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the New Church public no general means of access to them, but there is no gua.. rantee for their preservation, which is especially emperiled by their ephemeral pamphlet-form; when yet their import ance to the church, for future literary purposes, must be palpable to all. The British Museum itself does not contain any complete set of Swedenborg's works, and scarcely a trace of the subsequent literature of the church. The committee trust, therefore, that nothing more need be said to induce every author of the New Church to deposit a copy of his work in the library of this society, as a general place for reference in this and future ages."

By a letter from Dr. Tafel, dated the 8th of December, 1841, we learn that the thirteenth and last volume of the Latin Arcana is in the press, and a great part of it already printed. The Swedish Professor of Theology, through whose kind intervention the preceding parts of Swedenborg's Adversaria have been copied, and forwarded to Tubingen for publication, has just sent to Dr. Tafel a considerable portion of the remainder of the Adversaria,--that, namely, on Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. The same distinguished person also promised in his last letter to Dr. Tafel, to translate the Swedish part of the Itinerarium, (com. prising Swedenborg's travels and residence in Italy, from 1736 to 1740, a very interesting period of his life,) into the Latin language, in order thereby to render it more available to the Church; and

especially to the biographers of Swedenborg. On the 29th of October, Dr. Tafel began the delivery of his Public Lectures on Logic in the University of Tubingen, with an audience of sixty; fifty-two of whom are young Catholic priests. The doctor's appointment has been sanctioned by the king of Wirtemberg; and the minister of the interior has granted him one hour daily from the duties of the librarianship, for the delivery of his course. He appears to be opposing himself fearlessly to the Atheistic Philosophy of Hegel, which, strange to say, is the adopted system of the rector of the university.

P. S. Since the above remarks were penned, we have received a proposal through Mr. Clapp, from certain influential parties in the Boston Printing Society, for supplying the American market with a part of our editions of the Writings of Swedenborg: and an intimation is held out, that if the two societies can come to terms, (a matter of which happily there can be little doubt,) the printing of the Arcana will be again confined to the London Society. This will indeed be a happy result. The vigour of our American brethren may then become strongly practical, by working into social organization, and extending the field of the church; and the English society will be more justified than ever in its recent exertions, and in the cheapness of its publications; and bound at the same time to keep up the present high standard of excellence in all its future works. Vis unita fortior.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.

RAMSBOTTOM AND THE REV. G. GIBBON.-A few weeks after his "Letter to the Rev. G. Gibbon," which we reviewed in our November number, Mr. Smithson was led to publish "An Address to the People of Ramsbottom on the Slanders and Misrepresentations of the Rev. G. Gibbon against Swedenborg and his Writings." In this he shews that the

members of the New Church, in availing themselves of the writings of Swedenborg, to enable them more fully to understand the Holy Scriptures, are doing no more than what is constantly done by all other denominations of Christians, the Roman Catholics, the Established Church, Evangelicals, Wesleyans, Unitarians, &c., each having

their respective guides. The liberty of so doing, he maintains, ought to be enjoyed by every one without molestation. He rebuts the charge that we consider the writings of Swedenborg as an addition to the Word of God, and shews that Swedenborg asserts that the Word of God infinitely surpasses all other compositions, and also wherein its superiority consists. He then affectionately invites the people of Ramsbottom to examine our doctrines for themselves, and especially entreats them to read our doctrine on Saving Faith, and compare it with that of Justification by faith alone, which, in the articles of the Church of England, is called "a most wholesome and comfortable doctrine." He afterwards directs their attention to the well known character for good will, brotherly kindness, and peace, of the members of the New Church in Ramsbottom, and accuses Mr. Gibbon of the crime of attempting to deprive them of their good name by misrepresentation and slander, and of persisting in that wicked course from the pulpit, without daring to write a reply to Mr. S.'s "Letter." To this "Address" was appended the Tract, "The Truly Christian Life, or the Necessity of Shunning all Evil as Sinful in the sight of God, the great Condition of Salvation."

The Rev. G. Gibbon was at length induced to come forward with a sort of publication, in which he notices the letter addressed to him by the Rev. J. H. Smithson. Instead, however, of replying in a decent and Christian-like manner, he has chosen to put forth a kind of placard, addressed "to the Swedenborgians," containing little beyond a few questions relative to some observations in the treatise on Scortatory Love. In these questions he has shewn the same craftiness and determination to misrepresent our Author that he has shewn in his pulpit addresses, and will have in answer to each of them a simple Yes or No, without any explanation accompanying the answers; well knowing that explanations would expose the arts which he has had recourse to in misre

presenting Swedenborg. He alludes to Martin Luther, from whose works Mr. Smithson had given an extract, declaring that the man who has faith may still live in all manner of sin. Mr. S. had chosen to quote Luther because Gibbon had been holding him up in his lectures as the great luminary of the Protestant church. Gibbon, however, now finds it convenient to discard this great reformer, and declares that the Church of England has nothing to do with him or his writings in any way.

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This is nearly all that is contained in the placard above mentioned. The author of it has shewn himself to be as much in want of wisdom as he is of honesty. Mr. Smithson has promptly written a second Address, To the Inhabitants of Ramsbottom: An Answer to the Rev. G. Gibbon's Question respecting one part of Swedenborg's Writings. answers his questions with the Yes or No that is required, but gives a short explanation also, to shew the real meaning of Swedenborg, and that Paley and Blackstone have put forth ideas similar to his. The observations of E. S. are seen to be consistent with reason and with sound morality. To Gibbon's last question, in which he asks if Swedenborg's doctrine be at all better than that of Robert Owen with respect to the obligation or bond of marriage, Mr. S. replies in the following spirited and manly terms:-" I answer Yes; as much better as heaven is better than hell. Robert Owen's doctrine entirely destroys marriage; Swedenborg's doctrine shews the origin and sanctity of it, and proves that in itself it is one of the most holy institutions upon earth," &c.

He reverts, in the last place, to Luther, and gives a remarkable extract from the works of this "luminary of Protestantism," shewing how, in certain cases, he taught his converts to deal with their wedded partners. This extract is given on the authority of Dr. Tafel, who found it in the Walchian edi. tion of Luther's works, vol. 22, p. 1762, and he (the doctor) has inserted it in one of his works. Luther writes as

follows to a schoolmaster at Frankfort, who consulted him respecting his wife, with whom he did not live happily, arising, as it would seem, from her unwillingness to adopt the new religion of her husband:-"If she were my wife, I would say to her, Will you follow me? say Yes or No. If she said No, I would soon dismiss her and take another."

In this way Mr. Smithson, after defending the principles of Swedenborg on the married life, concludes with leaving his opponent the task of defending the principles of Luther on the same subject. It must be acknowledged that Mr. S., in so promptly defending the New Church against the attacks of this adversary at Ramsbottom, is entitled to the thanks both of our brethren of that village, and of the church at large.

It is pleasing to hear that Gibbon is now becoming very unpopular at Ramsbottom. His reviling and slander are now understood, and have almost entirely lost their force. He has now set to work with the Calvinists, and has given several lectures to prove the falsehood of these doctrines. There is every reason to believe that the New Church at this place will sustain no injury, but, on the contrary, will derive benefit from the attack which has recently been made upon it.

UNEXPECTED OBSTACLES TO ADVERTISING NEW CHURCH WORKS.-We are informed that upon Mr. Hodson's taking an advertisement of the new and popular work, entitled "Job Abbott," to the office of the Times" newspaper, he was told it could not be inserted until the book had been inspected. He accordingly took a copy himself, when, instead of its being examined by one of the editors, upon whom it might reasonably be supposed such a serious responsibility devolved, the clerk that receives the advertisements exercised the power of deciding whether it could be admitted or not; thus proving that bigotry is the new presiding genius of "the Times" establishment from top to bottom. This assuredly is supporting the Established Church with zeal, but whe

ther with discretion or not events will prove. The clerk looked into the book while Mr. H. waited, and happening to light upon a statement to the effect that to imitate the conduct of God, as represented in the tripersonal scheme, would be deemed wicked, he observed, "This is a very strong passage, and a direct condemnation of all Trinitarians. We cannot admit the advertisement." Now we cannot but think that it is doing a service to society at large to make known this unjustifiable interference with that freedom of discussion which has ever been the boast of Englishmen. Every one will judge for himself what inference is to be drawn from the introduction of such a novel principle into the conduct of a common newspaper.

We are not surprised to learn that the Wesleyan Magazine refused to advertise the work without seeing it, or that the newspaper established by the Methodists, called the Watchman, should reject the application, after being furnished, by their desire, with a sight of the work such conduct is in perfect keeping with the presiding principles of that body. The common remark, that "the condemnation of some sorts of men is the highest praise," is not inapplicable on the present occasion. We are happy to be able to state that testimonies have reached us which justify us in concluding that "Job Abbott" is a general favourite in the New Church.

We take this opportunity to suggest, what we have long felt, that it is highly desirable that some efficient means should be devised for the purpose of giving more extended publicity to New Church works. A correspondent lately remarking on their alleged dearness, observed that they must necessarily continue high in price till they command a more extended sale, which cannot be expected yet awhile. Now many friends who have not the talent to write a use.. ful book, would cheerfully contribute towards giving publicity to such a work when produced. Some little towards effecting this object may be attained if those who admire a book will recommend it to their acquaintance; but this

means is both slow and limited in its operation. A far more effectual mode is the ordinary one of advertising in the public prints; and the extent to which this is employed affords abundant proof of its eligibility. Still, in reference to New Church works, it is very questionable whether a liberal amount of advertising would produce such a return as would justify an individual in having recourse to it. It is, then, too much to expect that a New Church writer, who, in addition to the labour of composing a book, has incurred the expense of publishing it, should make a large further outlay in the shape of advertisements. It would at best be a risk for him to do so; but what he might prudently hesitate about, other friends might reasonably embark in, looking for no other reward than the pleasure of having contributed towards diffusing a knowledge of the heavenly doctrines.

The work which has led to these remarks, Job Abbott, possessing an attractive title,- -a very material fact, be it

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SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.-The first Report of this valuable institution has been published. It gives the proceedings of the second annual meeting of the Union, held at Accrington. There were present twenty-two representatives and five missionaries. The numbers of the children attending fifteen schools are stated, amounting to 2,110. Upon discussing the various matters alluded to in the reports from the respective schools, they passed a series of resolutions chiefly in reference to the practicability of conducting a Child's Magazine. This, we are happy to say, was determined on at a subsequent meeting, and the first Number is to appear simultaneously with this

notice. We earnestly recommend it to the support, both pecuniary and literary, of every friend of the church, and we trust the Divine blessing will attend its career. The price, only 1d. per month, affords an opportunity for every one to buy it; and it should be both lent and given away. The children by shewing it to their acquaintance will become efficient missionaries; and no one can set limits to the good that will result from this well directed effort.

Reports are inserted, nearly in full, from the Sunday schools at Accrington, Kersley, Middleton, and Salford.

The Report concludes with "An Address to Sunday School Teachers," by the Rev. E. Madely. This should be diligently read-as we doubt not it will be-by the parties intended. Want of room alone prevents our quoting it.

JERSEY.-Report of the Annual Meeting of the New Jerusalem Church in the Island of Jersey.-On Wednesday, October 13, 1841, was held the anniversary of the church: the members and friends, amounting to about eighty persons, took tea in the place of worship at half-past five in the afternoon. Tea being set aside, the business of the evening commenced by calling Mr. Titus Brown, the leader, to the chair. A report was then read, by the chairman, of the present state of the society with respect to its financial and other affairs, especially in reference to the reception of the Heavenly Doctrines and the permanent establishment of the Lord's New Church in this island.

The subject selected for an exposition was the descent of the New Jerusalem as contained in the first three verses of the 21st chapter of the Apocalypse, and was taken up by several of the members, who (collectively) spoke for about an hour and a half. The silence was profound, and every ear seemed to listen with the utmost attention to the development of a subject, altogether of a novel character to a great portion of the audience. All, however, appeared to be highly gratified with the pleasing and instructive light in which the hea

venly doctrines had been represented to their view.

In addition to the foregoing, we had a very interesting detail of the progress of the New Church in America by a gentleman recently returned from a visit to that country.

A few of the Sunday scholars recited some appropriate verses, and received their rewards.

The second chapter of the prophet Joel was then fixed upon as the subject for the next anniversary.

A proposal was then made and unanimously adopted, "That a report of this meeting be sent for insertion in the Intellectual Repostory."

Signed, R. GARLAND.

UNITED SOCIETY, LONDON.-A general meeting of this society was held on Wednesday, November 17, 1841, at the London Coffee House, Ludgate Hill. It was at this place that the first meeting of the readers of the writings of Swedenborg was held, having been called by advertisement by the late Mr. Hindmarsh. Of this the friends who engaged it on the present occasion were not aware at the time. One hundred and twenty-seven assembled to tea; and the arrangements in every respect being most complete, never were comfort, harmony, and delight more generally felt and expressed.

The business was commenced by calling the Rev. T. C. Shaw to the chair, who opened the meeting with the Lord's prayer, and a very appropriate, enlightened, and affectionate speech. The secretary then read a detailed report of the circumstances that had led to the union, including the proceedings of the several preliminary meetings, the resolutions agreed to by them and submitted to both societies, and of the acts of the committee subsequent to the Union.

This

was followed by the Treasurer's report, the accounts of both societies having been previously balanced and audited.

A resolution was then passed unanimously confirming the Union; in which it was most gratifying to observe that several members cordially joined who had previously entertained the belief that the

union was not desirable, but who had since, and especially by what they then saw around them, and the heavenly sphere that prevailed, been convinced, as they frankly declared, that it now seemed to them to be in the order of Providence, and entitled to their best support.

The rules which the committee had prepared from those of the two societies, for the government of the united society, were then read and unanimously adopted. Trustees of the property of the society and a treasurer were appointed.

It was then resolved unanimously, "That this meeting desire to express their gratitude to their heavenly Father for having providentially arranged that the Union, which has been already fraught with such heartfelt delight to the members of the society, and which has in prospect such an extensive field of spiritual advantages, should have been so happily effected."

After several other resolutions, chiefly relating to temporal affairs, the following was unanimously carried :-"That the friends now assembled cannot separate without expressing their grateful thanks to their excellent minister and to his very efficient assistant for the valuable services which have been so gene. rously rendered to them; and they sincerely hope that every member of the congregation will deem it alike his duty and his privilege to attend their ministrations habitually and regularly."

In moving and seconding the various resolutions, the speakers introduced a great variety of topics. There were congratulation upon the occasion and appearance of the meeting, and hope that it was the precursor of many similar ones: exhortation to perseverance in efforts to extend the church universally and collectively; to diligence in attending to the duties of piety, and of both private and public worship, as necessary means of preparation for the reception of Divine influences, and to the practice of mutual love, in order to evince that we are indeed our Lord's disciples. The dark. ness that overhangs the religious public in general, and the luminous views of truth now in mercy revealed to the New Church, were contrasted, as an incentive

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