Morning light [afterw.] The New-Church weekly

"It is not often that one meets with a book of this kind, so entirely free from religious cant, bigotry, and bitterness, and yet so full of wise and reverent thought and of earnest belief."

The "School Board Chronicle" says:"We are of opinion that within the last half-century a larger number of intellectual sceptics have been brought back within the pale of Christianity by the doctrines of the founder of the New Jerusalem than by all other forms of Christian faith together."

The "Literary World" says:"We are prepared to admit that it is decidedly interesting, and that in many points it is conclusive and irrefutable. In one great respect we must express a hearty appreciation of the character of this book. It exhibits with much force and clearness the essential relation which exists between a right state of feeling and a reverent belief in God and His Word. may bespeak for this book an earnest attention, and promise that it will afford both pleasure and profit to those who will read it."

The "Tatler" says:

"We have rarely read any treatise, however learned, that was more effective in dealing with the shallow scepticism of the day. We can conceive that it would become a powerful agent for the dissipation of doubt in the mind of any person who should thoroughly grasp its impregnable positions."

The "Morning Advertiser" says:"Unlike most books of theological controversy, this is not dull; and, though it may be objected that the writer has both sides of the controversy in his own hands, no one will say that he uses his opportunities unfairly."

The "Westminster Gazette" says:"The tale before us is written with an excellent purpose. It is the story of a young man who is led Aradually from unbelief to Christianity; and though the subject is in itself trite enough, it is not treated in a commonplace manner.'

LONDON: JAMES SPEIRS, 36 Bloomsbury Street.

SWEDENBORG.

The Four Primary Doctrines of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation. With Preface, Account of the Author, and Index. 2s. 6d. The Doctrine of the Lord is a Scriptural deduction of the Divinity of Christ, of the personality of the Divine nature, and of the fact and meaning of the Incarnation. The Godhead of our Saviour is made to rest upon the whole breadth of Scripture authority, and that there is a Trinity (not of persons but) of person in the Godhead, and that Christ is the person in whom the trinal fulness dwelis.

The Doctrine of the Sacred Scripture explains that the Word we now possess is written in four styles. The first is by pure Correspondences thrown into an historical series; of this character are the first eleven chapters of Genesis. The second is the historical, consisting of true historical facts, but containing a spiritual sense. The third is the prophetical. The fourth is that of the psalms, between the prophetical style and common speech. It is the Divine sense within the letter that constitutes the holiness of the Bible.

In the Doctrine of Faith Swedenborg teaches that Faith is an inward acknowledgment of the truth, which comes to those who lead good lives from good motives. "If ye will do the works ye shall know of the doctrine." The Doctrine of Life commences with the proposition "That all Religion has relation to Life, and that the Life of Religion is to do Good." The shunning of Evils is the first necessity; the doing of Good is afterwards possible. No one, however, can do good which is really such, from self, but all goodness is from God. Angelic Wisdom concerning the

Divine Providence. With Index. 3s. In all the operations of the Divine Providence, human freedom is respected. The Lord forces no man to do good, or to believe what is true. It is of the Divine Providence that whatsoever a man hears, sees, thinks, speaks, and does, should appear altogether as his own. It is a law of the Divine Providence, that man should not be forced by external means to think and will, and so to believe and do the things which belong to religion. Miracles, signs, visions, conversations with the dead, threats, and punishments, are totally ineffective to produce that state of love and spiritual life which makes true happiness and heaven, because they force and destroy that rationality and liberty which constitute the inmost life of humanity, and by the exercise of which man can alone be delivered from evil. The Divine Providence is equally with the wicked and the good. A complete List of Swedenborg's Workson application. JAMES SPEIRS, SWEDENBORG SOCIETY, 36 Bloomsbury Street.

THE BOOK FOR THE INQUIRER.

FOURTH EDITION.

Now ready, foolscap 8vo, cloth limp, Is.

EMANUEL SWEDENBORG.

An Outline of his Life and Writings.

BY THE REV. JOHN HYDE. "One of the most compact books on the subject with which we are acquainted."--Morning Light.

"A clear and forcible presentation of New Church teaching in a short compass. We think no work could be produced more suitable to place in the hands of one who, either from want of time or want of interest, would not read a large volume."-Intellectual Reposi tory.

LONDON: JAMES SPEIRS, 36 Bloomsbury Street.

Price 6d.

IS THERE A PERSONAL DEVIL?

A LECTURE BY THE
REV. JOHN PRESLAND.

LONDON: JAMES SPEIRS, 36 Bloomsbury Street.

NINE MEDALS AWARDED. LONDON, 1873; PARIS (2 Silver), 1878; YORK (Highest), 1879; SYDNEY (4 Highest), 1880; LONDON, 1880.

DUNN'S COCOA.

THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE AS
PREPARED

FOR THE HOMEOPATHIC CHEMISTS.
In Packets only.

Extract from Dr. Epps's Lecture on Diet at the Hunterian School of Medicine, March 20, 1837"We have now to notice a nut which, besides farinaceous substance, contains a bland oil. This is the Cocoa-nut. The oil in this nut has one advantage, which is, that it is less liable than any other oil to rancidity. This, therefore, is a great advantage, and must render it a valuable article of diet, more particularly if, by mechanical or other means, the farinaceous substance can be so incorporated with the oily that the one will prevent the other from separating.

"Various contrivances have been adopted with this object in view; but the individual who has been most successful in effecting this union is Mr. Dunn of Pentonville.

This ingenious individual, after roasting the cocoanuts and separating the shells, subjects them to a powerful rotatory pressure, by which all the nut is liquefied by means of the oil and by the application of heat, and this liquid nut, if we inay so speak, soon assumes a solid state.

"This, with the addition of sugar, which combines with the oil and the other parts of the nut, constitutes his Cocoa Paste-a pleasant article of diet.

This Paste, if prepared with additional farinaceous and saccharine matter, forms a very nutritious article, called Chocolate Powder (Prepared Cocoa).

"And a third substance has, by the skill of Mr. Dunn, been made, which he calls his Soluble Chocolate, which I have no hesitation in asserting is a most valuable article of diet. One great advantage connected with it is, that it can be made with such ease; requiring only the addition of boiling water to the Chocolate sliced into the cup.

"This is particularly useful to the sick and the convalescent from long disease; they often want nutriment at very early hours; they wake hungry and thirsty; nothing can be more easily obtained, and, at the same time, more beneficially prescribed, than this Soluble Chocolate.

"In conclusion, I have to recommend it as both Food and Drink."

DUNN & HEWETT are also Manufacturers of the Celebrated

ICELAND MOSS COCOA (Recommended by the Faculty in Consumption and Diseases of the Chest, &c.),

DUNN'S ESSENCE OF COFFEE,

(TRADE-MARK, 'THE TURK"), And of every known preparation of COCOA AND CHOCOLATE.

N.B.-Guard against inferior imitations by seeing that each packet of Cocoa or Chocolate bears the wellknown trade-mark, "The Chocolate Girl."

DUNN & HEWEIT, Pentonville, London.

ESTABLISHED 1851.

IRKBECK

ΒΙ

BANK.Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane. Current accounts opened according to the usual practice of other Bankers, and Interest allowed on the minimum monthly balances when not drawn below £25. No commission charged for keeping Accounts. The Bank also receives money on Deposit at Three per cent. Interest, repayable on demand.

The Bank undertakes for its Customers, free of charge, the custody of Deeds, Writings, and other Securities and Valuables; the collection of Bills of Exchange, Dividends, and Coupons; and the purchase and sale of Stocks and Shares.

Letters of Credit and Circular Notes issued. A Pamphlet, with full particulars, on application. FRANCIS RAVENSCROFT, Manager. 31st March 1880.

By the Rev. A. CLISSOLD, M.A. Crown 8vo, sewed, price 6d. Swedenborg's Writings and Catholic Teaching;

Or, A Voice from the New Church Porch. Just published, post 8vo, cloth, 25. 6d. The Consummation of the Age:

Being a Prophecy now fulfilled and interpreted in the Writings of

EMANUEL SWEDENBORG.
With a Preface.

SECOND EDITION. THOROUGHLY Revised.
Pp. viii and 148, foolscap 8vo, cloth, gilt
edges.
MANUAL OF THE DOCTRINES

OF THE NEW CHURCH,

With an Appendix containing a brief outline of Swedenborg's Theological Works, compiled from the Theological Writings of EMANUEL SWEDEnborg.

BY EDMUND SWIFT, JUN. The New Jerusalem Magazine says:"This little book seems to meet a want which has long been felt by many persons in the New Church, for they are often asked if there is not some condensed statement of these doctrines, from which an intelligent and earnest seeker after the truth could acquire, in a comparatively short time, some connected knowledge of the character of the teachings of the New Church. The book before us seems to meet such a case exactly. We have examined the 'compilation' with some care, and feel quite confident we are justified in saying the author has touched more or less briefly, to be sure, but still quite comprehensively we think, cn nearly every important topic."

The other Volumes of the Series are1. THE FUTURE LIFE. By Emanuel Swedenborg.

2. THE SPIRITUAL WORLD AND OUR CHILDREN THERE. By the Rev. Chauncey Giles.

3. THE BRIGHTON LECTURES. By the Rev. Dr. Bayley. 34th Thousand.

Published for the MISSIONARY AND TRACT SOCIETY OF THE NEW CHURCH by JAMES SPEIRS, 36 Bloomsbury Street, Lordon.

THE STRENGTH AND PLEASANTNESS OF

UNITY.*

A SERMON BY MR. C. GRIFFITHS.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."-PSALM cxxxiii. 1-3.

HE Divine Word everywhere inculcates the exercise of neighbourly love and brotherly consideration. God Himself is called "The God of Peace." The Lord imparted His peace unto His disciples, and exhorted them, saying, "Have salt in yourselves, and peace one with another." Christians especially, to use the words of an apostle, should be "knit together in love." Where there is discord there can be no genuine fellowship, and a hard thought is sufficient to sever the communion of loving hearts. As an old Latin proverb says, "Union of hearts brings light; discord, darkness." Scripture, history, and experience alike testify to the truth of this. Unanimity of purpose is absolutely necessary to the preservation of order and peace. Where there is not unanimity of purpose and feeling, combined in its outward manifestation with unity of action, there discord and darkness reign, and where these evils prevail there is dissension instead of harmony, and strife in the place of peace. How then are we to secure this uniformity of action? Ought we to expect all men to think and speak exactly alike? No! the monotony would be most tedious. As there are many men so there are many minds, and each mind is differently constituted. There is such a thing, however, as harmony in variety, as in music and colours, and as is the case throughout all nature, and this is the kind of unity we are to seek. There is room in the world for all grades and shades of opinion without marring the peace and unity of mankind. Each man has his own peculiar idiosyncrasies, just as he has some special talent which qualifies him to fill some particular office in society; and that talent faithfully exercised in that special sphere will be found to harmonize with all its surroundings.

Man, though a little world in himself, is but a unit considered in relation to the universal Man, and thus but a small-we might say a tiny-portion when contrasted with humanity in the aggregate. Generals are made up of particulars, and not only in the generals, but also in the particulars of which they are composed, there is great variety. Thus, society is a congregation of men, but no two individuals are exactly alike, although similarly constituted, nor were they ever intended to move in precisely the same narrow groove. He therefore who tries slavishly to imitate another, to exercise a gift which does not belong to him, or to fill an office for which he is not qualified, is like a discordant note, a broken string, or a limb out of joint. He does no good, but may do a great deal of harm, and like a pestilential person, lives only to do mischief, by throwing the general order into confusion. No man so circumstanced can labour to advantage, for he will be constantly jarring and jostling against somebody else. At the outset, therefore, it is necessary for each to know what his particular qualifications are, and to what state in life it has pleased Divine Providence to call him. He who mistakes his calling, and runs where he is not sent, is to be pitied, and the sooner he rectifies his mistake the better.

Preached at Bury, on beginning his ministry in that place, November 7, 1880.

This is a matter, however, which each individual will have to settle for himself, and it is not at all a difficult one. Some men are born poets, some mechanics, others scientists or politicians, and each in his particular sphere is designed by the great Controller of all things to contribute to the general good. When all act in unison the end designed is attained, and society is cemented together in the delightful bond of a universal brotherhood.

Now, as in natural, so it should be in spiritual things. The Church is called by the Apostle Paul "the body of Christ," and the faithful Christian "a member in particular." The human body, as we know, has its distinct parts. It is composed of a number of separate organs, and each organ serves a particular use, answers a definite purpose, and discharges a function which no other organ is capable of doing. Thus, the eye sees, but it cannot hear. The mouth tastes, but it has no power to smell. We walk with the feet, but the feet cannot handle. Neither can the body perform the functions of the head. Yet when the eye sees, the ear hears, the mouth tastes, and the nose smells-when the hands handle, and the feet walk, and each organ acts simultaneously or successively, being influenced by the body and governed by the head, then harmony in variety results, and the perfect union and common welfare of the whole is promoted.

The case is precisely the same with that marvellously intricate and complicated piece of mechanism a watch. It also is composed of a number of parts, and each part has its special work to do. The wheels do not demur because they are not the hands, nor the mainspring because it is not the face, but quietly and steadily they each labour on in the hidden nook assigned to them, doing their work faithfully and well. Without their assistance the face would be useless, and the hands could not indicate the time of day. But all work harmoniously together, and so are able to answer an important use as the grand result. The absence or defect of any one of its parts disarranges the whole, the use is then destroyed, and as in the human body when one of its members is dislocated, the single disarrangement affects all its parts. The case is the same with the locomotive, and many other things which might be enumerated. So it is with the Church collectively, and with all the particular societies which constitute it. "If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it." It is therefore not only "good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity," but an inevitable necessity if the common cause for which they are banded together is to make progress; and this is the one great lesson we are anxious to impress upon our minds to-day. All can appreciate the blessedness of unity, but something has to be done before it can be realized. We shall have to look within, and "cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the platter." There is a world within as well as around us. "precious ointment upon the head must run down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, going down to the skirts of his garments." That is, good in the internal of our being must be conjoined with truth in ultimates, and the savour of these must be felt by all with whom we come in contact. In one word, goodness and truth must be married, for then only are they mighty to save. Then each acquires additional strength, just as brethren do when dwelling together in unity.

The

We are standing, my brethren, to-day upon the threshold of a new era as far as the history of this Society is concerned, and we are one and all looking forward hopefully into the future. We are expecting to experience a new impetus, to be drawn closer together in the bonds of holy fellowship, and to receive from the Lord blessing the like of which we have not realized before. Our

hearts are yearning to see the mists of error vanish and the doctrines of eternal truth triumphant. Deeply convinced that we have the truth, and that it is the truth alone which can regenerate the world, we are determined with the Lord's help to make it known. Men are perishing from sheer lack of knowledge, and it is the truth only that can save them. The minds of many are enthralled in the meshes of falsity, and what but the truth can liberate them? The determination therefore is a laudable one. Our purpose is worthy of all praise. But now comes the question, How can we best and most effectually accomplish the end proposed? Unity amongst ourselves is the first requisite. Reformation must commence at home. If this Society is not thoroughly united it will be impossible for it to help and bless society at large. While its internal condition is unhealthy, it may be justly said of it, "Physician, heal thyself."

Be it our first care, therefore, my brethren, to cherish and preserve "the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." Let him who hath ought against his brother bring not his gift to the altar until reconciliation has been effected. For be assured if he does, discord will produce darkness, and the smouldering embers of strife. will soon be fanned by some adverse wind into flame, and all the principles of brotherly love and affection will perish in the diabolical conflagration.

The Lord Himself assures us that "a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand." Civil war destroys the bulwarks of a nation and shakes her power to the very foundation. The guarantee of her security lies in the preservation of her internal peace. Party faction is the bane of a community and detrimental to the common weal. On the other hand, unity is always strength. The power of an army in the day of battle is great while the order and harmony of its ranks are preserved, but once thrown into a state of confusion it is as helpless as Samson was when he lost his hair. The locust is a very small insect, and by itself can do but comparatively little harm. But let a swarm of them attack a district and the whole of its vegetation will be very soon destroyed. Unity of action is therefore a mighty power in accomplishing either good or evil. In all great undertakings it is indispensably necessary to insure success. He who goes single-handed to the fight will in all probability be surrounded and captured. But let the hands of this valiant soldier be strengthened by the presence and daring of others equally brave, and he will fight his way successfully through the opposing forces and plant his standard firmly in the midst of his enemies.

So, my brethren, if we would accomplish our heart's desire we must be united. Each must put his shoulder to the wheel, and set about the work before us with unflagging zeal and earnest determination. All must come to the front, enlist themselves under the Society's banner, and subscribe their names to the common roll. Let no one say there is nothing for him to do. There is a quiet corner in the Master's vineyard for all to labour in. Each has his own place, and if that place is not filled by him it will remain vacant, and the vacuum will retard the general progress of the Society. There will be a wheel missing or a screw loose. But if each will come forward determined to do his part, and to do that part well, then we may reasonably expect satisfactory results. In all our undertakings there must be oneness of design or purpose. We must act together, and with a definite object before us we must rise to a man, and advance in one mighty phalanx to battle for the right.

Only in proportion as we do this can we hope to succeed. The day of adversity and the hour of dire temptation will come. Then there will be faint hearts

that will need encouraging. It will not always be smooth sailing. The sky will occasionally darken, and the storm will rage with relentless fury. All our forces will then have to be rallied, and the vessel will require to be guided with distinguished skill. Woe to us if in that day we are not dwelling together in unity, and if a spirit of treachery and distrust is rampant. treachery and distrust is rampant. The desolating winds and surging billows will accomplish their work of destruction and speedily sweep all away. Nothing but prompt and united action can save us. It will be necessary then for the safety of all that each shall be up and doing, working faithfully and energetically at his appointed post.

The storm, however, will not last for ever. It will come and go as all storms do, but it will be the day of trial, and the hurricane will test the strength of our bonds. If happily we are knit together in love, if all our aims and ends are one, and we are blended together by common wants and spiritual sympathies, then we shall stand the storm, the cause we have espoused will not suffer, and we shall realize indeed that it is "good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity."

We are told that "a threefold cord is not easily broken," and the truth of this is manifest in all the avocations of life. Two heads are better than one, because one of these will devise the means of escaping an evil which the other would never think of. Man is a social being. He courts the company and desires the friendship of his like. The human race is created in pairs, and one being instinctively yearns for his corresponding counterpart. Prompted by instinct, and guided by reason, man selects some one of the opposite sex out of all the rest to be his lifelong companion. Both desire this union, for they have each an instinctive horror of solitude. When united, experience points out the necessity of these two living together in blissful harmony, and that too not only with themselves, but with all around them. They soon discover that the tide is against them, and that if they are to cope with it successfully, they must not only pull the same way, but evenly, and together.

So with us, my brethren. If our cause is to prosper, if the Gospel plough to which we have set our hands afresh to-day is to root up any seeds of evil, and we are to be the chosen instruments in the Lord's hand of promulgating a knowledge of the truth, we must determine now to banish giant Discord from the camp, to brand him with the mark of eternal infamy, and to tolerate his presence amongst us no more for ever.

But this will call for strenuous effort. None of us are perfect, and we all like to have our own way. If the unity of the spirit is to be preserved, we shall have to bear one another's burdens. It will demand patience and forgiveness, and the exercise of that "charity which suffereth long and is kind, . . . which thinketh no evil, but beareth all things." The kindly spirit of forgiveness must reign in the camp, refreshing all hearts, like the "dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion."

...

But finally, in the harmony of parts there is not only beauty, but use; not pleasure merely, but also profit. The loveliness of harmony is enchanting, but this is the secondary consideration; it is the use principle that must predominate. Thus the rose is exquisitely beautiful, but its beauty fades into comparative insignificance when we learn that it supplies a something which the bee converts into food. The form and symmetry of the bee itself are admirable, so is its hive, with all its internal arrangements, but these exist only for the sake of use, which is the production of honey. Music is pleasing. It delights the ear and makes glad

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Morning light [afterw.] The New-Church weekly, Ediția 1119,Volumul 4