Under the influence of these ideas, at one time or another, religion and industrialism, religion and politics, religion and literature, religion and art, religion and science, religion and culture, have stood on opposite sides, or, at best, in the attitude of compromise and bare toleration of each other." How far removed is this view of the subject from the author's opinion will appear from the following short extract, with which we close our notice of this article: "Religion and conduct must be harmonized in every individual, or he becomes two beings, with different faces, and pulling different ways. Such a division is fatal. You cannot split a man into two without killing him. The different sides of our nature, like the different periods of our life, should be bound each to each by natural piety. Work should be prayerful; prayer true work; all life a psalm, and praise the breath of life; for the Christian's life is love, and love is the only all-sufficient source of happiness." TEMPERANCE. The question of temperance, or the best way of dealing with the drinking habits of society, has for a long time occupied the attention of many thoughtful persons. For a long time the ground of attack has been almost exclusively occupied by those who have pledged themselves to total abstinence from the use of all intoxicating drinks. Recently this platform has been extended, chiefly by the establishment of the Church of England Temperance Society, which welcomes into its ranks men of temperate habits who are not total abstainers. At the last session of the General Conference of the New Church a public meeting was held and a similar society instituted for the New Church. Earnest addresses were delivered by several ministers and laymen of the Church, a committee and secretary appointed, and the necessary steps taken for extending the uses of the society. From a printed report that has been sent us we find that the society is actively pursuing the purpose of its organization. A circular has been issued asking the ministers to preach what is called a temperance sermon on February 13th. A service of this kind has been adopted in the Church of England, and has been found useful. Most, if not all, of the ministers will, we presume, comply with this request. Besides the direct endeavours to withdraw the adult portion of the population from the fearful habit of the intemperate use of alcoholic drinks, there are many other features of the temperance movement which are well deserving, and will doubtless receive, a large amount of the attention of temperance societies. Bands of Hope, whereby the rising generation are saved from forming the habit of using intoxicants, are formed in connection with most of our Sunday-schools, and in some of them are fairly successful. Another movement which has engaged no small amount of attention is the effort to close public-houses on the Sabbath and during the municipal and parliamentary elections. If, as is the case in most parts of the country, the shops of all kinds are closed, it cannot be a hardship that the public-houses should be subject to the same regulation. We cannot make men either religious or temperate by Acts of Parliament, but we may lessen the temptations that are placed in their way. Large numbers of our working population, loosened from the restraints of labour, and not yet prepared by wise culture for the higher enjoyments of the Sabbath, are apt to drift on this day into these open places, and not unfrequently to end the day in a manner they neither contemplated nor intended at its beginning. A return has been made of convictions since September 29, 1876, to September 29, 1879, of all persons arrested for drunkenness on Sunday in England and Wales. This shows that in England the convictions numbered 46,317; and of that number 13,870 were not bona fide residents in the districts where the drunkenness occurred. In Wales there were 1084 convictions, of whom 242 were non-residents. In the county of Lancaster, with a population of 1,318,632, there have been 4227 convictions, 2671 being bona fide residents and 1556 nonresidents. Similar returns are made for other counties, the largest number of convictions being in the large towns, and especially the seaports. NEW BURIALS ACT. In our January number we gave an account of a funeral in the Carleton Churchyard, in which the proceedings were marked by the courtesy of the vicar, and the decorum and order of the assembly which witnessed the interment. It is somewhat remark able that the Society of the New Church at the village of Embsay, near Skipton, should again have occasion to claim the provisions of this Act. The conduct of the vicar of Embṣay, to whom application was made for the interment in the parish graveyard, with the service of the New Church, of the body of a deceased member, compares very unfavourably with that of the clergyman named in our last report. The notices and rebuke of the vicar's conduct in the local press has extorted from him an explanation. “I was very anxious,” he says, “that there should not be any misunderstanding, and consequent unpleasantness, and as I had good reason for knowing that misconceptions on this subject had obtained in the parish, I thought it desirable, in the interests of peace, that I should enter into timely explanations." Accordingly the vicar explains that whatever the law compels him to concede he will concede, but whatever he can withhold will be withheld. There must be no entrance into the church, and to secure what was not intended, nor likely to be attempted, a female was appointed to guard the door, and "protect the church property." The interment might take place in the churchyard, but the officer of the church, who could render service in lowering the body, would be absent, all requisite apparatus required at the graveside would be removed, that the vicar would not attend to receive the fees, but would not fail to send his bill. The newspaper correspondence which exposed this untoward conduct is distinguished by a remarkable leading article in the Craven Herald, in which the editor gives his opinion on the entire discussion, particularly as conducted in the Pioneer, a rival publication. The editor goes, or thinks he goes, to the root of the matter. "Let us," he says, sider what the Swedenborgians really are. Well, they derive their appellation from a Swedish baron named Emanuel Swedenborg, who, a little more than a century ago, like many 66 con another religious fanatic, desired to found a 'Church' after his own name, though he adopted the pretentious title of New Jerusalem." He advanced the extraordinary assertion that for an uninterrupted period of twenty-seven years he enjoyed open intercourse with the world of spirits; that heaven was a kind of earthly paradise, with spacious and beautiful flower-gardens and fields; that there is no Trinity, but Christ Himself is the great Jehovah; and that the Scriptures have a hidden as well as an obvious meaning. To our mind, then, their doctrines are a kind of mystified Unitarianism, for Unitarians believe only in one God [Trinitarians, we suppose, believing in more than one], and they draw largely on the imagination with regard to this earth being typical of heaven. But we might even go farther, and with some justice compare Swedenborgianism to Mahometanism; for what taught Mahomet? He promulgated the doctrine that God is one, and that he was His prophet; and that the good-in the Mahometan sensewould inherit Paradise, be attended by beautiful virgins, and enjoy every sensual delight. Taking therefore these three religions together, they have much in common with each other they all reject the doctrine of the Trinity, and believe only in one Divinity. Now wide as appear the differences between Roman Catholics, members of the Church of England, and Protestant Dissenters, they all adopt the great fundamental doctrine of Christianity-Three Persons in One Godhead." We can scarcely think that the clergy of Skipton and the district around will commend the editor's theology. However much they may approve his description of the origin and belief of the New Church, they will not thank him for the transparent tritheism which he presents as "the great fundamental doctrine of Christianity." certainly fail to satisfy his friends, while members of the New Church can well afford to smile at his "mystified" description of their opinions. He will CHRISTMAS PARTIES.-According to annual custom many of the Societies held pleasant social parties at this festive season. In Lancashire, tea-meet- Leeds. At this town a pleasant party ings, followed by speeches, recitations, was held on the evening of Tuesday, songs, and other forms of pleasant en- December 28, tea being provided first tertainment, were held at Manchester for the children of the Sunday-school, (Peter Street), Bolton, Bury, Heywood, and next for the members and friends Oswaldtwistle, Ramsbottom, Rhodes, of the Society. The Rev. R. Storry, and other neighbouring Societies. The attendance at these meetings was not confined to members of the Church. Friends of members, old scholars of the several Sunday-schools, and others more or less connected with the several churches, were attracted to them, thus making the attendance in some places large. At Kensington, Camden Road, Camberwell, Birmingham, Brightlingsea, and Paisley these meetings were chiefly directed to the entertainment of the children of the congregation or of the Church. A correspondent at Melbourne, Derbyshire, sends us the following account of the Christmas meeting held at this town: "We are pleased to inform our friends that our usual Christmas teameeting and entertainment was held at the Athenæum, on Monday, December 27, 1880. The gathering at the teatable was much larger than expected, but fortunately the ladies had sufficiently provided for the wants of all. The chairman, Mr. C. Fairweather, after opening the meeting by the hymn 250, 'Praise the Lord who reigns above,' and by prayer, said he could not but express his great pleasure, and that of the members of the Mutual Improvement Society, at seeing so large an assembly. The ladies, he was sure, did not mind the labour of love in providing, so long as they were not disappointed by the absence of friends. Tonight their highest expectations were more than realized, and they hoped that as this meeting had been convened not for emolument or mere selfgratification, but to help to bring about the announcement of the angels to the shepherds of Bethlehem, on earth peace, goodwill among men,' that they all would have peace and goodwill, and so heartily enjoy the evening, that the memory of it may be long and salutary. The programme consisted of songs, recitations, readings, dialogues, and instrumental music. After this had been thoroughly enjoyed for over two hours, the usual Christmas games commenced, and the friends returned home shortly after ten o'clock." who occupied the pulpit of Albion Chapel on the preceding Sunday, filled the chair, and introduced the proceedings after tea by an appropriate address. The evening was occupied by some wellselected recitations, and a choice selection of sacred music, chiefly from the "Messiah." The dialogues, in which several took part, were well sustained, and the music well executed by the choir. Short addresses were made by Mr. Landrick and Mr. Holland, and a pleasant evening brought to a close at ten. LECTURES.-The winter season has led to the delivery of lectures in many of the Societies of the New Church, mostly by the ministers of the several Societies. We note very briefly such as have come under our notice. Sabbath London (Camberwell). evening lectures are in course of delivery at this church by the pastor, the Rev. W. C. Barlow, M.A. The subjects selected are-The Second Advent, The Mission of Swedenborg, The Word, Man's Spiritual Life, External and Internal Worship, The Resurrection, Heavenly Joy, and other kindred subjects. From the well-known ability of the lecturer there can be no doubt of the usefulness of this course in building up the church of which he is pastor. At this church special week-night lectures on doctrinal subjects have been arranged by the London Association of the New Church. Of these, two have been delivered, in November by the Rev. J. Presland on the question "Is there a Personal Devil?" and in December by the Rev. R. L. Tafel, A.M., Ph.D., on "Modern Disbelief in Miracles." These lectures will be continued monthly for the present. They are intended to bear a distinctly missionary character, and efforts are made to secure the attendance of such persons as will be interested in the statement of the distinctive doctrines of the New Church. During the current quarter lectures will be delivered by the Rev. W. C. Barlow and Messrs. J. Rhodes and S. B. Dicks. Of these the first, on Why do we believe Swedenborg?" was intended to prepare the way for the following ones on "Swedenborg's Claims to Spiritual Intercourse," and on "The Second Advent." Handbills are obtainable a fortnight before each lecture, and members and friends are invited to cooperate in the circulation of these announcements, and in efforts to make the lectures a success. London (Argyle Square).-At this church a singularly interesting course of lectures is in progress on the great doctrine of Life. The intention is to exhibit the doctrines of the New Church in their most intimate connection with everyday existence, in order to illustrate the great principle affirmed by Swedenborg, that "all religion has relation to life, and the life of religion is to do good." The members of the Church are requested to make these lectures known, and also to encourage the presence of strangers by attending themselves, in order that casual visitors may be cheered by the presence of a numerous and hearty congregation. The subjects of the lectures are as follows: The Purpose of Life; Home Life; Business Life; Church Life; Intellectual Life; Political Life; Life's Dangers and Life's Helps; Death, the Gate of Life; The Book of Life; Life in Heaven. Similar courses of lectures have been announced at Kensington and Camden Road. The churches in the country are not behind those of the metropolis in their efforts to render the Sabbath evenings during the winter season increasingly useful by the delivery of lectures on attractive and interesting subjects. At Birmingham lectures have been delivered by the Rev. R. R. Rodgers on The New Year, The Moral Responsibility of Language, on Calling People Hard Names, on Unintentional Wrong, and on Divine Adaptations. At Derby the Rev. J. Ashby has announced lectures on The Religious Wants of the Age, Why do we accept the Testimony of Swedenborg? What New Churchmen believe about God, The New Jerusalem, followed by four lectures on the Bible. One of the lectures of a former course was reported at length in the Derby and Burton Gazette. This lecture, on "Man in Heaven, and the Nature of Heavenly Occupation," has also been printed in tract form for general circulation. At Besses the Rev. I. Tansley, B. A., has announced a course of lectures on Reason, Faith and Life, on Salvation, Beyond the Grave, My Creed, Science and the Book of Genesis, the Second Coming, the Trinity in Unity, and Infidelity. In this course a lecture on "The Way to Happiness" will be given by the Rev. R. Storry, and one on the words " Escape for thy Life," by the Rev. P. Ramage. At Heywood a course of lectures was given before Christmas by the Rev. R. Storry on "Christian Faith," and a second course is announced, in which is presented the Scriptural revelation of the person and character of Jesus. In this second course lectures will be given by Mr. Griffiths of Bury, and Revs. I. Tansley and P. Ramage, Mr. Storry at the time of the lectures of these ministers taking part in a similar course at their churches. By this arrangement a pleasant exchange of pulpits and variety of service is easily secured. Bath.-We have reserved for special mention a course of lectures at this city by the Rev. Mr. Child. Mr. Child is eminently successful in obtaining the attention of the people to his lectures in the public halls of the city, and his original and very effective treatment of his subjects cannot fail to leave a favourable impression on his hearers. A course of four lectures has been given in the Corridor Rooms on successive Wednesday evenings to large audiences. The last two of these lectures were on the Atonement-the third, "The Atonement, does it mean Substitution ?" and the fourth, "What is the true meaning of the Atonement of Christ?" The lectures are fully reported in the Bath Argus, and are distinguished by cogent reasoning and most extensive Scripture proof and illustration. We give the following extract from the third lecture: "There was a last point in which other orthodox friends took refuge, and that was in the wrath of God. This was a very serious thought; but he was bound to say he too believed in the wrath of God, but he did not believe in the wrath of God as against an innocent person. He did believe in the wrath of God as witness against the wicked. He had never found in Scripture God had wrath against any other, and even then he did not render the words as describing presence was doubtless useful in help- was an emotion in the mind of God, but invitation, I preached the anniversary rather as a word which fitly described sermons at Brightlingsea, Mr. Deans man's own feelings towards God, when going to Ipswich, and attended the he himself had transgressed, but the annual meeting of the Society on orthodox men sometimes modified that Monday. The Society had a small conception and took refuge in God's deficiency to deal with, and my justice. He also believed in the justice of God; but against whom? Not against the innocent as putting them in the stead of the guilty. Most as suredly the justice of God was rigorous, exacting, thorough-going, but only against those who would not repent. There was no act of justice in the sense of severity and punishment against the man who said, Lord, make me clean; I desire to be free from sin!' Hell On the 31st of October I was at itself was a testimony to the justice of Horncastle, where we have some God, but it would be a strange day for difficulty in finding a suitable leader mankind if they could really come to or minister, and this difficulty is not the belief that God was angry-revenge- yet overcome. The Society has been fully, vindictively angry-with His own visited several times by Mr. Alfred Son, with a part, in fact, of His own Beilby, son of Mr. Beilby of Nottingvery self. That, in truth, was to set the ham, who is a candidate for studentmind of God against Himself. There ship for next year, and by Mr. was little wonder that orthodox people Holland, but no permanent engagehad come to shrink from that Father ment has been made with either of and had rather gone over to the Jesus- these gentlemen. they had thrown their arms about Him; On November 2nd I commenced a they had clung to Him. And it was no series of lectures in the Penge Hall, wonder this should be the case when and a series of Sunday services in the they had such black thoughts about Vestry Hall; consisting altogether of what that Father was like! These eight Sunday services, and eleven thoughts were not those of the New week-evening lectures. In addition Church; they believed that God and to these, three public meetings for the Father, and Jesus, were really one -the same Person under two different forms of manifestation, so to speak. They thought that the anger of God was never manifested, not only against an innocent person, but never manifested even against a guilty one, who turned from that guilt and repented of it. In truth, God never did otherwise than forgive.' reading and conversation have been conducted by Mr. Rhodes, and three Sunday-evening services have been held in the Penge Hall, the preachers being Mr. Plummer, Mr. Rhodes, and Mr. Jobson. The meetings have been satisfactorily attended, and a very considerable interest has been aroused, and not a small measure of acceptance evinced. Something over two hundred books have been sold during the efforts at Anerley. Several notices of the lectures have appeared in the local papers, and I could furnish many very interesting incidents connected with this successful missionary effort so much so that it has become a question not only with me, but with many others there, whether we ought not to prosecute the effort to the establishment of a Society, which I think is quite practicable. One friend has offered the use of a part of his garden, a most eligible spot, to place a temporary building upon; and has ; |