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out the lofty system they compose. What you wrote to me about the portions of the New Testament, belonging properly to the Divine Word, naturally put me upon a more diligent and accurate examination of it. On making the examination, I became satisfied that the fact is really such. The four evangelists, like the Apocalypse, Genesis, and the prophetical books, are written in the parabolical and figurative style, with representatives and figuratives, by correspondence, which it has now been given me from heaven to understand. This is not the case with all the other apostolic documents, as can be seen from the nature of their style, which is narrative, academical, and purely epistolary. These documents, moreover, bear the stamp not only of the character, but of the philosophy peculiar to each of their authors. Being evidently intended for various special purposes, being directed at one time to give arrangement and organization to the churches by means of precepts and exhortations; at another, to combat the sinister influences of the old Jewish Church; at another still, to refute the pernicious doctrines springing from the Gnostic philosophy, by polemical discussions, they have none of the essential and proper characters of divine revelation.

"When I had confirmed myself in these persuasions my spirit fell into a state of unspeakable dejection and anguish. This state was the more painful, that I could find no reason for it; suspecting, however, that it might pro ceed from the reflections I had been making on the works of Swedenborg, I kept thinking within myself whether I ought not to suspend or entirely give up the reading of them. After a day of uneasiness, and a sleepless night,

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gave myself up on the following day to prayer, asking of the Lord assistance, light, and strength. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, there came spontaneously into my mind, the thought that I would read some portion of the Word to see whether it might be given me to understand the spiritual sense. Opening my Bible at a venture, my eye fell on the 16th chapter of Luke. I read on attentively and slowly up to the 18th chapter, and as it proceeded my mind was filled with wonder and astonishment to find that I understood very

well the internal sense of those passages which it had never before been given me well to comprehend, notwithstanding my long meditations and the aid of learned commentaries. At this moment there came into my mind an inexpressible joy, such as I had never experienced in all my life, and, thereupon, persuaded that the Lord had given me a new understanding, with a heart full of gratitude I set about seeking in the Divine Word all the other prophecies of His Second Coming, and of the spiritual renovation of the world. I compared, therefore, the above mentioned chapters of Luke with the 13th of Mark and the 24th of Matthew, and then read the Apocalypse. How is it possible to doubt that the events foretold by the Lord eighteen centuries since, are at this period fully accomplished? The different states of prevarication and apostasy, into which the first Church founded by Him would fall, are too plainly described there. Any one who knows the history of Christianity is compelled to exclaim, Everything was foreseen!"

He proceeds to show that the understanding of the Word was to be given at the consummation of the Church. After some very just reflections upon the causes of the slow progress hitherto made by the New Church, which may be expected to give way before the influx of heaven, he adds,

"The doctrines of our Church once known, no obstacle can withstand its progress, because they are pure and real truths, in perfect harmony with science and reason, and any one examining himself, can find in his own organism physical and spiritual, and the loves that govern it, the most splendid proofs in their favour.

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your opinion, to be first translated, and if I should undertake the translation,. could you find the means of printing it?"

As regards the latter of these questions, it was in my power to say to him, on the authority of a letter I had not long before received from the Rev. Mr. Bruce, that the Swedenborg Society would probably undertake the expense of publishing an edition of Heaven and Hell, if a translator could be found. As for the other, I could only assure him of my belief, that the liberality of New Churchmen in America and England would not be wanting to him at the right juncture, advising him, however, for the present to devote himself rather to translating than preaching.

I have not yet made the personal acquaintance of Signor Scocia, and I know nothing of him from any other source than his own letters, and the journals already mentioned. But how much these speak for him both in point of character and intelligence, it is superfluous to say. A. E. FORD.

ST. THOMAS, W. I.-The following letter addressed to the General Conference, and received after the close of its session, has been placed in our hands, and we publish it nearly entire. We have not seen the illustrations mentioned by the writer, and are not, therefore, in a position to speak of their suitableness to promote the object he has in view.

"With this mail I have taken the liberty to send you two numbers of my illustrations, which I hope will reach you. These illustrations are written specially with a view to circulate amongst the old churches. My fifty years' experience has taught me how little Church element there is, and how many would delight in possessing the heavenly truths kept hidden through prejudice and a perverted clergy. I therefore, forty-nine years ago, eagerly began to disseminate the New Church teachings, and many embraced them, who never would have regarded the old Church teachings. And after various and many years' trials, by distributing the doctrines and writings of Swedenborg, I found that this much failed, for there was too much brilliancy which bewildered, and too deep thought,

which few could or would enter into, not to mention the difficulties and obstacles of the spiritual things, which the natural Church finds beyond its conception. I finally, in the year 1860, began in the United States with giving verbal illustrations, which being all extempore from the Word, met with a very favourable reception in the different sects, as all seem delighted to hear the spiritual sense of the Word opened in a way which they conceived plainly; and among the many churches of divers creeds, I never heard one find any objections or express any doubts, while much inquiry arose whence came this information thus as it were spontaneously. But the clergy, jealous that it thus should be out of their own power to satisfy their hearers in the same easy way, soon displayed the prophecy in Matt. xxiii., and I found opposition in various forms. I then concluded to give my illustrations in writing, which I commenced with, but did not continue until my return here. Since my commencement here I find that all, both Protestant and Catholics, desire to get them, and I distribute them free of charge in these Colonies, where every one seems open and willing to read them. But as here is but an isolated, confined spot, I have thought to intrude them to places where there may be numbers benefited by them, and in England, I am impressed, they may be found acceptable to many.

"The illustration being nothing but the word, suits every Church member or Christian. It is as different from our modern sermons as is the Pool of Bethesda from the five porches. The descent of our Lord will only come by a gradual progress of illumination of the literal sense of the Word, for the sign and the coming of the Lord shall be when He is seen in the clouds of heaven in His glory and great power. 'Behold He cometh in the clouds, and every eye shall see Him, and also they which pierced Him.' His coming must be when the seventh angel shall begin to sound, for then shall the mystery of God be finished (Rev. x. 7), and the mystery shall be finished when the internal sense is perceived and the internal truth shines forth.

"When the Word, and nothing but the Word is correctly and spiritually proclaimed, then the internal sense

thereof will be known as the light shining from the east even to the west. The hour is now at hand. I have considered it my duty in my humble efforts to promote the Lord's kingdom, to address you and all who I think will sustain the means to attain the end; and I have endeavoured by my humble assistance to forward it as the divine providence has directed. If you can do anything to promote this object, that it may reach the millions who now die for want of the living bread, and you should think my illustrations worth your attention, I will beg you to inform me in a few lines. I will furnish the illustrations in MSS., and take a portion, say two to four hundred copies, at such price as you shall find yourself able to deliver me them at; and in the hope of hearing your answer, I remain, sincerely, your brother, V. KIERULFF.'

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MISSIONARY VISIT TO THE EASTERN COUNTIES.-To the Secretary of the National Missionary Institution-My dear Sir, I have just concluded a course of missionary labour in the eastern counties, and hasten to report the particulars.

On this

My first service was at Ipswich. The Society here is small, but its members are active in their efforts to make known the doctrines. They possess a chapel, but, in their estimation, too small for special services. occasion, therefore, they rented the Temperance Hall, a public room capable of accommodating a large audience. Over two hundred people attended the services which extended over two week-day evenings (Nov. 26 and 27), and one Sabbath (Nov. 29). The persons present manifested a deep interest in the subjects discussed, and seemed to be favourably impressed with what they heard. The subjects of my lectures on the week-nights were the teachings of the New Church respecting heaven and hell. In the

discussion of these subjects, I endeavoured to impress on my audiences the reality of the existence of these worlds, their nearness to us during our present life, the laws to which they are subject, and by which they are governed, and some of the great truths and impressive facts which the experience of our great author has made known respecting them. On the Sabbath, I preached

twice in the same room to most attentive and evidently interested audiences. My subject in the morning was the supreme deity of the Christian Saviour; in the evening, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. From this latter subject, I was able to offer an exposition of the nature of the Lord's humanity, of His work of redemption and atonement, and of regeneration. The impression left on my mind by the manifest acceptance of these great truths was, that the field at Ipswich is white for the harvest, and I could not but pray that the Lord of the harvest would send forth labourers into His harvest. An earnest and able preacher, I feel certain, would soon find himself surrounded by a willing and a working congregation-by a people who would help him to diffuse the light of truth, and to make the Church a medium of saving health to the people.

From Ipswich, I proceeded to Norwich. The present condition of this Society is not so prosperous as we could desire. Various circumstances seem to have thinned the attendance at their public worship, and to have discouraged their leader, Mr. Rogers, who had tendered his resignation; and the position of the Church had hence become a source of anxiety to its friends. On the Monday evening, I attended a meeting of the Society in company with Mr Gunton, who had preached on the Sunday. A lengthened conversation took place on the best means of providing for its growth and well-being. It was resolved to continue the public services in their present place of worship, and Mr. Harcourt and Mr. Colbourne were chosen joint leaders. the Tuesday evening (Dec. 1), I gave a lecture on the Second Coming, in the Church in Queen Street, which was about two-thirds filled.

On

The Society at Norwich is an example of the extreme difficulty of providing for the continuous and effective uses of the Church without a settled ministry and other organized means of usefulness. Possessed at one time of a respectable congregation, at another of a promising Sunday school, they are now a small body, whose activities are confined within a narrow circle. This has not arisen from want of affection. to the Church or of willingness to serve it, but from the impossibility of com

bining the necessary labours of active life with the many and important duties required to build up the Church as a centre of beauty and usefulness in the world. Whatever view we take of our position and our duties as a Christian community, we must feel the importance of sustaining the Church in the midst of large and populous towns like Norwich. It is from these as centres that we must hope to diffuse the light of truth to those around them. We labour, we must expect to labour, amid many difficulties and discouragements. The sanguine expectations of the pioneers in our work have not been fulfilled, and our occasional failures may have suggested doubts as to the efficiency of the means we have adopted for the accomplishment of our purpose; but of the prudence of our endeavours to establish and build up the Church in the midst of large and flourishing communities we can have no doubt. societies circumstanced like those of Ipswich and Norwich, our missionary communities must continue to give a thoughtful and earnest attention. They must know no discouragements, and acknowledge no defeats. Let us improve, if needful, our means of operation; but let us not be weary in well-doing, for we shall reap in due time if we faint not.

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From Norwich I proceed to St. Ives, in Huntingdonshire-the scene of the labours of our zealous and esteemed brother, the Rev. W. Tall. Here is a small but neat church, capable of seating over 150 persons. The receivers of the doctrines are few in number, but warmly attached to the cause. Their public worship is sustained by the reading of sermons on the Sabbath by two of the members. The attendance at these services is small, and the Society labours under great discouragements. Occasional missionary visits instruct and encourage the "little flock" which weekly assembles here, and afford them an opportunity of calling the attention of their neighbours to the great truths it is their privilege to possess and their duty and desire to make known to others. Advantage was taken of my visit to announce two lectures, the same I had delivered at Ipswich, on the evenings of Thursday and Friday (Dec. 3 and 4). The attendance was very encouraging. The Church was

filled at both services. Many respectable inhabitants of the town were present, and we may reasonably hope that some useful results may follow.

Permit me, in conclusion, to express a thought which this visit has strongly impressed upon my mind. It is not by fitful and long distant visits that we can reasonably hope to build up the Church, but by patient and continuous labour. The great want of the New Church in the eastern counties is an intelligent, pious, and earnest missionary preacher, who would give his undivided attention to this part of the country. There are difficulties in the way of such an appointment, but I do not think they are insurmountable. I believe the principal difficulty is the right man to occupy the place, and to give himself whole-heartedly to the work. If the man combining the moral and intellectual qualifications for this office were found, I feel certain that the Great Head of the Church would stir up the hearts of the people to support him is his work. —I am, in the cause of the New Church, very sincerely yours, RICHARD STORRY. Heywood, Dec. 15, 1868.

NEW CHURCH LECTURES.-It is common in many of the Societies of the New Church to devote the Sabbath evenings during the winter months to the delivery of lectures on popular, instructive, and interesting religious subjects. The public attention is usually called to these services by printed bills, cards, or advertisements in the local papers. These lectures have had the authority of ministers of the greatest eminence in the Church, and have been of undoubted use in

promoting her progress. During the present winter, lectures have been delivered in several of our Churches by their respective ministers. The Rev. Mr. Marsden has followed up the publication of his correspondence with the Vicar of Snodland, by a course of special sermons during the months of November and December, which have been well attended. The subjects discussed in this course of services are extremely diversified. They include the crucifixion and transfiguration of the Lord; the doctrine of repentance, and the exposition of difficult passages of Scriptures, selected from various

portions of the Word. The Rev. Mr. Hyde has given a course in Manchester under the general heading of "The spiritual side of nature, as illustrated by the Word of God." In this course, the preacher discusses the sun, moon, and stars; mountains, plains, and valleys; the sea, rivers, and fountains; fields, gardens, and groves; times and seasons; beasts, birds, and fishes; the course concluding with "Man's relation to the universe, as a physical, intellectual, and spiritual creature;" and "God's Works and the Word of God illustrative and confirmatory of each other." At Salford, Rev. Mr. Westal has given lectures on subjects connected with the invisible world and man's relation to it, and on the resurrection and judgment. At Heywood, Mr. Storry has given a course of sermons under the general title of "Sermons for the Times. These discourses have dwelt upon the Scriptural meaning of the Church-the Rock on which it is built, the power of the Keys, absolution and remission of sins, the unity of the Church, and other kindred subjects. Similar services have, we understand, been instituted by other ministers, but no particulars have reached us.

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we have noticed have been interesting to the congregations who have listened to them, and we doubt not will issue in some useful result.

OPENING OF A NEW CHURCH SCHOOL. AND MEETING ROOM AT CLAYTON-LEMOORS, NEAR ACCRINGTON.-In our July number of last year we gave an account of the laying of the foundation stone of this building which has now been completed. The building is in the early Gothic style, symmetrical in its arrangements, and admirably adapted for the purposes of its erection. The interior dimensions of the building are 72 feet by 27 feet, and 23 feet to the middle of the ceiling. The opening services took place on Sunday, November 8. Rev. Dr. Bayley preached in the morning and evening, and Mr. E. J. Broadfield, B. A., in the afternoon. All the services were well attended. In the evening, the room was crowded to excess, hundreds of people being unable to gain admission. Not fewer than 700 persons are said to have been crowded or packed within the building. The vestry, platform, and every part was crowded, until Dr. Bayley had

scarcely standing room. The collections amounted to rather more than £68. The estimated cost of the building was £600, and this has not been exceeded. It is heated by hot water, and lighted by beautiful gas pendants, kindly presented by the manufacturer, Mr. F. Hargreaves of Accrington. A debt of £100 is all that remains on the building. There are in the Sunday School 100 scholars and 14 teachers. A field of usefulness is thus opened before our zealous friends, who have exerted themselves in the erection of this commodious room, which we hope they will go up and possess. They have adopted a right course by laying deep the foundations of the Church in the religious education and moral culture of the young; and we hope that they may be permitted to see the rearing of its walls and the bringing forth its topstone of glory in the growing excellences and developed perfection of the Society to be collected within its walls.

SOUTH LONDON.-The first annual festival of the Mutual Improvement Society, in connection with the South London Church, was held on 10th December in an elegant and commodious building, known as the Gresham Institute, Brixton.

Mr. E. Austin, the president, opened the proceedings at seven o'clock with a brief address; after which a number of songs and glees were beautifully sung by Miss Fosbroke, Mrs. Lindley, Misses Barth, Mr. Fairweather, and Mr. Ellison and party. Short speeches also were made, on appropriate themes, by Messrs. J. Williams, A. C. Moore, S. R. Dicks, and C. Higland; and humorous readings given with considerable elocutionary skill, by Messrs. E. Margetson and C. H. Moore.

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intervals during the evening, an opportunity was afforded visitors of inspecting numerous objects of interest and amusement, which had been kindly lent for the occasion.

Upwards of 250 persons were present, many of whom were connected with other London Societies; and the assembly terminated at half-past ten, after awarding a hearty vote of thanks to the various ladies and gentlemen who had generously assisted in rendering this delightful New Church reunion a complete success.

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