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some in the latter part of the course was interrupted by the indisposition of the preacher, an indisposition from which we are happy to learn he is now slowly recovering.

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Kersley.-Six lectures have been given to this society by the Rev. W. Woodman, commencing on January 31, and ending March 7. The subjects discussed were "the Church of the future, "the Signs promised to follow faith,' "Work and Worship, or the relation of labour to religion, "the Employ. ments of Angels, their nature and object," "Joseph and his coat of many colours," "Joseph sold into Egypt, his elevation and making himself known to his brethren." The attendance on these lectures has been good throughout, several strangers having attended the entire course. Considerable interest has thus been excited and enlarged views of truth widely diffused. Whatever may be the immediate consequence so far as the building up of the society is concerned, there can be no doubt that the seed sown will find some congenial soil in which it will spring up and yield a fruitage of abiding good.

Peter Street, Manchester-We are indebted to a correspondent for the following account of the lectures at this place:

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The minister of this society has been engaged in delivering a series of Sunday Evening Discourses, which has attracted a more than usual amount of attention by their bold out-spokenness. The series is entitled "The Supernatual," and consists of the following striking subjects, "Is there a Spiritual world?" "Bible visions and seership;' "Bible dreams;" "Occasional glimpses of the Spiritual World;" "Swedenborg's claims as a Seer of Heaven;" and "Swedenborg's claims as a Seer of Hell." The circumstance of a noted spiritist "medium," visiting Manchester for the purpose of lecturing on Spiritualism, while Mr Hyde's series was in progress, rendered the fourth lecture of the above course of great public use, for it contained a careful, comprehensive, and exhaustive analysis of spiritism, and an exposure of its disorders and dangers. The church has been filled with apparently most thoughtful and interested congregations. As an assault from high spiritual

and rational grounds, on the materialism of the day, and as an effort to bring the grandly affirmative teachings of Swedenborg and modern negativism face to face, such a series of discourses cannot fail to bear good fruit.

Nottingham.-Mr. T. Moss, B.A., who has been elected to take charge of this society, has given a very instructive and interesting course of lectures on the senses of the body as illustrating scripture teaching. They commenced on February 21, with a lecture on "The Body and its Senses," and were continued by lectures on the several senses, closing March 21. In the announcement of his course, Mr. Moss has introduced at length the several passages of scripture of which each lecture was intended to be a particular illustration. The pertinence of these citations show the allusions made to the senses in the word itself, and can scarcely fail to impress the reader with the fact these allusions involve a higher purpose than what relates merely to the natural body. From the bill announcing these lectures we learn that the society has instituted a weekly coffeemeeting for reading New Church works and conversation; and that the library of New Church works is free for the use of members and inquirers.

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Snodland.-The Rev. Mr. Marsden, the minister of this society, avails himself of what seems to be the custom of this part of the kingdom, to give an extended course of religious services at Easter, the discourses having special reference to the subjects of which the season is suggestive. These discourses commenced on March 14, and are to be continued through the month of April. The introductory subjects are "The Spirit of Man, its faculties and immortality,' Abraham's bosom and Hades.' The subject for Good Friday is "Christ our Passover," for Easter Sunday in the morning, "the Resurrection of Christ;" in the evening, "the Infidelity of the professing Church in not preaching the divinity of the Lord's humanity as the ground of faith" (Zech. xiii. 6). The subjects which follow, are Regeneration grounded on faith in the Lord's Divine Humanity," "the Cup before and after the Lord's Supper,' "the Lord's eating the fish and the honeycomb,' Books which constitute the written

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ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. John Hyde has completed the delivery of a course of four lectures at Ashtonunder-Lyne, on "The Life after Death,' "The Divine Trinity in the One Person of the Lord Jesus Christ,' 'Redemption the reconciliation of man to God, and not of God to man, Regeneration a

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spiritual process, "Faith working by love, and not faith alone, the faith which saves. The Ashton-under-Lyne Society has suffered severely in consequence of the emigration and removal of many of its members; but the few friends that remain are bravely struggl ing on. The day school, under the direction of Mr Kay, is thriving in a most gratifying way, and will, it is believed, not only prove a means of use to the town, but also to the Society.

CARDIFF. This town has again been visited by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, of London, and though strong opposition was shown by some parties to his having the opportunity of addressing the people, there was also an earnest desire by many to hear the talented lecturer again, for the impressions made by his last visit, now nearly two years ago, had not passed entirely away. Bigoted persons tried to keep us from every public hall. After much difficulty the theatre in Crockubtown was opened for the lectures, and it was manifest how many were glad to secure a place. The first lecture was given on Friday evening, February 5th-subject, "The Scripture doctrine of the Atonement,"-which was listened to by a most attentive audi

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The proofs appeared to be satisfactory to the majority of the hearers, but great excitement was felt when a minister of the Wesleyans (Rev. C. Christien) made himself very conspicuous by the way in which he put a question to the Doctor concerning Swedenborg's views of the Atonement, and the spirit in which he received his answer. The next evening Mr Christien had distributed a pamphlet of four pages, headed "Swedenborg or Scripture? Dr. Bayley is a follower of Swedenborg, and Swedenborg would rob us of our only

hope of Heaven." To this Dr. Bayley gave a short reply, which was widely circulated, after which Mr Christien put a letter in the Cardiff Times, which Dr. Bayley has again more fully replied to. We think it more likely this discussion will further our cause than do it injury. The second lecture was on "The Spiritual sense of the Bible the glory of the Word of God." It was evident the accommodation was very insufficient for the numbers who were anxious to hear, but the larger halls being refused through prejudice, no better could be obtained. The sentiments and views which the Doctor enunciated on the subject of that evening appeared to draw forth great admiration, and awaken a deeper interest than before. Embracing the highly valued opportunity of the reverend Doctor's presence amongst us, two services were announced for the Sunday-one in the afternoon, the other in the evening-at the same place. The first discourse was chosen by the Doctor from Rev. iii. 18-"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich," &c. The subject for the evening was from Mark xvi. 18 and 19 verses. It was requested by many that the sermon might be published, and we are happy in knowing that the Doctor has kindly granted it. These were services not soon to be forgotten by those who were present. church or chapel in the town that day, we are persuaded, had so full a congregation. A truly sacred influence pervaded, and there were many who could exclaim, with Jacob of old, "This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of Heaven." The Doctor addressed an assembly of probably 1500 on Monday evening. Two or three tea-parties were made, to which the Doctor was invited, as many friends were anxious for a little more private discussion. Finding there are many persons whose minds are somewhat unsettled and anxious for help, a Sunday evening meeting has been formed, to be held at the home of friends alternately. We met together last evening for the first time in a like company; opened the meeting with singing and prayer; then one read a chapter from the New Testament, and another read one of the Rev. Dr. Bayley's sermons from the "Divine Word Opened;" another hymn was sung, and a prayer closed our

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simple service. There is to be a weekday evening meeting also for the assistance of those who as yet are not fully confirmed in the doctrines of the New Church, and for keeping together and strengthening those who are. We trust that the Lord's blessing and presence will be with us. Then, though we are now only a little band, we may hope ere long to be greatly multiplied. Dr. Bayley lectured in the largest hall in Newport on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, to full audiences, approaching 2000 in number, who evidently heard him gladly. The Rev. Mr. Christien's pamphlets were distributed freely, but evidently only increased the interest. To these lectures there were excursions got up from Cardiff every evening.

J. K. C.

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DEPTFORD.-The Deptford Society of the New Church having for some years past encountered many difficulties, endured much inconvenience, and been been very circumscribed in its usefulness, for want of an eligible place of worship, has still struggled on with timely and generous aid from the Missionary Society, growing a little and a little stronger, and performing some uses by its influence on society. Some time since the members commenced a building fund, and in the year 1867 they resolved to make an effort to purchase a plot of freehold ground then offered and deemed suitable. ing to their means, they contributed most liberally, and with their subscriptions the ground was purchased and paid for. They desire, however, now to make an earnest appeal to the liberality of the Church at large for contributions to enable them to build a neat, commodious, and inviting, though inexpensive structure, capable of seating 200 persous. This is entirely out of their power except by the aid of the means now sought. The subscriptions promised and received amount to £185, 19s., of which sum £81, 1s. was paid for the land, leaving the sum of £77, 18s. towards the cost of the building. soon as the promises justify the step, the building will be commenced, and the Society trusts to be enabled to accomplish this desirable object at an early period. The following have been appointed a sub-committee to solicit and receive contributions, to any of

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whom your readers are invited to send or promise a subscription :-Joseph Rhodes, Leader, 13, Seymour Street, Saint John's, Deptford; Edward C. Gosling, Secretary, 44, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.; Richard Gunton, 33a, Guilford Street, Russell Square, W.C.

FAILSWORTH.-The Failsworth Society, with a little assistance from the National Missionary Institution, has got up a series of lectures which have been delivered at the church. There is always an interesting and interested audience to be obtained by New Church lecturers at Failsworth. The course consists of six lectures, "Who was Swedenborg and what does he teach?" "The Divine Trinity in the One person of the Lord Jesus Christ;" "Redemption the deliverance of man from the power the devil, and not from the wrath of God;" "Faith working by love and not faith alone the faith which saves;""Heaven and its inhabitants;" "Hell and its inhabitants;" the first and third by the Rev. John Hyde, the second and fourth by the Rev. R. Storry, the last two by the Rev. W. Westall.

The attendance at all the lectures was good, at some of them the church was completely filled. The interest excited among our own friends was considerable, and the services were useful in instructing and encouraging the numerous body of young people connected with the Society. Several strangers were also present, to some of whom the truths expounded in the lectures were acceptable, to others they appeared as strange things." It is gratifying to know that the Day-School at Failsworth is making rapid progress under Mr. J. Rydings; and that a most excellent report of the School has been given by the Government inspector.

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HORNCASTLE.-On the 22d February and following days, the Rev. Dr. Bayley delivered five orations in the Corn Exchange, Horncastle, upon the following subjects:- 1. "Jesus and Him glorified. The Divine Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-Do you pray to the Lord Jesus?" 2. "What is Heaven? and where is it?" 3. "What is Hell? where is it? and how are devils made?" 4. "What is meant by the Garden of Eden? What was

the serpent that seduced Adam and Eve?" 5. "Regeneration, not Ritualism, the road to the Kingdom of Heaven." In the Stamford Mercury for 5th March 1869 we read:-" Long before the doors were opened they were besieged by crowds of anxious expectants, and the hall was soon completely filled, so that there was not even standingroom. The interest of the audience, their confidence in the lecturer, and their enthusiasm, increased from night to night, and the past week will probably leave a deep impression. It is impossible within our limits to enter into a minute description of the lectures; but it is generally acknowledged that for wit, eloquence, and earnest practical bearing, they exceed anything that has been heard in Horncastle for many years past. At the conclusion of the last lecture, Mr. T. D. Briggs proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer: it was seconded in a graceful speech by the Rev. J. E. Whitehead, who expressed his sense of the manly, straightforward, and Christian way in which Dr Bayley had met the various inquiries and objections raised by himself and other earnest lovers of truth; adding that it was not against the Doctor that he strove, but against what he believed to be his mistaken views; and he was glad that in so much of what the lecturer had said he could cordially agree. The vote was carried by acclamation. A voluntary subscription was started by the inhabitants after the termination of the lectures, to assist the promoters in meeting the large expenses incurred, and a general hope was expressed that Dr. Bayley would visit the town again before long." We also read in the Lincoln Standard,-"The Corn Exchange, which holds about 1100 persons, was every night crowded to excess. Horncastle will long remember Dr. Bayley's eloquence and vivacity, his fund of anecdote and power of repartee, as well as the calm dignified bearing which he maintained throughout, sometimes under circumstances of strong provocation. A large number of Dr. Bayley's celebrated 'Brighton Lectures' were sold in the hall, and the demand still goes on."

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For the benefit of the New Church friends in Horncastle and the neighbourhood, Dr. Bayley celebrated the Holy Supper on Friday the 26th Feb.,

and we have pleasure in recognising the courtesy of the Baptists who kindly lent their chalice for the occasion. Nor was this the only instance of the display of that affectionate and harmonious conduct which distinguishes true Christians, to whatever denomination they may belong.

KEIGHLEY AND CROSS-HILLS.-The Rev. John Hyde has paid a missionary visit to the interesting Society at Keighley, and has also delivered two lectures at Cross-Hills, which is situate about half way between Keighley and Skipton. The Keighley Society is making very satisfactory progress, which would be much accelerated if it had the advantage of possessing a resident minister. The colporteur employed by the Yorkshire Colportage and Missionary Association is actively and usefully engaged among the Yorkshire Societies, and in places where little knots of receivers of the doctrines are gathering. He is brimfull of interesting anecdotes as to conversations and incidents which he meets with in his work. It is a pity that the church generally does not subscribe more freely to this admirable institution; for it would enable Mr. Bates to be much more extensively useful, if the value of the stock of books owned by the Association were increased by about twenty-five or thirty pounds. The work of the Association is much crippled for the want of funds to secure an adequate stock of books. Mr. Hyde desires us to impress this matter on the attention of those who desire to find an opportunity of aiding by their generosity a really laudable enterprise, and one which cannot fail to do much good. The indefatigable Secretary of the Association is Mr. George Aspinall, 54 Market Street, Bradford, by whom any subscription will be gladly received.

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The lecture at Keighley was delivered in the church to a crowded congregation, on 'Swedenborg and his doctrines." A long notice of the lecture appeared in the Keighley News. CrossHills is a convenient centre for a large number of friends. Last year Mr. Hyde visited this neighbourhood and delivered two lectures, which so interested and stirred up the people, that his recent visit created quite an excitement. The Town-Hall was

crammed and the audience listened with profound attention to two lectures on the Word,-"Is the Bible Inspired? What is the right mode of interpreting it?" and "The Science of Correspondences the Key to Bible Mysteries.' Numerous questions were asked on each evening and answered by the lecturer. The interest awakened by the last of these two lectures may be judged from the fact that although the discourse had taken considerably longer than two hours in delivery, and the asking of questions by different persons occupied nearly half an hour, Mr. Hyde's reply to the long string of questions was listened to with absorbed attention, although it kept the audience for about an hour longer. Friends had gathered from Embsay, Skipton, Cooling, Keighley, and other places, and the effect of the visit was very joyinspiring and hopeful. Every one present seemed to feel that they had had a most useful and a very delightful time.

NATIONAL MISSIONARY.-Since my last communication, I have visited Wivenhoe, Hull, Norwich, and Yarmouth. At Wivenhoe I gave two lectures, and spent one Sabbath. Some serious difficulties have arisen in arranging the Leadership, but these, we hope, are overcome for a time. One of our freinds there, Mr. A. Harvey, Mr. Balm, the station-master at Alresford, and Dr. Becker of Colchester, have consented to assist in this office. The attendance is usually very satisfactory, and if a permanent resident Leader could be placed there, the Society would prosper.

At Hull I spent two Sabbaths, and gave two lectures at the Sailors' Institute. The lectures were satisfactorily attended, and several, from hearing them, were induced to attend the Sunday services. The anniversary of the Sunday School, which is in a prosperous state, was held during my stay. The friends were much encouraged by this visit. The Society may be said to be progressing steadily, though slowly; many young persons of promise have joined the school and services of the Church. A strong desire is felt to obtain a suitable plot of ground on which to erect a place of worship. Efforts have been, and are being made towards

this object, but their pecuniary ability is small, and consequently their progress in this direction slow.

I next visited Norwich, but regret that I cannot report any progress here. The Sunday School has been given up, although one class is continued at a friend's house. I write this with sorrow of heart, for I feel a strong sympathy for those of the friends there with whom I have come in contact, and would fain help them into better surroundings.

Some time ago I advised an effort to obtain a more eligible place of worship, which I still think should be kept in mind. But until something is practicable, I would urge the friends, one and all, to encourage and strengthen their leaders by a regular attendance on worship in their present place.

I next visited Yarmouth, from which place I write. Here our good friend Mr. Rous, who has long ardently desired to see a public effort made to disseminate the doctrines of the New Church, arranged for the delivery of four lectures and Sabbath services in the Corn Hall. The effort has been successful beyond anything within my own personal experience. The attendance has been excellent, some 300 or more having been present on several occasions, and a marked attention continued throughout. Many questions were asked, some hundreds of tracts were eagerly sought for, from 30 to 40 copies of the " Brighton Lectures," 12 copies of the "Future Life," and 3 copies of "The Appeal," were sold. Two copies of the Appeal were given to Ministers, and two others are applied for.

This effort has been aided by an important gift of printed lectures. These lectures were recently delivered at Lowestoft by Mr. Spilling, and the public is indebted to that gentleman and Mr. Seago for the gift. (The success of the society at Lowestoft, under Mr. Spilling's leadership, has been very remarkable, though the Chureh has heard little of it.) Mr. Spilling has kindly promised to take the services here on Sunday the 14th: and I hope to be with them again on the 23th. The whole of the proceedings have been as may well be supposed, very gratifying to the few friends at Yarmouth, and we may hope will lead to important results. On the evening of the last lecture the meeting was addressed by one of our friends,

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