the Old Church, are fast retrograding into a rationalism devoid of even the inquisitiveness which generally character. ises it in its earliest phase, we therefore think it our duty to solicit your assistance. We are not aware of the existence of any Societies in the other West India Islands, but the number of readers of the New Church works is far greater than is generally imagined. We therefore are led to infer that very important results would ensue if a missionary were sent out on a visit to these islands, organizing in every island, if possible, a Society which, by corresponding with you and with each other, would promote in a great degree the examination of those beautiful truths of the New Church. do not attempt to show what the effect of a Minister's presence and teaching would be, because I may be thought too sanguine; but the difference in the constitution of society here, allows the slightest deviation from the ordinary routine to be immediately known far and wide. How great therefore would the effect be of the preaching in such a field the doctrine of a Church which, seeing no mystery either in Nature or Revelation, but the immeasurableness of God's love, does not clog the understanding by introducing obstructions to the free exercise of the powers of the mind! That God may continually bless your efforts, and that you may long be spared, is, my dear brethren, the prayer of Yours very faithfully,

"SAMUEL FITZGERALD." READERS OF SWEDENBORG'S WRITINGS AT TRIESTE.—In the May number of the Bible Society's "Monthly Reporter" for the present year, a communication appears from Mr. Millard, the Society's agent at Vienna, containing a statement which will be interesting to the readers of the Intellectual Repository who may not have seen it. Owing to the zeal and exertions of Mr. Millard, a depôt for the sale of Bibles has recently been opened at Trieste. He states that on opening the depôt (an occurrence which many had previously imagined would not have been permitted), "the window was besieged by crowds; every one expressed astonishment; the countenances of the numerous Romish priests showed sometimes anger, sometimes contempt, rarely satisfaction. People came in masses, examined the editions, asked for catalogues, and some bought copies." Now all this is very

gratifying. It indicates one of the numerous phases of that new movement of the Spirit of Truth which is now brooding over the ecclesiastical waters. Trieste

is the capital of the Southern provinces of Austria, and the chief centre of its foreign commerce. From its commanding maritime position at the head of the Adriatic, from its very large and mixed population, its political eminence, and growing importance, it is capable of becoming a valuable instrumentality for diffusing among the numerous nations and peoples of South-Western Europe a knowledge of the Word of God in a tongue "understanded of the people." The following, among many interesting facts, is stated in the communication referred to above:-"Among the more intelligent Roman Catholics a spiritualistic tendency is perceptible here and there. There are several here that incline towards Swedenborg's views, and I am inclined to think that this is found not only in single individuals, but that they have formed a sort of society." Of course, the value to be attached to a statement of this kind will depend to a very considerable extent on the character of the tendency, and on whom and what these intelligent Roman Catholics are. One cannot read it, however, without at once being reminded of the remarkable words of Swedenborg, in his "Brief Exposition of the Doctrine of the New Church," No. 108, where he gives three reasons why the Roman Catholics may be induced to receive the new Light more readily than those of the Reformed Communions. They are, in brief, these:—

"1. Because the faith of justification by the imputation of the merit of Christ

So.

is obliterated among them, and is likely [1769] to be still more fully 2. Because the Roman Catholics entertain an idea of Divine majesty belonging to the Humanity of the Lord more than the Reformed do, as is evident from their devout veneration of the host. 3. Because they hold charity, good works, repentance, and attention to amendment of life, to be essentials of salvation; and these are the essentials of the New Church. These are three reasons why the Roman Catholics, if they approach God the Saviour, Jesus Christ, not mediately but immediately, and likewise administer the Holy Eucharist in both kinds, may more easily than the Reformed receive a living faith, and be

conducted by angels from the Lord to the gates of the New Jerusalem, or New Church, and be introduced therein with joy and acclamation."

These three reasons deserve the careful study of all intelligent readers of Swedenborg's writings. Their relations to the theological questions of the day are far more profound and extensive than appears at first sight. The ground on which this assertion rests obviously cannot be here entered upon. It is enough to say that all similar statements of this illumined writer have a deep significance, requiring patient study, as well as careful historical reading, to verify and fully explain. No opportunity, however, should be lost of bringing prominently forward these words of truth and charity, written respecting a religious communion so vast and influential, by one who knew it well, and who has, elsewhere, not scrupled to expose its faults and crimes with so unsparing a hand. They ought to be words of hope and encouragement alike, to those who are, in some degree, already in possession and enjoyment of the light, as well as to those who, amid difficulties and obstacles, are endeavouring, as best they may, to prepare the way for its still wider diffusion. PRESBYTER ANGLICANUS.

LEEDS. This society, of whose progress we gave a brief account in our last number, has recently presented its esteemed leader and honorary organist with testimonials of respect and esteem. The testimonial to the leader, Mr. Mawson, was an elegant copy of the Word; to the organist, Mr. Heaton, a copy of the True Christian Religion. Both books were superbly bound, and had a suitable inscription on a silver plate outside the cover. The presentation was made at a meeting of the society, held in the church, on the evening of Monday, September 14th. Tea was served the schoolroom at six o'clock, and at seven a pleasant meeting was formed in the body of the church. The chair was occupied by the Rev. R. Storry, who had been invited to be present, and who opened the proceedings with an address suited to the occasion. Addresses were also delivered by Messrs. Atkinson, Padgett, and Schofield, in the course of which some of the prominent features in the history of the society were referred to, and the gleams of hope appearing in its present condition intimated. The valuable services rendered the society by Mr.

The

Mawson as secretary and leader, and by Mr. Heaton as organist, during the long period of upwards of thirty years, were gratefully acknowledged by all the speakers, and sensibly felt by all present. In making the presentation, the chairman dwelt upon the length of time he had known the honoured recipients of these gifts, and on their steady progress in the Christian life,-a progress which had rendered their lives exemplary and useful, and entitled them to the esteem and love of their brethren. proceedings of the evening were enlivened by the singing of a selection of sacred music by the choir, accompanied by their recently-erected new organ, and were altogether such as to yield delight to the friends who attended. Mr. Storry, who was present at this meeting, preached to the society on the preceding Sabbath. The attendance in the morning was thin; in the evening the congregation was good, and included several strangers. The society, though small, is performing a good work, and apparently laying the foundation of future progress. May the members gain wisdom from the experience of the past, and be mercifully guided in an onward and upward progress of prosperity and usefulness.

LIVERPOOL. The society in this town has to chronicle a few signs of progress, which may not be uninteresting to the friends at large. At the annual general meeting no less than twenty-four members were added to the society; the large majority being friends formerly in connection with the society lately meeting at Limekiln-lane. A new and healthy tone was imparted to general affairs, by the election of a committee comprising several new members, and this change will doubtless be productive of much good to the society. During the absence of the regular minister, Mr. Goldsack, the pulpit was, for one Sabbath, occupied by Mr. Walters, a minister student of the Baptist college. Mr. Walters has for some time been a devout reader of Swedenborg, with the full concurrence of the Principal of the college; nor was his preaching in Mr. Goldsack's pulpit regarded in any unfavourable manner by the leading Baptist minister of the town. The friends at Bedford-street were very much gratified at Mr. Walters' discourses, and feel sure that he is destined to do very much towards the extension of the pure truth of the Holy Word.

CHATTERIS.-Two lectures were delivered at this place, on the evenings of August the 20th and 21st, by the Rev. R. Storry. The subject of the first of these lectures was The New Church doctrine respecting the Bible;" that of the second, "The God of the Bible, not a Being of vindictive Justice, but a loving Father, whose tender mercies are over all His works." The attendance at these lectures was not large, and it seems a matter of regret that the beautiful church erected here by the zeal of our friends should not be more numerously attended. A few strangers were present, and we may reasonably hope that some use was performed in the breaking down of prejudice and the opening of truth to receptive minds. The society continues to enjoy the services of Mr. Chalklen, and will be able, we hope, to maintain its position as a congregation of the New Church, witnessing for the truth, and extending its light to those around them. Our friends are not wanting either in intelligent acquaintance with the doctrines or interest in their progress, and notwithstanding the strong prejudices by which they are surrounded, may hope to see the Church firmly established, and its influence widely extended in their town and neighbourhood.

NORWICH.-The holding of the Annual Assembly of the British Association at this city led the members of the Church to desire the presence on the Sabbath of one of the ministers, and furnished an opportunity of discussing some of the doctrines of the New Church in their bearing on the progress of religious and scientific thought. This duty was undertaken by the Rev. R. Storry, who delivered two discourses on the 23rd of August, in the Church in Queen-street. The subjects selected for these discourses were, in the morning, "The laws of the spiritual life, and the correspondence of their operation and effects to the laws which govern the terrestrial universe;" in the evening, "The Bible in its relation to the natural sciences and the social progress of mankind." The attendance in the morning was good, though from the extreme wetness, and the thorough exhaustion of many of our own friends by the excessive labours of the preceding week, not so numerous as would otherwise have been the case. In the evening the church was completely filled. At both services a goodly number of strangers were present, many of whom were recog

nised as members of the British Association. The impression left on the audience seemed to be favourable to the cause of spiritual truth. Several were heard to express a favourable opinion, and we may reasonably hope that many will be led to deeper thought and more careful inquiries on the great subjects discussed in these discourses. The members of the Society appeared to warmly appreciate the service thus rendered them, and will be encouraged, we hope, to persevering efforts to build up the Church in their important and populous city.

IPSWICH.-This society was visited on the 24th and 25th of August by the Rev. R. Storry, who delivered two lectures in the Corn Exchange, to large audiences, the attendance at the last being not less than 600 persons. The subject of the first lecture was, "the Scriptural doctrine of the Resurrection, not the resurrection of the natural body at some distant period, but of the spiritual body immediately after death." The subject of the second lecture was "The Second Coming of the Lord not a coming in person to destroy the visible universe, but His appearance in the power and glory of His Holy Word." At the close of the first lecture several parties got up professedly to ask questions, but really to offer objections, and to sustain the popular doctrine of the resurrection. The questions were those usually presented, and were replied to by a further illustration of the general subject. At the close of the second lecture one question only was offered, and this not bearing on the general subject of the second coming, but on the mistaken expectation of this coming by the apostles in their own age. A second questioner arose to raise objections, but as he had not attended the lecture, but only entered the room at its close, he was peremptorily put down, both by the lecturer and the audience. The interest manifested in these lectures, and the favourable impression produced by them, was such as to induce the lecturer to announce a further course, which a domestic affliction prevented his giving. A useful service was rendered, however, to the Church in this town, by giving publicity to her doctrines and enlisting the sympathy of many who were previously ignorant respecting them, and we hope that at no distant time this service may be renewed.

WOODBRIDGE.-A few receivers of our heavenly doctrines reside at this pleasantly-situated town, and they are ear

CHATTERIS.-Two lectures were delivered at this place, on the evenings of August the 20th and 21st, by the Rev. R. Storry. The subject of the first of these lectures was "The New Church doctrine respecting the Bible;" that of the second, "The God of the Bible, not a Being of vindictive Justice, but a loving Father, whose tender mercies are over all His works." The attendance at these lectures was not large, and it seems a matter of regret that the beautiful church erected here by the zeal of our friends should not be more numerously attended. A few strangers were present, and we may reasonably hope that some use was performed in the breaking down of prejudice and the opening of truth to receptive minds. The society continues to enjoy the services of Mr. Chalklen, and will be able, we hope, to maintain its position as a congregation of the New Church, witnessing for the truth, and extending its light to those around them. Our friends are not wanting either in intelligent acquaintance with the doctrines or interest in their progress, and notwithstanding the strong prejudices by which they are surrounded, may hope to see the Church firmly established, and its influence widely extended in their town and neighbourhood.

NORWICH.-The holding of the Annual Assembly of the British Association at this city led the members of the Church to desire the presence on the Sabbath of one of the ministers, and furnished an opportunity of discussing some of the doctrines of the New Church in their bearing on the progress of religious and scientific thought. This duty was undertaken by the Rev. R. Storry, who delivered two discourses on the 23rd of August, in the Church in Queen-street. The subjects selected for these discourses were, in the morning, The laws of the spiritual life, and the correspondence of their operation and effects to the laws which govern the terrestrial universe;" in the evening, "The Bible in its relation to the natural sciences and the social progress of mankind.” The attendance in the morning was good, though from the extreme wetness, and the thorough exhaustion of many of our own friends by the excessive labours of the preceding week, not so numerous as would otherwise have been the case. In the evening the church was completely filled. At both services a goodly number of strangers were present, many of whom were recog

nised as members of the British Association. The impression left on the audience seemed to be favourable to the cause of spiritual truth. Several were heard to express a favourable opinion, and we may reasonably hope that many will be led to deeper thought and more careful inquiries on the great subjects discussed in these discourses. The members of the Society appeared to warmly appreciate the service thus rendered them, and will be encouraged, we hope, to persevering efforts to build up the Church in their important and populous city.

IPSWICH.-This society was visited on the 24th and 25th of August by the Rev. R. Storry, who delivered two lectures in the Corn Exchange, to large audiences, the attendance at the last being not less than 600 persons. The subject of the first lecture was, "the Scriptural doctrine of the Resurrection, not the resurrection of the natural body at some distant period, but of the spiritual body immediately after death." The subject of the second lecture was "The Second Coming of the Lord not a coming in person to destroy the visible universe, but His appearance in the power and glory of His Holy Word." At the close of the first lecture several parties got up professedly to ask questions, but really to offer objections, and to sustain the popular doctrine of the resurrection. The questions were those usually presented, and were replied to by a further illustration of the general subject. At the close of the second lecture one question only was offered, and this not bearing on the general subject of the second coming, but on the mistaken expectation of this coming by the apostles in their own age. A second questioner arose to raise objections, but as he had not attended the lecture, but only entered the room at its close, he was peremptorily put down, both by the lecturer and the audience. The interest manifested in these lectures, and the favourable impression produced by them, was such as to induce the lecturer to announce a further course, which a domestic affliction prevented his giving. A useful service was rendered, however, to the Church in this town, by giving publicity to her doctrines and enlisting the sympathy of many who were previously ignorant respecting them, and we hope that at no distant time this service may be renewed.

WOODBRIDGE.-A few receivers of our heavenly doctrines reside at this pleasantly-situated town, and they are ear