VII. That short Critical Notes, embracing, if necessary, other readings, be added at the foot of each page. VIII. That each Book be prefaced with a brief explanation of the Title, an account of the writing. and the place and time of writing.

IX. That a Summary of the literal sense

of each Chapter be placed at the head. X. That the dates of the respective MSS. or Copies, on which the translation is founded, be supplied.

XI. That where words, not in the original, are absolutely required in the translation, to complete the sense, they be printed, as heretofore, in Italics.

XII. That a Prefatory Introduction be prepared, critical and illustrative, on the Style of the Sacred Writings, and the reason of certain Books being distinguished, on account of the Internal Sense, as THE WORD.

a

The support and furtherance of Bible Societies, according to individual ability, is both a sacred duty and a grateful acknowledgment of the chief bounty of the Divine Providence. The regular conscientious appropriation of even small sum to such an object, must have a hallowing influence upon the character and life: and many there are though, alas! too few-who can bear witness to the spiritual benefit resulting from this exercise of Christian charity. Who can fully estimate the value of the Sacred Scriptures? Who can half appreciate the blessings they are designed to diffuse? The words of the Poet, in his address to the Eternal Word, are not a mere hyperbole

"Give what thou canst, without thee we are poor;

And with thee rich, take what thou wilt away."

It was the wish of a late monarch that every subject in his kingdom could read the Scriptures. Could any wish reflect more lustre on a royal head? Let us view it in the widest sense. Let us wish for every one to read them as closely as possible to the inspired words. So far as not faithfully translated, they are not the Word of God but the word of man; so far, not the faithful Testimony of the Divine Author; so far, not a full medium of communication with heaven.

These thoughts are but a hasty sketch of a comprehensive and momentous sub.

PRESENTATION OF A TOken of ESTEEM TO THE REV. J. BAYLEY, OF ACCRINGTON.

To the Editor of the Intellec. Repository. SIR,-Ever since I last addressed you the New Church at Accrington has been the object of continued attack from our united opponents. Lectures have been given by them, from the pulpit, of the most bitter, slanderous, and disgraceful kind, and publications of the same character have emanated from the press in order to prejudice the minds of the people against our holy doctrines. That you may have some opinion of the nature of these productions, I forward the inclosed. [Sundry attacks upon the New Church.] I need scarcely add, that most of these lectures and publications have met with able and prompt replies.

of an interesting meeting which was held Permit me now to give you an account on the occasion of the Presentation of a token of esteem to the Rev. J. Bayley.

On Sunday evening March 3rd, a most delightful meeting was held in the New Jerusalem Church School-room, Accrington, when the members and friends of that Society, consisting of from 6 to 700 persons, assembled to present to their respected pastor a token of their affection and esteem for the very valuable services he has rendered to the Church for a period of nine years, and especially for his recently unwearied and successful defence of her doctrines against the unprovoked attacks of her united and numerous opponents.

The testimony consisted of a handsome silver pocket communion service, a chased silver tea service, and a purse containing 27 sovereigns. (£7 of this sum was subscribed by the friends at Haslingden.) Underneath the salver of the communion service is the following inscription: "Presented to the Rev. J. Bayley, March 3rd, 1844." On the tea service was engraved the following: "Presented to the Rev. J. Bayley, BY HIS CONGREGATION, as a token of affectionate esteem for his valuable services during a residence of nine years amongst them, and for his able defence of the New Jerusalem Church from the attacks of its opponents. Accrington, March 3rd, 1844."

"Dear and respected Pastor,-It sometimes happens that circumstances occur in which we take great interest, and which are highly calculated to excite the most noble feelings of gratitude for important benefits conferred, more especially so when those circumstances are calculated to favour our spiritual welfare and to promote the cause of truth.

"What can affect a man, more particularly a man possessed of Christian charity, than those events which he sees and feels tend to benefit in a spiritual point of view his fellow-creatures. Of this nature certainly are the occurrences which have been the cause of our present meeting together, for whenever or wherever the truth is rescued from the deadly grasp of those whose principal delight it is to tarnish its heavenly lustre by the false glare of human inventions, it often happens, yea we may venture to say it always happens, that some one or other is benefitted by the contrast; and though certain individuals may not derive much intellectual improvement under such circumstances, yet we feel assured that some, who have 'sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,' have had their minds liberated in some degree from the bondage and slavery of error, and have entered the fold of our GREAT SHEPHERD by the door which He himself has appointed. Under the influence of these reflections, every sincere Christian will feel thankful to the bountiful Giver of all good.

"This opportunity, however, of shewing our regard to our esteemed friend and pastor ought to be in the language of the heart, and not merely of the lips; so that our feelings may all harmonize in real religious friendship, without any flattery or mere external show of words. By this standard we wish our present proceedings to be estimated; for let us remember that any outward show of friendship without true internal feelings of respect, originating in a sincere love of what is good and true, is no friendship at all, however be

coming or engaging in its external aspect; and let us also keep in mind, as one of the most prominent doctrines of the New Church, that all the graces and virtues, all the talents and learning, all the power and ability to do good and useful services to our fellow-creatures, are the free gifts of a bountiful Redeemer, and to Him let us give all the praise.

"In this spirit of devout acknowledgment to the Giver of all good, we desire by this token of respect about to be presented to you, to show in this public manner, the gratitude we owe to you as an instrument in the hands of Providence for favours conferred, particularly on this occasion, wherein you are engaged to defend the doctrines of the New and True Church from the false charges urged against them by our neighbouring opponents.

"All in this Society are satisfied that you are able and well qualified to support the cause of truth against the united efforts of our opponents. The unflinching confidence and courage manifested in every argument, the spirit of charity and forbearance which have prevailed thus far in this contest, are highly pleasing to the members of this Society. We are well aware that the proceedings alluded to are arduous, but still useful; and in the midst of our reflections on the past and present circumstances, we feel that we are bound by the ties of brotherly affection to feel greatly obliged by your services, therefore we offer you this present, comparatively of small value, not as a sufficient remuneration for your labours, but as a token of our affection and esteem for you as our respected minister of the New Church, and as the promulgator and defender of her doctrines during the period of nine years amongst us.

"It would be entirely out of our common sphere of life to attempt a verbally fashionable address, such as is generally delivered on similar occasions; but, Sir, we can assure you that the token we now offer is a free-will offering, and our best wishes for your present and future welfare accompany it."

Mr. John Kenyon at the close of the address, presented the gift on behalf of the Society to the Rev. J. Bayley.

Mr. Bayley, in an affectionate and appropriate address, expressed his deep sense of this fresh token of the esteem of his flock. He remarked, that in the arduous struggle in which he had been

engaged, and which was still in progress, he had been supported, not only by the continual aid of Divine mercy, but by the cheerful and vigorous assistance of his whole congregation and all its officers. All departments, he said, had felt the inspiration of the adopted motto: "The Church expects that every man this day will do his duty."

Mr. Agnew, of Manchester, then rose and said: "I am not aware that I ever experienced more delightful sensations than I now do. A meeting of New Church friends is always pleasing, but on the present occasion, to find myself in the midst of six or seven hundred respectable, intelligent, and zealous New Church people, assembled under circumstances so pleasing, is truly gratifying. I remember having been present at a meeting, more than twenty years ago, when a testimonial of affectionate regard, under somewhat similar circumstances, was presented to the late Rev. R. Hindmarsh. It seems, my friends, that the mantle of Hindmarsh has fallen on your minister. I have known him long and well, and I believe him to be worthy of your highest regard. Little did I think, about twenty years ago, when I first became acquainted with Mr. Bayley, of the relative positions we should occupy this evening. Mr. Bayley was then a youth in a New Church Sunday-school, and he was my pupil, but the good qualities of his mind, even then, led me to believe that he would one day become an ornament to the New Church. It has been my delight to see this idea realized, and I am proud to find him, who was once my pupil, so deservedly high in your esteem.'

Mr. James Heap next addressed the meeting to the following effect: "My dear friends, it is now, I believe, nine years since our esteemed pastor came to reside amongst us. During that time the New Church in Accrington has satisfactorily increased, both as to numbers and general information. By his indefatigable labors in the duties of the ministry, and in his endeavours to train up the young members of our Society, in intelligence and usefulness, he has endeared himself to us all.

He has, on all occasions, been ready to come forward to defend the doctrines of our Church, but, more especially so, during the present season of persecution and attack, which, you know, commenced with our opponents. And what has been the character of their charges?

Have they not been of the most calumnious nature against our author, whom we revere as one of the most able, consistent, and enlightened writers of his, or any other age, and one of the best of men in every sense of the word? He, who hath shewn us clearly that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.' This is the man and his writings they have vilified in so rancorous and unchristian a spirit. But how thankful we ought to be to Him whose tender mercies are over all his works,' that He has provided for us a defender in our worthy pastor; and how has that defence been conducted? Our opponents have been closely followed in their various attacks, and completely answered; compare their derisive statements and their calumnies with the unanswerable and scriptural defence of our minister; but, above all, compare the spirit manifested by our opponents with the truly Christian spirit, with which our esteemed friend has been able to carry through his very laborious defence thus far; and 1 think we ought to pray that he may be supported to the end, by Him who is God over all, blessed for ever.""

Mr. H. Line then rose and said: "How truly delightful it is, after experiencing so much controversy, thus to find ourselves once more assembled here in peace. It is like a gleam of light that sometimes falls through a clouded sky and cheers the earth beneath, or to use a Scripture comparison, it is like the state of Moses, when he retired from the turmoil of the camp to be present with the Lord on the mount. It appears that in the present state of society, controversy is essential to the propagation of truth. Truth cannot be established without being opposed, because all are not in a state to receive it, and the interest of some seems opposed to its progress. Hence new truths, especially of a theological nature, are generally resisted when first promulgated. No Church has been established, except the most ancient, without opposition. Pharaoh and Herod, besides several of the Roman emperors, presumed, in former times, to measure their arm against concealed Omnipotence, to stop the progress of the Church, but all in vain, for as soon might they have attempted to arrest the opening day. We may expect opposition, therefore; but the same divine arm that

was extended of old, will still defend and advance the true Church. Experience proves that all the controversies which the Church has yet encountered, have been beneficial to her; they have developed her truth, revealed her power, united her children, and made her doctrines known. So will it be, doubtless, in the present instance. What has the Old Church to oppose to the New? No. thing that can arrest her progress. All its sections and their doctrines are contradictory, opposed to the teachings of the Word, and the dictates of reason, and devoid of the true doctrine of life,-a house divided against itself that cannot stand. How different are the doctrines of the New Church, where all is harmony, light, and love, in strict agreement with reason and with Scripture! And these are the doctrines which our beloved minister, himself an embodiment of them, preaches and defends. Ever accessible to all, the aged and the young, the rich and the poor, find in him a friend; he is continually among his people, at the cottage fire, the sick man's bed, and wherever he can be useful.-May you, Sir, long enjoy the increasing esteem of this Society, and of the Church to which you are an ornament, and may your Society long enjoy, as it now does, your invaluable services."

Mr. Broadfield, of Manchester, then addressed the meeting, saying: "I believe I am one of the most fortunate of men, for where there is a truly delightful meeting of New Church friends, I very often find myself a partaker of its pleasures. And how fortunate do I esteem myself to be here, surrounded by so many intelligent miuds, and so much real enjoyment. A few years ago I never expected to see such a sight as that now before me. Your zeal, your union, and your energy, my friends, are truly cheering. I shall long remember this meeting. But what can be the reason for the opposition you have to contend with? Your doctrines so heavenly, and your mutual love so great, should command admiration and esteem. This is the secret that reveals the reason why you so increase in numbers and in strength in Accrington. The establishment of the New Church will be effected by the good life and united energy of her members, more than by any other means. The rational faculty of the human mind is now opened, and truth is daily gaining more power, but the chief power of the

Church will ever result from the application of her sublime truths to the life. Charity is the soul of true religion, and this, as long as it exists among you, will give you individual peace, combined protection, and real progression."

Mr. W. Barnes being then called on rose and said: "If evidences of the good effects of an agitation resulting from an attack on our doctrines were ever needed, we have the most abundant testimony in Accrington, for such attacks have always led to an increase of strength, and an increase of numbers. I remember that when I was a youth, there was a similar agitation to that existing now, and it was then that my attention, and that of several others, who are now members of our Society, was first attracted to examine the doctrines of the Church. That examination led me to a clear conviction that they were true. I received the doctrines of the New Church then, and I have found them an increasing blessing from that time to the present. The case is similar now. I know that several young men are now examining our doctrines, and have received a favorable impression respecting them, who, but for this agitation,would probably not have been induced to do so. Let us, therefore, stand in the strength of the truth, and be careful that our lives are in accordance with it, we shall soon see the best results springing from this agitation."

Mr. Birchwood, of Manchester, on being called upon observed: "We must remember, my friends, that the present generation is not responsible for past errors. The popular doctrines of religion have existed for a long time, and have been called mysteries which, it was said, no one could understand. Thus, the Athanasian Creed, although full of contradictions, has existed so many centuries; men have thought the doctrines of religion incomprehensible, instead of referring the difficulty to Creeds. Now, however, it is allowable to examine whether the doctrines professed by the religious world are truths, and to test them by reason, enlightened by the Word. The New Church is in possession of doctrines on the most exalted subjects, which are comprehensible. The doctrine of the Trinity, and the true nature of life, which for ages past, have been regarded as incomprehensible, are no longer mysteries in the New Church. The world is undergoing a vast change preparatory to its reception of our

sublime doctrines. We must not be surprised, therefore, that the world which has been so long trained in the idea that the doctrines of religion are incomprehensible, is astonished to hear us talk of their explanation and rational examination. A better state, however, is fast approaching, and all we have to do, is faithfully to use the truth we have, to apply it to life, and to hand it over, in all sincerity, to those who are sincerely seeking it."

Mr. Bayley in conclusion, thanked the Committee and the Singers, and kindly acknowledged the services of Mr. Grimshaw, Junior, who had acted most efficiently as Reporter at the Lectures of the opponents, who were good humouredly styled our second friends. He feelingly described the advantages that he had over earlier labourers in the same field. He called upon all New Churchmen, but especially the young, to meet all attacks with a spirit of charity and love, and concluded by again expressing his deep sense of the affectionate regard evinced by the young and old of his beloved flock.

It may be gratifying to the members and friends of the New Church generally to know, that since the present controversy began, the members of the Society have felt exceedingly desirous to clear off entirely the remainder of the debt on their property, and to erect a more commodious place of worship. For that purpose a general subscription amongst the the friends at Accrington was agreed upon, and the sum announced at this meeting, as already promised, and to be paid by January, 1846, amounted to £583, of this the scholars' subscription is £91.

In conclusion, we may mention that as the above meeting was confined to persons above fourteen years of age, arrangements had been previously made, that the Sunday scholars and children connected with the Church should hold a juvenile meeting on Monday evening. This meeting was attended by upwards of 600 young persons, chiefly under fourteen, and the evening was spent in a pleasing and instructive manner.

A LOVER OF THE NEW CHURCH. Accrington, March 13th, 1844.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATIONS. We are glad to see that a new periodical has been commenced, called the "Christian Standard," in order to meet the virulent attacks which, both by publications and lectures, have, especially in Lancashire, been made upon the doctrines of the New Church. No. I. of this periodical contains,- The Enemy.

The Potter and his Clay The Contrast. A Dialogue between a Sunday Scholar and a Methodist. Atonement and Redemption. - Do the Methodists know what they believe? - To "Omicron," in reply to his Strictures in No. 1 of the "Christian Banner." Crabbe's Falsehoods.- Lay down the Shield.

The contents of the "Juvenile Magazine" for April, are,- The Dooseh, or Ireadug.-Letters on the Human Form -The Eye.-The Factory Girl.-Address to Sunday Scholars.-Heroism and Generosity of a Slave. Plants and Flowers.-Poetry: The Holiday Lesson. God.-Maxims.

DIED, on the 26th of December last, at Barton-upon-Irwell, near Manchester, in the 59th year of her age, ELLEN, wife of Mr. Charles Bowker. She was one of the oldest members of the Peter-street Society, having attended that place of worship nearly 40 years. She may be truly said to have been brought up in the Church, as her father was one of the earliest receivers of the doctrines under the ministry of the late Rev. John Clowes; and though she had the misfortune to be deprived of him at the early age of three years, she constantly resided

with New Church families till the year 1810, when she was married. Her husband's father was also an early receiver of the doctrines under the Rev. J. Clowes. She was a constant attendant at public worship. Her business was of a confining nature, but she was of an active and cheerful disposition; she would frequently say, that the greatest ambition she had in this world was, that she might be permitted to spend a few of her last years in peaceful retirement in the country. Her desire seemed about to be accomplished, but her heavenly