God, who hath reconciled us to Himself in one and the self-same act-the su by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of the Reconciliation, to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself' (2 Cor. v. 18, 19); and again, For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled unto God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life' (Rom. v. 10); and again, You, that were sometime alienated, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh' (Col. i. 21, 22). In short, to tell me that God permitted me to be born with a nature so hateful to Him as that He will damn me for it, though I could not help being born with it, and that the essence of the Atonement is that by suffering on my behalf Christ appeased or satisfied God's unjust anger against me, and reconciled Him to the creature whom He Himself had made, or permitted to be made, what it was to tell me that to believe all this is to appropriate the benefits of Christ's death,' is not more to shock my reason and sense of justice than it is to contradict the plain teaching of the Bible." The extracts from Mr. Spurgeon are of the wildest description. Christ, according to this preacher, drank damnation dry. But we are more interested to learn Mr. Cox's own doctrine on the subject. "The New Testament,' he says, "the Gospel, recognises as inherent in human nature many dispositions and inclinations which are good-for did not God make it and love it?-as well as an hereditary taint of evil, and seeks to save men by subduing that which is evil in them, and developing that which is good; acknowledging that there may be in every nation men who, though they have not so much as heard the Name of Christ, may nevertheless work righteousness, and affirming that whosoever worketh righteousness is righteous' in the sight of God. It teaches that God reconciles, or seeks to reconcile, all men unto Himself by making them like Himself, righteous even as He is righteous perfect even as He is perfect. It teaches that He seeks to make them like Himself by manifesting His love for them, a love stronger than death-as He has done in the gift of His Son-and thus winning their love in return. It teaches that His infinite and eternal repugnance to evil, and His determination to overcome evil with good, were both revealed preme act and manifestation of timethe giving up of His Son that He might redeem us from all our iniquities, and take away the sin of the world." This statement does not grasp the teaching of the Apostle, "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself," though it is a great advance on the orthodox creeds. The doctrine of the Divine Humanity of Christ, as the form of the indwelling Divinity, which is the Father, and the Fountain-Head of all saving influences, is essential to a full exposition of the doctrine of Atonement. THE POPE.-The death of the Pope is one of the events which, notwithstanding the present political anxiety, has obtained a good deal of attention. The chequered life of the Pontiff since his elevation to the Papal chair offers many topics of remark, and is quite as attractive to political as ecclesiastical writers. The assumed infallibility of the Pope does not save him from the judgment of the men of his generation who exercise a large influence in the formation and guidance of public opinion. The world as resolutely expresses its opinion of the Church and of dignified Churchmen as the Church does of the world. The Times, in an extended notice of the departed Pontiff, says "In his heart of hearts, and in spite of the suggestions of pernicious flatterers, Pius IX. felt that his political career on the throne had been a failure; but no disappointment could cure him of the fond conceit that his Pontificate was destined to eclipse the glory of his most renowned predecessors. Full of this ambition, and impelled by the restlessness of his nervous temperament, he now turned to the Church that attention which, before his flight and banishment, he had almost exclusively bestowed on the State. summoned Jesuit theologians to his side; he recalled and reconstituted their discomfited and scattered order; he canonized saints, lavished indulgences, countenanced miracles, attempted and enforced conversions, marked out new dioceses in Protestant communities, and at last ventured on subtle polemic discussions and daring definitions of new dogmas. An absolute ruler by all his instincts, he liked to surround himself with all the pageant of a large retinue; He and, not satisfied with his ordinary Court, he sought every opportunity of calling together a full array of his hierarchy. It was now for the hallowing of the Japanese martyrs, now for the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, now for the 1800th anniversary of the death of St. Peter, that the Bishops of all Christendom were invited to assemble round the tomb of the Apostles; and it was from this series of great solemnities, from the gratification which the homage of so many prelates ministered to his overweening vanity, that the idea of an Ecumenic Council, vague at first and undefined, but irrepressible, sprang up and grew and absorbed all the Pope's faculties." AN AMERICAN SURPRISE PARTY (from the New Jerusalem Messenger of February 6th)." Philadelphia, Cherry Street Society.-Last Wednesday evening was a gladsome occasion in our Society. It was the fifth anniversary of our pastor's marriage, and we had planned a pleasant surprise for him. Ninety invitations were privately distributed among the congregation announcing our purposed celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Tafel's 'Wooden Wedding.' It was to be a surprise to them, so our arrangements had to be conducted very cautiously. "On the Sunday preceding the celebration, the usual church notices were given, and among them, 'On Wednesday evening the doctrinal class will meet to listen to the second lecture on "Degrees," by Dr. N. C. Burnham.' This provoked a smile. "On Monday afternoon, however, an uninvited guest-but by no means an unwelcome one-arrived, and claimed the attention of the Tafel family. It therefore became impossible for us to carry out our original design, and hold our celebration at the pastor's house. So, altering our programme to suit the place, we selected the Sunday schoolroom for our surprise. "On the appointed evening everything was arranged as if for the lecture. Rows of chairs more than half-filled the room, and charts and diagrams were conveniently disposed about the lecturer's stand. When Mr. Tafel entered there was nothing unusual to give him a suspicion of the approaching transformation. "When all was in readiness a messenger informed the pastor that he was wanted at home. His departure was the signal for action. Many of the guests, who, with arms full, were secreted, awaiting his withdrawal, hurried into the room to deposit their presents. Chairs and desks were unceremoniously piled up out of the way, and their places well occupied by numerous presents in wood. 'Here "There were walnut chairs for the parlour; an easy rocker for the study; a high chair for the new arrival;' a rosewood writing-desk, especially for Mrs. Tafel; a music-rack, card-case, lapboard, clothes-horse, sandalwood jar, Japan ware, and a plentiful supply of house-furnishing articles familiar to all. Out of breath with haste and exertion, the guests arranged themselves in a double line, like a dress parade review, and awaited Mr. Tafel's return. he comes! Here he comes!' Unsuspectingly he opened the door, and was greeted by our spokesman, Dr. Burnham, whose words of introduction and explanation were all but drowned in our applause. If Mr. Tafel was more than surprised, if he was confused or bewildered by the suddenness of our attack, it was but for a moment. His pleased face brightened with the intensity of his delight, and he bowed his acceptance with his wonted ease and grace. "The evening passed very quickly, with its pleasant chats and impromptu amusements. Nor were refreshments wanting, as well-laden baskets testified. "Altogether, the affair was eminently successful both as a party and a surprise. But its lasting effects will be found in the harmony and unity it developed in the congregation, and in the love it exhibited of people for pastor." WHITE PEOPLE IN CENTRAL AFRICA. -Upon the summit of Gambaragara, a mountain which has an altitude of between 13,000 and 15,000 feet above the ocean, dwell the chief medicine-men of Kabba Rega, a people of European complexion. "Some half-dozen of them," says Mr. Stanley, "I have seen, and was reminded of what Mukamba, King of Uzige, told Livingstone and myself respecting white people who lived far north of his country. They are a handsome race, and some of the women are singularly beautiful. Their hair is inclined to brown in colour. Whence minister's question. Apostolic history came this singular people I have no has recorded this beautiful saying of means of ascertaining, except from the the Lord Jesus, "It is more blessed to Waganna, who say that the first King of give than to receive." We sympathize Unyuo gave them the land around the with the objects for which we give. A base of Gambaragara mountain, wherein, better supported ministry is a more through many vicissitudes, they have warmly appreciated ministry; and continued to reside for centuries. On where a ministry is appreciated and the approach of an invading host they generously supported for its use, the retreat to the summit of the mountain, people enter more cordially into its uses the intense cold of which defies the and share in its success. What have most determined of their enemies. Two we on earth so attractive to a spirituallymen of this tribe, who might be taken cultured mind as a united people acting at first glance for Greeks in white shirts, in harmony with an intelligent and accompanied our expedition to Lake vigorous ministry? A society so cirAlbert and back to Uganda; but they cumstanced is full of promise for the were extremely uncommunicative, and spiritual growth of its members, and nothing of the history of their nation the extension of the truth to those could I obtain from them. Another around them. We ask, therefore, from specimen of these white-complexioned all lovers of the Church a thoughtful people I saw at the Court of Mtesa in the person of Prince Namionju, the brother of the reigning King Nyika of Gambaragara. When I first saw this man I took him for a young Arab of Cairo who had chosen to reside in Uganda for some unknown reason; and it was not until I had seen several specimens of the same pale colour that I could believe that there existed a numerous tribe of such a singular hue in the heart of Africa, remote from all travellers and trading caravans. The same tribe also, in their various wars with Uganda, have frequently been found wearing iron armour.' AUGMENTATION FUND.—The greatest work to which the Church is at present committed is the raising of this Fund, and the maturing the plan for its successful working. If the New Church is to progress and to become a centre of light and blessing in the community, it must secure the services of an educated and efficient ministry. Such a ministry cannot possibly be hoped for while the means of their support is so utterly inadequate, as is at present the case in most of our Societies. It is quite true, as is sometimes urged, that the ministers should not enter upon their important office from mere worldly motives. In the present circumstances of the Church they are not likely to do this. But it is equally true that for the efficient discharge of their duties they must be relieved from oppressive worldly anxiety. Nor is the support of the ministry by any means an exclusively attention to this Fund, and, as they are able to render it, a generous support. In our January number we gave the circular issued by the Committee in Scotland appointed to prosecute this work. We give below the circular issued by the Midland Committee. There is necessarily some repetition of what has been already said, but the importance of the subject must be our apology for this repetition, and also for the length at which we insert this circular. A similar circular has been issued in Lancashire, and a series of meetings are being arranged in the several societies which are to be attended by Dr. Bayley of London. The circular is as follows :— "DEAR FRIENDS,-It is our duty to address you on the urgent question of the maintenance of ministers of the smaller New Church Societies in Great Britain. This subject has, for two sessions past, engaged the earnest attention of Conference. A Committee appointed to consider the subject reported that in a large number of these societies the salaries of ministers were miserably inadequate. The state of things revealed was of so serious a nature that it was felt steps must be taken to remedy it. If otherwise, capable and educated men would be deterred from entering the ministry; while many of the existing ministers would be forced to seek other sources of income. "In the session of 1876 resolutions were passed to the effect that funds should be instituted under the supervision of Conference for the purpose of raising the salaries of all unmarried urge you to anticipate a visit by fully ministers exclusively engaged in Church thinking over the matter, and favouring work to the sum of £100 per annum, us with a kind and prompt reply. On and of all married ministers so engaged behalf of the Midland District Comto the sum of £120 per annum. Such mittee, J. W. TONKS, Hon. Sec. salaries were far below what the ConROBT. R. RODGERS." ference believed should be given, but they were the lowest that could be recognised; while to effect even this a large annual income must be obtained by means of the Fund. "Subscriptions to the amount of about £2000 were at once promised, partly for investment at interest, and partly for immediate use. During the following year the matter was taken up heartily in a few societies only. In some it was not fully made known and explained, in others special local efforts rendered it necessary to defer the appeal. "We feel, however, that the time has now come for the societies and friends to take up the work. This Fund appeals to all well wishers of our Church, whether members of societies or unattached. Those who are actively engaged in the work of the Church know that the duties of the ministry should be efficiently performed; and they should know, therefore, that the life of a minister must not be a constant privation. The requirements of the ministerial office are such that special demands are made upon its income, however small that may be. Those friends who are unattached to societies we ask earnestly to assist in forwarding a work in which they may perhaps hitherto have had little share. And if the question is viewed in the generous light in which it was first taken up, we do not doubt that the Fund will become a great means of good among us. "We observed that the Fund was divided into two branches, one for investment, the interest only to be applied; the other for immediate use. We trust that each branch will have the liberal consideration which its importance demands. 1. The fund for immediate use may be judiciously assisted by donations and annual subscriptions, even of small amounts. 2. The fund for investment may well appeal to our wealthy friends for the larger donations, which, if more convenient, may be extended over a series of years; also for legacies. 'Deputations have been appointed to wait on all the friends, but we would to SWEDENBORG SOCIETY. The free offer of the "True Christian Religion' and the " Apocalypse Revealed' clergymen has been withdrawn. The low prices at which these works are now sold will, the Committee hopes, be a sufficient inducement to inquirers to become possessed of copies of one or both works. The admirable review of " Evening and Morning" in the School Board Chronicle of Jan. 5th, suggested the desirability of bringing before the notice of the 12,000 influential individuals connected with the School Boards the works of Swedenborg by means of advertisements. Accordingly, in the issue of Feb. 2, one of the "True Christian Religion" was inserted, together with a summary of the contents of each chapter. On Feb. 9th one of the "Four Primary Doctrines," with a summary of the Doctrine of the Lord; and on Feb. 16th one of "Heaven and Hell," with an illustrative note selected from Professor Bush. The "Four Primary Doctrines," with the summary of the Doctrine of the Lord, has also been advertised in the Unitarian Christian Life, a comparatively new paper, exceedingly well edited, and commanding a good circulation. NATIONAL MISSIONARY INSTITUTION. -Mr. Gunton, during the month of January, delivered five lectures at Deptford, and four in the Lecture Hall of the Camden Road Society. Considerable interest was created at both places, several questions were asked, and a good number of books were sold. Mr. Gunton is now at Leeds, where he is conducting the Sabbath services of the Society, and lecturing on the weekday evenings in the People's Hall, Marshall Street, Holbeck. We learn that the commencement of his services has been satisfactory. At the first lecture in the People's Hall about one hundred and fifty were present, and over twenty books were sold after the lecture. The attendance of strangers as well as members of the congregation at the Sabbath services has also been encouraging. The Society has for many years assembled in a church which is not well suited to their requirements. It is situated in the business part of the town, and surrounded with none of the attractions of modern houses of worship. The Society will avail itself of Mr. Gunton's business qualities to aid them in disposing of this place, and in taking steps for the erection of a suitable building in a better locality. Already some progress has been made in this needful work, and we sincerely hope that the Society may be able to carry it to a successful issue. NEW CHURCH BIBLE SOCIETY.-Mr. Beilby of Nottingham has kindly written to inform me that he is willing to undertake the passages cited from the Gospels by Swedenborg in the work "De Coelo et Inferno." If one friend will transcribe the passages from one work, and another from another, until all are gone through, we shall have a complete collection of all Swedenborg's renderings for comparison with each other, and with the original Greek, prior to the revised translation of the Gospels being made. A good many free, able, and willing helpers will not only make the work light for each, but will tend to form a somewhat more general New Church opinion on the requirements of the future translation. Happily there is no need for hurry about the matter. We can afford time to wait for results, and need only now press for the accumulation of materials of a right kind. H. BATEMAN. NEW ZEALAND. We have received a thoughtful letter from a correspondent at Wellington, asking for information on a variety of particulars of New Church teaching. Our correspondent says: "For twenty-five years of my life I was a sceptic in religion, adhering as well as I could to a belief in a supreme intelligence, and to the hope of immortality; but the experience and reflection of those years, together with my observation of the tendencies of the fashionable philosophy of the day, at length forced me back on the conviction that Christianity is, after all, the only true key to the problem of life. But many difficulties remained, and still remain, and it is in hope of removing or mitigating these that I desire to know something more of the teachings of Swedenborg. But "The general view of his system of Christian doctrine which I have obtained certainly throws much light on the subject, and many of his views, once perceived, take immediate and easy possession of the mind. other parts of the system are much more difficult of acceptance. Swedenborg's pretensions to spiritual revelations are pretensions which must be judged by their fruits, and certainly I am not disposed contemptuously to disallow them. But I must confess that the limitation of his knowledge to the planets known in his day, his assigning inhabitants to the moon, and his assertion of the permanency of the earth, are to my mind stumblingblocks to my belief in his trustworthiness. "A more important point is his scheme of scriptural interpretation. It appears that this is regarded by his followers as the grandest and most satisfactory part of his system, and the only view capable of reconciling the belief in scriptural inspiration with modern scientific exegesis. I hope it may turn out so; but the very little that I know of Swedenborg's mode of interpretation gives me the impression of something highly ingenious, elaborate, and artificial, and much opposed to the cautious, tentative, and gradual march by which scientific criticism aims at arriving at the truth." The difficulties experienced by our correspondent can only be removed by further reading and inquiry. The difficulty experienced in regard to the planets has recently been fully illus trated by the Rev. Augustus Clissold in his admirable little work, entitled "The Divine Order of the Universe as interpreted by Emanuel Swedenborg, with especial Relation to Modern Astronomy," which we commend to J. G.'s attention. As is stated by Mr. Clissold, "Swedenborg nowhere states that the object of his translation into the world of spirits was to provide astronomers with matters of scientific interest: his real object, which he distinctly states, was to know 'whether the human race was confined to one earth only, or whether it extends to earths innumerable;' and moreover, to know what is the particular genius, manner of life, and also Divine worship prevailing among the inhabitants of each particular earth." |