THIS Society is at length formally constituted. At a meeting held on the 17th of April, at 6, King-street, Holborn, Dr. SPURGIN in the chair, the following report was produced, and the laws it contains were unanimously adopted as the laws of the Swedenborg Association :

"TO THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL OF THE SWEDENBORG ASSOCIATION. - Gentlemen, -At your meeting, held on the evening of Thursday, January 16, 1845, L. S. Coxe, Esq. in the chair, you were pleased to pass the following resolutions:

1. That it is expedient to constitute a society upon the general planof the printed paper entitled Prospectus of the Swedenborgian Association.

"2. That this society be entitled the Swedenborg Association.

"3. That this meeting resolve itself into a committee.

"4. That this committee appoint a subcommittee of five, with power to add to their numbers, for preparing a constitution for the Swedenborg Association, to be laid before this committee at an adjourned meeting, to be held on Thursday, the 13th February, at seven o'clock in the evening.

"5. That Mr. A. N. Wornum, Mr. J.J. G. Wilkinson, Mr. Finch, Mr. E. Rich, and Mr. R. N. Wornum, be the members of this sub-committee.

Agreeably to resolution 4, Mr. C. Strutt has been added to the sub-committee.

"And in obedience to the same resolution, we have now the honour to submit to you a draft of a constitution for the Swedenborg Association.

"We have judged it indispensable to place this draft before you in a printed shape, in order that you may have an opportunity of considering it before your next meeting.

"After a careful consideration of Mr. Wilkinson's prospectus, we found that the whole of the desirable purposes touched upon in that paper, might be carried out by a society having a defined and at the same time comprehensive object. Under this view we have proposed the following

-The Swedenborg Association is instituted for the study, development, and dissemination of science upon the philosophical principles of Emanuel Swedenborg. That the declaration of an object so general may not mislead us in practice, we have enumerated some important undertakings, the detail of which will serve to direct the association in its earlier stages. We have proceeded upon the ground that this society is not instituted for the study of science independently of theology, or, on the other hand, of theology without reference to science; but that its end is, to lay down a method by which the revealed truths of Christianity may be united to the knowledge derived from natural experience, and by which, science itself, in addition to its worldly advantages, may be made subservient to man's spiritual welfare. It is said in the Animal Kingdom, that 'the lungs perform a mediatorial office between the soul and the body.'' Now is there not an organ, we mean a philosophy, that will perform a mediatorial office between spiritual truth and natural science? We answer that there is, and that such an organ is found in the philosophical works of Swedenborg.

66

Assuming these premises to be correct, it is donbtless necessary, that all the members of a society having the above ends in view, should be agreed as to what is spiritual truth, and where it is to be found. We have therefore proposed, as we hold the doctrines of the New Church to be spiritually true, that every member of the society shall be required to make a declaration of his belief in those doctrines.

"On examining the by-laws, it will be seen, that the whole management of the society is entrusted to a president and council. But as a council elected annually, is ill calculated to pursue philosophical subjects, it is proposed, that the council shall have the power to establish permanent boards, without any restriction as regards persons; each board to be constituted solely with reference to the ability of its members to be useful. By this plan we hope to counteract any disadvantage that might otherwise accrue from requir

ing a religious declaration on the part of the members; for through the boards, the society, without endangering its individuality, will be open to receive services from any parties whatever. And as the harvest is abundant, so it is hoped that every member of the society will exert himself on some of the boards, in such capacity as is best suited to his taste and acquirements; and that one united effort of all with each and of each with all, will thus be made towards the accomplishment of our object. To the boards will be left the prosecution of philosophical, scientific, and literary researches, the translating and editing of books, the delivery of lectures, and in general the execution of all such business as the council may direct. And it is contemplated that each board shall form by-laws for itself, according to the object which it is appointed to carry out; so as to ensure order and method in all its proceedings.

"As the publication in English of Swedenborg's scientific works is an object of the greatest importance to all members of the New Church acquainted with the English language, and as many persons residing in distant and foreign parts may not be able to become members of this association, it is proposed, that all parties contributing to the funds shall be recognized as subscribers; so that all who esteem our object may assist in promoting it to an extent commensurate with their

means.

"We have purposely omitted making any mention of trustees, being of opinion that for a few years the society may dispense with such officers. And in the meantime the question may be deliberated, how far this society is to entertain theological subjects and uses, and whether a distinct declaration touching such matters should not be made when a deed of trust is executed.

"It was found impracticable to comply with the resolution appointing the 13th of February for the adjourned meeting. The care and labour expended in drawing up the accompanying by-laws, must be our excuse for exceeding the time prescribed.

"We beg to summon you to a meeting to be held on Thursday, April 17, at 6, King-street, Holborn, at seven o'clock in the evening.

"We are, gentlemen,

"Your obedient servants, "F. O. Finch, J. J. G. Wilkinson, "E. Rich, A. N. Wornum, C. Strutt, R. N. Wornum,"

"LAWS FOR THE SWEDENBORG ASSOCIATION.

"I. The Swedenborg Association is instituted for the study, development, and dissemination of science, upon the philosophical principles of Emanuel Swedenborg.

19

"This association shall have the power to publish, in the original or other lan guages, any of the works or manuscripts of Swedenborg, philosophical, scientific, or literary: also original works and periodicals in elucidation of the same: and to take all necessary steps towards the pro duction of a complete biography of Swedenborg. It shall also be competent to hold meetings for the reading of papers, the delivery of lectures, conversation, and other social means of instruction in the philosophy of Swedenborg: to make the requisite outlays for the purchase of a library, and for the hiring or erecting of a commodious building, for the use of the members to administer any donations or bequests for promoting the above purposes directly or indirectly; and in fine, to take any steps conducive to the study, deve lopment, and dissemination of science, upon the philosophical principles of Emanuel Swedenborg.

"II. This association shall consist of members. All persons, however, who contribute to its funds, shall be recog nized as subscribers.

"III. The government of this association shall be vested in a president and a council; the president being ex officio a member, and the chairman of the council.

"IV. Every member shall be a male person of the full age of twenty-one years, and shall sign the following declaration :

I, the undersigned, do hereby declare it to be my belief, that the true doctrines concerning the Lord, the Sacred Scriptures, Faith and Life; and concerning the state of man after death, the spiritual world, and the correspondence between things spiritual and natural, are revealed in the theologicai writings published by Emanuel Swedenborg, through whom it has pleased the Lord to manifest to the world the heavenly truths of his New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Apocalypse. And I do hereby engage, that I will endeavour to promote the interest and welfare, and that I will observe the Laws and Regulations, shall continue to be a member thereof. of the Swedenborg Association, so long as I (Signed)

"V. Every member shall pay an entrance fee of one pound, and shall contri bute at least ten shillings annually, towards the income of the society; such contribution to be due on the first Tuesday in February for the year ensuing. Any member, however, may compound

The laws here printed embody the emendations introduced at the meeting of the society, held April 17.

for his annual contribution, by the pay ment of such sum in lieu thereof as the council may direct.

JVI. All persons contributing annually to the funds of this society to the amount of tens shillings and upwards, shall be entitled to receive back the whole amount of their subscriptions in any of the works of Swedenborg published by the society; such works to be claimed within a time to be hereafter specified by the council.

- VII. From the date of these resolutions, every candidate for membership of this association shall be proposed in a recommendation signed by two of its members; and upon the receipt of the said recommendation by the council, the candidate shall, under the conditions of membership above specified, be declared and registered a member of the association, VIII. Any member shall be at liberty to withdraw from the association, by giving notice to the council of his intention to do so, provided he owe no arrears to the society, and hold none of its property. 8 IX. The members shall have the power, at a general meeting, of expelling any member from the society; notice of the motion of expulsion to be given to such member one fortnight previously. to "X. The council shall have the power, at any time, of inviting the members of the association, as well as subscribers and other persons, to meetings for educational and social purposes.

& XI. General meetings of the members of this association shall be held, and a public notice of the time and place of holding the same shall be given fourteen days previously; and not less than fifteen members shall constitute a general meeting. 21 “XII. A general meeting shall be held annually in London, or its immediate vicinity, on the first Tuesday in May, for the election of officers, and the transaction of other business of the society; and such meeting shall be called the annual general meeting. Three other general meetings shall be held within the year, on the first Tuesday in August, on the first Tuesday in November, and on the first Tuesday in February, for the transaction of incidental business; and these meetings shall be called quarterly general meetings.

"XIII. All other general meetings shall be called special general meetings, which it shall be in the power of the president, or of the council independently of the president, to convene at any time, provided the usual notice be given, and that no other business be transacted except that for which the meeting shall be convened; such business being specified in the notice. 'XIV. The president shall be chair

man of all general meetings, or in case of his absence, the vice-chairman of the council shall be chairman; and in case of the absence of both the president and the vice-chairman of the council, the meeting shall appoint one of its members chairman for the occasion.

66

XV. All voting at general meetings, (except in the election of officers,) shall be by show of hands; and in all equal divisions the chairman shall have a second or casting vote.

"XVI. No member, without the per mission of the chairman, shall address a general meeting more than once on any one motion, except the mover, who shall have the privilege of reply; and the division upon any motion, (except that of adjournment,) shall, on the demand of any two members, be adjourned to the general meeting next ensuing, provided it shall not have been previously so deferred.

"XVII. Minutes of the proceedings at every general meeting shall be taken dur ing the meeting, shall be correctly entered into a book kept for that express purpose, and shall be read aloud and confirmed at the general meeting next ensuing.

"XVIII. Every motion brought before a general meeting, shall be read aloud by the chairman at least twice, before it be put to the meeting for decision; and not more than one amendment upon any mo tion shall be entertained at the same time; and every amended motion shall be considered as an original motion, and be itself subject to an amendment.

"XIX. Upon a motion of adjournment being carried, any general meeting shall ad'ourn; but at the adjourned meeting no subject shall be entertained except that for which the meeting shall have adjourned.

"XX. No member who owes any contribution or other monies to the society, shall ballot for the officers.

"XXI. At every annual general meeting, the president and council for the year ensuing shall be elected from the members of the association, in two ballots; one ballot for the president, and one for the council. The council shall consist of twelve members exclusive of the president. Two or more members also shall be elected auditors for the year ensuing. The ballots shall be kept open at least one hour, and their result be faithfully reported to the meeting by two or more scrutineers, who shall be nominated by the chairman. And if in any ballot it shall happen, that two or more members have an equal number of votes, then such members shall draw lots for the office or offices balloted for.

"XXII. If from want of a sufficient attendance of members, or from any other cause, an annual general meeting shall not be held on the first Tuesday in May, then the officers for the past year shall continue in office, until such time as may be sufficient to convene a special general meeting for transacting the business of the annual general meeting.

"XXIII. No member holding any paid office under the society, or having any pecuniary engagement with it, shall be eligible for the council.

"XXIV. The council shall appoint a vice-chairman from its own body, to preside at its meetings in the absence of the president; and in case of the absence of both the president and the vice-chairman, the council shall appoint one of its members to perform the duties of chairman for the occasion.

"XXV. All meetings of the council shall be held in London, or its immediate vicinity; and a printed notice, of at least three days, of the time and place of holding every meeting of the council, except an adjourned meeting, shall be given to each of its members; and not less than five members shall constitute a quorum.

"XXVI. The president, or any three members of the council, shall have the power of convening a special meeting of the council.

"XXVII. Minutes of the proceedings of every meeting of the council shall be taken during the meeting, shall be correctly entered into a book kept for that express purpose, and shall be read aloud and confirmed at the meeting next ensuing. "XXVIII. In the meetings of the council, all questions shall be decided by show of hands, the chairman having on all occasions a second or casting vote; but the decision upon any motion (except that of adjournment) shall, on the demand of any two members, be adjourned to the meeting next ensuing, provided it shall not have been previously so deferred.

"XXIX. In the meetings of the council, any of its members shall have the power to order any person present, not a member of the council, to withdraw. "XXX. The council shall have the power of making such rules and regulations as shall appear to it conducive to the good order of the society; and such rules and regulations, provided they be consistent with these laws, and not opposed to any resolution passed at a general meeting, shall be binding upon the members, subscribers, and all others connected with the society.

"XXXI. The council shall have the power to draw up such regulations as it

may deem expedient for the proper conduct of its own business.

"XXXII. The council shall have the power of establishing boards, such as it may deem proper, for the efficient prosecution of the objects of the association shall have the appointment of all salaried officers, clerks, and other servants of the society; and shall have the sole management of the income of the society, and be wholly responsible for its current expenditure.

"XXXIII. The council shall submit to the annual general meeting a report of the proceedings of the society during the past year, which report, on being adopted, shall be printed and distributed to the members and subscribers.

"XXXIV. The council shall not vote monies directly or indirectly to any of its members; and accordingly a member of the council shall cease to be such before he can accept any paid office under the society.

"XXXV. If from resignation, or other causes, there shall not remain in the council eight of its members, the president, or council, shall convene a special general meeting for the purpose of electing others to supply the vacancies.

"XXXVI. In case of the resignation or removal of the president, by whatever cause, the vice-chairman of the council shall be, to all intents and purposes, president for the remainder of the year.

66

JAMES J. G. WILKINSON, O Secretary pro tem, of the Swedenborg Association.