Priestley, Lindsey, and Belsham. The and bliss, their characteristic tenet; but result of this movement has been the who, without exception, now hold transmission of Unitarianism in many Unitarian opinions. 3d, A considerold nonconformist churches, the estab-able portion of the Quaker body, who, lishment of it in new societies, with moved by the general spirit of the age. new places of worship, and the diffusion some time since formed, under the inof Unitarianising tendencies in the fluence of Elias Hickes, a separate Episcopal, as well as the Congrega- body of such as worshipped God the tional, bodies. Unitarians, alleging Father exclusively; and lastly, a very that their real strength, both socially numerous and increasing denomination, and religiously, is greater than would gathered from all sects, as well as from appear from the number of their the world, and mostly among the congregations, report, as Unitarian humbler classes, known by the name churches, in simply of Christians, "the Christians." With the number of Quaker Unitarian congregations, in the United States, we are not acquainted; but in the year 1846, the following were the numbers of the churches in the other three bodies: Unitarians, . 300 1194 1500 Unitarian churches in the U. S., 2994 making a total of 298 separate societies in Great Britain and Ireland, independently of a large number known as Christian Brethren," who belong to societies in different parts of England, especially Lancashire and Yorkshire. In popular education, English Uni- Further information, with many tarians are allowed to discharge their minute statistical details, and a systemfull share of duty. Many writers con- atic exhibition of views, as entertained nected with the periodical press of the by the several Unitarian churches here country, are of Unitarian sentiments; spoken of, as well as others, may be and, in the highest literature of Eng- found in "Unitarianism Exhibited in land, Unitarianism is not unrepresented. its Actual Condition;" consisting of For the purposes of collegiate educa- essays by several Unitarian ministers tion, whether with a view to the pul- and others, illustrative of the rise, propit, the bar, or commerce, young men gress, and principles of Christian Antiof the Unitarian persuasion repair to trinitarianism in different parts of the the Manchester New College; to the world: edited by the Rev. J. R. Beard, Owen's College, Manchester; to the D.D. London: Simpkin, Marshall, & Co. Presbyterian College, Caermarthen; to Price 10s. 6d. At the same publishers University College, London; to Uni- may be obtained other works by Dr. versity Hall, London; to the Queen's Beard, in which Christianity and ChrisCollege, Belfast; and to the universities tian theology, as held by a Unitarian, of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Berlin, &c. are fully expounded :—“Historical and In the United States of America, Artistic Illustrations of the Trinity," Unitarianism has spread extensively showing the Rise, Progress, and Deamong many denominations, and exists cline of the Doctrine, with Elucidatory in four separate forms or bodies. 1st, Engravings, 8vo, price 8s. The Unitarians, properly so called, People's Dictionary of the Bible," whose societies have, to a great extent, profusely illustrated with Maps and been formed out of the old congrega- Engravings, with a List of Books for tionalist churches. 2d, The Univer- Theological Study, in 2 vols. 8vo, 1268 salists, who make the doctrine of the pages, neatly bound in cloth, £1 1s. final restoration of all men to holiness"A Biblical Reading Book for Schools The "Belsham's "Williams' "Martineau's and Families," (second edition,) con- "Unitarianism Defended," by Martaining, with Illustrative Sketches in tineau, Thom, and Giles. Sacred Geography, History, and Anti-Memoir of Lindsey." quities, a Life of Christ. 12mo, 4s. Memoir of Belsham." "A Biblical Primer," Vol. I. in 2 Endeavours after the Christian Life." Parts, containing Old Testament Nar-"Tayler's (Rev. J. J., B.A.,) Christian ratives, in the words of Scripture, with Aspects of Faith and Duty." "Thom's "Ra an Introduction and Illustrative Re- (Rev. J. H.,) St. Paul's Epistles to the marks, 2s. 6d. "Illustrations of Corinthians, their Spirit and Sigthe Divine in Christianity," 8vo, nificance." "Priestley's Works," edbound in cloth, 10s. 6d. "A Critical ited by Rutt. “Lardner's Credibility History of Rationalism in Germany;" of the Gospel History, and other Works." translated from the French of Amand" Wicksteed's Commentary on MatSaintes, 8vo, price, bound in cloth, thew." "Livermore's Commentary on 10s. 6d. "An Introduction to the the Gospels." "Livermore's ComBooks of the Old and New Testament;" mentary on the Acts." "Yates' Vintranslated from the German of A. dication of Unitarianism." "WellbeSchumann, 8vo, price, bound in cloth, loved's Translation of the Historical 10s. 6d. "The Voices of the Church, Books of the Old Testament." in Reply to Strauss's Leben Jesu," 8vo, covian Catechism," translated by Rees. price, bound in cloth, 12s. Scripture "Norton's Evidences of the Genuineness Illustrated" from Recent Discoveries in of the Gospels." the Geography of Palestine; with a Map, showing the different levels of the Country, 2s. Scripture Vindi"The Christian Reformer," edited by cated against some Perversions of Rev. R. B. Aspland, was established in Rationalism," in an Investigation of 1824. E. T. Whitfield: London. In the Miracles, "Feeding the Five Thousand," and "Walking on the Water;" with a Map of the Sea of Galilee, 2s. 6d. 66 Among other works expository of Christian doctrine, duty, and hope, as understood by Unitarians, the following may be advantageously consulted. Periodicals connected with the Unitarian Denomination : the volumes of this Magazine are embodied the history of the Unitarians of England, their literature, opinions, institutions, and biographies of their eminent men. They also contain large and valuable contributions to the history of Protestant and Unitarian Dissent in their rise and early progress. "Dr. Channing's Works and Memoir." "The Inquirer," a Weekly Newspaper, "Life of the Rev. Robert Arpland," by devoted to Liberal Politics and Unithis son, the Rev. R. B. Arpland, M.A. arian Christianity; Office, Green Ar"The Life and the Writings of the Rev. bour Court, Old Bailey, London. "The Dr. Ware, Jun.," of Boston, New Prospective Review," a Quarterly JourEngland. "Lives of Eminent Unit-nal of Theology and Literature, edited arians," by the Rev. W. Turner, M.A. by Revs. Jas. Martineau, J. H. Thom, "Dr. Lant Carpenter's Memoir and John James Tayler, and Charles WickWorks." 66 "Wilson's Scripture Proofs steed. J. Chapman: London. of Unitarianism." "Rev. R. Wallace's day School Penny Magazine," published Anti-Trinitarian Biography." "Nor- by the Manchester District Sunday ton's Statement of Reasons for not School Association. E. T. Whitfield: believing the Doctrines of Trinitarians." | London. Sun THE NEW JERUSALEM, OR NEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH. FREELY ADAPTED FROM THE MEMOIR OF N. F. CABELL. BY ELIHU RICH. THIS body of Christians accepts the doctrines and theological writings of the late Hon. Emanuel Swedenborg * as a rational and authoritative exposition of Scripture. The general ignorance respecting this author, the true nature and object of his works, and the character of his followers, may justify a fuller exposition of these and some other collateral points, than would otherwise comport with the plan of this work, or than would be necessary in the case of churches of longer standing, and hence better known to the community. But before proceeding to a sketch of its faith, it is proper to announce, that this church refuses to be regarded as one of the many different sects into which the general body of Christians is unhappily divided; but * Emanuel was the son of Jesper Swedberg, born near Fahlun, Sweden, 1653. Jesper was several years chaplain to a regiment of cavalry, finally bishop of Skara, West Gothland, and many years superintendant of the Swedish mission established in England and America. He died in 1735. Emanuel Swedberg was born in Stockholm, January 29, 1688. He enjoyed early the advantages of a liberal education, and, being naturally endowed with uncommon talents for the acquirement of learning, his progress in the sciences was rapid and extensive. "His youth was marked by an uncommon assiduity and application in the study of philosophy, mathematics, natural history, chemistry, and anatomy, together with the Eastern and European languages. He had an excellent memory, quick conceptions, and a most clear judgment." In 1716, he was appointed, by Charles XII., Assessor Extraordinary of the Metallic College. In 1719, he was ennobled by Queen Ulrica Eleonora, when he assumed the name of Swedenborg, and took his seat with the Nobles of the Equestrian order, in the Triennial Assembly of the States. He was made a fellow by invitation of the Royal Academy of Sciences at claims, as the name imports, to possess an entirely new dispensation of doctrinal truth, as compared with any of the systems which at present prevail. "A new church!" will the reader exclaim in wonder or indignation :— "and to supersede the one established by Christ in person! Where can be the necessity of a new dispensation?-or show of reason for a pretension which by implication condemns-not one, but all other churches extant?" And we meet the question at the threshold. The reasons are many. We can here cite but a few-and even these cannot be given without reference to opinions of other Christians, from which we dissent. We would, therefore, premise that we desire such reference and such dissent may not be interpreted into any Stockholm, and had a like honour conferred on him by foreign societies. He is distinguished in the literary, scientific, and theological world, by his numerous publications in the Latin language, which give proof of great genius and profound erudition. He closed his earthly career in London, March 29th, 1772, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He lived in much esteem with the bishops and nobles of his own country; and his acquaintance was sought after by the most distinguished characters in various parts of Europe, with many of whom he continued to correspond till his death. The Rev. Thomas Hartley, a clergyman of the Church of England, Rector of Winwick, Northamptonshire, was intimately acquainted with Swedenborg, and in a letter to a friend, bears this testimony of him: "It may reasonably be supposed that I have weighed the character of Swedenborg in the scale of my best judgment, from the personal knowledge I had of him, from the best information I could procure concerning him, and from a diligent perusal of his writings; and, according thereto, I have found him to be the sound divine, the good man, the deep philosopher, the universal scholar, and the polite gentleman." want of respect to their holders as such, since erroneous opinions may be innocently adopted or retained, where there has been no full collation of conflicting systems. Why do we find, after eighteen centuries of probation, that Mahommedanism is more extended than Christianity, and Heathenism more than either? Nay, why did MaThere was a time when the followers hommed rise at all? and why is the of our Lord were of one heart and conversion of his followers still so one mind; but now we see them hopeless? The Cross had once well divided into Romanists on the one nigh sunk before the Crescent: and, hand, and Greeks and Protestants on though the latter in turn has grown the other; and the latter rent into pale, the hold of its priesthood on the many-coloured and uncompromising minds of the people is yet unbroken. sections. And if there be a temporary The Koran, Brahminism, and Buddor seeming union among them, neutral hism-the leading corrupt religions of spectators still think or fear that it is the world-have almost everywhere not because they love each other more, lost their ancient theocratic influence; but Rome less. What is the object of yet, fallen as they are from the political any church but to preserve and propa-heavens, and though Providence seems gate the truth for the sake of good? thus to have prepared the way for a And how has the Christian Church purer faith,-the lives of nominal fulfilled this object? Conceding for Christians, and the difficulties of his the present, what some may actually own doctrines, are standing obstacles to believe, that there has been an uninter- the success of the missionary. Why, rupted succession of Bishops at Rome, also, have the richly-endowed churches from Peter to Pius IX., or allowing that of Europe become so inefficient, and so the line from the Apostles generally has shorn of their influence, that the duties been somewhere preserved through all which their high claims indicate have vicissitudes, it will still be apparent devolved upon private enterprize, and that the requisition is not fully met. called into being so many new and Quis custodiet custodes ipsos? Have independent associations? Whence they been faithful to their trust? have come the opinions, doctrines, Have they kept in purity what was heresies, and schisms, and the huncommitted to their charge? While we dreds of thousands of disputing books acknowledge with Protestants, that the which these seventeen hundred years Church of Rome had become utterly have brought forth through the corrupt in doctrine and practice before whole extent of the Christian world? the Reformation, the radical differences How account for the vast expenditure among themselves show that they of learning and eloquence, with cannot all be right. Nor will it avail to assert that they agree in fundamentals. We know of no such accordance in any one doctrine, either as to the nature of God, the character and wants of man, the mode of Divine interposition, or the Inspiration of the Scriptures. Christianity lies in ruins, and the life of its several fragments is only that of the segments of a polypus,ents? hopeless of re-union. It must be owned, in short, that, if we are to look for nothing better in the future than the past, the prospect is very far from a cheering one. such poor results, among the populations of Christian countries? How is it that, with a priesthood as numerous as the largest armies, and older than the civilization of Europe, society is, at this moment, almost rocking with the throes of convulsion, and menaced with anarchy by its untaught and almost hopeless depend To these and other questions which might be asked, we can conceive of no sufficient answer other than this. It is, that they who have had the control of religion have ERRED, NOT KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES, NOR THE 66 set up. or Catholic is entitled to exclusive ascendency, why has Providence permitted neither to attain it? The growth of the mind, whether for good or evil, is a recognised doctrine-its sacred emblem is the tree of life, and Nature abounds in similitudes of it. The leaves first, then the blossom, and at length the fruit; first, the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear. POWER OF GOD." The faith of error, why is it that the good and wise Christendom-no longer a sacred con- do not see it? and if either Protestant fidence in "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS," and consequently no longer the Divine life corresponding to it, has assumed the character of a persuasive belief in doctrines of acknowledged difficulty. Without denying our thanks to those who fought the battles of religious freedom, and restored the Word of life to the world, we dare not, in the presence of these facts, limit the designation of BABYLON to one city, or to any one class of Christians. « All It might have been inferred from (the Christian Churches, says Hartley) Sacred Scripture itself, that the True have left the true, pure, simple religion, Religion in all its comprehensive depth and teach for doctrines the command- was not offered, nor, for sufficient ments of men. They are all merchants reasons, were its mysteries fully exof the earth, and have set up a king-plained to the primitive Christians. dom of this world. They have all a Our Lord said to his disciples, "I have dogmatizing spirit, and persecute such many things to say unto you, but you as do not receive their mark, and cannot bear them now" — "The time worship the images which they have will come when I will show you plainly of the Father." (John xvi. 12, 25.) But should we concede for a moment In the effort to understand what was the purity of what is taught, it is inade- already written, doubts and questions quate to the increased demand of the did arise-and on this very subject. general mind. Men outgrow the Instead of acknowledging their present garments of their youth. Philosophy ignorance, angry controversies unhappily and religion are in unnatural conflict: ensued. Too faithless to trust the and the breach, though courageously promise of their Lord, or too impatient and ingeniously defended by Bridge- to wait until they had rendered themwater treatises and the like, is selves worthy of the true and only daily widening. Every fresh ac-solution-decisions were made, and by cession to knowledge, each new theory Authority;-but such decisions as in science, is viewed with sus- darkened counsel by words without picion by the Orthodox priesthood- understanding! This authority, by and is welcomed or opposed according slow gradations, grew up into a Spiritual to its bearing on existing creeds. We Despotism which overshadowed all need a new development of Christi- Christendom, and yet was never so anity, in which all parts of knowledge firmly established but that there always shall assume their proper positions. had been rebels against the pretended We have no clear views of the funda- infallibility of Rome. That the anmentals of all religion, as distinguished tagonist systems of the Reformation from those of the wiser Heathen and also did not give universal satisfaction, Deists. They believed in one God, the is proved, as well by the remaining immortality of the soul, and retribution; strength of the Papacy, as by the and the prevalent systems throw us growth of numerous bodies of Disback on their insufficient ideas. Or senters, where freedom of religion is rather, we are fain to believe that, with allowed, or by secret Infidelity where it advancing time, we know less and less is not. All these have felt that someof the truth. If our present teachers | thing—that much was wrong, though know all that is necessary, free of none of them have penetrated to the |