that we receive, in the strongest and fullest sense of the words, the testimony of the Apostle which affirms that, "In him dwells ALL the fulness of the Godhead bodily," since we acknowledge no Father but what resides in him as his divine soul, nor any Holy Spirit but the operation of love and wisdom, proceeding from his glorified person. Extract of a letter from Mr. Licence, of Snape, Suffolk, to the Missionary Committee. Accept the best thanks of our hearts for the unexpected visit of Mr. Woodman, with whom we were highly de lighted; and believe that the result of his visit has been good-we have had several strangers attend since-we hope to be able soon to contribute to the Conference and Missionary fund. VISIT TO CHELMSFORD, BRIGHT- dated Norwich, Sept. 1, 1837.) Having just returned home from a missionary journey, I take the earliest opportunity of writing, to give an account of what has transpired in my visit to Chelmsford, Brightlingsea, and Colchester. An arrangement had been made, during the sittings of Conference, by Mr. Harris and myself, that I should preach at Chelmsford on Wednesday evening, August 16th; I therefore left London early that morning, and arrived at Chelmsford abouth twelve o'clock, where I found, by printed bills exhibited in the windows, that publi. city had been given to my coming. At the service there were about 100 persons present. I preached from Isa. liii. 1, and called the attention of the people to the fundamental doctrine of the New Church, the Unity of God, and the Sole Divinity of Jesus Christ, pointing out, and proving from Scrip. ture, that the Divine Trinity existed in the Lord Jesus Christ; that this Trinity was the Divine fulness, which dwelt bodily in the Lord; and that the popular doctrine of three Divine Persons in the Godhead was a fatal error, by which the bright truths of Revelation were all obscured, and by which darkness and mystery were substituted for the clear and positive declarations of the Word of God. As I could (for the want of time) preach but once at Chelmsford, I dwelt mainly upon this doctrine, and endeavoured to prove that the first and great commandment is, "The Lord our God is one Lord" (Deut. vi. 4; Mark xii. 29). From this first and great truth, I observed, the advocates of popular Christianity had unhappily strayed, and by which the mental powers of man had become so perverted and injured, as to be compared to "broken cisterns," which hold not the water of life. I urged the necessity of every Christian examining this truth for himself, and made it appear that it would lead onward to a clear elucidation of all the other doctrines of the Christian religion, and would be the source of every true delight. The people were remarkably still and silent, and seemed to take great interest in the subject. After the service was concluded, agreeably to a statement made in the printed bill, I descended from the pulpit, and invited the congregation to spend a little time in a conversational meeting, that we might exchange ideas with each other on these heavenly subjects, which were doubtless connected with our eternal interests. This invitation appeared to be highly pleasing to the people; not one offered to retire; all seemed anxious to hear more. Before I had quite finished a short address to the people, by way of commencing the conversation, a gentleman belonging to the society of Friends came up bastily to make some remarks, I thought in the way of objection; but no, he was anxious to express the delight he had felt at what he heard. He shook me warmly by the hand, and said, "Friend, thou hast preached the truth this night, I am sure thou hast." He made many pleasing remarks upon what he had beard. Several questions were asked by others, and a few objections made, which were answered, I believe, to the full satisfaction of the meeting, as well as of the inquirers themselves. I draw this conclusion from the objectors saying (severally) "I do not regret being here to-night;""I have been delighted and instructed." The people seemed to be much pleased with this meeting, as is evident from the fact, that although it was near ten o'clock, none were disposed to leave. I concluded the meeting with prayer; and I assure you, Gentlemen, that it was a refreshing time. At this service I baptized three infants and two adults. The people of Chelmsford seem very anxious to hear the New-Church doctrines, and as that town is so near to London, I think, if it could be often visited by a preacher, a good society would soon be raised. I therefore urge the wants of Chelmsford upon the Missionary Committee. I feel the harvest to be great; we know the labourers are few. 1 On Thursday, August 17, I left Chelmsford for Brightlingsea. The next day (Friday) the anniversary of the friends of the New Church in this village took place. Sixty persons assembled to tea, and about seventy altogether attended the business of the meeting. After all the affairs of the Society were gone through, several gentlemen addressed the audience, and a spirit of Christian love and good. will was felt to circulate through the assembly. The unanimous consent of Conference to ordain their respected leader, Mr. Woodman, was received with considerable satisfaction and delight. On the following Sunday, August 20, I preached three sermons. The chapel was well filled at these services, and the opening of the texts in their spiritual sense, appeared to give great pleasure to our assembled friends, In the morning I administered the Holy Supper to between thirty and forty persons, and in the evening I baptized thirteen infants. On Monday evening, August 21, a meeting was held in the chapel for divine service, after which I gave an address, describing the superiority of the doctrines of the New Church, and showed the difference between them and the prevailing notions of the day; after which a conversational meeting was held, and persons who had any doubts or objections as to the truth of the heavenly doctrines, were urged to state them, in order that they might, if possible, be removed. No objections, however, were made, but a very pleasant and instructive evening quickly passed away while conversing on the great truths of the New Dispensation. The church at Brightlingsea still goes on steadily; and the circumstance of Mr. Woodman's speedy ordination into the ministry will prove, I trust, a blessing, not only to the friends at that place, but to those of Colchester also. On Wednesday, August 23, I left Brightlingsea for Colchester. : On Sunday, August 27, I preached three discourses in the chapel, St. He. len's Lane, Colchester. The subject in the morning was, "Heaven compared to treasure hid in a field." Afternoon, "The tree of life in the midst of the holy city; its bearing twelve manner of fruits; and its leaves for the healing of the nation." Evening, "The immortality of the soul, resurrection, and a future state." In the morning there were between fifty and sixty persons present. In the afternoon, the number was considerably larger, rather more than a hundred and from what I have since learned, they were much delighted with our views. In the evening, we had the satisfaction of seeing rather more than 200 present. Nothing was heard but expressions of satisfaction and approbation of the discourses of the day. What was pleasing to our friends was, to observe the same faces attending at each service. It was announced in the printed bill that I should deliver a lecture on Monday evening on the offerings of Cain and Abel, after which a conversational meeting would be held, when an opportunity would be given to all persons of whatever faith, either to ask any questions relative to the New Church, or to make any objections to, or remarks thereon. About seventy persons were present at this meeting, who paid the greatest possible attention to the lecture. After the service was over, I descended from the pulpit, and placed myself in the character of president of the meeting. I began the conversation by observing that Christians of all denominations seemed to stand aloof of one another,— they viewed each other as opponents, merely because they differed in some points of doctrine;-that by keeping thus at a distance from each other, they deprived themselves of many pleasures which would arise from a mutual exchange of ideas. I then took a general view of our doctrines; and after making a few other remarks, which occupied in the whole about twenty minutes, I called upon the persons present to use full liberty in asking any questions, or making any remarks, they pleased. Among others, a Unitarian spoke in commendation of what he had heard, and wished prosperity to our cause. Several strangers shook me warmly by the hand, expressing that they had been both delighted and instructed on the present occasion. During my visit at Colchester, I thought it most desirable that the few receivers of our doctrines should hold an anniversary meeting, and form themselves into a regular Church Society, which was approved of. Tuesday, Aug. 29, was fixed for that meeting. Twentyfour persons assembled, when eighteen had their names enrolled as members of the New Church, at Colchester. Several friends were present from Brightlingsea, and the evening was spent in a most agreeable and instructive manner. PROCEEDINGS AT THE BRIGHTLINGSEA ANNIVERSARY. (Extracts of a Letter from Mr. Wood man, dated 29th Aug. 1837.) I avail myself of the first opportunity of conveying the thanks of the Brightlingsea Society for the late visit of the Rev. Thomas Goyder, and to subjoin a brief account of our Annual Tea Meeting, to the pleasure of which his presence in a great measure contributed. The Anniversary, although happening at a much later period than usual, and at a time when some of our friends were engaged with the harvest, and many others from home, was, notwithstanding, numerously attended. Fifty-nine took tea together. In the course of the evening the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "That, from a grateful remembrance of the advantages the New Church here has derived from the favours and assistance of the London New-Jerusalem Church Missionary and Tract Society, this Meeting desires to express its acknowledgment of that fostering kindness which has powerfully contributed to the promotion and growth of the New Church in this place, and, considering the benefits which Missionary efforts are calculated to confer on the Church at large, those constituting the present Meeting feel themselves bound to contribute, as far as practicable, to the support of so valuable an institution, and do also press on every member of the New Church the necessity of promoting so desirable an object." Upon a subsequent motion, it was resolved, "That the Church Committee should at their next meeting take into consideration the best means for carrying the former resolution into effect." On the Sunday following Mr. G. preached three times. The discourses were much approved of, and tended to prove the truth of an observation made by a person who heard them, "that the New Church can draw beautiful instruction from any part of the Word." On Monday evening a meeting was held in the chapel, at which the public were invited to offer any objection to our doctrines, Notices of it were given on the Sunday, but yet not more than two strangers were present, and no objections were offered. So well is the strength of the New Church known in Brightlingsea, that none dare openly oppose us. VISIT OF MR. CULL TO EMBSAY. To the Editors, &c. Gentlemen,-In compliance with the request of the Manchester Missionary Society, I was invited by the Society at Embsay to preach the annual Sermons, on Sunday, November 5th, in aid of the funds of the above named laudable institution. As I could not conveniently attend to the engagement until the following Lord's Day, I left Leeds on the 11th, for Skipton, a town about thirty miles from Leeds, and two from Embsay.A few of the mem. bers of the Embsay Society came to Skipton and conducted me to my destination. The Chapel, which is erected on an elevated spot, is rather small, but neat, and well galleried. Here are two other chapels, belonging to the Methodists and Primitive Methodists; but it is pleasing to add, that the general attendance at the New-Jerusalem Chapel, is more numerous than at either; and that the Sunday-school, which is held in the body of the chapel, contains 130 scholars. The services on the Lord's day, Nov. 12, were well attended, and through the whole, the most serious attention was manifested by the congregation; and many subsequently expressed their satisfaction to some of our friends, who, in consequence, solicited a lecture for the following Wednesday evening, with which I readily complied; and it was announced on the next day by a few written circulars. Accompained by Mr.Mason, the highly respected Leader of the Embsay Society, the intermediate time was spent at Rilstone House, about six miles farther, with Mr. Maud, whose son attended divine worship at Embsay on the preceding Lord's day. Here we were very respectfully and hospitably entertained, and our time often agreeably employed in listening to reminiscences relative to the early state of things connected with the New Church, particularly with Keighley and the neighbouring towns. I am happy to learn that this gentleman has placed the Keighley Chapel in the hands of our Conference, for the better regulation and permanency of all things therewith connected. On Wednesday, 15th, we returned to Embsay, and on the evening of that day I delivered the lecture which had been announced; and am happy to observe at least a willingness of mind among this people to hear the Word of the Lord illustrated by, and according to, that Divine Science by which it was written. This lecture was as well attended as were the discourses on the preceding Lord's day; and in passing through Skipton on my return home, from whence several persons attended the services, I heard a gratifying account of the success attending the feeble instrumentality thus employed for the good of man, and to the glory of the Great Head of the Church. By the express wish of the Embsay Society, I have also to intimate, that, could the Manchester Missionary Society accommodate them with more frequent visits, it would, they believe, be attended with great good, and be gratefully received by them. It may not be altogether uninteresting to mention the following circum. stance. It is not an unusual plan of the Methodist preachers in Embsay, to designate Swedenborg, in their sermons, as a madman, and to denounce judgment upon his followers, who, they say, are hastening after him to the same place of torment. An old member of that connection recently accosted one of Mr. Mason's hearers, with "How is it we never see you at our place of worship as formerly?" She answered, "Because I prefer attending the New Jerusalem Church." "Why, (asked the former) don't you know that Swedenborg was mad?" "Nay, (replied the latter,) I never knew Swedenborg at all; but I am convinced that Mr. Mason is not mad, and will continue to hear him." I should also inform you, that, a few weeks previous to the Embsay application, I visited Dalton, and preached twice on the Lord's day, and at Upper Heaton on the following Thursday evening. It is most delightful to witness the order, the harmony, and the godly sincerity which seems to pervade the minds of the worshippers assembling in this chapel. They have no chapel at Upper Heaton; but the room of the cottage in which the worship is conducted was full on the evening above specified: some of the congregation were persons from adjacent villages. They "gladly heard the word, and received it with all readiness and simplicity of mind." Several neighbouring New-Church stations are occupied by Messrs. Margetson and Worthington, of Dalton, alternately. After spending a week at the pleasant residence of Mr. Senior, I returned home considerably renovated in health, with an additional cause for thankfulness to Him, under the auspices of whose Divine Providence the truths of the New Dispensation, scattered here and there in these districts, have already taken root, and present striking indications of a future glorious harvest. I am yours, in the cause of truth, Leeds, Nov. 21, 1837. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. TRACT SOCIETY INSTITUTED IN MANCHESTER, 1837.--According to the announcement in our last,* the first general meeting in behalf of the Tract Society was held Nov. 6, in the schoolroom adjoining the church, in Peter Street, Manchester. A very numerous assembly of ladies and gentlemen took tea together; after which the business of the meeting commenced. William Lockett, Esq. was unanimou-ly called to the chair. After some very pleasing remarks respecting the gradual progress of the New Church, which the worthy chairman had witnessed from the period he first became acquainted with the new doctrines to the present time, he called upon the provisional secretary, Mr. Moss, to read a brief report of the preliminary proceedings, which had led to the convening of the present meeting. After the Report was read, the chairman called upon the Rev. D. Howarth to propose the first resolution: "That a Tract Society is of invaluable service to the New Church in disseminating its doctrines, and that it has powerful claims in its behalf on every member of the church." The reverend gentleman gave a concise history of the circumstances which had led to the grand idea, now nearly matured, of forming a Tract Society on a most li* Vol. iv. p. 665. beral and extended foundation, comprising all the energy, talent, and vigorous co-operation of every member of the church. The various notices of the subject in the Intellectual Repository from different parts of the kingdom, he observed, sufficiently warranted the expectation, that such an institution, properly established and conducted, would be hailed with great interest by every receiver of the doctrines, and that the time was now come when it might be commenced with every prospect of success. This resolution was seconded by Mr. A. Haworth, who made some very striking remarks on the use of tracts as a principal means of propagating the doctrines of the church. The second resolution, proposed by the Rev. J. H. Smithson, was to the following effect: "That in contemplating the operations of the Divine Providence in reforming the state of human society, every observer must remark, that education is the principal means in accomplishing this great work; and that a Tract Society, by preparing and dis seminating suitable tracts on the most important subjects of Christian life and doctrine, will thus co-operate with the spirit of education, and afford a pow erful aid in introducing amongst men the signal blessings of the new dispensation." The mover, in a brief address, endeavoured to enforce the spirit |