ligent Christian gentleman, and his intimate friendship with Fletcher of Madeley, to whom he was indebted for his introduction to the writings of Swedenborg, is itself an evidence of his intelligence and the excellency of his Christian character.

PORTRAIT OF SWEDENBORG.-To the Editor.-Dear Sir,-Most of your readers will be interested in the announcement that a Portrait of Swedenborg, of the existence of which no one living at the present time seems to have been aware, has just been discovered. It is an oil painting, 25 inches high by 20 inches wide, on old canvas, nailed with iron nails to a frame of common cedar. The nails are so old that the rust from them has pernieated the grain of the surrounding wood and made it almost homogeneous with the nail. The general condition of the picture is such as to satisfy any competent judge that it is no modern production; in fact, several judges of old paintings have, from an inspection of the back of the canvas and frame, without seeing the front, pronounced that it must be about 100 years old. The lower part of the picture and the left side of the coat are much injured, so that the bare canvas shows itself in patches, but the head, neck, and breast of the portrait are whole, and perfectly preserved, excepting the discolouration by age and dirt. The face is presumably life-size, and has a pleasing and benignant expression; the eyes are of a light brown colour and full of animation; the eyebrows and perceptive ridge large and of unusual development; the mouth has a happy expression, and without that heavy appearance which disfigures several of the engraved portraits; but nevertheless the part immediately below the under lip is fuller than is common. The nose presents exactly the form given in the portrait published by Mr. Newbery. Swedenborg is represented wearing a light-coloured wig of similar form to that in the Stockholm portraits, one of which is in the hall of the Academy of Sciences, and the other in the castle of Gripsholm. The wig, however, in this picture is set rather more forward on the head than in those portraits. The white neckerchief is worn in several folds round the neck, and then descends in a projecting fulness between the open

waistcoat about eight inches down the breast. This portrait has been taken in a more directly front light than the others, and consequently shows less shadow. The position is nearly threequarter-face, and while the features are unmistakeably the same as shown in the photographs brought by Dr. Tafel from the Stockholm portraits, the whole picture differs from those in so many details that it could not have been a copy from either of them, nor can it be a painting from any known engraving. All the artists who have seen it pronounce it to bear strong evidences of having been taken from the life. The eyes especially indicate this to have been the case. I believe this to be the latest portrait of Swedenborg extant, as also the only one taken from the life in England, having most probably been taken between 1768 and 1772, and perhaps a very short time before his death. This undoubtedly interesting relic was discovered by Mr. J. Hardy (residing at the New Church College, Islington), on the 20th of May 1871, in Little Gray's Inn Lane, Clerkenwell, London, three minutes' walk from Great Bath Street, Cold Bath Square, where Swedenborg lived and died. Mr. Hardy, knowing me to be interested in collecting all old memorials of New Church history and literature, informed me, and I at once purchased it from him.-J. BRAGG, Handsworth, Birmingham, June 11, 1871.

GENERAL CONFERENCE.-The sixtyfourth Session of the General Conference of the ministers and representatives of the Societies of the New Church will commence at Cross Street, London, on Monday, 7th August, at 7 p.m. Secretaries of committees, appointed to report to this Session, are requested to forward their reports to the secretary, Rev. John Presland, 37 Wilmot Street, Derby, at the earliest opportunity. It will also greatly facilitate the labours of the gentlemen who have the making of the preliminary arrangements, if secretaries of societies will communicate with the Secretary of the Cross Street Society, giving the number and names of their representatives as soon as the appointments are are made. The Secretary's address is Mr. Penn, 57 Camden Road, London.

NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-We invite the attention of our readers to the fol

lowing appeal on behalf of this Institution. The growth and extension of our popular day-school system will necessitate increased provision for the higher education of our middle and upper classes; and it is worthy the serious consideration of the members of the New Church, whether we should not put forth every effort to consolidate the foundation of the College, to in crease its efficiency, and extend its usefulness. At present it is the only public institution of the Church which aims to supply an upper class educa tion, and thus to connect our popular day-schools with the collegiate institutions of the country. It is subject to Conference inspection, and thus to some extent brought under the control of the Church. Its efficient working needs, however, a larger income, and the liquidation of its debt offers an obvious means of promoting this increase. cordially second, therefore, the appeal of the governors for increased support.

We

Arrangements, writes the Secretary, have been made to have the seventh College Report stitched up with each copy of the July number of the Intellectual Repository. In addition to this, I have been directed to make an appeal through your pages, for help to clear off the remainder of the debt, now reduced to about £960. The interest of this debt is a serious diminution of our income, and a drawback to our usefulness. In addition to the stipend of the Principal, we have now to provide the fees for the Theological Professor-Dr. Tafel. These are smaller than they ought to be for the work which is done, and yet they necessarily interfere with our desire to pay off the old liabilities of the College. There are two ways of meeting the difficulties of our position. One was suggested by a member of the last Conference, but naturally met with no favour. It was to devote our income from the Crompton Bequest and Finnie Gift to the clearing off of the debt. This would necessarily entail putting a stop to the work of the College and jeopardizing the endowments which we have. The other is, to seek to induce more of our brethren to unite with us in sustaining this institution, and, whether they do so or not, to endeavour to make it as useful as we can. is the way which, trusting in the Lord, we have determined to follow. Throughout the length and breadth of this, our

This

happy land, there are many New Churchmen, who have "enough and to spare. Let these come forward with special donations for the liquidation of our debt, or become Life Governors, or Annual Governors. If we could add 100 Life Governors in the course of the current year, we should be out of debt at once. If we could add 1000 Annual Governors we should be in the same happy case. And why should we not do this? The New Church is large enough, and has been provided by the Lord with means enough to place this public educational establishment on a right footing, and to sustain it well. Why should she not do so? Now, besides individual subscriptions from those who can afford to become Governors, we might have regular contributions from Societies. I have read or heard that amongst the Congrega tionalists, there are some individual Churches which sustain, by their means, one or more students for the University. Our societies are at present so much occupied with the necessary efforts to secure their own congregational position in the midst of an unsympathizing world that they cannot be expected to do so much as this. But are there not many societies which could easily raise by special collections £10 a year, or £10 every other year, and devote this sum to the purchase of a Life Governorship for their minister, or for any other active and useful member of their church?

The College is every year becoming more and more useful to the Church, and more and more thoroughly at one with the Conference. It rejoices that the Conference visits, inspects, and advises with it. And it will rejoice still more when every member of the church will help it to become an exponent of the earnest desire of every enlightened member of the Conference, a first-rate school for the education of persons in literature and science, and a first-rate theological seminary for preparing such as are suitable for the Ministry.-HENRY BATEMAN, Secy.

MISSIONARY TRACT SOCIETY.-The annual meeting of this Society was held at Argyle Square, on Wednesday evening, 10th May. The friends, to the number of 130, assembled to tea in the Schoolroom of Argyle Square, after which they adjourned to the public

meeting in the Church, the number present being largely increased. Several appropriate speeches were made on the occasion, and much encouraging information afforded to those present. We need not, however, dwell at length on this here, as our readers will find the annual report stitched in this month's number of the Magazine, to which we invite their attention.

BLACKBURN.-The Rev. E. Madeley of Birmingham, has visited our Society, and rendered us very valuable service. On Sunday, May 14th, in the morning, he addressed a good audience of scholars, teachers, and friends, who were all much delighted and edified by his beautiful and affectionate exposition of the 1st and 2d verses of the 23d Psalm. In the afternoon he preached from Genesis, 4th chap., 9th ver., "Am I my brother's keeper," in which he showed that Cain, who signifies faith, ought ever to protect, help and keep his brother Abel, who signifies charity. He then dwelt at considerable length on the necessity of cultivating and preserving charity and mutual goodwill, "in honour prefering one an. other," and showing our sympathy with the great number around us, who need and demand it. In the evening his discourse was from Revelation, 22d chap., vers. 16, 17, which was treated in a lucid and able manner. The collections amounted to £19, 17s. 5d. On Monday evening Mr. Madeley delivered a lecture on The True Nature and Quality of the Holy Word." From a report in a local paper, we extract the following "The discourse was founded on the words, "The key of knowledge' (Luke, chap. xi. ver. 52), and was an elaborate exposition of the New Jerusalem doctrine respecting the Scriptures. The science of correspondences he described as the key to the true nature and quality of the Holy Word, and by interpreting the Scriptures according to this science, the doubts of the sceptic would never be entertained, Genesis would be perfectly consistent with geology, and the whole Bible with science. In conclusion, he impressed upon the minister of that temple the necessity of preaching pure and unadulterated doctrine, and on his hearers the importance of regularly attending that house of prayer. His fatherly ad

vice and earnest exhortation has deeply

event, proposed by a committee of the ladies of the Society many months ago, and the preparations for which have been going on ever since, took place on the 22d of May and three following days. At three o'clock on the afternoon of Monday the 22d, the bazaar was formally opened in a brief address by Mr. R. Gunton, after which the sales commenced. The articles, which had been presented by various friends of the Church in different parts of the country, added to that prepared by the committee and friends in Brightlingsea, were very numerous, comprising a great variety of what was useful, as well as ornamental; indeed, such a collection, it was remarked, had never been exhibited in Brightlingsea before. The admissions on the first day were nearly 400, and the sales were more than had been anticipated. The following brief account appeared in the Colchester Mercury:-"During the present week the members of the New Jerusalem Church in this town have held a bazaar in aid of the funds of their Church. The bazaar was held in the Temperance Hall, and was formally opened on Monday the 22d inst., at three o'clock. The articles presented for sale had been produced mainly by a committee of ladies belonging to the Society, but they had been considerably increased by contributions from other friends residing in different parts of the country and in London. Some distinguished persons have been visitors and purchasers, notably one gentleman, a native of Germany, who, with his niece, travelled from London to see the bazaar and the town. The object of the projectors has also been considerably assisted by visitors from every denomination of Christians in the village. Objections are sometimes urged against bazaars, but those objections only lie against the disorder which is sometimes permitted to creep in. We believe that the conducting of this has been free from every such objection." Nor has the bazaar been without its uses in the Society itself. One of the committee writing to a friend, says:-"We thank you very much for

the kindness and assistance you and other dear friends of the Church have rendered us in our bazaar. Your assist

ance has been the means of making it far superior to any thing we expected. I myself, and I think I may speak for the whole committee, tender our warmest thanks to Mrs. Pitman, Mrs. Roe, and all other friends whose names we have not the pleasure of knowing, who have come forward to help us so liberally. In regard to ourselves, it has been a great pleasure to meet from time to time to work and make arrangements; and I feel it has been beneficial to us. We know each other better, and trust it will be the means of making us better. When we look back at the small sum we began to work with, it proves what co-operation and unity will do. I feel great pleasure in the way it has been conducted throughout, and am sure we shall all look back upon it with delight." It remains to express the sincere thanks of the whole Society to those kind friends at a distance who have so ably assisted in this matter, some by the gift of articles, some by the purchase of articles, and others by pecuniary contributions. Something over £80 has been realized; every one seems to have been satisfied or gratified, and the Society has been relieved of an incubus, which was felt oppressive; much remains for the Society to do, but the power now seems equal to the task.-One of the Trustees.

FAILSWORTH.-The earnest and enterprising Society of the New Church at this place has determined to erect new and enlarged schoolrooms for the accommodation of their increasing Sunday and day schools. The design for the new structure is very neat, and its erection will greatly increase the comfort, and aid the efficiency of their schools. The cost will be about £700; £100 will be raised in the Society, nearly all the members of which belong to the working class. The remainder, excepting what may be obtained from the liberality of friends, will be a debt to be gradually liquidated. It is very desirable that this debt should be as small as possible, that it may not clog the future efforts of the Society to provide for the efficient conducting of their Church and schools. We give below the circular issued by the committee:-"New Jerusalem Sunday and

Day Schools, Croft Street, Failsworth. In consequence of the above schools having for some time been much too small, insomuch that the chapel has had to be used for the accommodation of both Sunday and Day school scholars, it has been decided to build new ones, on the adjoining vacant land, the plans and specifications of which have been decided upon. The large room will be

62 feet long and 42 feet wide, outside measure, and calculated to seat comfortably about 700 persons; besides this, there will be two class rooms and a kitchen, each 12 feet square, and a platform and infant school room, each 18 feet long and 12 feet wide. The objects of these schools are:-'To teach the doctrines of the New Church on Sundays, and on week days to provide for those who may attend a good, sound, secular education, which will befit the pupils for either mercantile or professional duties.' Little need be said to impress you with the importance of these objects. Those who appreciate the doctrines of the New Church will no doubt be pleased at the good omen of want of accommodation to further the knowledge of these heavenly truths. The following is the result of the last Government examination in the day schools, which, besides being pleasing and interesting to all advocates of popular education, will assure them that we are not making this effort unnecessarily:-In the day school 124 children were presented for examination, of which 122 passed in reading, 119 in writing, and 119 in arithmetic. In addition to these, 25 infants were examined collectively and passed. In the evening school 40 were presented, and there passed in reading 39, in writing 38, and in arithmetic 40. Her Majesty's Inspector, E. H. Brodie, Esq., reports as follows: The school is very orderly, and the pupils well-behaved, attentive, and diligent. They are able to pass the required examination with ease and intelligence, and do much credit to the teacher's powers and industry.' In order to erect schools of the dimensions stated above, it will be evident that all the assistance we can possibly obtain from members, and both immediate and distant friends, will be required. The committee, therefore, venture to ask for your willing support and assistance, according to your appreciation of the work, and the means at your com

mand. The secretary, to whom communications may be addressed, is Mr. Thomas Wood, Albert Street, Newton Heath.

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IPSWICH. Following the example of some of the provincial, and one or more of the metropolitan newspapers, the Ipswich Express has published a series papers under the title of the Ipswich Pulpit." Number xvii. is devoted to the "New Jerusalem Church," which is thus introduced to their readers" This is one of the smaller places of worship of the town. It stands at a corner, near the upper end of High Street, but is passed with little notice, and its very existence would be overlooked by many were it not that it gives the name to the street at its rear. It is a plain low structure, not equalling in size many of the dwellinghouses around it, and its only external ornaments are the bands of red brick enclosing the windows, and contrasting with the neater white brick, of which the chapel or church-for the building goes by either name indiscriminatelyis built. The doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church, or Swedenborgianism, as it is more generally called, were first brought under the notice of the townspeople of Ipswich in a course of lectures which were delivered by the Rev. Mr. Woodman in 1838. A few persons became converts to the tenets of the new creed, and in 1848 the present chapel was built at a cost of about £500. The cause has not flourished to any great extent in this district, and several of the founders have emigrated to Australia and New Zealand, where the belief is said to have taken a firmer hold, and but few proselytes have been gained in Ipswich to fill their places. The pulpit has been occupied by various friends, and at intervals of about a month a gentleman comes from London to conduct the services." This statement is followed by an account of the origin of the church and of the life and character of Swedenborg. The statement respecting our author is not quite accurate. Neither in the latter part" nor in any other portion of his life did he claim to be the founder of the New Jerusalem Church." The author writes, however, with candour and liberality, and evidently with the wish to state fairly the facts he is narrating. The

sons.

service he attended was the re-opening of the church on Sunday, May 23d, from his account of which we give the following abridged particulars:-"During last week handbills were circulated throughout the town announcing that Mr. R. Gunton, of London, would preach at the chapel on Sunday, in the morning upon the subject of 'The Bread of life,' and in the evening upon 'The Water of life.' We therefore determined to attend the morning service. The chapel has been closed for a fortnight for a thorough cleansing, repairing the pews, and re-frosting the windows. We found it a small, low room, capable of seating about 120 perEverything was scrupulously clean, but it was not bedecked with much unnecessary ornament. The freshly white flat ceiling was matched by the neatly plastered walls. A little gallery hung over the back of the room, upon which the choir will be seated when the alterations are completed. The necessary light is given by day by five semicircular-headed windows, and by night by six gas burners. Upon one side of the little platform at which the minister stands was a harmonium, and upon the other a small table. Upon the latter on a white table cloth were the glass vessels with which the sacrament is administered, and a small earthenware basin. The chapel is seated with benches, and has an aisle in the centre of the boarded floor. The only attempt at decoration that we could detect in a glance over the room was a line of red curtains on the front of the gallery, and a circular ventilator behind the platform. The building filled but slowly; at eleven o'clock, the time announced for the beginning of the service, there was 19 persons present, but stragglers gradually dropped in, and at one time, in the middle of the service, there were 38 present. The service was commenced by the playing over upon the harmonium of a simple long metre tune, after which Mr. Gunton rose and gave out a hymn, which was sung in a somewhat slow tune by the congregation, four of whom came forward and formed themselves into a choir. The gentleman occupying the platform then read a prayer abridged from the New Church Liturgy, following it with the portion of the 6th chapter of St. John's Gospel, in which our Saviour