Our readers are aware, from former notices respecting the General Assembly, or Conference of the members of the New Church in Germany and Switzerland, that as soon as the state of religious liberty in Germany permitted, our brethren (amongst the forty millions speaking the German language) were desirous of assembling together to consider what measures should be adopted for the spread of the doctrines and truths of the New Church. They accordingly met in October, 1848, for this purpose, and agreed upon the objects to be considered, and the plans best calculated to carry out those objects. They also resolved to hold, at the same place, quarterly meetings, chiefly for the purpose of mutual edification, and also of considering the ways and means of heavenly usefulness. At these quarterly meetings, however, it was not to be expected that so great a number of brethren should assemble as at the annual general meetings, on which occasion many would come great distances who could not make it convenient to be present at the quarterly reunions.

At the first General Assembly, held in October, last year, there were present 101; namely, 100 Germans and Swiss, and one Englishman. At the conclusion of the meeting, 49 signed their names as members of the German Conference of the New Church. The roll which they sign is headed like that of the English Conference, with the four leading points of doctrine. But on this occasion there were 112 enrolled members, so that the increase of members is sixty-three; and it is added in the Report, that others have intimated their wish to be enrolled. "There are, however," says the Report, "many others to be considered as members who, although they have not signed, are as active in behalf of the New Church as those who have. During the quarterly meetings, twenty-three members in Gorlitz and the vicinity, in Prussia, and also twenty-three in the canton of Appenzell, in Switzerland, were announced."

* Verhandlungen der Zweiten General-Versammlung der Neuen Kerche, &c.

† See this periodical for Dec. 1848, pp. 441448; also for July, 1849, p. 277.

The general meeting was opened by prayer, and by a hymn; after which, the president, Dr. Tafel, addressed the assembly as follows:

"Beloved brethren,-The principal object of our assembling together, as explained in our circular issued in August 1848, and afterwards approved of by the Assembly, is to set forth, to develop, to defend, and to spread the true doctrines of Christianity, purified from all human traditions and additions, and to establish them solely upon the ground of the Holy Word; and likewise to combine our efforts in coöperating together for the extension and the good of the New Church. In order to carry out this object the Assembly commissioned me 'to draw up a statement of the doctrines of the New Church, based upon Scripture, and confirmed by its letter and its spirit.' It was also resolved, 'that such a statement should, by the coöperation of the assembled brethren, he printed and published.' It was likewise agreed that quarterly meetings should be held, at which discourses on the doctrines both of faith and of life should be delivered. These resolutions have so far been carried out, for I immediately began to develop the principal truths of religious doctrine, based upon the Holy Word, and to compare them with the opposing doctrines both of the past and of the present; and thus to construct a connected system of doctrine. Of this a great part has already been printed. The subjects here developed and discussed, served also, in a briefer form, accommodated to the quarterly meetings, as the discourses which should be delivered."

The objects contemplated by the General Assembly we have, in our former notices, fully detailed. It does not appear from the Report that any new projects or undertakings were contemplated at this last Conference; our German brethren wisely determining to carry out, through the Lord's help, what they have already resolved upon, as essentially necessary at the present time for the spread of the truth and for the good of the Church, that is, to translate all the theological works of Swedenborg, as a preliminary and necessary step to the promulgation of the doctrines among the German people. About ten volumes of the Arcana Cœlestia, and the whole of the Apocalypse Explained, have yet to be translated. All the other theological works have already, chiefly

through the indefatigable industry of Dr. Tafel, been translated and published. The invaluable power of the press will, therefore, under the Lord's Providence, be the chief means of making known the truths of the New Church among the millions of Germany. Much aid will also be required to advertise the works of Swedenborg, and also of other publications. The friends in Germany will consequently rally around this centre of usefulness, and contribute their means to render it as active and effective as possible.

The brethren appeared delighted to see that the Report of their first assembly was translated and printed in this periodical, and to perceive that they were thereby coming into mutual relationship, as members of the Lord's New and universal Church, with their brethren in England. We would sincerely recommend, that at our next Conference an address be adopted and sent to our brethren in Germany, so as to be read at their next annual meeting in October. At this meeting of the German Conference, the president delivered a discourse on the "Nature and Origin of Evil and of Sin, and the Consequences." The discussion of this subject led to the consideration of Free-will, and of the Fall as described by Moses.

The meeting, which was pervaded by a spirit of brotherly love, resolved to assemble again in Stutgard on Easter Monday, April 1st, 1850.

EDITOR.

PROPOSAL TO CREATE A FUND FOR SUPERANNUATED MINISTERS, AND FOR THE WIDOWS OF MINISTERS.

At a meeting of some members from each of the New Church societies in London, held on the 8th of February last, their object being to promote the establishment of a fund, from which efficient aid should be afforded to superannuated ministers, and the widows of ministers, the Rev. T. C. Shaw in the chair, it was resolved,

1st. That a fund be established for the aid of disabled or incapacitated New Church ministers, and of the widows of ministers in connection with the General Conference.

2nd. That such fund be placed under the direction of the General Conference.

3rd. It being expected that this fund will meet with the general support of the church;

Resolved,--That it be a recommendation to each society that a collection after

an appropriate sermon be made annually in its support.

4th. That a circular be prepared and sent to all the societies, fully explaining the object of the fund, and inviting immediate cooperation, so that the amount of the collections for this year may be paid to the treasurer before the 1st of August next.

5th.-That such circular, with any other necessary information, be forwarded to the Editor of the Intellectual Repository for immediate insertion.

6th. That until next meeting of Conference a committee of seven members be appointed for the promotion of this object; also to prepare rules, and make such other arrangements as may be expedient to submit to Conference.

7th. That this committee consist of Mr. Dean, Mr. A. Essex, Mr. G. Chambers, Mr. Prowse, Mr. Watson, Mr. Butter, and Mr. Mosley. That Mr. Watson be secretary; and that three members be competent to act.

8th.-That Mr. Salter be the treasurer of such fund until it is adopted by Conference.

The establishment of a fund, having for its objects such as are contemplated in the above resolutions, has long been cherished in the New Church. That the emoluments obtained by those who enter the ministry are wholly inadequate as a just compensation for the talent and labours required, is unfortunately but too obvious a fact, and therefore it is evident that simple justice only demands that the Church should make some provision to prevent destitution eventually overtaking the worthy labourer when the infirmities of age, or any other ills which flesh is heir to, shall disable him from continuing to perform his useful and important duties. That scantiness of stipend, likewise, which effectually prevents any pecuniary accumulation for the evening of his life, as certainly frustrates any attempt which he may make towards providing for the partner of his home, his joys, and his cares; and when he shall be called hence, she will thus be left in the loneliness of widowhood, bereft altogether of his sustaining arm, and possessed of nothing derived from his professional exertions.

A case of this latter class is now before the Church, in the widow of the late much esteemed Mr. Thomas Goyder. This has brought into activity the long cherished but hitherto dormant idea of the establishment of a permanent fund to meet such exigencies. Accordingly, some members

of the Church in London have commenced the formation of such a fund; and they now respectfully submit their views to the Church at large, earnestly and affectionately inviting each of its various societies, and every individual who takes an interest in the well being of the New Jerusalem, to coöperate with them in the good work. Contributions for the fund may be sent to the treasurer, Mr. Thomas F. Salter, 24, Aldgate- Within, London; or to any of the committee, as under; and from whom further information, if required, may be obtained.

Mr. Henry Butter, 48, Cloudesley-terrace, Islington.

66

George Chambers, 22, St. Dunstan's

hill.

"Samuel Dean, The Gothic, Kentish Town.

“Alfred Essex, 22, Crawford-street. "Richard Morley, Hornsey-road. "William Prowse, 48, Cheapside. "Thomas Watson, 4, Highbury-crescent.

.NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.

TO THE EDITOR.

SIR,- The members and friends of the Newcastle-on-Tyne Society of the New Jerusalem Church, having just enjoyed a visit from their old pastor, the Rev. E. D. Rendell, of Preston, I take the earliest opportunity, through the medium of the Repository, of publicly expressing the thanks of this society to Mr. Rendell, for his very efficient and welcome services at this time; and also the obligation felt to the society at Preston over which he presides, for so kindly sparing him for its benefit.

Mr. Rendell preached at the Temple, Percy-street, in the morning, on "The real and apparent truths of Revelation;" and "the necessity of discriminating between them,"-taking for text Psalm xviii. 25, 26; after which two infants were baptized, and the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper administered to sixteen persons.

Mr. Rendell again preached in the evening, on God's appearance to man, illustrated by the Divine manifestation to Moses in the burning bush."

I feel I cannot better give an idea of the ability displayed in these beautiful discourses, than by recommending those societies who in future may be visited by Mr. Rendell, to solicit the delivery of them.-The attendance in the morning was good, being about the strength of the society, with the addition

........

Copies.

6

1

52 2

7

15

....

2

18

15

12

James Simpson, Esq. Foxhill Bank,
Accrington ..
Society at Longton
Society at St. Helliers, Jersey
Mr. John Mason, Wigan
M. England, Esq.
Society, Cross-street, London
Society, Melbourne
Society, Glasgow
Society, Sheffield
Society, Salisbury

Mr. William Heppell, York
Mr. John Smith, London
Mrs. Newman, Dublin
James Bogg, Esq., Louth.
Mr. John Wood, Manchester
Mr. William Wilkinson, Newcastle
Mr. John Wilkinson ditto..
Mr. Hurst, Mirfield
Society of St. Osyth
Society of Exeter
J. H. Smithson

3

It is hoped that intending subscribers will not delay the return of subscription papers beyond March 7th.

Died, on the 4th July, 1849, at Northampton, Mrs. Sarah Fox, in the 86th year of her age. At the early age of twelve years she received her first serious religious impressions, while attending public worship at one of our parish churches. Her after life proved that those impressions were deep and lasting; for, many years afterwards, our departed friend kept a diary of the trials and afflictions which she was called to pass through, and of her pious and grateful acknowledgements of the Lord's mercy and assistance which followed her through life. Her greatest earthly affliction (though she had many others) was the sudden loss of an affectionate and beloved husband, with whom, to use her own words, she "was the happiest woman living." She lived and died cherishing the ardent hope and joyful expectation of rejoining her beloved husband in the realms of eternal bliss. Although Mrs. Fox's diary is extensive, and full of pious, instructive, and interesting matter, yet we cannot speak definitely as to the time she first became acquainted with the doctrines of the New Church; but we find she was baptized in the year 1822, by the Rev. S. Noble, while that gentleman was on a visit at Northampton; and have ample proof, by her exemplary conduct, of her full reception of the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem. She always enjoyed the greatest composure in the prospect of death; and she said, about a week before it occurred, that she had always found the Lord a very present help in time of trouble, and trusted she should be supported in her last moments. A young friend who visited her when very near her departure, remarked—“You feel that Jesus is your only God and Saviour?" To which she made an affirmative motion with her head, and looked upwards, not being able to speak. It needed not the testimony of a death bed to prove her heart was fixed above; a life of obedience to her Lord's commands had shown this: she found while here on earth her chief delight in offices of good and usefulness to others, and thus her spirit was prepared for such blest employments in the world above; calmly and peacefully she breathed her last, and like a shock of corn fully ripe, was gathered to the garner of the Lord.

H. O.

Died, on the 22nd of August last, Mr. Alexander Maxwell, in the 74th year of his age. Mr. Maxwell had been for many

years an eminent law bookseller, and previously a general bookseller in the city of London, of which he was a native. He had thus been brought into communication with many distinguished literary, clerical, and legal persons, and other remarkable characters; and as his reading also was very extensive, and his memory uncommonly retentive, few persons are to be met with whose conversation could be more interesting and instructive. But what is of greater importance, at the same time that it eminently tended to make his conversation profitable, he had been sincerely devoted, from his youth, to the study and practice of religion, and few men in the common walks of life had acquired so copious a store of theological and biblical knowledge, extending to an acquaintance with the Hebrew, and even with the Syriac language. During the greater part of his life he had been attached to the Independent or Congregational denomination of Christians, among whom he was born, and was for many years a member of the church in New Court, Carey-street, formerly under the ministry of the eminent Mr. Thorpe, afterwards of Bristol, and afterwards of the late Dr. Winter. Mr. Maxwell himself, though never inaugurated into the ministry, frequently officiated in the pulpit, in Independent chapels in the vicinity of London, and his discourses were much esteemed. After steadily pursuing this course of life till he had attained the age of fifty years, Mr. Maxwell was providentially led, in a most remarkable manner, to a reception of the truths of the New Church. A young man belonging to the family of some of Mr. Maxwell's religious associates had embraced the heavenly doctrines of the New Jerusalem. relatives, much distressed at what they regarded as his perversion, applied to Mr. Maxwell, as the friend of their acquaintance best qualified for the office, to undertake the task of his re-conversion; Mr. Maxwell consented, and had several interviews with the young man having that object. He soon, however, discovered, that the young man had much more to offer in vindication of his change of sentiment than Mr. Maxwell had previously any idea of, and concluded that his efforts must be fruitless unless he first made himself well acquainted with the system which he wished to confute. He accordingly entered on a perusal of the writings of the enlightened Swedenborg, expressly with a view of finding materials for their

His

refutation. The more he read, however, the farther he found himself from discovering such materials; till at length he felt himself compelled to unite with his former antagonist in avowing an entire conviction of their truth.

As soon as Mr. Maxwell had fully convinced himself of the propriety of adopting so great a change in his religious views, he communicated it to the two principal of his ministerial friends, the Rev. J. Kingsford and the Rev. Dr. Winter. The correspondence, which took place in February, 1828, is highly interesting, and was afterwards published in the number of the Intellectual Repository for May, 1834. Mr. Maxwell at the same time united hinself as a member to the Cross-street Society of the New Jerusalem Church, then recently established in that locality, under the ministry of Mr. Noble; to whom he afterwards attached himself, especially during the last ten or eleven years, as a most sincere and cordial friend; while he was always a liberal contributor to the funds of the society.

Beside the communication to the Intellectual Repository mentioned above, Mr. Maxwell was the author of the papers which have appeared in this work, both previously and subsequently, under the signature of "Aleph;" all of which display, more or less fully, his extensive acquaintance with theological literature, and his devoted attachment to the writings of the New Church. Being much distressed at witnessing the persevering endeavours of the late Mr. C. A. Tulk to propagate his melancholy perversions of the truths of the New Dispensation, Mr. Maxwell published, two or three years ago, a small work designed as a caution against them, under the title of "Swedenborg versus Berkeley, Kant, and Coleridge," &c., they being the authorities from whom Mr. Tulk chiefly derived the strange opinions which he wished to substitute for those of Swedenborg. Mr. Maxwell had also appeared before the public as an author long before he became a writer in the cause of the New Church. His first performance was a translation from the Latin of" Calcott on the Deluge," a work in illustration of the doctrines of the once celebrated Mr. John Hutchinson, to whose system Mr. Maxwell, before his reception of the views of the New Church, was much attached. In consequence of this attachment, on the appearance of Dr. Chalmers' celebrated Discourses on the Plurality of Worlds, Mr. Maxwell had courage to enter the lists as the champion of the opposite doctrine, being that of Mr. Hut

chinson; and, unpromising as his cause was, he certainly maintained it with considerable learning and acuteness. His scientific arguments, it is true, could not be very formidable; but his great strength lay in the popular doctrine of the Atonement, held by Dr. Chalmers as well as himself, and which he truly demonstrated to be incompatible with a belief in the existence of any other inhabited earth than this. It is a strong evidence of the candour and sincere love of truth which always possessed the mind of Mr. Maxwell, that, strongly persuaded as at this time he was of the truth of the Hutchinsonian doctrine, asserted by him in express opposition to the Newtonian, that the earth, as the only scene of mortal existence, is posited in the centre of the universe, and that the sun and all the stars revolve around it,-no sooner did he see the truth on the subject clearly shewn in the writings of Swedenborg, together with the errors of his then most dearly cherished doctrine of the Atonement, than he gladly relinquished both, and all his other theological errors with them.

Although in his Answer to Dr. Chalmers, Mr. Maxwell advocated the unpopular side of the question, yet the ability with which he executed the work obtained for it a sufficient share of public favour to carry it through two editions; and he received on account of it letters of thanks and congratulations, which have been seen by the writer of this little notice, from several persons of eminence.

At length the period approached when Mr. Maxwell was to be summoned to a higher sphere of usefulness. He was visited, several years ago, with a slight stroke of apoplexy, from which, after a short time, he completely recovered, but he never afterwards entered the pulpit, which he had been previously accustomed occasionally to do, both at Cross-street and Friar-street. He had long been subject to an asthmatic affection, which increased upon him so much during the last two or three years, as to confine him during the winter entirely to the house. He in consequence relinquished his business to a son, whom he had previously made his partner, and retired altogether to his cottage on Newington Common. In June last he had an attack of jaundice, which, though soon removed, left him very weak. His debility increased till he could no longer leave his bed, and it became evident that his end was approaching. He was fully aware of it himself, and he conducted himself under the anticipation as became such a man, frequently