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thus briefly examined; and we would likewise remind them of what must be contained in a negative decision. The Scriptures encourage us to look forward to an increase of spiritual iutelligence that shall emanate from a definite source; and their testimony cannot be disregarded or denied without palpable irreverence: while, as far as human reason can determine, the arrival of the dispensation to which we allude, and the certain though gradual diffusion of its knowledge and influence, would be an incalculable blessing to mankind. If God created man in his image and likeness, and man declined from the original wisdom and purity which he derived from his Creator, are we not led to infer, that He would put forth all the energies of the divine nature to effect the restoration of his degenerate offspring? The inference is supported by the disposition of God as it is manifested in his works; and, still more powerfully, as it is revealed in his Word; for we there find that as soon as mau had violated the divine injunction, a specific remedy was promised, and has since been applied; while its benefits are yet being extended. Who, then, upon this general view, can say of religious truth, or of a particular dispensation of it, "hitherto thou shalt come, and no farther?" To fill the capacities of his creatures with a knowledge of Himself, must be the prevailing desire of the Creator; and its completion must constitute the fulness of human happiness. Of this we are assured by his Word; on the authority of which we expect a more perfect light on theological subjects than has hitherto been enjoyed."

Having extended our remarks and extracts to so great a length, we must briefly notice the third part on the claim of Swedenborg, to be considered as the announcer of the New Jerusalem Dispensation. In this our author examines, at length, the probable character of the Herald of such a Dispensation, and connects it with the real character of Swedenborg. He shows the folly of the charge of madness, on any and every ground-both from the character of Swedenborg and from the character of his writings; and this in a manner which may be "cavilled at with ease," but not so easily refuted. The following is the liberal Christian-like conclusion of the Essay.

"What has been presented will probably disagree with the sentiments of many who peruse it, But in the midst of difference in opinion, let us all remember that "religion is too ponderous for idle speculation." Yet he is not to be applauded who is content to receive implicitly what others decide to be truth, and who sacrifices his reason at the shrine of mental indolence.! To those, however, who differ from, as well as to those who assent to, her doctrines, the New Church offers the consolation of her maxim,-which bigotry may revile and preconception resist, but which Scripture and reason alike support,-that none shall be condemned for involuntary error, and that he who endeavours to avoid sin and cultivate rightousness, may conclude, with humble confidence, that he approaches the state where error shall adhere to none but those who are obstinately confirmed in evil.”

We have only in conclusion to express our entire approbation of the sentiments in these pages; as well as our pleasure at the concise manner, and powerful language in which they are conveyed; and earnestly to recommend the Work to the perusal of our readers ;-it will prove to those who revile our Church that we can indeed "render a reason of the hope that is in us"-and it will supply its members in advocating the cause of Truth, with many forcible arguments against the suggestions of sophistry and prejudice.

If men will begin to enquire,-and their enquiries are always

in the way in which our author has met the enquiries of his friend -the progress of the doctrines of our Church will not only be sure bnt rapid-till the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea."

Miscellanea.

MISSIONARY AND GENERAL CHURCH INTELLIGENCE.

FRAMLINGHAM, SUFFOLK,

A gentleman of the name of Stringfellow, recently left Norwich, to reside at Framlingham, and to him the Norwich Library were in the habit of sending books, he having been presented by a member of the Church, with a share ticket of the library. These books fell into the hands of a very intelligent member of the methodist connexion, but who was at the same time both an enemy to Socinians and Swedenborgians; but having seen the former so completely overthrown by Hindmarsh's Letters to Dr. Priestly, he was so rejoiced thereat, that he was induced to read further, to see what could be said in favor of the latter; the result has been his thorough conviction of the truth of the New Church Doctrines in his own mind, and an endeavour to make others also acquainted with them. This brought upon him the heavy displeasure of the methodist minister who, in the afternoon of Sunday, the 23d. of September last, held our new friend up to the contempt of a large congregation and finally he was expelled from the society as one totally unworthy of holding any office or place among them. He has therefore opened his house for public worship; and thus the foundation of the church is likely to be laid in this place. Several letters respecting the Doctrines of the New Jerusalem, have passed between our new friend Mr. Baldrey, the Rev. Thomas Cutting the methodist minister, and a Mr. George Clodd, who appears to be what is called a class-leader. We have been permitted to peruse copies of these letters, and from which we are assured that the cause of the New Church in Framlingham has not fallen into the hands of an ignoramus. An application has been made to the London Missionary and Tract Society, for a supply of Tracts for this new field of exertion, and accordingly a few of each of the Society's publications have been sent.

DONHEAD, NEAR SHAFTESBURY, DORSET.

An intelligent individual who has lately taken up his residence at this place, has been actively engaged in circulating among his neighbours some of the New Church Books and Tracts, which were presented to him by a friend at Salisbury, who had some time previously introduced the writings to his notice. The individual we allude to, was the author of a Poetical Epistle inserted in our last year's magazine, p. 351.

OVER DARWEN.

On the 25th of November, Mr. Cordin, of Manchester, preached a sermon at Over Darwen, on behalf of the Manchester and Salford Missionary Institution. The amount collected was £4. 2s. 6d. This society consists of only a few families; but we rejoice to state that they are extremely zealous in the cause of the New Jerusalem. They have recently commenced a Sunday School, in which there are already about 50 children. It is worthy of remark that the zeal of our friends has excited the attention of the establishment, who have a neglected Sunday School, and the Rector of the parish is going about the village making enquiries of parents why their children do not attend the School as formerly.

SCOTLAND.

We hear occasionally from Scotland, and it appears that divine truth, although operating silently, is making considerable progress in that coun

try. Ministers are much wanted: it has long been a conviction on our minds that the New Church would be eminently benefitted, if a few young men' were educated for the ministry. The school at Woodford has met with considerable encouragement, and there can be no doubt that a similar Establishment, only on a smaller scale, for young men, would meet with that attention which its importance requires. If we had more ministers, the pressing intreaties of infant societies to be favoured with the preaching of the Word would not be made in vain.

NEW AUXILIARY MISSIONARY AND TRACT SOCIETY.

We understand that a Society, having for its object the promulgation of the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem, by missionary labours and by the circulation of tracts, is about to be formed in Derby, in connexion with the parent society in London. The chief object of this intended new society is to promote the interests of the New Church Societies in Derby, Melbourne, Chellaston, Burton-on-Trent, Birmingham and Loughborough, as also to make efforts at Nottingham or any other place within a limited distance of Derby. An institution of this kind will doubtless be of essential benefit to the New Church.

GENERAL EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENT,

For the Children of the Members of the New Church.

Many of our readers are, we doubt not, already acquainted with the origin, and progress of this laudable and great undertaking; but convinced as we are of its utility and desirableness, we should be guilty of a great dereliction of duty were we to omit the record of those proceedings, which have so well and so speedily brought the affair to maturity.

The plan was first submitted to the consideration of the members of the New Church, on the evening of the 16th of August, at a meeting held at the Freemason's Tavern, London. Many Ministers from the country, and nearly a hundred of the Members of the New Church in London were present. Mr. W. Malins, the proposer of the plan, in a very perspicuous and eloquent address demonstrated the needfulness of such an institution; not only as obviating the evil of defective education generally, but as offering an opportunity of imparting the enlightened principles of the New Church doctrines to the children of its members during the susceptible and favourable period of childhood. The address was received with the warmest approbation, and unanimously voted to be printed at the expense of the meeting, who volunteered their subscription for that purpose. We regret that our limits prevent us from extracting, at least some portion of the forcible argument adduced by Mr. Malins, but as it is necessary that we should present our readers with the subsequent proceedings, and likewise the plan of the Institution, we must refer them for Mr. Malin's Address to the printed Report.

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The plan was stated as comprehending an Establishment for the education of 150 boys, and 150 girls; to accomplish this purpose, it was farther stated, it would require 1st. capital sufficient to purchase a freehold estate and mansion adapted to the purpose: 2ndly. a person willing and competent to devote himself to its welfare as principal conductor; and 3rdly, persons competent to conduct the separate departments of education.

On the 5th of September, the first of these requisites was discovered near Woodford; and on the 11th, a meeting was held of some of those friends who had expressed themselves favourable to the measures, and it was then stated that the purchase would require £11,000; but that this sum, notwithstanding its magnitude, was far below the worth of the estate; and the general feeling of the meeting was in favour of the purchase: it was thought better however to call another general meeting of the members of the New Church in London, on the subject, which accordingly took place on the 19th of September, at the Freemasons' Tavern. In the interim, Mr. Malins considering the property both cheap and eligible, and fearing the opportunity might be lost, concluded an agreement for the

purchase for £10,000; being 1,000%. less than the sum stated to the former meeting.*

The communication of this intelligence to the general meeting, “while it surprised many, excited the strongest desire in all that the undertaking thus decidedly entered upon, might receive the fullest support."

The estate consists of a noble mansion, on which, within the last forty years, a sum exceeding 22,000l. has been expended; its domestic offices are spacious and convenient, and amply sufficient for the purposes of the contemplated establishment. The out buildings are numerous; the gardens comprise about four acres, are walled in, well stocked with fruit trees, and contain also six hot-houses, with vines in full bearing. The land including 41 acres of pasture, amounts altogether to 51 acres. The property is partly freehold and partly copyhold, but the latter is nearly as good as freehold. The house stands on an elevated scite near the village of Woodford: the country is healthy and pleasant, and the distance from the Royal Exchange is 84 miles. In addition to the price of the estate (10,0001.) the probable expenditure before the school for boys can be opened will be about 2,0001. more, so that the total sum of 12,000l. will be required. Of this sum, Mr. M. will provide 90001.; viz. 8000l. upon mortgage of the estate, and 10001. or more if requisite, to be lent without security, to run the risk of the success of the plan. But it being presumed that many individuals will feel the highest gratification in lending such sums of money as they can spare without inconvenience, towards the formation of such an Institution; a plan is laid down, by which the oppor-. tunity is given for the gratification of this desire: and it is presumed that the remaining sum of 30001. may, in this manner, be easily raised. "NAME. To be called The Woodford School.

"DESIGN.-To afford a liberal education, founded on the True Christlan principles of the New Jerusalem Church, to 150 boys, in the first instance, and the same number of girls, as soon as the arrangements can be made, which delicacy and propriety require. To conduct education on the most improved principles. To combine with the education the production of as many articles as the estate will admit, in such a manner as to prove highly instructive and interesting to the pupils; thereby greatly reducing the expence, and bringing the schools within the means of as many members of the New Church as possible.

"TUITION.-The Tuition to include all the branches usually taught in classical and commercial schools, and, in addition, a practical knowledge of the most useful and general occupations of society, agriculture, manufactures, and commerce.

"RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION.-It will be evident, from all that has been premised, that religious instruction, and religious motives, will pervade and be the very soul of all the plans of the Institution. A religious motive being the only regenerative principle, the only real bulwark which can stand the assaults of temptations; that motive will be made the life of the schools, and will be infused into every action. An especial provision will be made for domestic worship, in agreement with the doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church.

"AMUSEMENTS AND EXERCISES.-The amusements, as well as the studies of the pupils, to be particularly directed in such channels as tend to improve the will as well as the understanding; by calling forth all the finer feelings and energies of human nature, for the successful culture of which youth is the proper season. Amongst other amusements, these will be prominent: gardening in its pleasing varieties; the care of animals adapted to the different ages of the pupils, athletic exercises; and dancing.

"TERMS OF ADMISSION.-Twenty Guineas per annum to include education in all its branches, board, lodging, and washing, without any extra

Immediately after the agreement had been made for the purchase at 10,000%. another offer of 10,500 was made to the proprietor: and he has since had two distinct offers of 11,000. An offer has also been made to Mr. Malins, from another party, of 1,000l. for his bargain.

charges whatever, except in cases of illness. The terms will be reduced lower, as soon as may be found practicable. It will be required that payment should be made half a year in advance: which will save a great deal of trouble, and avoid casualties which could not fail to derange all calculations of expenditure. The school to be open first to the children whose parents or guardians are receivers of the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem, and, if their numbers are not sufficient to fill it, to other children, whose parents are willing to have them brought up in the principles of those doctrines. They will be admitted at any period between the ages of five and twelve years, and may continue in the schools to whatever age the parents think fit.

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"GENERAL REGULATIONS. The Institution will be open to the visits and inspection of the members of the New Church, and the parents and friends of the children, under such regulations as it may hereafter be found expedient to adopt. In cases of protracted illness, it will be requisite that children should be taken away, if in a fit state to be removed. On the first symptom of illness, the child will be removed to a detached building, set apart for that purpose.

"TO SECURE THE INSTITUTION AND PROPERTY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE NEW CHURCH FOR EVER, a deed will be immediately prepared, and executed by Mr. W. Malins, the purchaser of the estate, securing the reverson of the property, in case of his deceasc, to the Trustees of the General Conference of the New Church, after the payment of the several mortgages or incumbrances; and appointing proper persons in such case to govern and control the Institution."

Twelve thousand pounds, as has been stated, will be the sum required. 80001. are provided upon mortgage. The remaining 4000l. (10007. as has been before mentioned, are ready) are expected to be raised by two classes of loan-subscribers. Loan-Subscribers of the First Class to consist of those who shall be willing to lend certain sums, and to risk the amount, to a certain extent, upon the success of the plan. If it succeeds, the whole to be repaid with interest at 5 per cent. per annnm. A majority of the subscribers of this class (whose subscriptions shall not be less than two thirds of the whole loan of the class) will be at liberty, at the expiration of two years, to demand a dissolution of the Establishment, should it appear that a loss to the extent of 50 per cent on the sum raised has been sustained. In such case the remaining property to be divided, unless Mr. Malins should then prefer to repay the loans and take the whole risk upon himself. Loan-Subscribers of the Second Class to consist of those who are willing to lend the assistance of their capital according to their ability or inclination, to receive 5 per cent. per annum interest, but who either cannot afford, or are unwilling, to incur the risk of any loss. This class will be secured either by a second mortgage, or by such personal security as shall be satisfactory to them. The account of the Estate and plan of the Institution were most warmly received by a Meeting held on the 17th of October; and subscriptions were entered into at the Meeting.

"Such is the plan of this important undertaking, and such are the proceedings by which it has been brought to its present state of forwardness. If taken up everywhere, by the Members of the New Church, with the spirit which is due to the great benefits it cannot fail, with the Divine blessing, to produce, it will at once be established on a basis which nothing can overturn. Subscriptions of either class will be received by Mr. Malins, at the Rookery, Woodford; Mr. Jones, Castle Court, Lawrence Lane, or Mr. J. S. Hodson, 15, Cross Street, Hatton Garden, London. Persons desiring to send their children to the Establishment, are requested to communicate their intention, as early as possible, to the same parties, particularizing the ages of the children to be sent. The school will be opened on Monday, the 4th of February, 1828."

In a postscript to the printed Report it is stated, that "Mr. Malins as completed the purchase and taken possession of the Estate, viz. on aturday, the 3rd of November: and upon reconsidering the capabilities of he house, he has resolved to open the School for Girls under nine years of de, at the same time as that for the Boys."

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