late Mr. Hyde, of America. Most of them are excellent, but there is amongst them a passage which appears very objectionable, and of which I, as a New Churchman, feel ashamed. It is as follows:-" If a man make a blunder in contracting to serve you, to his own disadvantage, it may be your duty to allow him to feel the evil sufficiently to render him cautious in future." This seems to be in contradiction to the rule laid down by our Lord Jesus Christ, when He said "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." If a man should make a blunder in contracting to serve another, to his own disadvantage, he would wish that other to set him right; he ought, therefore, to do the same to any one who should place himself at a disadvantage in contracting with him. If our butchers and bakers happen to charge us in their bills for less than we have had of them, where is our morality if we allow them to suffer the loss? And the principle is the same in both cases. Even if by our taking advantage of his carelessness our neighbour be rendered more cautious in future, we still inflict upon him an evil more than counterbalancing this service. But he may not discover his mistake, in which case he will not be made more careful; and if he discover it, our unfriendly conduct in not pointing it out to him will cause unpleasant feelings in his mind towards us, which will be injurious to him, and he will naturally be tempted to think slightingly of a religion which permits its professors to take advantage of the mistakes of others. The truly Christian course must surely be, to point out to our neighbour wherein he has wronged himself, and we may safely trust that he will be rendered more cautious in future by the annoyance he will experirience from the exposure he has made of his carelessness. In the September number a correspondent says, p. 409-" The disciples baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus only;" by which I suppose him to mean that they did not use the form prescribed by our Lord in Matt. xxviii. 19. Knowing that this idea has favourers amongst us, I am desirous to know what can be adduced in proof of it. We have no account in the Acts and Epistles of the form which the Apostles used in baptising. It is simply stated that baptisms took place in the name of the Lord Jesus, that is, that the parties received Christian baptism in contradistinction to John's baptism. It does not seem at all reasonable to suppose that the Apostles did not literally follow the form of words given them by their Lord and Master; but if it can be shewn that they did not do so, then for the same reason that they did not use his formula we should not, whereas we adopt it. I shall be glad if some light can be thrown upon this point. There is an inquiry respecting Isaiah iv. 1, in the November number. In addition to the explanation attached to it, it may be as well to notice that even in its merely literal form the passage does not, as asserted by the Mormons, "sanction " or "advise" polygamy. It is a prophecy of a certain state into which human nature will come, and a prophecy respecting any circumstance is neither a sanctioning nor an advising of it, but simply a declaration of it as to the future. The Lord foresees all things that happen, but it does not thence follow that he approves of all that happens. I remain, dear Sir, C. [The statement by Mr. Hyde alluded to by our correspondent, by no means involves the idea that the person committing the blunder or mistake should thereby eventually suffer loss or injury, but that it should be a means of training him to correctness in his transactions. Thus it is said that he should "feel the evil sufficiently [not that he should be defrauded or injured] to render him cautious in future." This is the way in which Providence teaches us to be cautious and careful, and in which a teacher trains his pupils to be prudent and correct. As to baptism, it is expressly said in Acts viii. 12, 16, xix. 5, that the "Apostles baptized in the name of Jesus." This fact has been urged by New Church theologians to prove that the name of Jesus comprises the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as the Lord Jesus Christ is all the three or the Trinity in One Person, as is evident from the statement in Matthew xxviii. 19, "for," as Swedenborg says, "there is only one Person that speaks, and not three." In reference to Acts ii. 38, St. Augustin says-" They were ordered to be baptized into the name of Jesus, and yet they were understood to be baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." (Augustin contra Max. Lib. ii. chap. 17,)-EDITOR.] INQUIRY RESPECTING THE PHRASE"ESPECIAL BLESSING." To the Editor. Dear Sir, Perhaps you will permit me, through the pages of the Intellectual Repository, to call the attention of the church to what appears to me an error in doctrine in our liturgy. In the prayers for our beloved Sovereign and native land, we ask the Lord Jesus to confer an especial blessing upon them. Providence has no especial blessings to communicate. He gives to all alike; the only difference between one and another is in the reception and appropriation of that which our Heavenly Father bestows. "He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." We do err, then, in asking God to help us, as a people, more than others; and however beautiful it may seem to us at first sight, if we consider it candidly by the light of truth, we shall find that it breathes a narrow and contracted spirit. It is one of the many phrases which selfishness assumes, clothed, indeed, so prettily, that we do not recognize it at once. Ought we not rather to lisp in piety, sentiments of world-wide charity, restricting " especial blessings" unto none, and least of all, to ourselves as a people? We are indeed to love our country, but we should love humanity at large still more. The more pure and extended our love, the more God-like it is. Perhaps this hint may lead those whose duty it is to conduct public worship in the various societies of the church, to omit the word "especial" in each prayer when reading them for the benefit of their brethren generally. This may be done by all, and pure truth will then direct our warmest aspirations for the country's good. I remain, dear Sir, Very sincerely yours, J. ROBINSON. [The Conference, in conjunction with all the societies at the period when the liturgy was formed, well knew the doc [Enl. Series.-No. 48, vol. iv.] trine of the New Church in respect to the Divine Providence, and the laws of its government, as explained by Swedenborg; and that in respect to its operations there is "no distinction of persons." Like the sun, it shines and operates on all alike, and all reception or otherwise depends on the nature of the recipient. When, therefore, we pray for an especial blessing, it is not intended that God may bestow upon us favours which He withholds from others; this would indeed be selfish, and quite opposed to the true spirit of prayer; but that our hearts may be especially prepared and affected so as to receive as full a measure as possible of His Divine Mercy and Goodness. Thus, when we pray in the language of the Word,"Lift up the light of thy countenance upon us,”,"-" Turn us again,"-" Cause thy face to shine," &c., we do not mean thereby that God does not, at certain times, lift up his countenance upon us, for he is always lifting it up, and always causing his face to shine upon us, and always in the act of turning us, &c.; but we mean that by a change in our own states, or by real repentance, we may come into a position in which we can see, and rejoice in, the light of his countenance, &c. Our prayers should be expressed as much as possible in the language of the Word, although this language is often expressed according to apparent, and not according to genuine truths; but there is when taught as we may be in the New Church, by true doctrine, no danger of misunderstanding these apparent truths.— EDITOR.] LIVERPOOL.LIMEKILN LANE. The Centenary of the New Church was celebrated in this society on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, by a general tea meeting. A goodly number assembled; indeed as many as could con veniently be accommodated. The place was amply decorated with beautiful flowers, being emblematical of those new and splendid views of Divine Truth so fully displayed in the writings of our church. The subject appointed by the Committee for consideration was "The Lord's Second Advent," which was ably expatiated upon. The truly eloquent speech of Mr. Leyritz told well on the assembly. The lucid and energetic 4 c manner in which he advocated the mission of Swedenborg-the striking contrast which he shewed to exist between the Old Church and the New, both in theory and practice, and the powerful appeal he made, to new receivers to hold fast their profession of faith without wavering, excited thrilling sensations. One gentleman, who had never attended a New Church meeting before said "I shall not easily forget that speech of Mr. Leyritz!" Before the meeting terminated Mr. Leyritz gave a very interesting account of the Conference, (he having been the representatiye of the society at the late Conference.) Its proceedings, its meetings, and its principal minutes, were fully detailed. He also spoke in the most glowing terms of the kindness, affection, and harmony prevailing amongst the members and friends of the Church collective-that seemed as Christians ought to be, full of love, in honour preferring one another. He also told the meeting, that, as he had never been at Conference before, he had formed an idea that it was a rather dominant assembly, laymen and clergy standing aloof-the former being led altogether by the latter. The reverse he found was the fact. No invidious distinctions, no assumption of power in any quarter could be discovered. Mutual expressions of endearment between those from distant parts, of various tribes and tongues, gladdened his heart and led him to see (though literally blind from infancy), that the conference only wanted to be known in order to be properly appreciated-that while every thing was recommended, which the united judgment of the church thought best, nothing was enforced on the societies in connexion with it-each being so far independent as to adopt such measures as it deemed most expedient, without being subject to censure. Such was our tea meeting. It is also intended to commence a Building Fund, as a memorial of the Centenary year. The society and its leader are firmly united in the best of bonds, and it is matter of pleasure and satisfaction to Mr. Sheldon that the work of the Lord prospers in his hands. Yours most respectfully, A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE. October 10th, 1857. AUSTRALIA.-MELBOURNE. Celebration of the Centenary.—At a meeting held on the 7th of last May, to consider the best mode of celebrating the first Centenary of the New Church, the following resolution was passed:—"That this meeting, cherishing devout gratitude to the Lord for the great benefits bestowed on His church in the writings of His servant Emanuel Swedenborg, resolves, in testimony of the same, and in commemoration of the centenary year of the New Dispensation, that a copy of the writings be procured by subscription, and presented, in the name of the society, to the Melbourne Public Library." The manner in which this has been carried out, will appear from the following interesting account, which we extract from the communication above alluded to:— "It was felt that this solemn and important period in the church's history should not pass by unnoticed. Accordingly, at a general social meeting of our society, held on the 7th of May last, amongst other subjects two addresses, in reference to the propriety and duty of placing the writings of the servant of the Lord, Emanuel Swedenborg, in our noble public library, were delivered; and it was unanimously determined by the meeting, that thus the Centenary should be commemorated by us. Three parties, of whom the writer was one, were appointed a committee to receive subscriptions and carry the resolution of the meeting into effect; and greatly cheered and encouraged have we been in our labour, by the unity of feeling and the liberal spirit which have been evinced,—indeed, we have reason to believe much more will be accomplished than the mere obtaining and presenting the books-that our mutual coöperation in this work will tend to knit us closer together in the bond of brotherly affection, and more earnest desires for the spiritual advancement of others." The sum of £30. has been raised, (and the subscription list has not been closed,) which, with an order for fiftyeight volumes, has been forwarded to Mr. White. As respects the general state of the society, the writer speaks of it in terms of hope and encouragement, as will appear from the following extract:"You will, I am sure, be pleased to hear that, as a society, we have abundant cause for gratitude on account of the peace and harmony which we enjoy. Our Sabbath service, which, in comparison with your own, is very naked and unadorned,' is well and regularly attended, and our members evidently feel their duty in regard to its support; so that not only have we no lack, but something over what is absolutely required. We are not, however, in a position to speak of a minister. If in the Lord's good providence any gentleman, duly qualified, not needing to look immediately to the society for support, should come amongst us, he would receive a hearty welcome, with all the assistance we could render; and as there is here a fine field for the profitable labour of such a husbandman, he would, I am persuaded, soon find, that even in a temporal point of view, he had no reason to regret his coming." NOTTINGHAM. On Sunday, Sept. 13th, the anniversary sermons were preached in this place, by the Rev. R. Edleston. The subject of the morning's discourse was "The Man of Faith and Order," illustrated by that beautiful narrative of the centurion, Matt. viii. 5-13, in which he showed the true nature of those two essential qualities of the regenerating mind, at the same time unfolding the beauty and glory of the spiritual sense. The subject of the evening's discourse was "The kingdom of God, and the way to it," the text, Matt. vi. 33. The rev. gentleman dwelt at some length upon those principles of Goodness and Truth which constitute that divine kingdom; and also the great importance to mankind to know the right way, and to walk therein in truth and sincerity. Both discourses were listened to by numerous and attentive audiences, who went away highly delighted with the clear exposition of divine truth that had been set before them. On the following day, a tea meeting was held in the chapel, to commemorate the centenary of the New Church, when a numerous party sat down to tea. Afterwards, Mr. Edleston delivered an appropriate address upon the important occasion,-shewing, in the first place, the great advance that society had made in all that contributes to the comfort 571 and happiness of mankind in this world. He then dwelt at some length on the cause and origin of these things, and its commencement to the present time. the progress the church had made from After which he took the chair, when the meeting was addressed by our worthy leader, Mr. W. Pegg; afterwards by Mr. J. Pegg. The pleasure and harmony of by music from the choir, and the Misses the evening were very much promoted Mountenoy, who sang several very beautiful duets, and also by the naïve, appropriate, and pleasing remarks of our excellent chairman. A vote of thanks W. Pegg, and also to Mr. Edleston, when was given to our esteemed leader, Mr. with what had passed during the eventhe meeting broke up, highly delighted ing. S. R. of this delightful "Messenger." We continue to receive the visits Its ing, and refreshing. It is edited with contents are always instructive, edifythat it is a welcome weekly visitor care and judgment. We are certain to many homes in America. contains extracts from this periodical, It often with its excellent articles. and we sometimes enrich our pages September number we inserted the In our Trust in Divine Providence." We inbrief extract-"Dependence on and stantly recognised it as a gem; but we that it was extracted by the " Messendid not discover till after it was printed ger" from Mr. Arbuoni's "Dissertations on the Regenerate Life." We have been respondents. The literature of the reminded of this by two respected cor church is common property. "Freely justice to the neighbour requires, that ye have received, and freely give." But in making extracts from various writers, we should distinctly state the source senger" for October 10th has just whence they are derived. The Mesfollows:-" Analogy and Correspondarrived. The principal contents are as ence; or the Doctrine of Discrete DeLetter to the Vice Chancellor of Oxford.) grees." (From the Rev. A. Crissold's This is a most instructive article, to which we referred the attention of our readers when we received that able letter. 2. "The Moral of the Times." (From the "New York Evening Post.") 3. "Swedenborg and the Unitarians." (From the "Christian Inquirer.") 4. "Impressions of the New Church, &c. in England." (By the Rev. G. Field.) 5. "A Representative Church and the Representative of a Church." (From Swedenborg.) The "Youth's Department is also very instructive and edifying to young people. Besides these, there are many interesting items of information and intelligence respecting the societies and associations of the New Church in the United States. BRITISH. (Continued from page 521.) Sheffield.-Shortly after the Conference, Mr. J. Smith, on his return to London, visited the small band of New Churchmen in this town, where he preached twice to very attentive congregations. He speaks of the friends there as apparently intelligent and sincere, adding that they would be very glad of any assistance they might receive from our ministers or any friend. Leamington.-A friend favourable to the New Church, who has recently become located in this town, speaks of the state of religious feeling as anything but favourable to the New Church. He has made one or two indirect efforts to introduce a tone of thought more congenial to our doctrines. His efforts, however, from prudential motives (not on his own account so much as on his employer's), have to be made quietly. The following is one instance: About the 21st of September, a united prayer meeting was held in the Public Hall, Leamington, having reference to the Indian rebellion, in which the ministers of the various denominations took a part. Our friend, "thinking that the opportunity of doing good incognito was too good to be lost," wrote a prayer, the former portion being collated from the Conference Liturgy, and the latter, which had more special reference to the occasion, supplied by himself. He had it printed (though with some difficulty) and sent the copies to one of the ministers taking part in the meeting. He, however, taking no notice of them, our friend obtained them, and had them distributed to the people as they came out of the hall. thus circulated. About 480 copies were The bread thus cast on the waters may, after many days, appear. Oxford.-Visit of Dr. Bayley.—On the afternoon of the Fast-day Dr. Bayley visited the friends in this city, and in the evening administered the Sacrament, including himself, to twelve persons. On Thursday and Friday evenings he lectured in the Assembly Room adjoining the Star Hotel, to audiences of about 500 each. The subject of one of the lectures was"The Second Coming of the Lord;" what the subject of the other lecture was we have not heard. At the close of the lectures the Mayor of Oxford came forward, and in a neat speech proposed a vote of thanks, which was carried by acclamation. FOREIGN. America.-Wilmington, Delaware.— It appears that a society has recently been formed in this place, regular worship having been conducted there for some time previously, attended by about 50 persons. All, or nearly so, are the direct descendants, children and grandchildren, of Mr. Daniel Lamott, or persons immediately connected with his family. Of these 22 entered as members of the society on its formation. Their accommodations having become inconveniently small, they have commenced building a new Temple, the foundation stone of which was laid on the 6th of August. It will be a handsome stone edifice, and is to be finished by the end of the year. Georgia. In the State of Georgia an association of the New Church has been established, composed of receivers and readers in all parts of the State, its chief design being to supply the public with books. Thirty acknowledged receivers are known to be in the State; upwards of seventy more are reading; and from two to three hundred are inquiring with more or less interest. In Savannah several friends meet regularly for worship. The association has commenced its operations by issuing a circular, in which is given an account of Swedenborg, and of the general doctrines he was commissioned to teach. |