ral nature; but we know that deeper causes influence the feelings and actions of men; and from my acquaintance with the whole of the circumstances, which conspired to produce that result, I hesitate not to express my conviction, that success would have attended that undertaking, if a proper minister had been appointed to accompany the people who quitted their native land for the purpose of settling in a country, which, from its beauty and fertility, and from its free constitution, (formed on that of the United States of North America,)gave every promise of external wealth and happiness. Those emigrants were literally "as sheep without a shepherd;" and I consider, that many portions of the "Word," and of the "Writings," justify the opinion which I have been led to form. It is obvious to every serious mind, that "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it;" (Ps. cxxvii.) and, that "The church, in the Lord's kingdom, is like the heart and lungs in man; the interiors of man being joined with his externals, by means of the heart and lungs; whence life is derived to all the neighbouring viscera; so, also, is it with the human race." (4. C. 2054.) And "When there is no church among men, hell is amongst them!" (A. C. 10365.) Not long since, the present directors of the company prepared to send out another body of emigrants. When about to proceed to the same place, they were without any minister. Within a few days of their sailing, however, an offer was providentially made, by a worthy foreigner, to introduce a German Lutheran pastor, especially fitted for such an office, and willing, even desirous, to accept it! Do not imagine, that the directors had forgotten, or neglected, such a matter! far from it, they were anxiously solicitous on that head; but the difficulty was, how to find one in whom should be combined the several qualifications, which are indispensible for the right performance of his sacred duties. It may be sufficient to say, that he was appointed. The vessel was then on the eve of her departure, and I had but few opportuni. ties of conversing with the "missionary;" yet, few and brief as they were, I felt great respect for him, as well on the score of his deportment and acquirements, as his simplicity of conduct and devotedness to his office. Not only had he quitted his "father-land," for conscience sake, but, he had, under peculiar circumstances, united himself with an English lady, and had selected this their new country, because he conceived, that it opened to him a more extended field of duty and usefulness than others, which were offered to his choice, and, in point of emolument, were preferable. In addition to his Countrymen and the English, whose pastor he was to become, he had been informed, that there are, in "VeraPaz," some hundreds of thousands of Indians, by profession, Roman Catholics; but ignorant of the first principles of christianity, and existing in a state of the grossest idolatry; a sad mixture of their old worship, and of popery, in its most debased image: but, that some of their tribes are, nevertheless, of gentle and good dispositions, and quick apprehensions, and he had seen their figures, modeled by themselves, evincing considerable genius in that art, and exhibiting features highly interesting, intellectual, and benign. Their countenances are strongly indicative of an Egyptian origin; insomuch, that some of Belzoni's pictares bear a striking resemblance to them; and he had been impressed with the pleasing simplicity of their dresses, together with the singularity of the women's disposal of their hair in an elegant form ending in front, at the top, with a kind of horn, which forcibly reminded him of the frequent allusions to that ornament that are to be found in sacred writ, and in ancient history, and which has been observed in the East, by some of our late travellers. He expressed an ardent desire to be of use to those poor and simple Indians, as well by every prudent means of instruction as by leading the emigrants to treat them with Christian kindness and consideration, - a temper and conduct which must be equally beneficial to the colonists and the natives. The earnestness and purity of this worthy pas tor were manifest in all his ways, and so attached me to him, that I requested him to afford me a few hours of his then much occupied time; and he kindly agreed to go that very evening to my home for that purpose. I longed to open our biblical views to him; and our converse on the way still more increased the wish, and final. ly determined me to do so. After tea, at which he met my family, and equally interested them as myself, he spoke of his wife, who, with her sister, would accompany him on his mission, and participate in his cares. His short and simple story won us all towards him. "He had witnessed her conduct at church, and had seen her in private life. He asked her whether she could marry a poor Missionary, and share his toils in unknown lands? and whether she could devote herself, with him, to the good of their fellowcreatures? She requested a little time to reflect upon so serious an undertaking. She resolved on joining her life with his! They were married! He declared that he had, then, only taken that step under a belief of her being one of the faithful;' but that now he loved her; because he had found that she really was so!" The pastor retired with me to another room; and there beginning with an expression of hope, that he would kindly interpret my anxiety, seeing that the time was short, to a right motive; and that what I might venture to say, he would receive, if good and true, as of and from our only Lord, and pardon any errors, as of and from myself, I opened my heart to him. He listened with all Christian attention; and when I ended my appeal to him with the essentials of the church, the belief in and acknowledgement of the divine human of the Lord, and a life in conformity with his commandments, you may, in some degree, judge of my delight in hearing him declare a like faith; and state that he had received it since his arrival in London, (about seven months previously) from having seen at a shop in Fleet Street, and purchased, and read, the "Heaven and Hell." I need not tell you that "many and comfortable" were our words together! He lamented his inability to buy any more of the writings, especially the "Arcana Cœlestia," having exhausted all his funds in the absolute requisites of his wife and himself for their voyage and sojourn abroad. There are two-I think, three-amongst the emigrants, also favorable to the writings. One, a Welshman decidedly so. He had previously received from the Committee a donation of twelve of the Welch "New Jerusalem," &c., and had distributed them amongst his countrymen in London. The Germans looked up to their worthy pastor as to a father: the English were not less pleased with his understanding and speaking their language "so well," in a few months: and all, that he not only was master of the learned languages, but that he understood medicine and surgery, in which he could have taken his degree; but preferred the being a Missionary. Nor were all less pleased that he could make a nail, weave wire, and do "other useful things;" and build a house, and cultivate á garden, and till the land! The Committee of the Printing Society have done well in having made a liberal donation of the writings to such a man. Be it observed, for his use and for his judicious distribution and lending. The Missionary and Tract Society have done likewise; and the Translator of "The Doctrine of Charity" sent him twelve copies. And I rejoice in adding that the British and Foreign Bible Society made a munificent grant of Bibles (English, French, German, and Spanish) and Testaments - about forty pounds' worth,-and that he was furnished with several other good books, tracts, &c. He had also about 400 volumes of his own books-many on Medicine and Surgery; the rest on Theology and History. We may hope, that, under the divine providence, the seeds of a rich harvest may be sown by him, to the glory of our Lord, and to the blessing of many of his creatures! But I must not omit, that having accompanied the emigrants down the river, and, being wind-bound, with them for four days, I had several opportunities of conversing with him, and, that the last day, which was the Sabbath, can never be forgotten by me! I had before beard the Germans sing their evening hymn of departure. It was solemn and hearttouching! And I was one of his congregation in the evening, "between decks," consisting of, I believe, every soul in the ship, who was not obliged to be on the main deck. It was a beautiful and affecting sight, to behold the pious captain of the ship, for such he was, the company's superintendant, the good pastor's wife and sister, and four French gentlemen, (two of rank, and two officers,) and the English and German and one Frenchman, many of them with their wives and children (emigrants) standing in deepest silence, around the minister, listening to his devout reading of the "Word:" and, then, kneeling or standing as they best could, whilst he offered up fervent prayers for the divine aid and blessing on their undertaking, with heartfelt thanks for all his goodness to them from their birth to that hour; and then all join. ing in a hymn; he giving out verse after verse, from "the New Church Hymn Book," with heartfelt devotion, as I thought, and truly believe. The manly tones of the men harmonizing with the softer voices of the women and children, even the little children (for all seemed to me to unite in the singing). I had never witnessed such a scene, on such an occasion, in such a place, and under circumstances so touching to the heart; and I cannot describe the effect it appeared to have upon every one present; you may in some measure conceive it. He then delivered a short (about fifteen minutes) discourse extempore, admirably adapted to their situation and alike consolatory and encouraging. The service concluded with a hymn! When we returned to the cabin, the captain whispered to me, "That man will do more than I could in keeping order here; and will be a blessing to the colony!" I left them the next day. They sailed with a fine and favorable breeze early the next morning (Tuesday, February 25, 1840) and I doubt not, under the divine goodness, safely reached the mouth of the "Dulce," in the bay of Honduras, in central America, within five or six weeks. A glebe is to be allotted, and a church to be built with a school-house. And we may have a well grounded hope, that with the blessing of our Lord, his congregation will be united and happy! Peace be with them all! But, the remarkable cause of the "missionary's" coming to our shores, which forms the connecting link of his embarking in the sacred service he has undertaken, and of the beneficial uses which I trust and believe he will be enabled to perform, must be left for a future paper. Yours April 14, 1840. L. S. C. CALLING OF A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING. - The Committee, having, for some time past, given their serious attention to the subject of the revision of the laws, have proposed certain alterations in some of them, which will be shortly sent to every member of the Society, whose address is known and, for the purpose of ascertaining their views respecting the same, they have called a Special General Meeting for Thursday, the 21st of May next, to be held at the Freemason's Tavern, at seven o'clock in the evening, precisely. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. THE REV. D. G. GOYDER'S VISIT TO ENGLAND.-On Sunday, March 8, I preached to the highly respectable congregation in Peter-st., Manchester, who are under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Smithson. I was listened to very attentively, and have reason to believe that my discourses made a deep impression on the minds of my hearers. I took upon me to remind them, how great was the obligation they were under to labor unweariedly in the vineyard of our Lord Jesus Christ. I endeavored to shew them what the weapons of spititual warfare were, and to instruct them in their use. I shewed that all afforts to extend the borders of Jerusalem were useless, unless performed under the guiding influence of the spirit of truth, and in the devout acknowledgement, that God alone can give the increase; and I exhorted them to look spiritually to the Lord Jesus Christ, that he might bestow upon them such portions of heavenly life, as would best promote their present peace and future happiness. March 15, I preached at Birmingham, both morning and evening, to numerous and highly respectable congregations; and, in the afternoon, addressed a little multitude of children in the Sunday Schools. I can truly say that this day was a spiritual rejoicing to my soul: a day of such internal refreshment of spirit, as makes amends for years of deep suffering. I called to recollection the period, when I was in the daily habit of addressing multitudes of those little beings whose simplicity, innocence, and teachableness, drew forth the divine commendation, "of such is the kingdom of heaven." I recollected the chequered scenes through which I had since passed, the deep-fearfully deep, waters through which I had been brought, and a tear came to mine eyes, as I classed this among the few sunny days of a spirit that had suffered much, but yet rejoiced in hope, and felt gratitude that it was still enabled to perform its humble sphere of use. I was equally well received here as in Manchester; and my discourses, I am informed, were received with much approval. March 22, I preached at London; in the morning in the Rev. Mr. Sibly's church, and in the evening in Mr. Noble's. Standing in the pulpits of two of the most eminent ministers in the New Church, whose discourses have edified their respective congregations, through such a long succession of years, it was natural to feel timidity, and to fear lest I should not be able to afford that satisfaction and instruction to the bearers which was desirable. I am, however, thankful to our Heavenly Father to be enabled to say that I was supported in my arduous duties, and able, by the Lord's assistance, to instruct many, from whom I ought rather to have received instruction. I was surrounded by spheres of charity, and I felt assured that the worshipers came really to worship, and not to criticize. How delightful is it, thought I, to commingle affections and thoughts with those who know, that the truths of faith and the good of love, tend rather to foster bumility than to inflate the soul with spiritual pride! The meeting of a Society of New. Church Christians on earth, thus becomes an epitome of a New-Church Society in heaven. In that divine kingdom no one thinks evil; but the angels explore each other for good, make that good their own, and return it back to the blessed spirits whence it was derived, increased and enlarged by their own opera. tion upon it. So it was with me. I at once forgot that I was in the presence of minds superior to my own, but, opening the interiors of my will and understanding for the reception of the divine influence, I rejoiced again in spirit, and gave to the people that which the Lord in his mercy bestowed upon me. The Churches at Friar Street, and Cross Street, were numerously and respectably attended. There was one drawback to my happiness whilst performing my duties in England, which I cannot forbear noticing; and which, I trust, my dear brethren will receive in the same kindly spirit, as I assure them it is given. Many of the friends come into the church after worship has commenced; this attracts the attention of those already engaged in their devotional exercises, and distracts and divides the mind. My brethren will bear with me if I tell them that this ought not to be." Careful are we, when summoned to attend the presence of an earthly sovereign, to observe the time, even to a moment; ought we to be less careful when we come into the presence of the King of kings? Let my brethren and sisters answer this question individually. March 25, I again preached in the Rev. M. Sibly's church, to a very numerous congregation. Though on an ordinary week-day evening, the church was completely filled. I addressed them from Rev. xii. 1, and am most grateful to our beavenly Father to be enabled to report that the discourse was pronounced excellent, and gave universal satisfaction. This lecture was one of a course of twenty, which I had previously delivered at Glasgow. March 29, I preached at Liverpool, both morning and evening; and on the Tuesday evening following attended one of the Coffee Meetings. I have reason to believe that my discourses here afforded as much satisfaction as in other places. I had intended to proceed home on foot, and to have preached in the churches of such societies as lay in my progress, relying upon that assistance of food and shelter, which distinguished the early Christians when a minister from the Lord visited them. I was, however, prevented from following out this part of my original plan. I cannot take leave of my brethren and sisters, without devoutly thanking our heavenly Father for having made them the media of "ministering to my necessities;" truly my "barrel of meal wasted not," nor did my "cruse of oil fail." I am utterly incapable of expressing what I feel for the extraordinary benefits showered down upon me. I cannot say one was more kind than another; for a spirit of benevolence was manifested by all. I have often said "God's providence is my inheritance;" and a rich inheritance during my short sojournment in England, it has truly proved. My hearing has been slightly improved by the visit to London; and could I have remained three months, I, am sure I should have returned an altered man in this respect. I am grateful, however, for the benefit I have received, and look forward for still greater improvement. DAVID GEO. GOYDER. HAGGERSTONE NEW CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL. The first halfyearly meeting of the supporters of this school, was held on Wednesday, April 22, when about 30 friends, and a number of the children took tea together. It was stated that, since the opening, 72 boys and 63 girls have been admitted, and that the average attendance, morning and evening, is between 40 and 50. The expenditure has just about equalled the receipts. Nearly all the children have received catechisms, several hymnbooks, and Morning and Evening Services, have been distributed, besides three or four hundred tracts to the parents of the children and other neighbors; this has produced both excitement and inquiry. After the business was despatched, the rest of the evening was spent in reading, conversation, and singing; and the party separated, with their zeal strengthened to persevere in the course they have adopted to promote the knowledge and practice of the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem. NOTICE OF MEETING.-The 19th Annual Meeting of the LONDON MISSIONARY and TRACT SOCIETY Will |