friends as possible; and in this their efforts have been most successful. The interest also evinced in these meetings proves beyond a doubt that the cause in whose behalf they were established possesses a firm hold on the affections of a large portion of the members of the two societies.

"Four such social meetings have already been held. The first was occupied in deciding on the preliminary rules of the Union; at the second the subject of "Self-Culture," which was thought to be the most appropriate for the introductory discussion, was considered in its three-fold character,-as Religious, Intellectual, and Physical; and the last two meetings were occupied in discussing the relative worth of the views of several writers on the Art of Communicating.'

"While, however, your committee have chiefly exerted themselves in the more immediate sphere, they have not been unmindful of the ulterior objects of the Union. Accordingly, in conformity with a resolution past at one of the general meetings of the Union, your secretary wrote to all the societies south of the Trent, informing them of the formation of the Union, enumerating some of the advantages likely to accrue therefrom, and affectionately inviting their coöperation in the good work. And your committee feel much pleasure in stating that their invitation was warmly responded to in most instances, and in others the subject was promised all the consideration which its importance demands.

"But your committee did not stop here. As it was considered desirable that the Union should at once assume the position in which it might ultimately act as a coadjutor with the Manchester Union,

M