were present; and we learn from a memorandum following the proceedings, that this attendance was nearly double that of any previous session held in Philadelphia. The Appendix contains ten Reports of Officers and Committees of Convention, viz., on Spiritual and Religious Instruction; on the Addresses of the Presidents; on Rev. Mr. Barrett's Memorial; on preparing a Liturgy for Sunday Schools; on the Translation of the Sacred Scriptures; on Tithing; on the Magazine; &c. These, however, contain but little matter of interest to the friends here.

A work, it appears, is about being published by Mr. Paine, on The Tabernacle and Temple, with drawings, which, it is said, is likely to prove very useful and interesting, not only to the receivers of the doctrines, but to many others. The same author is also engaged in the preparation of a Concordance. A dispute has arisen between the Rev. Mr. Barrett and Rev. Mr. Wilks, about a piece of cloth for a coat; the former memorialized the Convention upon it, and a Committee was appointed to consider the same. This Committee reported, That Mr. Barrett had sufficient grounds for demanding an investigation; and that the explanations of Mr. Wilks ought to be received as satisfactory; whereupon, Mr. Barret presented the following, "I hereby enter my solemn protest against the Report of the Committee on the Memorial I presented, as conveying by no means the truth of the case. B. F. Barrett." The case appears to be this. A lady was in the habit of giving Mr. Barrett, every Christmas, a piece of cloth for a coat: Mr. B., finding that Mr. W. needed a coat more than himself, gave him the cloth, with the understanding that it was to remain in Mr. B.'s possession for a little while. In the mean time the harmonious relations between the parties were interrupted, one becoming Minister of a Society belonging to the Central Convention, and the other to one belonging to the General Convention. In consequence of this Mr. W. did not feel at liberty to receive the cloth as a present, and insisted upon paying for it. A report became current that Mr. B. had cloth for a coat, for Mr. Wilks, from somebody, and that he had taken money for it from Mr. W.; and this report was attributed to Mr. W. And this trumpery affair has engaged the attention of the Convention at two sessions, as well as the time of a Committee of five members. If such matters are allowed to occupy the attention of Conventions or Conferences they had better not be held at all; and with a view to a remedy, it was proposed, "That any memorials or petitions concerning such matters be returned to the parties presenting them, without farther proceeding, than a recommendation to have the matters investigated and settled in the smaller bodies to which the parties respectively belong, according to the law of charity laid down in the Word, in Matt. xviii."

Mr. Barrett's name was afterwards, at his own request, removed from the roll as a member of the General Convention. And now, as remarked by one of the members of the Convention, "we have had enough of the old coat."

A Liturgy for Sunday Schools has been prepared, a feeling existing that it is needed, and will be useful. It consists of five complete Services, designed for the respective Sabbaths of the months, composed entirely from the Word, except the hymns that are inserted to take the place of chants when preferred.

The Report on Tithing, which has been a favourite subject with some of our American friends, does not appear to bring the system any nearer to adoption. Because it was a requirement under the Jewish Dispensation, it is not therefore to be adopted in the New Church, for the former was only the skeleton of a church and if it had not been for these external requirements it could not have existed at all. The advocates of tithing, perhaps, would not be willing to admit that the New Church is the mere representative of a church. The Committee state in their Report that they do not feel prepared, at the present time, to submit any views at length.

There is also a Report of a Committee on the Translation of the Sacred Scriptures; but it does not appear that they have been able to proceed with any advantage, or to arrive at any conclusion in the matter. Whenever a New Translation be determined upon, the New Church will, no doubt, be able to render essential aid; but, as very ably set forth in the Report of a Committee on the subject made to the Convention in 1845, it had better not emanate from the Church itself, or profess to be the authorized translation of that body. (See American New Jerusalem Magazine for 1845, p. 412-414.)

There are 6 Ordaining Ministers in the Convention List; 23 Pastors and Missionaries; and 11 Licentiates and Ministers. There are 51 places where there are Societies, and 457 places where receivers are known.

In England there are 3 Ordaining Ministers and 16 Ordained Ministers. There are 45 places where Societies exist which are in connexion with the Conference; 17 not in connection; and 76 places where receivers are known.

DUBLIN." The only information I receive here about the New Church, is through the Quarterly Circular. There is only one person in Dublin interested in the well-being of the New Church, and I occasionally obtain from her a loan of the Magazine, but very irregularly, as she is frequently from home. I called upon a lady here, whose address I procured from Mr. Hodson-Mrs. Spencer-but she repudiated the idea of being a recipient of the doctrines. However we had half an hour's conversation, and I promised to call again upon her, with some Tracts; but have not yet been able to do so. With regard to the controversy which is now agitating the church, relative to the Resurrection of the Lord's body; I recollect some very acrimonious and personal remarks by one of the writers, when the subject was being discussed in the Magazine. It appears to me that this is a subject which should be the last to call forth angry words or feelings. I am sorry to say that I have felt much disappointed at the professions of some of the members of the Church, when placed in contrast with their life and practice. While I hear and read of charity and brotherly love, I perceive just as much selfishness and love of ruling as in the other Christian Churches, and the world at large; each one when he has attained a little influence or power in the church, is ready at all times, and at all hazards, to carry out and enforce his own views, right or wrong. It is the same in America; and I suppose it is the same every where. I know, however, that it is not the fault of the doctrines, but of the members themselves. They seem to forget that the true and only way to disseminate the beautiful doctrines of our church, is to live and act according to them; this is far better than Sermons or Tract distributing.

"I met a gentleman (who had taken his degrees in college for the ministry) at a friend's house lately, who, upon learning my religious sentiments, told me he had read some New Church Tracts, &c., and they were the most rational and scriptural he ever read; and that no Church of England minister could answer them; but he particularly wanted to read Noble's Appeal, as he had heard much about it.”—J. T. [It appears from the above that the prospects of the Church in Dublin are not so encouraging as they were some thirty years ago; for we have a document before us addressed to the General Conference, under the date July, 1822, signed by thirteen members, who at that time formed the society there. Among the names we recognize those of Mr. and Mrs. McMinn, who are now, and have for some years, been members of the Cross Street Society, London.]

TRINIDAD.-A correspondent here, under date March 8, 1856, writes, "I have forwarded to a friend, Mr. S―, the Attorney General of St. Vincent, a copy of Noble's

I

Appeal-Clowes's Affectionate Address-Bush's Plea, &c., and in a letter received from him by last packet, he says, 'My difficulties as to the Trinity, I confess, are not solved by Swedenborg, nor do I think it ever was intended that man, in his present state, should fully understand this mystery. It calls into exercise his faith. cannot conceive how any church declaring the Trinity to be incomprehensible, should set about to explain it, as our church does in the Athanasian Creed.' Mr. S―, also remarks, that we are apt to think sluggishly, or our thoughts are too apt to be led into the one train in which, from education or habits, or circumstance, they have once been drawn.'

"Noble's Appeal has, however, completely done its work with a Mr. W—, residing in the town of San Fernando. This gentleman was the clerk of St. Paul's Church, but he is now collector of wharf dues, and having very arduous duties to perform, he cannot read as much as he otherwise would. He has purchased Noble's Appeal and a Liturgy.

"A carpenter and his wife (Methodists) have also been reading the True Christian Religion; and have requested me to send for a copy for them. They appear to have been startled on reading the 13th chapter of Job, where, at verse 8, speaking of God, Job says-'Will ye accept his person?' verse 10, 'He will surely reprove you; if ye do secretly accept persons.'

"My eldest son has lent his copy of the Appeal, and Bush's Reasons to Dr. Van B-; but has heard nothing from him yet. The Doctor is a great Botanist. I shall certainly send him the Intellectual Repository for January last. The sexuality of plants had always appeared to me clearly made out; the fact is I took it, like many other theories, for granted. Dr. Van B- will, I know, combat all Swedenborg's reasoning.

"Our Archdeacon is endeavouring to form a Theological Reading Society for all denominations. I have joined it for the purpose of introducing the works of the New Church; and have already ordered the Appeal, the Plenary Inspiration, and Rendell's Postdiluvian History. These works have been sent for, together with the orders of the other members, all of whom I have learned are clergymen."

In a letter of four months later date, the same writer states-“Trinidadians are a set of would-be money making men, domiciled where no money is to be realized, and more than half the inhabitants are Roman Catholics-atheism and deism overrun the land. If ever there was a spot requiring the knowledge of the New Jerusalem it is assuredly this. We have negroes from nearly all the adjacent islands, as well as Portuguese, Spaniards, Coolies, and Chinese for labourers, and the upper classes are chiefly Scotch, Irish, and French, but the latter abound.

"I have not succeeded in making any converts since I last wrote; in fact, I verily believe I am looked upon by the members of the different churches as an atheist. Some years ago I heard the remark made by a sensible and very clever medical man, that So-and-So was an atheist, he is a Swedenborgian.' My nearest relations and best friends, obstinately refuse to read the works of the New Church, nor will they speak on the subject, preferring to leave the room sooner than hear any thing of them. My aged mother, however, upwards of seventy, reads them with delight, and is a firm believer.

"I either have the works myself, or can borrow them from a gentleman, my neighbour, who ordered them three years ago, but has never opened them to peruse. He is very intimate with the clergyman of the parish, who is no advocate of the heavenly doctrines; he is a high churchman, and reads only what he knows to be orthodox. His sermons are now aimed at the danger and sin of entertaining strange

and wrong doctrines; that we are bound to hand down to our posterity the faith as we have received it.”—J. H. L.

The writer has forwarded four guineas as a contribution to the church.

SNODLAND, NEAR ROCHESTER.—It is not, we believe, very generally known, that a small society of the Church exists in this village; and that a congregation of from twelve to fifteen hearers assemble twice every Sabbath at the house of Mr. Privett, where Divine Service is regularly performed. A reading and conversation meeting is also held on a week-day evening. Their numbers have been recently augmented by several of the Salisbury friends having removed thither. Snodland is the second station on the railway between Strood and Maidstone.

LECTURES.—A Winter Course of Literary and Scientific Lectures, is in course of delivery at the New Church College, Islington," on the Tuesday Evenings, from Oct. 14, 1856, to Jan. 29, 1857. The following are the subjects:

1856. Oct. 14, The Maxims of Antiquity. "All things which are in the heavens exist also in the earth, in an earthly manner; and all things which are in the earth exist also in the heavens, in a heavenly manner."-21, "It is easier to teach an ass letters than a fool wisdom."-28, The Hieroglyphics of Egypt and the mode of reading them, with the principles on which they were written.-Nov. 4, Hours with the Mystics.-11, Scandinavian Mythology.-18, Newspapers.— 25, Vegetable Physiology.-Dec. 2, Water.-9, Hydrology.-16, Planetary Worlds. -23, Ireland.-30, The Brain.-1857, Jan. 13, Natural System of Botany.20, The Heart.-27, Pre-Raffaelism, and its influence on Modern Art.

The names of the Lecturers are not given; but we learn that Mr. Jas. Knight has delivered several.

The course will be followed by Twelve Lectures by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, on "The New Jerusalem, a more Interior and more Perfect Religion."

The late Rev. T. C. Shaw.

WE have to record the removal into the spiritual world of the Rev. Thomas Clarke Shaw, late minister of the Argyle Square Society. He had been for some time in a delicate state of health. About two years ago he had a severe illness, which, besides other alarming signs, shewed itself in discoloration and debility of the lower extremities. On examination it was found that these resulted from calcification of the heart, or rather of the great vessel, the aorta, in immediate connection with it. Slight hopes were entertained, at the time, that he would rally, and it was considered certain that under any circumstances his life could not be prolonged beyond a few months. Contrary, however, to the opinion of the medical adviser and the expectation of his friends, he not only survived the attack, but so far gradually improved in health and strength, as to be able to return to his numerous and important uses in connection with the institutions of the church, and to resume his Sabbath duties by occasionally preaching and regularly administering the sacraments. His health underwent no material change till the beginning of the present winter, when he had an attack of bronchitis. This seems to have brought his disease to a crisis; and after a short illness, he breathed his last at his residence in Southampton Place, Euston Square, London, on the 27th day of November last, in the 70th year of his age.

We have been favoured with the following brief memoir of this excellent man

and esteemed member and minister of the church, drawn up by one of his most intimate friends, which we are sure will be perused with interest by our readers.

"Mr. Shaw, when very young, entered the printing office of Messrs. Spottiswoode, where his talents and conduct were so well appreciated, that, without any solicitation on his part, he was promoted from one post to another, till at length he became a partner in the concern. In every situation, he enjoyed the highest respect for his sterling worth, as was testified on several occasions-lastly at his funeral, which Mr. Spottiswoode attended.

"Mr. Shaw met with the doctrines of the New Church at the Philomathic Institution. This was chiefly a debating society, and was founded, upwards of forty years ago, by Mr. Dawson-the father of George Dawson, the popular lecturer, and two or three other young men. Messrs. Grayson, Spofford, the Newberys, and Mason, early joined it. After a while they were induced to build a Hall in Burton Street, Burton Crescent, where for a time Mr. Shaw was the resident secretary. Here commenced that friendship between him and Mr. Mason, which continued uninterruptedly to the end of his days. They soon got on the subject of religion, and at first differed widely; but as Mr. Shaw was open to conviction, he ultimately yielded to his friend's powerful arguments, and, as is well known, became a cordial receiver of the doctrines, and, in the course of providence, minister of a New Church society in the very place where, many years before, he had received his first notions respecting the views of the New Church.

"The active part he took in our several institutions is well known. He was a member of all the committees. Of the Swedenborg Society-formerly called, or rather miscalled, the London Printing Society-he was secretary for several years. Of this he was a very active and useful member-from his business habits, his knowledge of printing, and other qualifications. He saw several of the works through the press--in some instances revising the translation. One of his last efforts of this kind was his superintending the recent edition of the Divine Love and Wisdom.

"At the meeting of the committee of this society, on the Thursday after his decease, a resolution was unanimously passed expressive of the respect and esteem in which he was held by his brother members.

"By the members of the Argyle Square Society- especially the older ones-he was held in most affectionate regard, both as their minister and their friend. So long as his strength permitted, he regularly performed his duties twice on each Sunday; and when his failing powers compelled him to give in his resignation as minister, he continued to administer the sacraments till Dr. Bayley took his place. He still attended the worship-generally twice a day-even to the Sunday before his last illness: and as this was only of eight days' duration, he was thus absent from worship but one Sunday. From the time he took to his bed, he suffered considerably at intervals; but he bore it all with extreme patience. He fully retained his faculties to the last, and his departure was most peaceful.-H. B."

Sermons on the occasion of Mr. Shaw's death were preached in Argyle Square Church, to the society of which he had been for fifteen years the minister, and in Cross Street Church, in which he had for several years regularly read the service for Mr. Noble; and no doubt this mark of respect was paid in other societies to one so much and generally esteemed in the church.

In Mr. Shaw the church has lost a most useful and disinterested labourer; but we have every reason to believe, that he has entered into higher uses as well as into purer joys-the fruits of his life on earth. W. B.