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GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.

BRITISH.

London. - Argyle Square. Our readers are aware that it has been in contemplation to enlarge the church at Argyle Square, and will be gratified to learn that the extension of this edifice is to be commenced forthwith. An interesting communication has been received from Dr. Bayley, the insertion of which we regret, from considerations of space, to be compelled to postpone till the next number. From this communication we learn that the alteration is to cost £1,800.; and that the society, having determined not to commence the work till the half of the sum should be subscribed, whereas only £650. has been raised, decided on having two sermons, and collections after them, by which it was thought £50. might be raised. The astonishment and satisfaction of our friends may be imagined when we state that the morning collection realised £272! This was increased in the evening to £341. 13s. 44d.; and has since been increased to £395! 糖

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Bury-Lectures by the Rev. J. B. Kennerley. It was intimated in the last number of the Repository that a course of lectures had been delivered at Bury, by Mr. Kennerley; we have since received the following brief particulars "The subjects were-1. How shall we know each other after death?' 2. 'Heaven;' 3. 'Hell;' 4. 'Will this world ever be destoyed by fire?' The attendance was very good, the room being well filled, and the attention excellent. Tracts were also distributed." Another correspondent states that "the lectures were in all cases spoken of in the highest terms. The points mooted in them were well received, whilst the lectures themselves were generally acknowledged to be very ably delivered. What amount of good has been accomplished by these it is impossible to say; it seems, however, incredible that so much attention could have been excited towards the doctrines, without a favourable impression having been made, though, perhaps, like 'bread cast upon the waters,' the results will not appear till after many days."" Ramsbottom.-Lectures by the Rev. J. B. Kennerley.-A course of lectures has been delivered in the New Jerusalem Church at the above place, under the auspices of the National Missionary Society, by the Rev. J. B. Kennerley, of Salford. The subjects were-1. "Hea

ven what and where is it?" 2. "If God is love, why is Hell?" 3. "How and where is man saved?" 4. "Swedenborg: his life and writings." The crowded attendance, and the attention with which the lecturer was listened to, are sufficient proofs of the interest and excitement caused by the announcement of this series of lectures; for never was our place better filled, nor the doctrines more fully expounded, or elaborately detailed, than on this occasion. So much delighted were the audience, that both the members of our church and the public in general requested Mr. K. to deliver his third lecture over again, which he most willingly complied with on the Monday following.* The subject was treated in a clear, simple, and forcible manner, the lecturer showing that faith alone was both unscriptural and irrational, and some of the strongest points in favour of the above doctrine were answered in the most lucid and satisfactory manner. He concluded his lecture, as indeed he did the whole of them, by urging his hearers to live the life of Christianity as well as to believe it. A most beautiful exposition of the doctrine of charity was given, the lecturer displaying great ability, eloquence, earnestness, and zeal. would take up too much of your space to comment on all the lectures; suffice it to say, that judging from the reports we hear, the lectures have given great and universal satisfaction. This account would, in our own estimation, be very imperfect without our publicly acknowledging the debt of gratitude we owe to the National Missionary Institution, and Mr. Kennerley, who so generously complied with our request. Tracts were distributed at the close of each lecture, also copies of The Declaration of the Centenary of the New Era.

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Besses-o'-th'- Barn, Pilkington, near Manchester.-Lectures by the Rev. J. Boys.-A course of four excellent lectures has just been delivered here by the Rev. James Boys, of Stand-lane. The subjects were as follow:-February 13th, "The Bible; showing wherein its sanctity consists, and the true nature of Divine Inspiration." February 20th, "How sin was introduced into the world." February 27th, "How man is to be saved;" and March 6th, "If God

lecture, but another, entitled, "Salvation: What * It was not, we understand, the identical is saving faith? Can faith alone save man ?"

is merciful, why is there a hell?" The first lecture was addressed more particularly to unbelievers in a Divine Revelation. The lecturer stated that the Word of God, as to its literal sense, was open to many objections; that it had many apparent contradictions, and that in some respects it appeared to be inferior to many human compositions. But it was shown that the Word of God is like the works of God, and surpasses all human compositions more than does the human body all artificial imitations, or the creation of a world the construction of an artificial globe. It was clearly and beautifully shown that the Word has an internal meaning as well as an external, a spirit and a life as well as a letter; that while the letter treats of the creation of a world, the spirit treats of the regeneration of man; that under the figure of animals certain principles are described; thus that good and useful animals typify good affections, while hurtful and destructive ones represent direful and malignant passions; and that in this spiritual sense consists the sanctity and Divine Inspiration of the Bible. In the second lecture it was shown that man was a twofold being, one part relating to the world of matter, the other to the world of spirit;-that both were essential to make a perfect man, and that both were pronounced at the beginning as very good;-that man was placed in a state of freedom, with permission and power to follow the desires and inclinations of the natural man, and live in the indulgence of the senses, or to follow the dictates of the spiritual man, and rise superior to the carnal life of the body. The serpent which tempted man was shown to be nothing more than the sensual and corporeal principles, and the reasoning of the serpent the reasoning of these principles in favour of self and self-derived intelligence; and that man ate of the forbidden fruit when he ceased to ascribe all love, wisdom, and power to the Lord, and imputed them to himself, and at the same time became inclined to live in the immoderate gratification of the senses. In lecture third it was shown that salvation was by keeping the Commandments; that the law was not repealed, but fulfilled by Christ; and that men were saved by a living faith in him, and by his blood spiritually

understood.

The fourth lecture was looked forward to with great interest by many, and it was generally expected that there would be a very good attendance. Nor were we disappointed, the attendance being upwards of five hundred. The lecturer demonstrated that the descriptions of Heaven and Hell as given in the Sacred Scriptues were not to be, nor could they be literally understood, instancing many descriptions in the Revelations; pointing out also the impossibility of Hell being at the same time a kingdom of darkness, and a lake of fire and brimstone, where the worm dieth not. All these expressions were shown to be figurative, and typical of the state of the inhabitants. The lecturer also forcibly demonstrated that God was a Being of infinite, unchangeable love, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, and that the little mercy which we ourselves sometimes feel and show towards others was derived from him alone;-that anger, vengeance, and such like passions, are infirmities, of which everyone who has any regard for himself feels ashamed to be thought guilty. How, then, could they be ascribed to that Being who is perfection itself? It is true the Scriptures ascribe these passions to the all-merciful God, but he is there represented as he appears to the wicked, for he appears to everyone according to his state, as it is written in the Psalms-" To the upright thou wilt show thyself upright; to the froward thou wilt show thyself froward," &c. We know that to the jaundiced eye all things look yellow, so to the wicked, God must ever appear angry with them, because opposed to them. The lecturer then clearly showed that it was not God who cast man into Hell, but that it was man himself who wil lingly entered that kingdom, and that God in his mercy had prepared it for him, as being a place of less torment than Heaven itself would be in his depraved condition. The lectures were very well attended throughout, the audiences increasing from upwards of three hundred on the first night to more than five hundred on the last. We doubt not that they will be productive of great good, though it may be some time in manifesting itself.

Todmorden. Though there is no society of the church established in this village as yet, there appears to be a dis

position generally to listen to the doctrines when propounded, whilst many persons are spoken of as being favour able to them. An effort, as we learn from the Todmorden and Hebden Bridge Advertiser, has recently been made there, by the Rev. R. Storry, of Dalton, who delivered six lectures on the doctrines of the New Church, in Sobriety Hall. The subjects and dates of the lectures were-February 15th, "What think ye of Christ? Whose Son is he?" 16th, "Redemption and Atonement;" 22nd, "The Coming of Christ in the Clouds of Heaven;" 23rd, "The Resurrection;" March 1st, "The Final Judgment. The Passing away of the first Heaven and the first Earth not the destruction of the Physical Universe," &c.; 2nd, "The Life of Jesus Christ in the Soul of Man." The lectures are also reported at considerable length in the Advertiser, a closely printed column (in one or two instances rather more) being devoted to each. By this means the truths propounded by Mr. Storry will find a larger auditory, and no doubt considerable good will be effected to the cause. The Advertiser does not state any particulars of the numbers present at these lectures, but from what we hear from other sources we believe them to have been satisfactory.

Embsay.-Annual Recitals of the Day and Sunday Scholars.-On Sunday, the 13th March, 1859, the scholars of the Sunday and Day Schools connected with the New Jerusalem Chapel, Embsay, had their twenty-third anniversary recitals. In the afternoon the Catechism was recited by twenty boys, and in the evening by twenty-six girls; after which a large variety of dialogues and pieces were recited by the scholars. The musical portions of the recitals, selected from the works of Handel, Haydn, &c., performed at intervals, were well received. The children acquitted themselves in a highly creditable manner, giving satisfaction, we believe, to all who attended. An air composed for the occasion, the poetry prepared by two of the teachers, was prettily executed by two young girls, and a chorus by the whole of the scholars, which was much admired; also a pretty little melody by another little girl, entitled "Beautiful Zion." The day was very unfavourable, and tended to deaden the spirits of all interested, as it rained incessantly the

whole day. The chapel was, notwithstanding, crowded to excess on both occasions. The only drawback was, that it prevented the attendance from a distance of several friends who always feel a pleasure at being present on those occasions. The collection realized £8.

Kersley.-A Young Men's New Church Mutual Improvement Society has been established by the elder scholars and teachers connected with this society, which was inaugurated by a public lecture, on the Uses of Institutions which contemplate Mutual Improvement, delivered by the Rev. W. Woodman. The schoolroom was nearly filled on the occasion, by an intelligent and attentive audience, including many from the other religious bodies in the neighbourhood. A tolerably full report of the lecture appeared in the Bolton Chronicle.

Worsley.-The lectures announced as being in the course of delivery at this place have been well attended, and appear also to have caused much interest. Two additional lectures, since our last, have been delivered by the Rev. J. H. Smithson. In our next we expect to be able to give some account of the entire

course.

Middleton.-A course of week evening lectures has been delivered in this populous village; the particulars will be furnished next month.

The Rev. W. Woodman has recently visited Keighley, Embsay, and Barnoldswick, Yorkshire; and Dr. Bayley has also visited Norwich and Brightlingsea. Want of room compels the postponement of further particulars till next month.

Dundee, Scotland.-At the invitation of the receivers of the doctrines in this place, the Rev. O. Prescott Hiller, of Glasgow, visited them in February last, and spent a Sabbath. Dundee is the third town in Scotland, containing a population of 90,000 and upwards. Some thirty years ago there was a New Church Society here, for which the Rev. W. Bruce, now of London, officiated for some two or three years. But he being called away through ill health, the society declined; and several of the members emigrating, and others being removed by death, the few that remained ceased to hold meetings. Lately, however, a new interest seems to have sprung up, and there is a prospect of the society's being revived.

The friends had procured the use of the Thistle Hall, Union-street, and there Mr. Hiller gave three discourseson the Doctrine of the Lord, on the Redemption, and on the Second Coming. The number present in the morning was about thirty, in the afternoon about forty, and in the evening sixty to seventy. Marked attention was paid, and a sincere interest seemed to be felt in the truths set forth. Tracts were distributed after the discourse, and they appeared to be gladly and even eagerly received. After the morning service, one old gentleman stopped to inquire about the doctrine of the Trinity, and to have some difficulties solved; and after the evening service, an intelligent young man remained and inquired for books, expressing a wish to learn more upon the subject; so it is to be hoped that some good seed was sown. Had no other good been done, the bringing together once more of those who had some little knowledge of the doctrines, and warming up their minds, was a very important use; and it is to be hoped that this visit may lead to the revival of regular meetings for worship, and at length, perhaps, to the estab. lishment of a New Church Society.

St. Ives, Hants.-On Thursday, the 7th instant, the services in connexion with the fourth anniversary of the New Church in this place were celebrated, when tea was provided, at which between 70 and 80 persons sat down; after which a public meeting was held, when addresses were delivered by Messrs. Summers, Latchford, Tilley, and Tall. There was a good attendance of persons, who listened with great attention to the various speakers, and who left the place evidently much pleased with the evening's entertain ment. On the following day the Sunday-school children (forty in number) had their annual treat; after which a variety of interesting pieces of poetry were recited by the scholars, who also answered a number of miscellaneous questions in relation to the teaching of the Lord's New Church with great credit to themselves and with satisfaction to their teachers. May the Lord bless us in our humble efforts to do good!

WM. TALL.

Ipswich.-Lectures by Mr. Spilling.— This interesting course of lectures, which was noticed in the April number

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of the Repository, has been most successful throughout, not only as to the number of attendants, but also as to the general interest which they have excited. Our little church has been inconveniently crowded on every Sunday evening since the commencement. have reason to believe that if we could secure a larger place of worship it would be well filled with attentive and It is evident that delighted audiences. a favourable impression has been made by our friend in this large and flourishing town. Mr. Spilling has kindly extended his course of lectures, in order to sustain the interest which has been awakened. His aim is to present the glorious truths of the New Jerusalem to the common perceptions of his audience, so that the simplest mind can grasp the lofty subject on which he so earnestly and eloquently dwells. Before closing this notice we desire to record our sincere thanks for the valuable assistance rendered by the New Church National Missionary Society, in affording us the services of our esteemed and excellent friend, Dr. Bayley, who kindly delivered two instructive lectures in the Temperance Hall, and gave an encouraging address to the members and friends of our society. We have also to thank the Committee of the Students and Ministers' Aid Fund for their timely and valuable assistance, which enables Mr. Spilling to devote more time and greater energy to the good cause in this neighbourhood.

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THOMAS COLBORNE, Secretary. Elmham.-We have just been favoured with a visit from the Rev. D. G. Goyder. By special favour we obtained the use of a cottage for him to preach in. addressed us upon the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, and afterwards administered the Holy Supper to fourteen communicants. I am desired to express the thanks of the society for the visit, and also to offer their grateful acknowledgments for the sums received and acknowledged in the pages of the Repository. Further contributions will be most thankfully received.

An attack has been made upon Swedenborg by a visiting Independent minister, who stated that the doctrines of Swedenborg taught that Jesus Christ was no more than a man, and equally sinful as other men. One of our members being present, asked at the con

clusion of the service, in which of Swedenborg's works that was stated, when the preacher replied, he did not know, but he had been told so by another man. Our friend mildly told him it was his duty to read the writings of Swedenborg before making such a statement, which was neither more nor less than "bearing false witness against his neighbour." A.

[The Editor begs to acknowledge the receipt of 6s. in stamps from Birmingham for the Elmham Society; and of 10s. from Malpas.]

IRELAND.

We have received the following, to which the attention of our readers is requested, and especially of the Printing and Tract Society

"I send this, wishing it to appear in the Magazine, in the humble hope that some benevolent friend will help a poor and deserving man in spreading New Church Truth in the sister Island. Perhaps the Swedenborg Society, or the Tract Societies, will remember our poor brother. As in the first advent, so in the second- To the poor the gospel is preached.' His wages are only 10s. per week, and he has a wife and three children to support. I hope, therefore, that those kind brethren who are disposed to aid him will send their gifts carriage paid."

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Extract from a Letter received by Mr. R. G. Sheldon, Liverpool, from a poor Irishman, who was induced to attend a few Lectures at Limekiln-lane Church.

"Feb. 10, 1859. "I thank the Lord that my eyes were opened, and that I passed from darkness to light, through a sermon that you preached one Sunday evening.

"Remember me to that wise blind man who preaches occasionally, also to your dear son Edwin.

"I have to inform you that the last present of books you sent was most acceptable. They have all been borrowed from me; the readers think so much of them that in many cases I have been obliged to bestow them. Some of them are gone 50 or 60 miles in the country. As for the work on Heaven and Hell' it is now going the round of three counties. Members of the establishment and others seem astonished: they say

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they never saw so wonderful a book before. (Signed) RICHARD PORTAS. "Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, "Ireland."

COLONIAL.

Australia. The following communication, kindly forwarded by Mr. White, which has stood over partly from the press of matter in our Miscellaneous columns and partly through an oversight, will not be without interest to our readers :

"101, Collins-street East, "Melbourne, 15th May, 1858. "My dear Mr. White,-I am instructed by the committee of our society to return its sincere thanks to the committees of the Swedenborg Society and the London Missionary and Tract Society, for the liberal donations of a set of the writings of the church (obtained at the request of our friend Mr. Gilbert), and 1,000 Tracts, for the use of the society. These will form a most valuable accession to our little library, that necessary adjunct to a New Church Society, and which, we trust, will prove extensively useful in this mixed community. I regret to say that the reading at present, judging from the use made of the library, is very limited, at the same time the committee has exerted itself to encourage and foster the use of the books. However, we do not doubt that the day is coming when there will be greater inquiry. The liberal character of the New Church doctrines must be well suited to a community enjoying, like ours, in other respects great freedom. Our society does not progress much either, there being very few of New Church immigrants who attach themselves to our meeting. There are various causes to account for this. I believe the principal to be, all new comers are generally dependent on their own exertions for the supply of their natural wants, and this is often attended with difficulties, and indisposes the mind to attend to anything else. That may not appear to be exactly right; it is the fact, however, and time only will remedy the defect.

"There seems an increased animation of late amongst the various religious denominations in our colony. The Church of England is well taken care of by Bishop Perry. Congregationalism progresses fast. The Methodists and

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