execution of the work is such as to thus furnished the materials for a life deserve the highest praise. "Of the portions of the volume which have been contributed by the editor, one may readily form a judgment based upon critical grounds; and having examined these contributions somewhat critically, we can safely say that they show learning, carefulness, and judgment, and are of the greatest value to every student of the life and office of Swedenborg. "Dr. Tafel has placed in his appendix, and it is the first time, so far as we know, that something like a satisfactory criticism of White's 'Life of Sweden. borg' has appeared, a careful notice of many portions of that book. We regard this as one of the most valuable additions which the learned editor has made to the work. "Perhaps, however, the most valu able addition made to this work by the editor is Swedenborg's published and unpublished writings in chronological order, and being a complete bibliography of the whole of Swedenborg's writings from 1709, the date of his first publication, down to 1772, when he died, as it were, with pen in hand, leaving the ink scarcely dry upon the MS. of the 'De Consummatione Sæculi.' During nearly sixty-three years, with an amazing literary fertility, he had continued his labours. One hundred and fifty separate works were written, or their plans sketched, and the most of them were published during these years. This account of Swedenborg's works occupies 140 pages. "Another portion of the notes of the editor which should be especially mentioned is that concerning the Book of Dreams.' He has exhaustively treated in this part of his notes of Swedenborg's spiritual state in 1743 and 1744, and of his whereabouts, his studies, and his theological views during the same period. These notes are exceedingly valuable contributions to the material for what the New Church much needs, a thorough life of Swedenborg, which shall treat of his spiritual development, so far as it can be learned from his works. The Daily New York Sun of November 18th in an extended notice of the work says: "In it the compiler has gathered together with patient industry every fact that he could find recorded of the career of the Swedish sage, and has of him which just as they stand are more valuable than any professed biography could be. He makes no secret, it is true, of his faith in Swedenborg as a Divinely-commissioned teacher, and labours zealously to defend his reputation; but he states the case fairly, and so far as we can judge neither invents nor suppresses testimony. The book will doubtless be an authority on the subject, and as such has an interest for the world at large, independent of its immediate use to Swedenborg's followers." 6 The "Words for the New Church," in No. II. says: "We have just received the second volume of the Documents concerning Swedenborg,' by Dr. R. L. Tafel, of London. Instead of about 600, as promised, the volume has grown to 1382 pages, and it is published in two parts or volumes. Yet the student of the writings cannot but rejoice at the present completeness of the work, for it is now a perfect summary of all that is known concerning Sweden. borg. The work contains much new matter that has not before been accessible, and altogether it is so exhaustive that without it no New Church library can be considered as complete. work has ever before been published that gives us such a deep and clear insight into the unfolding of Swedenborg's character, and that traces his preparation for his high function with such care and fidelity. 66 No The Church is under great obliga tions to Dr. Tafel for his zeal and indefatigable industry, and also to the Swedenborg Society of London for the elegant style in which the work is published.' The Committee earnestly hopes that the small balance now remaining unpaid for the translations will be speedily cleared off, and sufficient funds provided for printing the documents in the original language, under the supervision of Dr. Tafel, the value of whose labours can as yet be appreciated but by few. T. H. ELLIOTT. THE ITALIAN MISSION.-The appeal for funds on behalf of this mission inserted in the Intellectual Repository for November last having been liberally responded to, the Conference Committee have been enabled to remit to Professor In had sent as a loan various works of Scocia two sums of £20 each. "DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER,-In continuation of my preceding letter, in which I gave you an account of the im pressions I had received from reading the Biography of Swedenborg, I think a manifesto concerning the "Nuova Epoca" would be useful to the Holy Cause, giving an account of the scope to which the doctrines of the New Church tend. If you find it convenient write and send it to me, and I will take care that my various friends in Sicily, and also the different societies with whom I am acquainted, shall have it. From the various accounts that I have received I come to the conclusion that the "Epoca" has made a good impression upon those who have read it. Let us hope that the light will shine for all. I continue to study the "True Christian Religion," and I assure you I have received great comfort from it. It has dispersed many of those doubts which are partly the children of the old theology which I studied, and partly incredulity and materialism drawn from the superficial study of the natural sciences. 666 "The Lord be thanked, who by means of the works of Swedenborg has put me in the right path. But if I were socially and financially freer I should be disposed to preach publicly the doctrines of the New Jerusalem. We must hope and pray that the chains may be quickly broken that fasten me down and hold me in bondage. Ah! dearest brother, it is an indescribable torture for a man who feels the want to be free and is constrained to remain in slavery. May it be according to the ordination of Divine Providence! Embracing you fraternally, believe me always your friend.' "In my periodical 'La Nuova Epoca' this year I have begun to publishLa Religion du Bon Sens,' by Edward Richer, translated by me into Italian. This appears to me a good work, and well adapted to interest the Italians in the reading of the writings of the New Church, and therefore I am also publishing it separately. I have just begun the printing of my translation of the Summaria Expositio' by Swedenborg. This is the fifth work I have translated; and I am now hard at work upon the sixth, the Vera Christiana Religio.' The Latin works of our Author sent to me by American and English friends The Conference Committee believe begin to bear fruit. I must here tran- that the above will be interesting to the scribe for you a letter which I received readers of the Intellectual Repository, on the 15th December from a learned and they hope it will induce more Roman Catholic deacon (a higher digni- friends to contribute towards this tary than a priest) in Sicily, to whom I mission. "I think that the publication of this letter will be the best thanks that I can offer to the generous donors of the Latin works. As you now see my work is generally progressing well, and with the blessing of the Lord I trust that our efforts will be at last crowned with excellent results." NEW CHURCH, PARIS.-I have again their request, directing twelve copies the pleasure of forwarding some in- of each of these works to be forwarded formation respecting our brethren in for the purpose named. The Port of the French metropolis, which has been Spain Gazette for October 20th contains sent to me by the Rev. W. H. Benade. an announcement of a meeting in the His visit has, in my opinion, been provi- Good Templars' Hall, at which the dential, and will, I trust, mark a new era annual letter from the Secretary of in the life of the New Church in France. Conference would be read, together with Concurring, as it has done, with a great the address to the members of the political crisis and the triumph of Church by the Rev. W. Bruce. political morality, it will probably be a regular meetings for worship have been starting-point for increased spiritual, as discontinued for a short time in conse well as natural freedom,-freedom of quence of removals, but the gratuitous worship, unrestricted by laws narrowly distribution of New Church books and interpreted by men under Babylonish tracts continues to be carried on. influence, as well as freedom for the From the disturbed state of the representatives of the noble French nation in Parliament assembled. Mr. Benade writes: "Last Sunday (23rd December) we held our Christmas services at Dr. Poirson's. Four persons, three adults and one young lady, were baptized, and the Holy Supper administered to about eighteen persons. More would have been present had not the weather been so extremely unfavourable. The sphere of our meeting was delightful. Our friend Dr. Poirson is greatly encouraged, and hopes before long to effect the regular organization of a Society in this city." May the LORD prosper Dr. Poirson's self-denying efforts for the good of his church! May he be encouraged more and more by the presence and sympathy of our English brethren. Let not one of us ever visit Paris without thinking of, and praying for, the little band of New Churchmen in that great city! Let us regard it as a sacred duty to assemble ourselves together with the little flock in the Rue des Grands Augustins, No. 18, at 3 p.m., when ever it is possible on the Sunday. H. BATEMAN. TRINIDAD. From a communication acknowledging receipt of Minutes of Conference, we learn that the New Church friends in this island are still mindful of the interests of the Church. They are purchasing a large parcel of books and tracts for gratuitous distribution in Port of Spain, San Fernando, Arima, and Aronca, and they have applied for a grant of copies of the "True Christian Religion " and "Apocalypse Revealed" for gratuitous distribution amongst the clergy. The Swedenborg Society has most kindly responded to The Anglican Church in the island, it is believed that the present would be a most favourable opportunity for the delivery of lectures, but there is no one on the spot prepared to undertake the duty. In the capital of the island the members of the Established Church are treated to Low Church services on Sunday mornings, and High Church services in the evenings. Surely there could be no clearer indication of the End than such a divided state of the Church. We Another Trinidad paper, The New Era, of November 5th, publishes, under the title of "Readings on Swedenborg, a lengthened report of a meeting which is thus introduced to its readers: "We publish below a paper read at a meeting of the members of The New Jerusalem Church, by the President of the Society here, Mr. J. H. Lacroix, on the 24th October last. are quite certain that it cannot fail to be interesting to those of our readers who have come across either the writings of the philosophic Seer, who has given to the world a revelation, whose chief source of wonder is the resplendent light it throws on what was hitherto mystery and unreasonable conjecture, or the comments of those who have striven, by favourable criticism, or otherwise, to impress the public with an idea of the undoubtably wonderful Swedenborg and his capacity as an inspired character. "The President, after reading the paper, spoke at some length in explanation of the doctrines-the great facilities afforded all in understanding them, owing to their elucidatory nature. He also spoke as to the necessity of embracing the present moment as one opportune for the disseminatiou of the doctrines, and giving them a firm hold in this colony; and in conclusion mentioned that regular meetings of the Society (about the 17th of each month) will be held, and that at the next meeting will be read the address of the Rev. John Clowes to the clergy of all denominations." The address which follows is a lucid statement of the principal facts in the life of Swedenborg, and the citation of many published opinions respecting him. It thus forms a suitable introduction to the meetings which are to follow. NEW CHURCH BIBLE SOCIETY.-Since I last wrote to you two members of our little Society have passed into the spiritual world-the Rev. Edward Madeley, of Birmingham, and Mr. George Meek, of Manchester. It therefore behoves those amongst us who remain to do what we can for the promotion of its special objects before our own departure, and to secure its continuance by the incorporation of new fellow-labourers. One such, I am thankful to say, has been added in the person of a clergyman of the Church of England, who has been for many years receptive of the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem. He has kindly contributed a sovereign to our funds for the purpose of assisting in the publication of the "Word of the New Covenant." He has also expressed his willingness to transcribe all the passages from the Holy Gospels which are given by Swedenborg in the "Vera Christiana Religio," to assist in the preparation of the translation itself. Our reverend friend is setting an example which will, I trust, be followed by others. If those who read Swedenborg in the original would, each of them, take up some other of his writings and furnish us with a transcript of the passages contained therein from the Gospels, we should then have the very basis to work upon which our American brethren desire. My own duties are too numerous to admit of my undertaking this task myself, but I shall be happy to correspond with those who have time for such a labour of love, and can arrange with them what books to take. This may, perhaps, prevent the same work being gone over twice and others altogether omitted. It should be distinctly understood that the great aim is faithfulness to the original Scriptures, as given by inspiration of God. All physical images to be preserved in the translation, and all Swedenborg's renderings to be respectfully considered even when not implicitly followed. HENRY BATEMAN. BIRMINGHAM.-The Manual of this Society for January presents many evidences of the prosperity of the Church at Wretham Road. The Christmas Day service seems to have been very successful, and was distinguished by some features which might be usefully introduced into other churches. In addition to the anthem, the choir "sang two carols, which will linger in the memories of the hearers for some time." But to our minds the most pleasing feature of the service was the collection in aid of the Benevolent Fund, which amounted to fourteen guineas. It is a time for the exercise of generous feelings, and these can be directed into no better channel than to provide for the wants, or minister to the comfort, of the aged, the ailing, and the poor. The critic of the Dart, a serio-comic paper of Birmingham, has visited the church at Wretham Road, and favoured the public with his impressions respecting both the church and the service. The following sentence, uttered by the preacher, Rev. R. R. Rodgers, arrested his attention and met with his approval: "It is not enough to do good deeds, we must look to the motives which prompt those deeds, and see that they are high and pure, and truly charitable-that is religion. "We had expected," he says, "a mysticism which we should be unable to understand, a maze of metaphor in which we should be hopelessly bewildered. Here, however, was the true daylight clearness of practical religious teaching, to which we felt disposed to utter, in a relieved tone, a fervent Amen!" A very commendatory notice follows, which closes thus: "A denomination whose opinions, at the opening of its first church in Birmingham, roused the interest and curiosity of everybody, including Dr. Priestly, is not to be disposed of in one page by a humble writer in the Dart, There is much to be said of the New Church in its devotional, æsthetic, benevolent, and educational aspects. But in these Sunday mornings we can only sketch, we cannot picture as to be in the best attitude to receive with completeness. As we left Wretham Road Church we were conscious that we had visited a place, where, although there was much to please the eye and enchant the ear, the beautiful surroundings were but the raiment and vesture of a still more beautiful ideal; the blossomings of a strong, vigorous, and truly Christian life." from the Lord, during its progress, those blessings which He is ever wishing to impart, but which can only be enjoyed by those who are willing to accept them. On the afternoon of Sunday, January 13th, a special Children's Service was held. The attendance, notwithstanding a very menacing sky and occasional rain, was good, though less than at some similar services CLAYTON-LE-MOORS,-While mission- held during the summer; the hymns, ary operations have been going on in etc., were sung with great spirit and different parts of Lancashire we have manifest enjoyment, and the sermon, been using individual effort in making on Guardian Angels, was listened to known the truths of the New Church. throughout with great attention by the A course of four lectures terminated at little people, to whom it was especially the close of the year. The subjects addressed. At the Quarterly General were, What must I do to be saved? Meeting, held on Wednesday evening, Does God condemn to Hell? What January 16th, ten friends were received think ye of Christ? and Watchman, into membership, and some interesting what of the Night? In these discourses the Rev. I. Tansley endeavoured to set forth prominently the responsibility of man and the justice and love of God. The lectures were well attended, and people from various denominations were found amongst the audiences. At the second lecture nearly 200 were present. This gave us encouragement, and we hope to see the result of our labours. A second course will be begun shortly. Our Christmas and New Year festivities passed off very successfully. On Christmas Day about forty children under the direction of Mr. Kay gave a selection of hymns and recitations in an admirable manner, and on New Year's Day the junior members went through a capital mixed programme with great credit. LONDON (Argyle Square).—The various Christmas and New Year's Services of this church were well attended, and resulted, it is hoped, in much spiritual edification, and in the strengthening of the bonds of mutual love, by which the members are drawn together into one society. On the morning of December the 30th, being the Last Sunday in the Old Year, thirteen friends received the Sacrament of Baptism, among the number being a father and mother and their four children. The Communion Service on the First Sunday in the Year, January 6th, was also an impressive occasion, the communicants numbering 129, and the whole proceedings being characterized by much fervour, and a hearty desire so to commence the year conversation took place as to the financial position of the Society. Attention having been chiefly concentrated, during the past year, on the restoration of the church, which has been effected at a cost of nearly £800, of which about £600 are paid, the current account of the Society had fallen somewhat into arrear. An effort was at once initiated for the immediate reduction of the deficit, and about £60 were at once assured, giving earnest of a prompt and complete settlement. A spirit of the utmost harmony pervaded the whole proceedings, and the Society is evidently in a most healthful and progressive state. LONDON (Buttesland Street). The annual meeting of this Society was held on Monday, January 7th. There was a numerous attendance, and the proceedings were very harmonious throughout. Several new members were added, and it was stated that several more names are waiting to be brought before the Committee. The reports for the past year were of a very satisfactory character, much good work has been done, and the Society is now in a sound and happy condition. Especial prominence was given to the subject of the Building Fund, which now amounts to about £210. Much more is however required before the Society could make a safe and satisfactory move. The Committee were instructed to renew their exertions during the present year, and to devise |