Mon. Harlé, our beloved friend at Paris, a copy of the translation made by Madame Woolff, of sermons extracted from your work entitled "The Divine Word Opened. The reading of this volume has electrified us. We feel that the time for inaction has gone by. We understand that the time has arrived to heal the wounds inflicted upon poor humanity in Christendom, by impious leaders. That the time has come to display the light placed in our hands, and to substitute the new day for the darkness by which we have been surrounded. Social life itself pervaded all its doctrines, and at the present day, these doctrines false and bad as they are, lead it to the lowest abyss. The doctrine of the Lord alone can bring humanity out of this depth, by a new life. These truths lay hold of the mind as they are given in the work to which I have alluded. You have rendered the explanations of the internal sense of the Word quite easy. We will endeavour to walk in the same steps and spread these writings around. For this end I have written to Mon. Harlé to send us a hundred copies of the volume translated by Madame Woolff. I have sent to you, dear sir, also a bill for £10, that you may send me as early as possible 25 to 30 copies of the Divine Word Opened,' and add 5 or 6 copies of "The True Christian Religion,' and Heaven and Hell.' Our small library is not rich in English books, as everybody here speaks French, but we now and then meet with persons who prefer to read the New Church books in English. Add any recent works which you may conceive well-calculated to offer to the minds of the present day the heavenly truths of the New Jerusalem. Believe me, your affectionate brother in the Lord, EDMOND DE CHAZAL" RUSSIA. At the last meeting of the Swedenborg Society, a communication was read from a lady of high rank in Russia, relating to the publication of a part of the "True Christian Religion" in the Russian language, and of a tract, treating of the Greek Church from an Eastern point of view, in French. The manuscripts of these proposed publications were laid before the meeting. One consists of the chapter on the Decalogue in the True Christian Religion and is intended to be followed up by other portions of that work, or of others by the same author. This it is proposed to issue from the Society's House as one of its publications: and will add another to the as yet small list of works covered by the Society's extended name of Foreign and British. The expense of printing this, if not borne by the Society, the translator is willing to pay. The tract, though in French, is intended for the use of Russians, and will be published by some firm in London, at the expense of the writer. Of this we need say nothing, as we intend to insert an English version of it in the Repository. We here take the opportunity to say that we shall be happy to receive from the authora communication occasionally for the Magazine. The paper we propose to insert is not long, and may be given entire, if there be space available, next month. We may then have a few words to say on the subject of it. Meanwhile we insert the letter which accompanies the present manuscript, and which our readers will peruse with much satisfaction as an affectionate salutation from a warm friend and zealous collaborateur in the cause of the Church. The letter is addressed to the Editor. After speaking of some private and spiritual matters, the writer proceeds to say:-"Permit me to tell you that my present letter has also the intention of asking you to read with indulgence a little manuscript, which I have entrusted to our common friend, Mr. William Mather, whom we have known and loved for the last ten years. I beseech you not to be too severe on my literal and orthographical mistakes, but pray see in this little article the desire of promoting, at least, in a foreign language, ideas and opinions that I have not the blessedness of expressing in my own dear father language. I confide in the sweet hope that, putting aside every European prejudice against my misunderstood country, you, my reverend sir, shall not only understand, but generously sympathize with, my desire to prove that we are not so strange one to another, nor so far one from another, as it seems to be. East and West, though of course quite different parts of the world, may be conjoined by the light and the heat of the spiritual dis pensation, just as is the case with science and revelation, which in appearance flow quite separately; and certainly if we were to remain in the knowledge of the letter only of the Divine Word, these two streams could never make one; but let us hope that the time of separations and divisions is past, and that we live at the dawn of a new, warm, bright day, in which all that is true and good can live with its true life and spirit, proving to mankind that there is really only one God in heaven and on earth, creating all for conjunction, progress, and everlasting blessings. Be so kind as to take the trouble and have the patience of reading what I should be happy to read in your valuable journal, the Intellectual Repository, which we have received for the last three years. I asked Mr. Mather to apologize for my request, and to co-operate with me in obtaining your charitable aid in the accomplishment of what interests me so much. I am more impatient than I can tell you to hear your answer; to know in what way you shall understand our new considerations on Swedenborg, from an Eastern and orthodox point of view, and how you will be pleased with our expositions of the true ancient Christian principles, being the very ground of our Eastern orthodox church, notwithstanding our Greek rites, which by no means agree with the Western spirit, but which of course cannot prevent us seeing what underlies them. When one looks deeper into the matter, one can easily separate what constitutes the true spirit of the Church, from what was brought in by the progressive defilements and errors of the worshippers. But I fear being too long; my little manuscript, and our kindest Mr. Mather, will tell you more than I can now. The only thing that I can add is, that if I have your consent concerning the publications and your acceptance of me as a collaborateur of the Intellectual Repository, I shall send you once or twice a year articles serving to explain our manner of considering Swedenborg's spiritual mission, and in the meantime, articles also which shall make you acquainted with the labours of our orthodox church, which, though deprived of the possibility of acting independently, of publishing all that it knows and desires, yet publishes sometimes very remarkable things, which are tokens of its true spirit, quite pure when not obliged to put on the defiled garment of ecclesiasticism. A word of answer shall encourage me, and testify of the real brotherhood existing between persons, who, though quite foreign to each other, are united nevertheless in the same love and worship of the Lord, in spirit and in truth. This holy assurance permits me to subscribe myself, dear reverend sir, your sincerely devoted, -P. CLEOPATRE SCHAHOFTSKOY. Moscow, March 16, 1872. AUSTRIA. We copy the following from the Messenger of March 27th:"The last news we had from Vienna is quite cheering. Under the direction of Mr. Peisker, a Sunday school has been opened there; it has been started at once with fifty-one children, all of whom show great zeal and love for the school. This is the first German New Church Sunday School in Europe. A further proof of the zeal and energy of our Vienna friends is shewn by an address directed by the New Church members here to his Excellency, Karl Von Stremayer, Secretary of State, for worship and instruction. The address contains a petition for the recognition of the New Church in Austria as a church, by the State, and is based on Article 14 of the Constitution of 1867, guaranteeing religious liberty. This address, written by Dr. Swotoda, was handed to the Secretary, January 16th, by a committee consisting of Mr. Wenmayer, president of the society, and the Rev. Mr. Peisker. Mr. Peisker writes that the Secretary had inquired after the number of members, and on Mr. Wenmayer stating two hundred, had replied that that was too small to be recognized as a church by the State of Austria; however, that they should strive to develop, and try to increase their numbers. LONDON, KENSINGTON PALACE GARDENS CHURCH.-The dedication service of this Church was united with the annnal meeting of the London New Church Association, and took place on the 20th of March. Of this service the Daily Telegraph of the 21st gave the following account, under the title of the 66 Opening of a Swedenborgian Church at Kensington."-"The handsome chapel in the Mall, Kensington, which had been successively a sphere for the ministration of the Rev. Mr. Offord and the Rev. Dr. Schwartz, has been purchased by a gentleman in the North of England, redecor ated, and endowed with an income of £200 a year for the use of the Swedenborgian or New Jerusalem Church. The pastor is the Rev. Dr. Bayley, of Argyle many thousands will in the future reSquare, and the dedication festival took ceive enlightenment and consolation. place yesterday afternoon. The cere- The whole of the circumstances of the monies consisted of a service in the gift of the building, the gift of its church, conducted by Rev. Dr. Bayley, endowment, and the gift of its embelRev. Dr. Tafel, and Rev. W. Bruce, a lishments and decorations, tended to tea-meeting, and the annual gathering make the first services solemn and imof the New Church Association, when pressive. With additional power comes an excellent selection of vocal music was additional responsibility, and we have performed. Large numbers were present reason to hope that the latter will be on each occasion. The chapel has been felt, and the duties to which it prompts entirely refitted at great cost, and is now faithfully discharged. Both services seated for nine hundred persons. The were well attended, many strangers pulpit, reading-desk, communion-table, being present. Two Sabbaths have and font are exceedingly rich, being since passed, and the services on both composed of carved and highly polished were well attended. On the adminisAmerican iron-wood picked out with tration of the Sacrament there were Japanese elm. The organ, by Wadsworth, is an exceedingly sweet-toned one; and the choral portions of the service were most effectively rendered. If it be fair to conjecture that any large proportion of the congregation belonged to the New Jerusalem body, a Swedenborgian church in Kensington must have been a desideratum." From a short notice which appeared in the Kensington News, we learn that "The ceremony of consecration was very simple, consisting of the placing upon the Communion-table a copy of the Bible. Entering the church from the vestry, Dr. Bayley, accompanied by the Revs. W. Bruce and Dr. Tafel, carried the holy book and placed it open upon the table. This was the only ceremony performed, and is, as stated in their liturgy, in token of the Revelation at this day made of its spiritual sense, and as a sign that the doctrines to be taught in the church about to be consecrated are derived from the truths of the Word opened and understood.' A psalm was read, a hymn sung, and an address given by Dr. Bayley on the Uses of Public Worship. Rev. W. Bruce read the chapter describing the dedication of Solomon's temple, and other prayers and hymns were read and sung, the service lasting about one hour." It is estimated that between five and six hundred persons were present. On the following Sunday the opening services were continued by Dr. Bayley and Mr. Gunton. This noble building, to be known in future as the "Palace Gardens New Jerusalem Church," has thus been publicly dedicated to the service of the New Church, and devoted to those uses by which it is believed and hoped that fifty-five communicants. On Wednesday evening, April 10th, Dr. Bayley delivered in the church the first of a course of week evening lectures, which was fairly attended, though not so numerously as was expected. On Thursday evening, April 11th, a meeting was held in the school-room, when the names of over forty persons were entered as members of the New Society, and it is known that probably an equal number, not then present, intend to enter their names. A committee was chosen, a treasurer and secretary appointed, and much other interesting business trausacted, and the meeting, which was closed with the benediction, was felt to be a very happy one. In connection with the opening of this church, Dr. Bayley has prepared for extensive circulation a pamphlet entitled "Who are these New Church People?" It is an elegant little book, containing, in the form of question and answer, the suitable replies to the above inquiry. It has an illuminated covering, with a vignette of the New Church at Kensington, and an addition of prayers for morning and evening during a week. It has thirty-two pages, and, as will be observed in the advertisement, the price is 3d., and 2s. 6d. for a dozen. They are eminently well calculated for the object intended. Many thousands were circulated, it appears, in Kensington and its neighbourhood gratuitously, but the rest of the edition is being sold to assist in defraying the cost of an edition of many thousands. We have no doubt that persons desirous of circulating this beautiful little work gratuitously in their neighbourhoods would meet with every consideration as to price on apply. ing direct to the author. ARGYLE SQUARE.-The society meeting in the beautiful church erected in this Square is directly affected by the opening of the church at Kensington. Dr. Bayley, who has so long and so efficiently laboured here, has transferred his services to the west, and the Rev. Mr. Presland, as we have stated in a former number, is appointed as his successor, and has commenced his labours. On the evening of Good Friday a meeting of the Society was held to welcome him on his entrance upon his ministry. Nothing could exceed the cordiality and affectionate earnestness manifested on the occasion. Dr. Bayley was in the chair, and manifested by his presence the entire cordiality between himself and the new pastor, and the good feeling and united desire to co-operate together in the extension and building-up of the Church in the metropolis, which continues to exist between himself and his many friends at Argyle Square, who will long cherish a grateful remembrance of his earnest and successful labours. The address of Mr. Presland was followed by addresses by leading members of the congregation, expressive of their cordial welcome to their new minister, and their earnest hope of a future of successful labour. Of this success an augury seems to be furnished in the attendance and interest manifested in the services of the Sabbath since his appointment, and in the general satisfaction which is expressed with his ministry. Close upon this change of minister comes another event in this church which we give in the following communication from the pen of Dr. Bayley, 66 WHY DO WE HAVE A BAZAAR?” The time appointed for a Bazaar in London the last week in May, being now near at hand, we desire all our friends distinctly to understand the object for which it is held. We bought a building in Cromer Street, six years ago, and adapted it to the purpose of a school, at the total cost of about £1200. It was in the right neighbourhood, and was readily filled by the labours of excellent teachers. The government inspector, M. Arnold, Esq., passed the children at the examinations with encomiums, but complained that the schools were not commodious enough and lofty enough for the number of children, and at length threatened the cessation of the Government grant if his requirements in these respects were not met. This was determined to be GENERAL CONFERENCE.-The Com- SOUTH LONDON.-The usual annual social gathering in connection with this Society was held on Good Friday, March 29th, and was numerously attended. After tea, in the school-room, and subsequent adjournment to the Church, the chair was taken by Mr. E. Austin, minister, who called upon various members and visitors to speak; Messrs. Barton, I. Gunton, S. B. Dicks, and C. Higham, representing the Society, and Messrs. G. Wallis, J. Smith, J. B. Keene, and E. Madeley, other New Church organizations. At intervals, various appropriate pieces of sacred music were efficiently sung by the choir. The chairman, in his opening address, communicated the cheering intelligence, that owing to the munificence of Mr. A. Braby and others, £100 had been presented to the Building Fund, since January last, causing the debt on the church to be reduced to £400. A course of six lectures, on important religious doctrines, has lately been given in the church on consecutive Monday evenings, by Messrs. R. Gunton, E. Austin, P. Ramage, and J. Bormond; and an opportunity afforded enquirers on Tuesday evenings, for friendly conversation and discussion on the previous night's subject. Although the attendance has not been large, several strangers representing various theological schools of thought, have availed themselves of the privilege conceded, and from the interest awakened, it is hoped that some good will eventually result from the effort. DERBY-Tea-Party and Presentation. -An interesting meeting took place in the school-room of Babington Lane Chapel on the evening of the 19th of March. The members of the Society, and a number of friends of the New Church, assembled on the occasion of bidding farewell to their pastor, the Rev. John Presland, and his estimable wife on their leaving Derby. After tea, Mr. Alderman Madeley was voted to the chair, and commenced the proceedings by a feeling speech, explaining the object and purpose of the meeting. Mrs. Roe, in a few earnest words, moved the first resolution. "That this meeting desires to express to the Rev. John Presland the Society's warm appreciation of the conscientious manner in which he has performed the duties devolving upon him during the last five years as minister of the Society; of the valuable instruction conveyed in his excellent sermons, and of his kindly and courteous behaviour in all our meetings and associations, both public and private. While we deeply regret that the connection, as minister and people, is about to cease, we feel assured that the Divine Providence has appointed all things, and for Il parties, for the best. We trust that Mr. the memory of the last five years will be alike pleasant to our beloved pastor and to the many friends he leaves behind. While we acknowledge our gratitude to the Lord for His care in providing us so worthy a minister in the past, we heartily rejoice that Mr. and Mrs. Presland are going to a larger and more important sphere of usefulness, where they will take with them our truest wishes for their success, and our earnest prayers for their health and happiness." Clemson seconded the resolution, and spoke eloquently of the changes that passing years bring to the Church, as existing in the outward form of societies: and that in the midst of regrets for our own loss, there was cause for hope in the future. He expressed a sincere desire that Mr. Presland's ministrations in London may be richly blessed to the benefit of his hearers. Other speakers dwelt on the theme before the meeting, some of them making touching allusions to his kindly sympathy with the sick and sorrowing. Mr. Ward, the secretary of the Society, after addressing the meeting in suitable terms, placed on the table a handsome Tea and Coffee Service, which was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Presland as a parting token of regard. Mr. Ward was also desired to offer a Silver Muffineer, as a gift from a lady and gentleman present. The Rev. John Presland, in acknowledging, in grateful and courteous words, the beautiful and useful presents that his friends had so unexpectedly bestowed, referred to the period, five years and three months, during which he had been their minister, and assured them that he should never cease to entertain feelings of the strongest regard towards them-his first congregation. If, as several speakers had stated, his ministry had been in any way beneficial to them, he could assure them the connection had proved of equal advantage to himself; both from the opportunities afforded for gaining the experience which he did not at first possess, and from the valuable intercourse of an intellectual character which he had enjoyed with many of the members, to say nothing of the pleasure and amenities of social hospitality enjoyed among his dear friends at Derby. He earnestly hoped that the Society as a whole, and each individual composing it, would long prosper in a career of usefulness and blessing. The meeting, which had been enlivened by a selection |