things, not only such as relate to heaven, but also such as relate to the world. Those relating to heaven are to be learned from the Word and from the Church, and those relating to the world from the sciences."* The Word is in the hands of all, and the works of Swedenborg, by which the Word is explained, are readily accessible. Nor ought we here to omit acknowledging the privilege we enjoy in having so eminent a servant of the Lord to fill the pulpit of our church.

Now, as "it is not so difficult to lead the life that leads to heaven as is commonly supposed," so also it is not so difficult to obtain a useful knowledge of the sciences as many may imagine. But as to obtain heavenly things it is necessary that evil should be shunned, so, in order to the acquisition of sound knowledge, the frivolities arising from the gratifications of the senses and the delight of mere chit-chat, must not be allowed to engross the mind, and the valuable time that can be spared from the duties of life. In the ratio, then, in which these obstructions are removed, will the truly rational faculty become developed, and the happy recipient of the Divine Mercies will be a respected and useful member of society here, and will realise hereafter the Divine promise," They that are intelligent shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (Dan. xii. 3.)

In studying the natural sciences, use should always be kept in view this must be the student's pole-star, and guided by its heavenly beams, he will ultimately reach the harbour of intelligence and peace. For use is the end of creation; and this truth may be exemplified by the fact, that no object in nature is so sterile or refractory, but it is compelled to administer a use. So, however man may perversely decline the high privilege of working with his Maker, he will not be allowed to remain altogether useless, for the love that impels and the wisdom that directs, cannot be paralyzed by opposition, nor surprised by any contingency. A. E.

MEETING OF THE GENERAL CONVENTION IN AMERICA.

To the Editor of the Intellectual Repository. SIR,-The twenty-ninth meeting of the General Convention of Societies, and other * H. and H. n. 351.

associated bodies of the New Church in the United States, was held in New York, from Wednesday the 9th, to Sunday the 13th June. Twelve societies and two State associations were represented by twenty-three delegates and nine ministers. These ministers and delegates represented eight States, viz., Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, and Illinois.

The attendance was not large, though about the average, and about the usual amount of business was transacted, but none of very great importance. The impression left upon the minds of those present was very pleasant. The sphere of brotherhood was somewhat extended. You are aware that the relations existing between the Conventions calling themselves the " General" and the "Central" have not been upon very confiding and friendly terms.

A resolution was passed, making it the duty of the president to make an annual address, or appoint some one to do it, to the General Conference in England, the Western, and the Central Conventions, thus leading the way to a good understanding with all. A vote was passed also, inviting the second society of New York, under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Thomas Wilkes, who are in connection with the Central Convention, to be present on the Sabbath, and unite with them in the most holy ordinance of the Lord's Supper, which invitation was cordially accepted.

Our receipts and disbursements of money seem small, when compared with those of the Conference. The treasurer's account for the last year shows the receipts to be 221 dollars 91 cents. Of this amount, 50 dollars was appropriated to Dr. Tafel, 37 dollars 33 cents to the Missionary fund, and 37 dollars 33 cents to the Book Fund for supplying College Libraries.

The number of New Church societies in the United States, according to a list prepared for the Journal, is 54, besides State Associations in Michigan and Illinois. These societies are located in 14 States of the Union. The number of ministers is 38, of whom 11 are ordained ministers, 13 pastors and teaching ministers, and 14 ministers and licentiates. The communications from societies and individuals

were numerous, and, on the whole, encouraging.

A long report upon baptism, drawn up and read by the president, the Rev. Thos.

Worcester, which professes to have attained to some new views, in an examination into the subject, has elicited some attention. It is published in the Journal. Information has been recently received of a donation of about eight thousand dollars, which has been made to the Convention by Mr. O. P. Turner, of Vermont, recently deceased. It is hoped that this will give new life and vigour to some of the conventional uses.

The increase in the number of readers, is very manifest in nearly all directions. This is particularly manifest in some of the Western States. In Michigan, for instance, the scene of the Rev. George Field's labours, where, six or eight years ago, there were not more than six receivers known, there is now estimated to be over 330. In Illinois, also, within the same period, the number has increased from four or five to upwards of 150. The receivers in these States make very great exertions, considering their means, for the support of missionary operations, and their efforts appear to be attended with good success. The Tract Board of the Convention is proceeding slowly. It has published twenty-one different tracts, and has circulated about 12,000 during the last year. Clowes' Affectionate Address to the Clergy is among the number, and in several of the States all the clergy have been supplied with it.

Professor Bush has just published No. 50 of his Swedenborg Library, which contains 66 a Review of the Rev. Dr. Pond, on the facts and philosophy of Swedenborg, by Wm. B. Haydon," making 23 pages. Professor Bush, in his notice of the review, remarks, "He (Mr. H.) has succeeded, we think, in very fairly turning the tables upon the reverend reviewer in regard to every one of the points discussed, and has shown that if Swedenborg's philosophy he in truth assailable, the accomplishment of the task is yet future. It remains unshaken by anything Dr. P. has advanced against it." Mr. Haydon is a young man formerly engaged in the book business, and his essay indicates an order of mind which may be made available to the cause of truth hereafter. An interesting fact connected with this work is, that the author is a son-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Wood, author of "Lectures on Swedenborgianism," which have been replied to by Professor Bush.

Another new work has just been published, also, entitled, "Guardian Spirits, a case of Vision into the Spiritual World,

To the Editor of the Intellectual Repository.

DEAR SIR,-In presenting an abridgment of my letter (agreeably to my permission to you to do so) in page 276, portions have been omitted which, as appears to me, renders it necessary that I should say a few words in explanation of my object more particularly.

But circumstanced

Our finances are very limited, and therefore it obviously behoves us to husband them as well as we can. I could not have the least objection to many tracts on the same subject, and on every subject, being written, did our means allow it. I should rejoice to see us able to print thousands of tracts, instead of scores, were our means, intellectual and financial, equal to it. as we are, the question with me is, which is to be preferred, that the two societies should multiply tracts on the same subject; or, taking note of each other's list of subjects, should multiply tracts on different subjects, and thus place within the reach of the members of the church the most extensive opportunity of circulating its large and rich variety of truths?

No one who is acquainted with the extent of New Church information on spiritual subjects, can imagine that even an approach has been made by our Tract Societies towards exhausting those subjects, so as to render it unavoidable to treat of such as have been already treated of.

But of course, notwithstanding the view I have taken, each society has the right (I will not say to do as it likes, but) to act according to its views of duty and use.

If my interference in your pages should lead to a more harmonious action of the two societies, or to greater individual interest in the great duty and privilege of circulating tracts, my purpose will have been answered, and I shall be thankful

for it.

I cannot but think that more might be done by us in this sphere of usefulness, if our minds were set upon it. I had a

letter lately from a lady just returned from one of our largest "watering places," in which she says, "Our boys had, of their own accord, furnished themselves with a number of tracts for distribution, which they lost no opportunity of placing in various favourite walks, arbours, Bibles at the inns, or presenting them to strollers on the sands."

The Manchester Society has a tract (No. 25) entitled "Consolation under trials, or Jesus the only True Comforter."* Does it not appear a truly Christian act to keep this tract by us, and to send it (of course using a just discretion) to any afflicted neighbour? In that state of mind which is induced by affliction, there is sometimes greater teachableness of disposition than usual, and from tasting the bitter experience of the vanity of merely natural hopes of good, there is a greater fitness to perceive the stability of spiritual hopes, and the immense value of eternal things. In this case we may realise, by sending this tract, the truth of the saying of Solomon, A word in season, how good it is!"

66

I cannot but think that every member of the New Church who is unaware of the means of usefulness provided for him by the two societies; or who has never examined their tracts so as to ascertain their suitability for his purpose on varying occasions; and who is not on the look out to make them useful; has an important portion of his duty as a New Church Christian, still remaining unperformed. Yours respectfully,

WILLIAM MASON.

SALFORD DAY SCHOOLS.

On Wednesday, the 7th July, the examination of the Salford New Church boys' school took place in the School-room, Irwell-street. The attendance of New Church friends was scanty, though somewhat larger than usual; many of the children's parents were present.

In reading, the boys displayed con*A reprint is in the press, containing remarks, in addition, on what are commonly called "Divine Judgments."

siderable proficiency, and many intelligent replies were given to the subsequent questioning. The subject was Faith, and the necessity of a practical application of Faith to Life was particularly dwelt upon.

In geography, arithmetic, grammar, &c. the examination was successful, without presenting that faultless precision which is the result of particular preparation. Many of the boys evidently had firm hold of the groundwork of the various subjects, which is more to be prized than a superficial flippancy.

After repeating the Commandments, they were catechised by the Rev. D. Howarth in an exceedingly appropriate

manner.

The examination was opened and concluded by singing and prayer.

ACCRINGTON.-On Sunday, the 30th of May, 1847, the anniversary sermons in behalf of the Sunday school of the above place were preached in the Accrington New Church place of worship, by the Rev. William Mason, of Melbourne. Each discourse was listened to with the deepest attention by a numerous congregation. The one in the evening being of a doctrinal character, was marked throughout with sound, and, we may add, incontrovertible arguments. Some of the leading truths of the church were presented in a most lucid and beautiful manner, and could not fail, we think, of making a favourable impression upon the minds of those reflecting persons present who are not accustomed to attend the above place of worship.

In the morning of the day the children of the Sunday school were publicly catechised and addressed, as usual on such occasions, by the Rev. J. Bayley, the result of which was highly satisfactory. The children also sang very delightfully.

The collections during the day amounted to the handsome sum of £43. 7s. 81⁄2d.

INTELLIGENCE.-New Work.-We hear that the SWEDENBORG

shortly about to publish thOCIATION is

Hieroglyphic Key, of which a new translation is being prepared by Mr. J. J. G. Wilkinson.

On the 30th June, at the New Jerusalem Church, Avenham Road, Preston, by the Rev. E. D. Rendell, John Beccon