(Hymn 552.)

(Hymn 82.)

TO THE EDITOR.

DEAR SIR,-I have just read your remarks in answer to the question-"What is meant by being nothing?" in your last number, and I beg permission to add the following:

The Lord has created all things, and yet He has not created evil. Evil, therefore, is not a thing. What then is it? It is a state of a thing, or of things. Now God created the things, but man induced the state; therefore the things, being from God, are good, but their state, being from man, is evil. Thing relates to the substance, which is the ground of existence, and all substance is from the Divine Being, who is the only real, or self-subsisting substance. He, therefore, not only has created all things, but he continually sustains all things. For subsistence is but existence perpetuated continually. Consequently, hell with all its miserable subjects, could not subsist one moment but from God. Because He has created all those subjects, and sustains them all; but He has not created their evil and miserable states, nor does He perpetuate them; except by that unalterable law of N. S. No. 120.-VOL. X.

divine order, that whatever state man induces upon and confirms in his mind and life, while in this world, must remain fixed in him to eternity. In consequence of which, all the miserable subjects of the kingdom of darkness must continue in their evil and miserable states, which they have individually induced upon themselves, or made their own from choice, while living in the world. But had they not done so, the same things of substance which constitute their organization as miserable beings, would have, by proper and orderly arrangement, constituted their organization as happy angels in heaven. Evil and falsehood in the aggregate, therefore, are only the disorderly arrangement and activity of things which in themselves or in their origin were good and true. From the above remarks it will now appear how true it is that man has no-thing to call his own; his proprium being only evil and falsehood,-and these being only the bad qualities and states which he has induced upon good things, the good things, by the Divine Mercy, being still continued to him, as the ground of his subsistence to his disorderly loves and vain imaginations. For the Father of all mercies "maketh his sun to rise on the

2 N

On Sunday, October 14th, after a short illness, the Rev. Thomas Goyder was removed into the eternal state. An individual who first saw the doctrines of the New Church through the medium of his writings, and whose admiration of the latter was enhanced by an acquaintance with the author, embraces this opportunity of recording a brief notice of his life and death. Mr. Goyder's family was of Welsh descent, and the name originally written Gwyder; but on settling in England, it was anglicised as we find it. Mr. Goyder was born, I believe, in London, in 1786. I am in possession of no particulars of his early life, except that he was rigidly educated in the Established Church. When about nineteen years of age, the doctrines of the New Church were, in some way or other, brought before his notice, and his reception of them appears to have quickly followed. In 1810 he was already a full member at York-street Chapel, St. James's-square, under the ministry of the late Rev J. Proud; at which time he was the means of introducing his brother, the Rev. D. G. Goyder, to the same eloquent ministry. Endowed with a clear and comprehensive intellect, with a peculiarly calm and persevering spirit, and being, moreover, of a deeply religious turn of mind, Mr. Goyder was well fitted to become a labourer in the rising church; and, under the divine providence, it was not long before a door of usefulness was opened to him. In consequence of the Rev. J. Proud removing to Birmingham,

a separation took place in the congregation, and a distinct society was formed, who opened a room for worship near the Obelisk, in St. George's-fields. Here Mr. T. Vaughan, known as the "Obelisk Preacher," first officiated as leader; but he in a short time resigning his office, Mr. Goyder was chosen to take his place. This was in 1815. The services of the new leader met with great approbation; and in the course of two years, he was admitted into the ministry of the New Church: the ordination was celebrated on Sunday, July 20th, 1817, by the Rev. Dr. Churchill and the Rev. M. Sibly. So marked was the success attending Mr. Goyder's ministry, that although at the time of his ordination the society numbered only forty members, they were soon induced to think of a new place of worship; and the result was the building of the church in Waterloo-road. Owing to the mismanagement of the work, this proved an unfortunate undertaking; however, Mr. Goyder continued his labours in the society until the time that he settled in Norwich. The entire period of his pastoral duties in London was eighteen years. The London Free School owes its origin to the exertions of his society, and was for some time mainly supported by them. But Mr. Goyder's labours were not circumscribed to London. In a few years he had become known to the church as a successful Lecturer, and was frequently called upon to visit various places where the truth was being inseminated,

better

As a

His

or had taken root. He also turned his attention to authorship, and published various pamphlets, lectures, and discourses, peculiarly needed at the time, when New Church literature was scarce and costly. Scarcely a subject of the ology escaped his fertile pen; whilst his easy and forcible style gave a new interest to the truths he advocated, and rendered his works popular and useful. Trifling objections may be pointed out here and there; but on the whole, it must be admitted, his writings contain most impressive arguments, and are admirably fitted for general persual. This is evident indeed from his universal popularity: probably no minister known throughout the church. lecturer he was much sought after. rare ability in eliciting inquiry, his perfect self-possession, and his marked simplicity of manners, rendered his missionary career one of great interest and extensive use. Moreover, his general information and laborious habits well fitted him for editorship. Whilst in London, he conducted successively the "Dawn of Light," and the "New Jerusalem Magazine," which contain some valuable papers. In 1827 and 1832, Mr. Goyder was called upon to visit the society at Norwich. It was in this city that the attack on the church took place which appeared in the Anti-Swedenborg, an attack which has been of such singular service, not only in raising up a distinct society here, but also in bringing out an answer* which has been the means of introducing scores, perhaps hundreds, into the church, and which is known wherever the church exists. The visits of Mr. Noble and Mr. Goyder gave great impetus to the cause here; and in 1833 arrangements were concluded to secure Mr. Goyder's regular services. His ministry at this place embraced a period of twelve years, during which he became well known for his genuine goodness and intelligence. Although many changes took place amongst the early members, many others were brought into the sphere of the church, and we trust the fruits of his labours will become more and more manifest. Mr. Goyder was also connected with the public associations of the city, and was one year president of the Mechanics' Institute. At the same time, his popularity as a missionary continued

*Noble's Appeal.

The society had been also visited by the late Rev. E. Madeley, in 1819.

throughout the kingdom. In 1842 he visited the island of Jersey; a visit which was repeated during the last summer, at the consecration of the Temple at St. Heliers. Nor were the labours of his pen suspended. The "Key of Knowledge," and some controversial pamphlets, were published whilst he resided in Norwich. In 1838 Mr. Goyder was made an ordaining minister-an office, however, which he regarded in no other light than as the mark of approved ministerial experience. Although much attached to Norwich and the members of his society, circumstances occurred which led to Mr. Goyder's removal. Mr. and Mrs. Hook, who had been some little time attending our friend's ministry, had gone to reside at Chalford Vale, near Stroud. There they had fitted up a room in their house for worship; and, by-and-by, Mr. Goyder was invited to go over and deliver a course of lectures. At length they determined on building a small place of worship, and induced their esteemed friend to take up his abode amongst them. In this sequestered spot he continued until the period of his decease-still often called, as before, on missionary excursions, and still editing and publishing. After the late Conference, he visited (for the third time since his change of residence) his old friends at Norwich, who were always delighted to see him, and the continued reciprocation of whose attachment is evident from the dedication of his last beautiful work, "Spiritual Reflections," &c. He was still fresh and active-almost juvenile in his habits, and seemingly unconscious of the approach of age. After this he went to Bristol, and had returned home in perfect health. Scarcely had he known what illness was, and looked likely to pursue his earthly career for many years. But now the Divine Providence had prepared for him a higher sphere of action. Suddenly the summons came! but, like a "wise servant," he was waiting for his Lord. Early in the morning of October the 2nd, he was attacked by paralysis, which entirely deprived him of the use of the left side, together with the sight of the eye. In this state he remained twelve days, calmly looking forward to his change, cheering his sorrowing wife and friends, and firmly testifying to the truth of the doctrines he had so long taught. On the morning of the 14ththe Sabbath day-no symptoms of immediate dissolution had yet appeared; but at noon it became evident that the time

of his departure drew near. During the afternoon, he ejaculated these impressive words from the Book of Psalms-"Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart:"* A short time before his death, (as if conscious that it was his last exhortation) he said emphatically-"Fight the good fight of faith." With these words he finished his ministry on earth; and a little after five, whilst a beautiful rainbow illumed the valley, his happy spirit gently withdrew from the stricken shell. "It was a privilege," writes Mrs. Hook, "to witness his last moments!" They were worthy the purity of his life. On receiving the intelligence of the severe affliction of their late esteemed pastor, the society in Norwich convened a general meeting, when a communication of sympathy to himself and wife was adopted and forwarded as quickly ac possible. But it reached too late. A few hours before it was posted his eyes had closed for ever. Yet it is hoped the kind intention was not lost to his bereaved

wife.

On Sunday evening, October 28th, a funeral discourse was delivered in the church at Norwich, to an overflowing congregation, drawn together, for the most part, out of respect to Mr. Goyder's memory. The text was taken, at Mrs. Goyder's request, from the passage in the Psalms above quoted. The discourse (which is in course of publication) contained a brief review of the religious sentiments, character, and labours of our late dear friend, and was listened to with apparent approbation. On the same evening a discourse was also delivered by the Rev. D. T. Dyke, at the church at Chalford. Mr. Goyder's remains were removed to London, and interred at the Cemetery, Kensal Green; where his brother, the Rev. D. G. Goyder, proposes to erect a monument to his memory, by a subscription of the church at large. The church, I doubt not, will rejoice in the opportunity of thus testifying their gratitude and esteem to one so highly deserving of such a tribute.

St. Stephen's, Upper-street, Norwich, Nov. 13th, 1849.

R. A.

September 1st, at Denton, near Manchester, John Dearden, Esq., in the 71st year of his age. This gentleman was extensively known in the New Church, having frequently visited, whilst a commercial traveller in his own business, most of the societies in the kingdom;

Psalms cxvii.

and having many times been present at the Annual Conference, in the proceedings of which, as tending to promote the Lord's New Church upon earth, he always took the most lively interest. Our departed friend was no less extensively known than, on account of his solid worth as a Christian man, universally respected and beloved. In his very early years he was characterized by deep piety, and by assiduity and faithfulness in his employment. Before he was twelve years of age he solemnly resolved to devote himself to the service of his God; and by prayer and self denial, he endeavoured to carry out his pious resolution. His early piety, which was according to the strictest standard of Methodism in those times, was often tried and put to the test. We will here mention two cases, which we have heard him relate as facts of his religious life. At that early period his wages amounted to a very small sum per week, with which he had to provide himself with food, clothing, and lodging. Justly thinking that true piety cannot exist without charity and liberality to his neighbour, he resolved to spend only one-third of his income upon his own personal wants, and to employ the remainder in objects of charity, reserving now and then a portion for a book which he might require. This determination he carried out for some time. Another case was, that on one occasion the commercial establishment in which he was employed had a great pressure of business, and all the clerks and servants were ordered to continue their labours throughout the sabbath. At this Mr. Dearden demurred; and considering that to work in secular business on the sabbath day was a great sin in the sight of God, he sent in a statement to his employers, refusing to comply with their request. His employers replied that such was the urgency of the case, that any servant not complying with the order would be dismissed. On which Mr. Dearden rejoined that he would work on the Saturday night until the clock had struck twelve, and that he would begin again as soon as the clock had struck that hour on the Sunday night. But this not satisfying his employers, he was dismissed, and forbid to come into the warehouse again. Upon which he left with the consolation on his mind that it was "better to please God than man." Some days afterwards, one of his employers sent for him, and after reasoning with him on his conduct, he was again admitted into their employ,