extremity of the building are set apart for the residence of the minister. The house is approached on both sides of the church by gateways, and the whole front is pallisaded. The length of the church to the face of the chancel is 33ft.; the recess for the chancel is 9ft., and the extreme width of the building is 26ft. The vestry is situated on the south side; a pulpit and reading desk occupy each side of the chancel arch. The extreme height of the edifice is 45ft. It will accommodate 250 persons, and has been built at the sole cost of Hugh Becconsall, Esq. Mr. Welch, architect, of this town, designed the plan, and superintended the erection. We congratulate both gentlemen on the completion of so handsome a building, of which we have given above a sketch of the elevation.

THE CONSECRATION. THE ceremony of consecrating or dedicating the Church, took place on Thursday morning, the 7th March. The service commenced at half-past ten o'clock, at which a numerous and respectable congregation attended. The officiating clergymen on the occasion were, the Rev. D. Howarth, of Salford, the Rev. I. H. Smithson, of Manchester, and the Rev. E. D. Rendell; the latter of whom has been appointed the minister of the church. The service opened with the 132nd Psalm; after which, a hymn was given out by the Rev. D. Howarth, and sung by the choir. Mr. Howarth then delivered to the congregation an address, on the occasion of opening and consecrating a new place of worship, and shewing the uses to which it is to be devoted. This was followed by a prayer to the Deity, begging that he would bless the house in which they were assembled, and make it a fitting habitation for his glory, and that he would set up his tabernacle on earth, and dwell in the midst of it for ever. The Rev. I. H. Smithson now ascended the reading-desk, and read a lesson from v. 1 to v. 61 in the first Book of Kings. Next followed a doxology, and the chant of "O be joyful in the Lord," &c. Another lesson, consisting of portions of scripture from the 11th, 15th, 18th, and 21st chapters of Revelations, was also read by Mr. Smithson, after which he pronounced a doxology, and the choir sang the quartett and chorus, from Handel's Messiah, of "Lift up your heads," &c.

The Rev. E. D. Rendell then ascended

the pulpit, and preached an eloquent sermon from the following text: "And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven, saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them and be their God." In his discourse, the preacher enlarged on the character, purposes, dispensation, and other peculiarities of the New Jerusalem Church, and dwelt at grcat length on the First and Second Advent of the Lord. He said that the prediction of the "abomination of desolation being in the holy place" had been fulfilled, that the consummation of the professing churches had come, and a new one had been established, by which a restoration of religion, and a general renovation and regeneration of society were to be effected through the benign influence of the Lord's kingdom. To this church he invited public attention and public regard, begging at the same time, to observe, that the doctrines and opinions which he had enunciated, had been enunciated in the spirit of tenderness and charity,-not of defiance. The service concluded with an appropriate hymn, a thanksgiving and benediction, and the choir struck up Handel's "Hallelujah chorus."

THE OPENING.

THIS very elegant and commodious building was opened for public worship on Sunday the 10th March. The devotional services were read from the Liturgy of the New Church, which contained many beautiful sentiments of piety, and dependence on the Lord, expressed in choice and powerful language. Some of the distinctive features of the doctrines of this church were occasionally exhibited; but these were brought more prominently forward in the three sermons which were delivered in the course of the day. In the morning, the Rev. D. Howarth endeavoured to prove that the Lord Jesus Christ (to the exclusive worship of whom the building had been dedicated,) was the true and only God, He being no other person than Jehovah Himself, in the humanity which the prophets predicted he would assume. In the progress of the discourse, much scriptural evidence, considered as confirmatory of this view, was

adduced, any many lucid arguments, with striking illustration, were employed, and listened to with remarkable attention. The Divine Trinity, as constituting all the fulness of the Godhead, was, on the authority of the Apostle, stated to dwell in the person of Jesus Christ; the term Father, denoting His essential Divinity; the Son, signifying His Humanity; and the Holy Spirit, those saving influences which proceed from Him. In the afternoon, the Rev. E. D. Rendell, minister of the church, entered upon an extensive disquisition concerning the nature and manner of Repentance, asserting that the performance of this duty was the beginning of every true religious impression, and the ground work of all practical Christianity. In the evening, the Rev. I. H. Smithson preached. His discourse was designed to explain the true doctrine of the Scriptures, concerning faith, charity, and good works, and to show that it was necessary for these Christian graces to be united in the life of man in order to

become a genuine Christian. He concluded by affectionately inviting the public to attend the ministration of their place of worship. Upon the whole, it may be said, that the services were conducted with considerable ability, much order, and becoming solemnity. The church, at each service, was crowded to excess, and great numbers went away unable to obtain admission. The choir, which had been engaged, sung, with considerable effect, the hymns, chants, anthems, and choruses, which had been arranged for the occasion. Divine ser vice will be conducted every Sunday morning and afternoon. The whole body of the church was beautifully illuminated by a rose light, two feet and a half in circumference, made by Mr. Milner, of this town, and suspended from the roof by a pendant, in the form of a harp, which, on entering the church, has a very pleasing effect. There is a smaller light of the same kind over the orchestra.

DOM:

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Ramsbottom Society
Mr. John Pickup, Accrington 0 10 6
Mr. Wynn, Sheffield
1 1

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NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.-A meeting of the Society was convened in the Schoolroom on Thursday evening, February 29th, for the purpose of taking a farewell of our beloved minister, Mr. Rendell, whose able services we had enjoyed for the last seventeen years; there were about seventy friends present, to witness the interesting presentation of a handsome silver inkstand, and five volumes of New Church works, which were presented by Mr.J. Coulson, in an appropriate address, highly complimentary to Mr. Rendell, to which he responded in a very becoming manner; each of the presents bore the following inscription: "Presented to the Rev. E. D. Rendell, by the Newcastle Society of the New Jerusalem Church, as a testimony of affection and esteem; and as a tribute of respect for his character as a man and a minister of the Gospel. February 29th, 1844." After the conclusion of the ceremony, the meeting was addressed by Messrs. R. Catcheside,

J. Wilkinson, W. Richardson, Joseph Wilkinson, G. Miller, J. Robson, and T. Carr, as well by the frequent useful observations of the chairman, R. Coulson, Esq., who, notwithstanding his advanced age, presided with the utmost satisfaction to all present; it need not be remarked, that every address contained marks of "confidence in the Divine Providence, whose dispensations could not be perceived by man, until they were passed as prefigured by the Lord, hiding Moses in the cleft of the rock, and shewing him his back parts as he passed by;" this feeling seemed to possess the heart of every one present, and after enjoying the happy society of each other for nearly four hours, a hymn was sung, and Mr. Rendell concluded by prayer. Mr. R. delivered his farewell Sermon on the Sunday evening following, which contributed, (together with the many excellent practical discourses he has delivered,) to deepen the impressions of the truly Christian life,-impressions which time can never efface from the spiritual constitution of those who have received them, and they pray that the Divine Blessing may doubly prosper his labours in Preston.

INTELLIGENCE FROM HULL.-At the close of a course of lectures on Phrenology, by the Rev. D. G. Goyder, he gave a lecture on a comparative view of the Old and New Church Doctrines. It was forcible, clear, and argumentative, and delighted the audience. About seventy were present. Many have expressed to the writer their great gratification at his clear exposition of New Church principles; others have also stated, that they never heard such things before. The Trinity to them had always been a mystery, but that he had brought it down to the understanding of a child. A sphere of holy delight pervaded the congregation.

BENEFIT SOCIETIES.

To the Editor of the Intel. Repository. Sir,-Mankind are most happy when they are mutually assisting each other. Happiness is only real and complete in the degree that it is universal, or as every one ministers to the advantage of others. With these great truths before our eyes, how deeply interested should we be in each other's welfare; how careful to try every thing as a means of blessing our fellow-man! No object should be disregarded, provided it will promote the common good. Why is man miserable? because he is selfish. Why is he poor? because he ministers not to his brother.

His real enemy is himself-his imaginary foe mankind."Union is strength." Let men unite for good. Let them feel that they are all children of the same Almighty. Parent, men of similar feelings-similar capabilities,-created for the same glorious end, all hastening to the same eternal abode; and in the language of the poet let them fervently say :

"Help us to help each other, Lord, Each other's cross to bear! Let each his friendly aid afford, And feel his brother's care." This is the only way to acquire true happiness.

In the Church we have many institutions for propagating our doctrines, which contain the very essence of all union; but we have few of the kindred institutions which serve as auxiliaries for retaining members in connexion with our Societies. The inherent beauties of our heavenly doctrines are sufficient to those who become truly enlightened in them; such men will continually rally round the standard of the New Jerusalem: but there

are others among our professing members, who, though good-hearted, do not make themselves sufficiently acquainted with our principles, and therefore are sometimes easily drawn from the visible Church particularly when necessitated to remove a few miles distant from any of our Societies; they then find new associates, their children are placed in some Sunday School in the neighbourhood, their connexion with the Church becomes less and less, until at last every vestige of the New Church is lost. It has long been a subject of anxious thought to find out a remedy for this. If we had a Society established in every locality, that would be the most complete antidote; but, ere this can be accomplished, many years may roll away, during which, without another remedy, the evil must be borne.

Until the last few years, a similar difficulty was felt in regard to Sunday scholars. They come, perhaps, at the age of five or six, and remained just so long as to be enabled to obtain the art of reading in its first rudiments, and then left. Happily the idea of establishing Sick Societies, struck the mind of some anxious person, which Societies, by causing the children to enter and become members, and by judicious management, have had the good effect of binding them to the School, until they arrived at such an age, as to be able to appreciate the blessing of being members of the Lord's New Church

on earth.

Now, would it not be possible to establish, in connexion with all Societies of the New Church," Benefit Societies," similar to those known by the name of Foresters, Odd Fellows, &c. I see no difficulty in it. If this could be done, it would effectually retain, in connexion with the Church, all who have once become subscribers. If necessity called upon an individual to leave the immediate locality of the Church, he would still be retained in connexion with it, through the medium of Benefit Societies; he would be more in frequent intercourse with our friends, and the little truth settled in his bosom would be preserved from decrease. And as a consequence of the parent being thus connected with us, the family would be so too; the children, frequently hearing of the Church, would not be utter strangers; and if they were not warm partizans of our just cause, we should prevent them from becoming enemies.

Such institutions as these would not

only be beneficial to the Church, but would, I think, by economical management, themselves flourish better in connexion with the other institutions of the Church, than upon the principle they are usually conducted. It appears that the expenses of attending "Club Meetings," and upholding the superstitious pomp and formalities, which are more or less attendant upon all such institutions, is about one-fourth of the money subscribed. I would advise that these things be entirely done away with, and make the School-room the Club-house. The advantages which such Societies usually possess, might be still retained without the slightest difficulty; as, for instance, the relieving of distressed members when they travel from place to place in search of employ. By a mutual agreement among Societies, this also might be done, according to the means at the disposal of each; and how very agreeable it would be to our poor friends, in the midst of trials and distresses, to meet with congenial minds, and partake of that common friendship which ought ever to dwell among brethren of unity of sentiment; their sorrows would be shared, their miseries alleviated, and their trials softened.

Plans of operation might easily be obtained from Societies already established.

I lay, then, this subject before you, earnestly desiring your coöperation, and the assistance of the Church generally, to work out an object connected with the best interests of the Church.-Yours, &c. Feb. 15, 1844. R. E.

THE PROPOSED NEW TRANSLATION OF THE SCRIPTURES.

To the Editor of the Intel. Repository. Sir,-The suggestion of our brethren of the Western American Convention,* respecting a New Translation of the Scriptures, calls for the serious attention of the Church in this kingdom. The general fidelity and beauty of the Authorized Version, has undoubtedly operated powerfully, and still operates, with many, against this desirable object; whilst the Commentaries of some of our most able scholars are an evidence of many imperfections. Some of these may be trifling; some are of consequence: the most trifling, in such an important connexion, cannot be regarded with indiffer* See Intellectual Repository for January last,

page 38.

N.S. NO. 52.-VOL. V.

ence; those of consequence are, in not a few instances, unfavorable to sound doctrine. Many passages are feeble and obscure, which a correct Translation would render clear and forcible. Admirable as the common Version is, as a whole, few surely can have so blind a veneration for it as to prefer it, where undeniably wrong, or, where capable of being improved. It is reasonable that mankind should progress in Biblical, as well as in Polite Literature; indeed the latter, in all its branches, may be regarded as the handmaid of Divine Wisdom. It is generally allowed that our Translators, though impartial in the main, were a little warped by Calvinistic sentiments; and other peculiarities may also be traced arising from the influence of a popular religious system.

Let any one look into the subject with due attention, and these objections will appear not unfounded. A long catalogue of passages may be readily collected in proof.

When we consider the Scriptures as really the Word of God, containing a Spiritual Sense answering, by an immutable law, to the sense of the letter, we recognise, more and more, serious imperfections in all previous translations.

The substitution of the thing symbolized, for the symbol, takes away the basis of the spiritual sense. Of this there are many instances; we have light for sun, defence for shield, power for hand, abundance for truth, &c. In a great number of passages, an idiomatic reading has been preferred, considered doubtless as more intelligible, because approximating common discourse. The Spiritual Sense requires that the expression of the original should be preserved.

to

This principle will scarcely admit of qualification: for though the sense may not be so manifest, (i.e. so near to ordinary language,) it will be likely to be more correctly acquired, being capable generally of copious illustrations from the style and customs of oriental nations; and thus a more accurate acquaintance with the Spiritual Sense will be afforded. It is time the Christian world began to study the Scriptures for Divine Wisdom, not merely for the graces of human composition.

Recent researches have brought to light much information respecting the Musical Instruments mentioned in the Scriptures, the want of which is conspicuous in our

U

present translation. The manner in which musical instruments are introduced in the Psalms, is a proof of their significant use, especially when we consider that, in the original, the allusion is not, as in our version, a mere prefix, but forms the first verse of the Psalm. Another important feature of the Scriptures is the two-fold expression, both in substantives and verbs, which requires careful discrimination, and is liable to dwindle, in a translation, into mere synonyme. The subject and predicate, in like manner, are liable to be confounded: the Spirit of Holiness, the Mountain of Holiness, the City of Holiness, rendered Holy Spirit, Holy Mountain, Holy City; green pastures, for pastures of grass; still waters, for waters of tranquillity, &c.: so in many other instances.

With respect to the Epistolary Writings, a more accurate translation would be highly favorable to Apostolic Doctrine. It is admitted by the best Scholars and Commentators, that in a multitude of passages, connected by the Greek copulative kaι (and,) the true rendering is decidedly expressive of the Supreme Divinity of the Lord: this is an important point: a faithful and uniform reading might be the means of removing a source of great embarrassment as regards both Tripersonalism and Socinianism.

We may confidently assert, that the corrections would, in every instance, be favorable to the Grand Doctrines of the Divine Unity, the Supreme Deity of the Lord, the Universality of the Divine Benevolence, Wisdom, and Providence : moreover, the Science of Correspondence, according to which the Word is written, would receive many illustrations, and thus new confirmations would be afforded of the Spiritual Sense.

Admitting, then, the propriety of a New Translation of the Scriptures, it is a work in which the whole New Church in England and America, may be expected heartily to unite: and though numbers of Christians, especially in this country, may be inimical to any change from a Version Authorized by Act of Parliament, yet the reflecting must perceive that the authority, in such a matter, should not be thus confined: it cannot be too much, therefore, in the prospect of a work of solid ability, to look sanguinely for the support of Christians of all denominations.

An objection, however, may possibly be raised: it may be argued that the time for

such a work has not arrived; that the translation will still be imperfect, &c. &c. It may be so: but this objection is not tolerated in the progress of worldly literature, and why should not the literature of the Scriptures be progressive? That we may not be able at once, to correct all errors and imperfections, is no reason we should pass over those with which we are acquainted.

If the members of popular Christianity

are careless about a New Translation of the Scriptures, the duty on the part of the New Church is so much the more urgent. If the attempt be deferred for a century longer, it cannot be expected even then to be perfect; or, that any one attempt will supersede the necessity of another. All that can be expected is, to " go forward:" the first step leads to the highest.

It is desirable that, on a subject so weighty, as many views as possible should be collected. I beg, therefore, to communicate a few suggestions: if they tend only to elicit others, more comprehensive and matured, the end will be answered: I. That a Society be formed for a New Translation of the Scriptures into English.

New

II. That a General Fund be commenced; and that the Societies of the Church set on foot subscriptions to be transmitted quarterly to the General Fund. Or, that subscriptions equal to the estimated cost of a copy of the finished work be commenced; each Subscriber to be entitled to copies in proportion to his subscription.

III. That those who are able and willing to take part in the translation, be invited to communicate with the Editor of the Intellectual Repository. IV. That two of the most able, thoroughly acquainted with the Doctrines of the New Church, be chosen as Revising Editors.

V. That the Work be published in Parts, each part containing one or more entire Books, and admitting of the whole being bound together according to individual choice.

VI. That the Authorized Version be the Basis and Model of the New One: that no change be introduced except where the former is incorrect, feeble, obsolete, or obscure that where there is any doubt as to the original, which cannot fully be determined, preference be given to the Authorized Version.