also by other gentlemen; the annual business of the society was transacted; and the meeting concluded with a greater feeling of unity than has been experienced since the establishment of the society. JOSEPH PAGE, Sec.

BATH.

Two lectures, in connection with the Bath Athenæum, were delivered at the Town Hall, by the Rev. G. B. Porteous, the first on December 3rd, "On the Philosophy of Genius, as Developed in the Characters of Cromwell, Milton, Wellington, Bonaparte, Shakspere, and Garibaldi;" and the second on the 4th of December, "On the American Struggle, and its Probable Results."

Very favourable reports appeared in three of the local papers. I regret exceedingly that your space will not allow of so full a report as appeared in the Bath Journal and the other papers. I have made an abridged report, chiefly from the Journal.

The attendance was numerous at each lecture, notwithstanding unfavourable weather; but not so large as it would have been had the capabilities of the lecturer to engage the attention of an audience been better known. Mr. Porteous belongs to the modern school of impulsive orators. He is fiery, energetic, and demonstrative, wondrously fluent and eloquent as a speaker, and is therefore effective with a mixed audience. He certainly astonishes by his volubility, his boldness of expression, and his poetical illustrations; and his theorems afford prolific subjects for thought to all. This first lecture was essentially theoretical and metaphysical, and partaking as it did of a large share of the ideal, it was more effective upon the platform than it would be in print, especially as its effect depended a great deal upon the personal impressiveness of the speaker. In treating the subject on "The Philosophy of Human Genius," the lecturer displayed considerable insight into the varieties of human character, and the great models chosen for his illustrations received at his hands

ample justice. He was particularly happy in his eulogiums upon Shakspere, of whose unapproachable claims, as a philologist, a philosopher, a preacher, and a poet, he entertained a most just ap preciation, and upon which he bestowed one of his most eloquent bursts of approval. His comparison between the

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glorious unselfishness of Garibaldi-in whom he said is associated the most feminine tenderness with the most manly bearing-and the intense selfishness of the first Napoleon, was also a masterly bit of critical acumen, which was duly appreciated by the audience, who were frequent in their plaudits. The lecture on "The American Struggle, and it probable results," was particularly interesting at this period, when the doings of our transatlantic neighbours absorb the attention of the old world. It would be impossible, in a paragraph, to convey any idea of the impetuous eloquence, or of the high philosophy, with which the lecturer enforced his views.

Mr. Porteous being an entire stranger in Bath, and his talents as an orator consequently unknown, it was thought desirable to introduce him to a mixed audience, in connection with a series of first-class lectures, given by some of the best lecturers in the kingdom, in the hope that many might be induced to attend his subsequent theological ones. It was accordingly arranged that, immediately after the delivery of the literary lectures, another set of three, on New Church subjects, should be advertised, to take place in the New Church, Henrystreet, on Sunday, the 7th of December, and two at the Town Hall, on the 8th and 11th of December. This must be my apology for giving so lengthened a notice of his literary lectures. The Bath Journal, in its report of the Sunday lectures, says "The eloquence of the Rev. G. B. Porteous has gained for him deservedly increased popularity in Bath. The subjects were-in the morning, 'The Philosophy of Prayer;' in the afternoon, The Problem of Ages Solved, how God became Man;' and in the evening, Pilgrim Marches in the Desert. On each occasion the church was crowded, and the audience listened with rapt attention to the eloquent and forcible arguments of the preacher, as he 'brought to light the hidden things of darkness, and made manifest the counsels of the heart.'

On Monday, the 8th instant, Mr. Porteous lectured at the Guildhall, to a large and respectable audience, upon "Swedenborg, the Philosopher, Metaphysician, and Theologian." Mr. Porteous, for nearly two hours, kept the attention of his audience rivetted by his eloquent and masterly description of the superlative claims of the great

Swedish Seer to be regarded in the foremost rank of philosophers, metaphysicians, and theologians. His renown, compared with that of lesser men, such as Luther and Wesley, was peculiarly significant. After referring to the misrepresentations which had been indulged in towards Swedenborg, the lecturer said that many had been ready to slander where they ought to have crowned with glory, but that he found, and he believed all who approached with a desire to discover truth would find, in the writings of Swedenborg, systems of thought such as would satisfy an ever-increasing intelligence, and the most yearning heart after the good and true. Swedenborg gave them a most magnificent theology, which reconciled man to God.

On December 11th, the Banquetting Room of the Guildhall was crowded by a most attentive audience to hear Mr. Porteous discourse upon "The Theories of the Future Life, and Glances at Future States of Existence and Pleasure, involving Marriage, Employment, and Enjoyment." The subject was treated for nearly two hours in a style of fiery eloquence and force that rivetted the attention of the large audience. The lecturer proceeded to enlighten his audience upon the locality of the spiritual world, its reality, its inhabitants, its employments, and its conjugialities. Upon these points he showed very cogently that there was very little, and upon some of them nothing, written outside of the New Church, and proceeded to expose the absurdity of the too common idea that people should give up their judgment, and make their reason submissive, in order to accept commonly received notions without question or examina tion. The lecturer stated that the spiritual world was like the material world around us, only far more glorious and beautiful, and that heaven was really near us. Hence heaven would be to every man, in the objective-in that which was seen away from his bodythat heaven would be to every man a mirror in which his own soul would be reflected. He argued that that which was seen with the ordinary eyes was not real, since all matter could be dissolved by chemical action; and that the spiritual only was real. Man could not burn away a thought or an affection; but there was nothing material that might not be destroyed. The body, therefore, was not real, but the soul

was, because it endured for ever. Upon this principle the lecturer drew a glowing picture of the excellences and glorious developments of heaven, of which all earthly excellences were only the external garments. Though we should never know to the full the beauty, the felicity, and the joy of heaven until they beamed upon us, yet the invisible things of God were "clearly seen by the things that are made."

The lecturer then gave a most eloquent and spirit-stirring description of heaven as typified by earthly things. Speaking of the inhabitants of heaven, he said, heaven was a congregation from all parts of the universe, of those who have loved God and their neighbour, and not the place of those who believed this faith or that faith, or who belonged to this sect or that sect; nor were there any in heaven but those who had been on earth. The common belief was that angels and men were radically different; but the Scriptures, so far from declaring this, stated emphatically that all angels have been and are men-men who had risen by degrees, in culture of their minds, in regeneration, in love, in faith, and in truth; and they return again to be ministering spirits to those who are heirs of salvation. He likewise contended that the sexes existed in heaven, and that marriage there consisted in the marriage of the mind. The husband that did not love his wife here would not see her hereafter.

At some length, and with a personal force which no reported words could convey, the lecturer went on to show that angels were co-workers with men for good, in carrying out the purposes of the Divine will. Work or employment, in heaven, would have for its end and object the doing good to some one around us, and men would be attracted to each other according to their affinities, individuals of the same feelings, the same ideas, the same aspirations, being associated together, so as to form perfect harmony.

As to the enjoyments of heaven, the lecturer laid it down that no man could delight in what he did not love, and that heaven would therefore be the realisation of all that men loved, so far as it was good and true; and that hell would be the inverted feelings and thoughts of man's own nature.

He concluded by a very eloquent appeal to his hearers, whom he reminded

that no man could enter heaven hereafter who was not in heaven now, by love to God and his neighbour; that belief of creeds or union to sects would not save us; but that heaven is in us and of us, and to gain heaven hereafter we must live heaven here, and be heavenly-minded.

On Tuesday, the 9th instant, Mr. Porteous was entertained at a social tea-meeting in the library of the church. It would, however, be more correct to say that he entertained the friends of the church.

The lecture on the "Future Life" was, in the opinion of most of our friends, the most eloquent and interesting of the course. There could not have been less than 1,000 persons present on the occasion. The audience appeared to be electrified with Mr. Porteous's oratorical powers, and not a few melted in tears at some parts of the lecture. Their attention was closely rivetted until the close of the lecture, apparently as one man. It is needless to add that Mr. Porteous has left a most favourable impression on the minds of his audience, and, should he again visit Bath, I feel certain he would command a large audience.

I may

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support, is asked for, and that you can give us. When sufficient promises are received, we can meet and establish the Fund, and in two years the sale of Swedenborg's writings will at least be doubled.

Men and Brethren, do I appeal in vain? JAMES TRIMEN. 11, Portugal Street, W.C., January 15th, 1863.

To the Editor.

Dear Sir,-The numerous responses to the proposed advertising fund convince me that the friends generally perceive the importance of the movement, and are ready to support it with that hearty goodwill which insures success. But I am grieved to observe that similar indications of coöperation are wanting on the part of some of our leaders. Is it possible that they do not see its great usefulness? or how the work is to be accomplished? Some may be deterred by the idea that it would partake of the system called "puffing." But a moment's reflection will remove this objection, for puffing is making that appear of value which is comparatively worthless. But can that truth which leads to the highest good be too strongly recommended, or too extensively circulated? The pure gold upon which the New Jerusalem is built is above all price.

Let us follow the example of the leading denominations of the Old Church in this respect. See what they are doing. I have this month received 200 demy 4to prospectuses of a new Wesleyan publication, with a note from the publisher inviting my coöperation in circulating the work; also about 150 advertisements and specimen plates of a monthly magazine, called "Good Words," edited by Norman Macleod, D.D., one of her Majesty's chaplains. All in the trade being similarly supplied, every house is reached. Simultaneously with this, the walls of the town are posted with large placards eight or nine feet square. As a consequence, the booksellers are doing a large trade, and the supply can scarcely keep pace with the demand. This is now the accustomed method, and when followed invariably succeeds. Thus, while all the great denominations of the old dispensation are making their name and principles popular, the New Church,

with its superior light, is hiding it under a bushel, or only whispering it about as though it were a secret thing that could not bear the full light of the present day. Much of the prejudice which exists against our doctrines is attributable to this comparative silence and inactivity on the part of the church itself. Instead of taking her legitimate position as THE LEADER of the people to the holy city, and proclaiming the truth she possesses with authority and power, as THE LIGHT TO ENLIGHTEN THE WORLD, which so many thousands are now longing and looking for, her name is suffered to remain rather as a byword and a reproach! That the day is come for this effort to be made, is evident; for the bishops and clergy of the Old Church are themselves breaking up the groundrooting out the weeds-while the chilling winter of "faith alone," with its stormy winds of doctrine, are leaving the ground of every good and honest heart prepared for the new seeds of the kingdom. Now, therefore, is the springtime to sow broadcast, that the multitude may be satisfied. Let the five loaves and the two fishes be broken and distributed, that all may be filled.

As the Swedenborg Society is established solely for publishing Swedenborg's works, I would propose as a coadjutor that a similar society be formed for publishing the miscellaneous writings of the church, to be called the NEW CHURCH PUBLISHING SOCIETY, its object being to publish and advertise such works as the times require. Every opportunity and event, such as the publication of "Essays and Reviews," Bishop Colenso's "Commentary," &c., should be made available for addressing the public with suitable replies, so that every house in the kingdom is continually being reminded of the publications, principles, and doctrines of the New Church, until its name, and the name of Swedenborg, become as familiar as household words. A Society thus carried on would, in a few years, not only be self-supporting, but would enable its committee to offer the highest remuneration to authors, and thus command the best of talent. These few hints will be suggestive, and sufficient for the present.-I am, dear Sir, yours truly, A BOOKSELLER.

Liverpool, January 15th.

DISTRESS IN LANCASHIRE. LONDON RELIEF COMMITTEE.

To the Editor.

Dear Sir, I beg again the opportunity of submitting to your readers & brief statement of the operations of this Committee since my last communication.

The Committee have met fortnightly, and there has been a somewhat extensive correspondence.

It is most gratifying to see that the warm hearts and ready hands of our countrymen have served effectually to stem the torrent of this terrible distress. Although, however, a feeling extensively prevails that further efforts for the relief of Lancashire are unnecessary, yet the best informed differ considerably in their opinions on this point; and it is only becoming that an effort so nobly begun should be worthily completed.

The society at Argyle-square, feeling that their first contribution of £116., forwarded in September last, together with what they have since collected for the object, has been a heavy tax upon the liberality of their members, have, for the present, ceased to make collections for the distress. Should the need arise, it is confidently believed that the society will resume its efforts.

It is suggested for the consideration of those societies whose names and subscriptions appear in our accounts, whether they will continue their weekly efforts, or temporarily relax them, with a possibility of being called upon to renew them with increased vigour.

Since our last report a parcel of clothing has been forwarded to Middleton, and been distributed to grateful recipients. The most pressing demand, now, is for clothing, especially boots and flannel. Parcels of these articles, bedding, &c., will be received in the School-room, Argyle-square, and be duly despatched to the most necessitous of New Church societies.

Statements, in some cases particularly minute-as in the case of the Rev. E. D. Rendell's report-have been received of the disbursements of the various amounts of cash which were forwarded in December.

As will be seen by the Treasurer's account, appended hereto, the further sum of £45. has been handed over to seven societies; and we are daily expecting to be informed of the manner in which this amount has been dispensed.

The Committee have at present a considerable balance in hand, which they expect at the next meeting will be much reduced; but at the meeting this day it was considered more judicious to hold this sum for further inquiry and investigation, in order that the liberality of the church may be judiciously as well as generously applied.

The Committee point with much satisfaction to the sum of £13. contributed by the Junior Members' Society of Argylesquare. About half of this sum was the proceeds of a reading, by Mr. T. Smith, of Dickens's "Christmas Carol."

Subscriptions and donations will be received by the Treasurer, Thomas Watson, Esq., 19, Highbury Crescent, Highbury, London, N.

I am, &c., F. PITMAN, Sec. 20, Paternoster-row, London, E. C.

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By Disbursements:

Pawn Fund

New Church Families.. "Balance in hand......

To the Editor.

LIVERPOOL.

£187 14 8

£. s. d.

80 0 0

15 0 0

92 14 8

£187 14 8

My Dear Sir, -It will perhaps be interesting to the members and friends of the New Church to learn that the sum of £50. has been raised for the Lancashire Relief Fund, at Bedford Street, in money contributions, and the proceeds of a Tea-party and Christmastree, held there on the evening of the 1st instant. The money was paid in to the local treasurer of the General Fund by myself, on Thursday last.-Yours C. J. MACPHERSON. very truly,

BLACKBURN.

Dear Sir, I beg to acknowledge the following amounts, in aid of our distressed members and friends, which have been received up to 12th January, 1863

Dr. NEW CHURCH FAMILIES. £.

s.

d.

To Balance from last Account 39 "Messrs. Horn, Waterford 0 15 "St. Osyth

0

2

0

0 17

9

1

£. s. d.

"A Working-man, Dorset..

0 10

0

Ipswich Society

"Islington Society (4 subs.)

"St. Heliers Society (2nd

subscription).

"Friends at Exeter.

"Mr. Nichols and Friends 1 "Mrs. Beedle, Exeter

0 4

7

W. S., Melbourne.

0 2 0

16

2

0

Sheffield Society (4th don.)..
Ditto

(5th don.).. 0 11 8

In addition to the sums here specified, the Argyle-square Society collected and forwarded to the Central Relief Committee, Manchester, the sum of £116. in September last.

0 11 8

0 5