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conductors of Sunday schools was the necessity for a higher culture and more careful preparation on the part of the teachers, so that the children might be better instructed in Biblical knowledge. The Bible was the text-book of the Sunday school. That which will regenerate the world was not human eloquence, but the Word of God planted and rooted in the minds of the people. This was plainly taught in the parable of the Sower. "The sower soweth the Word." Sunday-school teachers were sowers, who, when wisely instructing the children, were sowing the seeds of truth in their minds, and preparing the way for a rich harvest of ripened virtue and inexpressible good.

Birmingham. In the afternoon of July 4th the Wretham Road Sunday scholars joined in the general rejoicings observed throughout the country. Every scholar was presented with a very handsome medal with clasp suspender. The Rev. R. R. Rodgers explained the occasion, and Messrs. G. C. Haseler, J. A. Best, J. Tonks, John Osborne, and J. Bragg gave short addresses. Hymns on the blessings of the Sabbath day and of Sunday schools were sung. Reminiscences of the old days of Sunday schools were given, and some account of the jubilee of their establishment as celebrated in Birmingham. Four of the speakers remembered the jubilee, and two of them were actively engaged in Sunday-school teaching at the time.

The joyfulness of this centenary celebration in our case was enhanced by making it the occasion of opening and first using our new pianoforte purchased for leading school singing and for other church uses. It is by "Kirkman of London, specially constructed for our purposes, with the best possible mechanism, and a rather plain but still elegant rosewood case. After its use with the hymns had demonstrated its more powerful qualities, Mr. Perkins, organist of the church, displayed its other beauties in the execution of some suitable pieces. A resolution of grateful thanks to Mr. James Derham of Bristol, whose kind gift so much assisted in its purchase, was passed. The afternoon was evidently a great joy to the scholars, as well as to many of their parents, who, with other friends, filled the lectureroom of the Society.

Preston.-The Sunday scholars, teachers, and friends of the Church in Avenham Road met to celebrate the centenary of the formation of Sunday schools by holding a social soiree on Wednesday evening, July 7th. This being an event which of course can only be celebrated once in a hundred years, an effort was made to transform the ordinary aspect of the schoolroom. The walls were hung with very beautiful pictures, and the windows draped with muslin curtains, which, together with a centre table covered with some choice plants, made the room look pleasant and cheerful. Each person on entering was presented with a commemorative medal, which was worn during the evening. A goodly number sat down to an excellent tea at seven o'clock, and the number was largely augmented at the after proceedings.

The meeting was presided over by the Rev. J. Martin, who said they were met together for the purpose of celebrating the centenary of the establishment of Sunday schools in this country, and, incidentally, of speaking a word in season to those who were engaged in the noble work of Sabbath-school teaching. Sunday schools might be regarded as instrumental and intermediate causes for the spiritual enlightenment and moral elevation of the people, and as the visible effects and results of the last judg ment which took place in the spiritual world in the year 1757.

The world of spirits, as they were all aware, was a state intermediate between heaven, the home of the angels, and hell, the dwelling-place of devils, and was the common receptacle of departed spirits.

From the time of the Lord's first advent down to the year 1757 there had been a large accumulation of spirits in the intermediate state awaiting judgment. When therefore the last judgment was effected, by which the good were elevated to heaven and the wicked gravitated to the regions below, the world of spirits was cleared of all obstructions; the great highway of communication between heaven and earth was reopened; the result being that the Divine Love and Wisdom, together with all heavenly influences, could descend more freely and operate more powerfully, and therefore more successfully, for the reformation and regeneration of mankind,

Hence the establishment of Sunday schools marked the commencement of a new era; the light of Divine Truth and the warmth of Divine Love found their way to the hearts and minds of men like Robert Raikes; and though the light was at first dim and the flame feeble, yet, under the superintendence of an all-wise Providence, the light has increased and the flame expanded to such an extent that Sunday schools are now performing a work unparalleled in the history of Christianity.

Mr. Martin concluded with the words of the Bishop of Manchester, who remarked that "he trusted the end of these centenary celebrations would not be the wearing of a medal, the getting of a new bonnet, or a shawl, or the joining in a demonstration; but that all would gird on their armour afresh, feeling that the Saviour's business required earnestness; so that when their lives terminated, when the Saturday night should come, looking back upon a good week's work which had been done, they might lay their heads on their pillows and die in peace."

Interesting addresses were given during the evening by Mr. John Parkinson, Mr. Nelson, the superintendent of the school, and Mr. Eccles; and a pleasant meeting was brought to a close with the usual votes of thanks.

AUXILIARY NEW CHURCH MISSIONARY AND TRACT SOCIETY.-The secretary of this earnest Society has been lately in correspondence with the committee of the "Devon and Exeter Albert Memorial Museum and Free Library," and with the Town Council of the city of Exeter. A copy of the Intellectual Repository offered to the library was "respectfully declined" by the committee. On inquiry the secretary of the Auxiliary discovered the following incredible state of things in relation to the admission of religious literature into this Free Library. We quote from the Memorial to the City Council: "Your memorialists find that the following religious periodicals only are admitted into the Reading-Room of the Free Library: The Rock, The National Church, Church Bells, The Ecclesiastical Gazette, all of which are representative of the Church of England." What are Nonconformists about, to allow this disgraceful state of things? The first principle of a public Free Library is

that all classes in the community shall be fairly and equally represented. And as these libraries are supported by the borough rates, which are paid by all classes, this principle is dictated by simplest law of justice.

BIRMINGHAM (Wretham Road).-On Sunday morning, July 4, 1880, a third group of scholars from the Sunday school, consisting of twenty girls from about twelve years old upwards, were baptized in the church by the Rev. R. R. Rodgers. This makes a total of about forty young men, women, and children from the Sunday school who have been baptized within the last eighteen months. It is found that while parents are compelled by civil law to "register" their children, no sufficient religious impulse exists to cause them to see also that they are baptized. In Birmingham the officers of the Sunday school have thought this omission on the part of parents one which should be remedied through the agency of the Church, and have accordingly done what lay in their power towards it. Suitable instruction from the doctrines of the Church is given to candidates; and the parents of children not yet of an age to decide for themselves are communicated with and become consenting parties. The ceremony takes place before morning service, and is witnessed by a large number of the other scholars, who join in the service with reverence and seem much impressed with the simple but solemn administration of this Divine sacrament. we see the beautiful font in our church decorated with flowers and sometimes surrounded with rich plants, but it never looks SO beautiful as when surrounded by a group of young persons kneeling and by baptism declaring themselves desirous of becoming mem bers of the Lord's New Church. Some of the spectators were evidently moved by the sight, and as the solemn words, "I baptize thee into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," were repeated, tears of joy and thankfulness would start. Indeed the whole service-if suitably read and conducted, with a hymn in which all can join, supported, as in our case, by rich organ accompaniment-calls up feelings not likely to be ever forgotten. The case with these young people is almost one of "confirmation" accompanied by baptism, for they have all been more

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or less according to age instructed in the doctrines of the Church, and with the elder portion it becomes an act of voluntary declaration that they wish to enter the Church by this first gate, and to become in due course full members.

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DERBY.-A marked feature of the times in relation to the New Church is the greater willingness of other Christian communities to fraternize with its ministers and members. A pleasant example of this kind occurred at a meeting of Nonconformist ministers, convened at the St. Mary's Gate Baptist Chapel, to present the Rev. W. Crosbie with an address on his leaving Derby. At this meeting the Rev. Mr. Ashby, the minister of the New Church, said, Many people considered their denomination to stand outside the Christian Church, but Mr. Crosbie saw the fallacy of this, and had the courage and manliness, in the face of public opinion, to encourage him in his work. He thanked Mr. Crosbie personally for his kindness to him, and considered him a noble-minded fearless Christian minister, one well worthy of the support of them all." Mr. Crosbie in his reply made special allusion to Mr. Ashby. "He expressed his pleasure at seeing Mr. Ashby there, and said he had particularly requested that he should be invited to attend ;" the sentiment being responded to by other ministers present.

KEARSLEY.-The published report of this Society gives a full account of the work of the Society and of its various institutions. There appears throughout the signs of healthy progress. To those who have knowledge of the heavy expenditure incurred in the recent erection of their large and well-appointed schoolrooms, and in their large and elegant church, it must appear surprising to find in the treasurer's accounts so small a sum as £10 for interest on loan to the church. From the several reports presented to the annual meeting we give an extract from the report of the minister, the Rev. P. Ramage :

"The religious indifference and scepticism which abound in the world affect the New Church, in common with other religious organizations. The indifference is manifest in the slender attendances at our places of worship, and in

the fewness of those who partake of the Holy Supper. Swedenborg lays down very clearly our external duties, and ranks these as the signs of charity : Going to church; hearing sermons; devoutly singing; praying on the knees; taking the sacrament of the Supper.

"As we learn to value spiritual things, these duties will doubtless become our great delight. There are many reasons why New Churchmen should regard it as a sacred duty to attend the Sabbath services with as much regularity as their varied circumstances will allow. We are pre-eminently a Missionary Church, and therefore should lose no opportunity of bearing witness to the truth. There is enthusiasm in numbers. Even as flowers emit a perfume, so from every worshipper their emanates a sphere which affects for good even the careless and indifferent.

"One of the subjects which has recently agitated the Conference, and which has been pressed upon the attention of Societies, is the meagre attendance at the sacrament of the Holy Supper. There is evidently some misunderstanding on the subject. Swedenborg frequently urges this duty as one peculiarly devolving upon members of the Church. This sacrament was instituted by the Lord, and therefore must be useful. He would not institute a ceremony or a rite which was not beneficial to the spiritual life of man. By partaking of the sacrament we lay up in our souls a holy state, which never passes away, a state which, in the hour of temptation, may be recalled, and bear the spirit safely through its trial. It is one of the appointed means by which the Lord strives to draw men nearer to Himself.

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"A new adult class has been instituted on Sunday afternoons. class is open to all. The subjects discussed are doctrinal and expository. The class is fairly attended, and many of its meetings are of great interest. During the past year I have also held several cottage meetings, which were well attended. I hope to be able to develop this branch of usefulness during next winter. Week-night religious services in the school are very poorly attended; and I am hopeful that these cottage meetings may take their place, and prove useful in reaching those who do not attend any place of worship."

SALISBURY. A general meeting of Christian communities he showed the this Society was held, July 8th. The success of united effort, and the power minutes read by the secretary showed of small sums when steadily contributed that since the last report had been by all the members of the Church. Mr. returned to Conference the Society had Storry in his address explained the received three visits from Mr. R. Gunton, nature and purpose of the fund, its the New Church missionary, who adaptedness to the wants of the New preached both morning and evening, and Church, and the most practical means had twice administered the sacrament, of rendering it successful. A succession and twice remained to lecture on the of short but earnest addresses in symfollowing Monday. On the last occasion pathy with the movement were made of his visit the congregation attending by members of the Society. A hearty the evening service was eighty in vote of thanks was accorded to the number. The Society had also received members of the deputation for their three visits from Mr. Took, and one presence and addresses; and after the from Mr. Herbert, sen. (both of whom deputation had left, it was determined are gentlemen in connection with the to divide the neighbourhood into three Church at Kensington); two from Mr. districts, and appoint two collectors Noel of the Dalston Society, and two for each, instructing them to canvass from Mr. Jones, a member of the New the members of the Society resident in Church residing at Winchester. Four- their respective districts and obtain teen new members had been added to the promises of subscriptions to the " Augchurch, and the average attendance had mentation Fund," to be paid as the risen; in the morning from fifteen to subscriber may think fit, i.e. either in thirty-five, and in the evening from one sum or in small sums extending twenty to forty-five attendants. The over twelve months. treasurer's report showed a steadily increasing balance in favour of the Society. It was resolved that the New Hymn-Book should be adopted. Votes of thanks were passed to the officers for their past services, and they, with the exception of the leader (who from unavoidable circumstances resigned the office), were re-elected with the warmest expressions of confidence.

SOUTHPORT.-The new chancel was opened on Sunday, July 11, by the Rev. Dr. Bayley of London, who preached morning and evening. The church was well filled at both services by appreciative congregations. The collections amounted to £52, 13s.

Marriages.

June 1, at the New Jerusalem Church, Bluecoat Street, Nottingham, by the Rev. W. Bruce of London, Mr. J. R. Boyle, minister of the Society at Hull, to Amelia, only daughter of J. H. Whyte, Esq. of Forest Grove, Nottingham, and granddaughter of the late Dr. Woolterton of Norwich.

On June 30, at the New Christian Church, Argyle Square, London, by the Rev. J. Presland, H. T. W. Elliott to Nellie, third daughter of Mr. James Rowe."

Obituary.

WORSLEY.-A pleasant social meeting At Accrington on 17th April, aged was held in this Society on Saturday forty-six, Mrs. Margaret Kenyon. For evening, July 10th, to aid the progress laid aside from all domestic duties. many months Mrs. Kenyon was quite of the " Augmentation Fund." Теа was provided and a public meeting and striven to do His will. To her thereAll through life she had loved the Lord afterwards convened, consisting of thirty members of the Society. James fore the prospect of death brought no Fletcher, Esq., who attended with the dismay. Absent from the body she Rev. R. Storry as a deputation from the would be present with the Lord. The local committee, was called to the chair, good life begun in time is continued and and opened the proceedings in an address perfected in heaven. in which he dwelt on the importance of a properly trained ministry, and its adequate support by the members of the Church. From the experience of other

On the 14th July, after a short illness, Amanda, the beloved daughter of John and Mary Sanders, of Beaconsfield, Acocks Green, Birmingham.

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ADDRESS FROM THE GENERAL CONFERENCE ASSEMBLED AT LIVERPOOL TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW CHURCH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUGUST 1880.

DEAR BRETHREN,-In addressing you as fellow-members of the Lord's New Church, the subject which naturally comes foremost into my mind are the means whereby the New Jerusalem descends in our midst, and whereby it becomes ever more like the glorious description which the Lord gave of it in the Book of Revelation, in chapters xxi. and xxii.

A fact which must be patent to every one is this, that the New Jerusalem can descend only into human minds, and that in descending into human minds it can do so only in conformity with the order into which these minds are created. But from this it follows that the New Jerusalem can descend into human minds only in proportion as it is received there with the full use of a man's freedom and rationality. This, however, excludes the idea that the New Jerusalem may descend into human minds in an insensible manner, and that in this way may be productive of a radical change in the state of humanity at large, transforming them into denizens of the New Jerusalem.

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The doctrine in respect to the descent of the New Jerusalem is as follows: "It is according to Divine order that the new heaven is formed before the New Church on earth; for the Church is internal and external, and the internal Church makes one with the Church in heaven, and thus with heaven; and the internal must be formed before the external, and afterwards the external by the internal."

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