of the city in which I was stationed were deplorable. Whether this corruption proceeds from the fact that princes and kings had it for many centuries as the seat of their courts, or from other causes, I cannot say. I can only affirm the fact. Our undertaking would have had but poor results to show thus far but for the idea which happily presented itself to me from the first, of founding a periodical capable of circulating in every part of Italy, and of testing by its means whether or not there were among my countrymen persons capable of receiving our doctrines. Those who are acquainted with Italy know how great is the variety of disposition-of morals, of habits, answering to the variety of its idioms-which prevails in it; and therefore how possible it is that what fails in one place may succeed in another. The publication of the Nuova Epoca, which was begun in the month of November 1871, has answered fully to my wishes, and in fact yielded results beyond my expectation. The first year (from the 20th of November 1871 to the 20th of October 1872) it was received by 300 Italians, of whom 70 not only paid their subscriptions but also bought the two works of Swedenborg published by us, and 34 expressed in letters from time to time their satisfaction, encouraging me to persevere in a publication in which they took so much interest. In the second year, the number of subscribers in Italy, exclusive of those abroad, increased to 100. Among the Italians, I ought to speak particularly of two Catholic priests, who seem to have caught the light of the New Jerusalem. One of them, now advanced in years, is a Sicilian, the other of Turin. The latter said to me, in a conversation a few days since,There is no one who has explained the Bible like Swedenborg, especially those words of the Lord in John xvii. 11, 23, "That they may be one as we are-I in them and Thou in Me." He told me further that he is in the habit of taking portions of the extracts from Swedenborg, which occur in the Nuova Epoca, and making use of them to convey to the children under his care, as a catechist in one of the parishes of this city, some spiritual ideas with regard to the Lord and heaven, There is also a minister, an old colleague and friend of mine, who receives the Nuova Epoca regularly, and takes great interest in studying the new doctrines, as he has intimated to me on more than one occasion. I have reason to believe that if he had not a family to maintain by his salary, he would come out openly in favour of the New Church. I am in correspondence with several of my Italian subscribers in different provinces of the kingdom, and I can affirm that some thirty persons in Italy are seriously interested in the study of our doctrines. It appears from their letters that they are such as have retained the less perverted beliefs of Catholicism, and I do not hesitate to believe that they are among the 'remains' of the Old Church. My work in these three years has been chiefly one of preparation. It was needful not only to translate some of the principal works of our author, but also to lay the foundations of a New Church literature, adapted to facilitate the understanding, and so the propagation of the truth. We are taking additional steps towards this object at present by the new translation of the Divine Providence,' now going through the press, and by continuing the publication of the third volume of the Nuova Epoca. We are thus in the possession of means for diffusing our views which we had not three years ago. The results of our enterprise may be summed up as follows :-We have translated three works of our author. Of the first two (the Heavenly Doctrines' and 'Heaven and Hell') 200 copies have been sold in Italy, and 75 public libraries, through the generosity of the Swedenborg Society of London, have had a copy of each presented to them, while two university libraries, those of Rome and Turin, have received all the works in Latin and French. We have founded a monthly periodical, which has commenced its third year with 150 subscribers, of whom only 50 are out of the country. We are in correspondence with 30 of our Italian subscribers, particularly interested in the study of the heavenly doctrines. We have collected more than 150 volumes relating to the New Jerusalem, in English, German, French, Latin, and Italian, among which are all the theological works of our author, and we are exerting ourselves to establish a New Church library with reading-room, to be open to the public on certain days of the week. (The hall intended for the lectures can very well serve for this use also.) It died one hundred years ago, and his professed adherents in this country now number 4,500. They urge, however, and with a fair show of reason, that many Christians belonging to other de Swedenborg's teachings, and that his doctrines have thus a wider field of influence than that suggested by the above statistics. There are, in the metropolis, six congregations of the New Church. These have recently organized "The London Association of the New Church," composed of the minister and delegates from each congregation, whose object is to provide for united action when required, and also to promote good feeling among their members. The Association held its fourth annual meeting recently, at the Church in Flodden-road, Camberwell. Tea having been served in the school-room, the chair was taken in the Church by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, of Palace-gardens Church, Kensington, about 150 persons being present. The text assigned for the various speakers was "The uses and aims of the Association." The Rev. Chairman, in his opening remarks, urged the great importance of New Churchmen mingling with those holding the same religious opinions, and interchanging ideas, as really useful suggestions could be thus made serviceable to the general good, while worthless ones were exposed and rejected. only remains to transfer the seat of our of Emanuel Swedenborg do not appear operations from Turin to some other to increase at a very rapid rate. He city, where the people may be better prepared to receive spiritual truth and do it homage. I have already written on this subject to our brethren in Florence, and I hope they will take my proposition into consideration. Our nominations acquiesce, more or less, in author, in his Summary Exposition of the Doctrines of the New Church,' No. 108, says that the Roman Catholics can be introduced more easily than the Reformed into the New Jerusalem. 1. Because the faith of justification through the imputation, etc., is obliterated with them. 2. Because they have an idea of divine majesty in the human of the Lord, as may be seen from the worship, which they account most holy, of the Host. 3. Because with the Roman Catholics charity, good works, repentance, and application to a new life, are the essentials of salvation. Unhappily, however, the political struggles in which they have embarked, since they have lost their former ascendancy, have so perverted the Roman Catholics that in some cities of Italy, Turin for example, both priests and laymen have become darkling conspirators, making use of religion as a cloak for their evil passions. But there are cities in Italy where they are not thus perverted, and it is the part of prudence in the management of our work to select good ground before scattering the seed. We shall endeavour to act with discernment in making this choice, leaving ourselves for the rest to Mr. Bateman, minister of the Islington the guidance of the Lord, who alone Society, followed in an address, in the knows those who can be introduced in- course of which he referred to the good teriorly into the truths of wisdom with- the Association had accomplished, and out danger of perversion or profanation. directed especial attention to the exBefore the expiration of another year, I changes of ministers by the London trust it may be my privilege, by the societies as one of great importance. divine mercy of the Lord, if it accord The issue of a New Church almanack with the designs of His providence, to was also another work done, seeing that announce from another city of Italy it was not only designed to convey the the formation of a society of the New information respecting dates, etc., but Church, provided the friends who have was also replete with beautiful selections hitherto sustained the Italian Mission from the best writers in the New by their contributions shall continue their sympathy and their generous supLORETO SCOTIA. port. Turin, Feb. 10, 1874." - LONDON Association of the New Church.-Brief notices of the annual meeting of this Association, which was held March 26, appear in three suburban newspapers. From these notices we extract the following:-The followers Church. In paying a high compliment to the talented principal of the New Church College School, he warmly urged upon the members of the Associa tion the claims that institution had upon all who valued a New Church education for their offspring, expressing a hope that ere long the Association would be able to render it very material aid. Rev. Dr. Tafel, minister of the Camden-road Society, read an elaborate paper, in which he combated the idea held by many believers in the system propounded by Swedenborg, that the establishment of societies for worship according to that system separate from existing religious bodies was unnecessary. Mr. S. B. Dicks, leader of the Buttesland Street Society, in an earnest address, urged those present to strengthen the hands of the Association in carrying on its present work, and initiating further usefulness. He said the highest aim of the Association was the promotion of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their next aim was to develop a spirit of brotherly union amongst the members of the New Church residing in the metropolitan district; and lastly, they aimed at spreading the truths of the New Church all over the world. Rev. J. Presland, minister of the Argyle Square Society, reminded the meeting that in the association of persons actuated by the same motives and working for the same end, every increase proceeded not in the ratio of addition but of multiplication. He believed that the religious world is now in a state peculiarly receptive of truth. He urged the more extensive use of the local papers, and cited instances to show the spirit of liberality with which the local press of London was animated, and the evident desire shown to accord a fair hearing to what New Churchmen might advance. Mr. Rhodes, leader of the Deptford Society, briefly treated of the uses performed by the Association in providing an opportunity for members of the New Church to smooth down their angularities, and to counsel and assist each other in their missionary work, and in their individual trials. The Rev. Chairman then summed up the proceedings in a few stirring remarks, suggesting that after all, the best method of extending the knowledge of the truth is to keep the commandments, and thus forcibly interest others in those doctrines which have produced so delightful an effect. The speeches of the friends were agreeably interspersed with some beautiful musical selections from Haydn, Mozart, and others, the fine solo in Mozart's "Et Incarnatus" being very effectively rendered by Mr. Knight Smith. The meeting was closed with the benediction. CAMBRIDGE.-We have been favoured with a visit from Mr. Gunton of London, who delivered a course of five lectures on some of the principal doctrines of the New Church in the Guildhall, commencing on March 13th. Considerable interest was manifested in the subjects brought forward, and at the close of each lecture questions were asked by several persons present. It was hoped that the University would be represented, as programmes of the lectures had been taken round to all the Colleges, upwards of 600 having been distributed in this manner, but much to our disappointment there were never more than a dozen members of that body present. The audience on each occasion increased in numbers. Mr. Gunton treated the subjects announced in a very clear and lucid manner, and several persons expressed satisfaction with the views propounded. One or two have since intimated their desire to join our reading class on Sunday evenings. Two of the lectures were delivered on Sunday March 15th, each being preceded by a short service. The subjects treated of by Mr. Gunton were the Inspiration of the Word: the Origin of Evil: the Atonement: the Scripture lessons contained in the miraculous increase of the Widow's Oil and a short account of the Life and Mission of Emanuel Swedenborg. Opportunities were given after each lecture for those who felt any interest in the proceedings to purchase some books which the lecturer had brought with him, viz., Dr. Bayley's "Great Truths on Great Subjects," Swedenborg's "Future Life," and Chauncey Giles's "Nature of Spirit." Upwards of 50 of these works were sold, and a great number of tracts and pamphlets were also distributed. Mr. E. C. Anderson, B. A., of Caius College, occupied the chair one evening, and rendered great service in replying to various questions proposed by several of the audience. The lectures were entirely free, and the results very gratifying to Mr. Gunton. Last year, when a similar course of lectures were delivered, there were sometimes not more than 14 persons present, and only about 16 books altogether were sold, whereas this year there were never less than 50 present, and upwards of 50 books were sold, so that the lectures this year show a marked improvement in the success attending them. Mr. Gunton expressed a wish to visit Cambridge again next evil here would do evil at that place. year, and it is our earnest desire that God was not the author of hell; it was more members of the University will a permitted condition, and not ordained then favour us with their presence. In by God. But the question might be the meantime we shall endeavour, by suggested-What is the nature of hell Divine assistance, to do all we can to fire? He hoped the auditory had adspread the knowledge of the truth in vanced beyond the crudity of thought this place, and we doubt not that He that the torment of hell was a material who is The Truth will crown our humble fire. Whatever hell was it must be efforts to promote His glory with success. spiritual and not material. As to punishment, there were three views which might be taken-the vindictive, the corrective, and the restraining. He then argued that God did not inflict so many evil pangs for so many evil pleasures, and that punishment did not correct anybody. The punishment of sin is restraint, and that serves the divine purpose. What, then, is the punishment of hell? He answered it was restraint. Restraint was merciful in its purpose, and merciful in its operation; and restraint in hell was a proof that God is love. In conclusion, the Rev. gentleman pointed out that love is the free determination of the soul to the object of its affection, and because God is infinitely loving, hell is possible." CHESTER. The lectures appointed for delivery at this city, of which we gave a notice in our last number, were continued, with a steadily increasing at tendance. The following notice appeared in one of the local papers :-" Christian Philosophy.-In continuation of a series of lectures at the Town Hall, the Rev. John Hyde, of Manchester, delivered a lecture on Thursday evening, in answer to the question "If God be infinitely loving, why is there a hell?" It was attentively listened to by a tolerably good audience. The lecturer said either God was inimical, indifferent, or loving; if either of these, infinitely. That God was not inimical to His creatures was proved by the existence of man and by His adapting the world to man's knowledge and wants. It seemed fearful to say, and yet it was a truth, that infinite love could never become infinite mercy until man sinned and needed to be pardoned; that human love could never become sympathy until there was misery in the world to cause love to assume that form; and that human benevolence could never become charitable until want was felt. It was only on such an hypothesis as this that they could explain existence at all. In his infinite love, God desired the existence of other objects on which to lavish His love; of those that might recognise that fact, and also be capable of loving Him in return. The testimony of nature, apart from that of revelation, the testimony of right and reason, concurred in the assertion that God is love. Having given at some length indisputable testimony of this fact, he warned his hearers against the fallacy that God ever created hell. At the very best or worst, God only permitted the existence of hell. Wherever there was evil there was hell. Hell was evil aggravated, evil intensified, rampant, raging, and rioting-a perversion triumphant. Hell was a state, and, because of that state, hell was a place, and those who desired to do GRIMSBY.-The lectures of Mr. Gunton at this place, of which a notice appeared in our last number, were followed by a criticism in the Grimsby Observer, in which the writer objected to the removal of the "old religious landmarks," and to the New Church doctrine of the existence of a spiritual sense in every part of the Word of God. To this criticism the lecturer replied in a letter which was inserted in a subsequent issue of the same paper. In the course of his reply Mr. Gunton said "You say, "We are altogether opposed to any removal of the old religious landmarks, until we see some better reason for it than any Mr. Gunton presented.' Now, sir, I presume that all religious landmarks are in the Word of God, and those who depart from the landmarks found there are the guilty persons. To this charge of the removal of a landmark I plead 'not guilty,' and call upon you to point out a landmark in the Word of God which by any statement of mine, expressed or implied, is removed." And in reply to the accusation of teaching "that the whole Bible is emblematic, and that every natural or material thing mentioned is typical of or signifies some spiritual thing; and though the historical facts therein re lated are real, they must be understood correspondentially, and we are to deduce spiritual lessons from everything," Mr. Gunton says, "I plead guilty,' and must express my astonishment at any man of intelligence objecting to a deduction of spiritual lessons from everything in the Bible. 'God is a Spirit,' and the Bible is God's Word, and is given to convey lessons of spiritual wisdom, and to educate man in the knowledge of spiritual things. But since you, sir, would much like to know where is the authority or standard for this method of interpretation,' you shall be favoured with it. The Lord Himself, who is the author of the Word, and who is the Word itself, says, 'It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.' Is not this as plain a statement as it is possible for Divine Wisdom to make that His words, being spiritual, are to be understood in a spiritual manner, and that by understanding them in a spiritual manner they impart spiritual life to us? The Apostle also declares, The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.' 6 "In my lecture on the Origin of Evil,' I spoke of trees as representing perceptions in the mind. How will you, sir, understand the following passages without regarding them as emblematical?' All the trees of the field shall know' (Ezekiel xvii. 24). What do trees know? Praise the Lord ye fruitful trees' (Psa. cxlviii. 9). 'The trees of the Lord are full of sap (civ. 16). Of the two witnesses who prophesied it is said that they were 'two olive trees' (Rev. xi. 4). Can any one fail to see that to understand these expressions in a spiritual manner is to get life from them, but to understand them in a natural manner is to deprive them of that life." Further services, we are informed, are to be conducted in Grimsby while the subject is thus in the public mind. HEYWOOD.-A series of special weeknight services were arranged at this Church during the season of Lent. In addition to the services of the resident minister, sermons were preached by Revs. W. Westall, J. J. Thornton, and J. Hyde. The sermon by Mr. Hyde was reported at some length in a local paper. The attendance, though not so numerous as desired, was encouraging, and a general feeling prevailed among those who attended that the services were refreshing and useful. From the report of Mr. Hyde's sermon we give the concluding portion :-"In the text which he had selected he found what he might term one of those unconscious testimonies to the supreme divinity of Jesus Christ which were to be met with in the Word of God-'How often would I have gathered thy children together!' The Being who was here addressing the children of the Church was the same as He of whom it was said in a collateral passage of Deuteronomy-As an eagle sirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings, so the Lord alone did lead him' (Israel). So Jesus, in the words of the text, declared that it was His work, His will How often (in the past) would I have gathered thy children together, and ye would not!'" LEICESTER.-On Tuesday evening, March 3rd, a tea meeting was held in the Alexandra Rooms for the purpose of presenting Mr. E. M. Pulsford with a small token of their affectionate esteem for the valuable services which he has rendered to the Society during the last three years. After an excellent tea, which was kindly provided by the ladies of the Society, Mr. Timms was called to the chair. A very pleasant evening was spent in music, singing, and recitations. After a few appropriate remarks, the chairman presented Mr. Pulsford with a purse of gold containing twenty sovereigns contributed by the friends of the Society. As stated on the wrapper of the Magazine, Mr. E. M. Pulsford is now open to accept an engagement as leader of a New Church Society. LIVERPOOL-Sunday School Concert. In the early part of last winter some friends of the Sunday School, having great faith in the influence of music, determined to form a tonic sol-fa class, to meet for practice during week-nights. The support received from the pupils exceeded their expectations, and has resulted in the formation of an excellent juvenile choir. On the evening of April 7th, a concert was given by the choir, assisted by Mrs. Skeaf, Miss Bailey, Mr. Booth of Manchester, and other friends, in aid of the Sunday |