APRIL 11, 1959

What is prayer? 115

Reaching for the power 117

Outstanding books "The Same... Today" on an important subject 125

Recovering that O Saviour Christ, Who once on earth didst heal which is lost 116 The sick and suffering in their hour of need, Thy Presence in our midst once more reveal, President's Corner 124 And hear us, whilst in faith and love we plead. Fulfill Thy promise here in this our day, And lay Thy healing Hand on all who pray. Non-Medical Therapeutics 120 To all the sin-sick souls that humbly seek Thy cleansing touch, the word of pardon give; To troubled minds that faint and falter, give The cheering word of power that all may live Henceforth obedient to Thy call and claim, And manifest the glory of Thy Name. Heal Thou the silent ear, the sightless eye, The failing limb, the palsied frame restore, Hear Thou the little children's helpless cry, And set before us all the open door Of new-found hope and service new begun, With thankfulness for all that Thou hast done.

—The Late Bishop of Goulburn

a^NEWCHURCH MESSENGER THE EDITORIAL NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER Official organ of The General Convention Reaching for the Power of the New Jerusalem in the United States of America. Convention founded in 1817. (8

• but not as efficacious because it cannot exercise any influence upon the Associate Editor course of events? Carol Lawson In that connection, let us recall what the Lord told His disciples when one of them requested Him to teach them to pray {Luke 11:1—13). The Address all editorial correspondence and manuscripts to the Editor, New-Church Lorddrew a picture of a commonplace event. A man is awakened at Messenger, Third and Pike, Cincinnati 2, Ohio. night by a friend on a journey. The friend is hungry, but there is no • The opinions of contributors do not nec bread in the house, so off to a neighbor the man goes to obtain bread. essarily reflect the views of the editors or represent the position of the Church. There was a churlish answer at first, for the sleepy neighbor did not relish the idea of having his sleep disturbed. Yet he did get up and supply Vol. 179, No. 8 Whole No. 4750 the bread. How much more will not the Heavenly Father respond to April 11, 1959 His children. Take note thatthe man in this picture is not asking for bread for himself, but for a friend in need. This has a bearing on prayer that is ^Essentials of Jfattf? offered for the sick of mind or body. Such a prayer is not an effort to of Sttf? $feut ©ljurrlj get something for oneself but for another. It is therefore infused with the love of neighbor. To be sure this raises the question: If God will at the intercession of someone else heal one of His children, will He not do so There is one God, and He is the directly? There is no need to apply pressure to God by multiplingthe Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. • number of petitioners. And He is no respecter of persons, so it cannot be The Word is Divine and contains a that one is more expert in praying than another. Perhaps the answer spiritual or inner meaning whereby is is that God's Providence is bent on creating a friendly world in which revealed the way of regeneration. men discoverthat the distress of their brethern is of concern to them; • Saving faith is to believe in Him and To paraphrase the classic words of JohnDonne: "Any man's illness keep the Commandments of His Word. diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind." • God is no respecter of persons, of course. He does not answer the Evil is to be shunned as sin against prayer of onebut refuseto listen to another, because the approach of God. the first is suave and diplomatic, while that of the latter is crude and • Human life is unbroken and con bungled. But justas God's life is mediated to the natural world through tinuous, and the world of the spirit is the heavens, so God's life is often mediated to the individual through real and near. another.

114 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER Prayer is listening and receiving from the Lord

WHAT IS PRAYER ?

by Gwynne Dresser Mack

ACCUSTOMED though we are to the idea of pray still and know that I am God. ... If any man hear my ing—from a child's 'God bless Daddy and Mommy' voice, I will come in." to a bishop's petitions over the cathedral's loud-speaker— An important New-Church teaching concerns the law do we think enough about the meaning of prayer, about of influx whereby man can be filled with love, wisdom its purpose and its effect? and power from God. It is this for which man was Is prayer, for most of us, only a familiar routine created. We have only to be receptive, desiring and without which we would feel vaguely uncomfortable? expecting the Lord's Presence to surround and flow Is it, perhaps, an intellectual endeavor conscientiously into us, to become aware of It. For He is longingly and pursued—or an impulsive activity never resortedto patiently here, waiting to accomplish this infilling with except in emotional stress? Or isit a deep experience to every one of us. True prayer, then, is receptivity. It is be sought and treasured and returned to again and again, listening to and receiving from the Lord. asto something of great beauty and joy? What is prayer? There is no clearer, more direct explanation than Ask and receive Swedenborg's: 'Prayer is talking with God.' (Arcana And He listens to us, too, because He wants us to 2535). In this simple statement is no implication of indicate, freely, what we wish of His inflowing power. anything spectacular, no suggestion of a technique, and He does not intend to pour us full regardless of our certainly no hint of any great intellectual or emotional inclinations or interests. Freedom of will was given as effort. Just 'talking with God.1 Yet, as with all the assurance that our Father would never 'take us over' simplest things in life, when we consider this fully it without our full cooperation. So, while we open our suddenly becomes immense and profound. Talking minds and hearts, we should tell Him all the happenings with God—with the Creator of the universe, our Divine of our life—our troubles, pleasures and yearnings—as a Father Who is both invisible yet here with me and there child chats of the day's doings, with parents at supper with you, and with each single human who ever existed! time. We can thus thank our Father for what He has That we, any of us, can talk with Him whenever and given, and we can also ask Him to help with problems wherever we wish—how tremendously wonderful! Or and emergencies. In three short chapters of the Obspel can we? Maybe we don't all actually believe this. Maybe of John (14, 15, 16) the Lord speaks seven times of the when we say prayers at bedtime or in church, or cry out: importance of asking. 'Please, God, help me!', we do not really feel in touch Therefore, contrary to the opinion of some, it is right with Him at all, but send out words in a blind hope that to ask God for even little things—if they arenot merely somewhere, somehow they will be picked up. self-satisfactions, but are truly needed and good to have. Talking with God: not just to Him, but with Him. We must never, of course, beg or demand or entreat This means something very special, for it indicates that with selfish intensity, but in a rational, objective way not only do we talk—He also talks! It is possible to talk bring our needs into the sphere of His Providence. without establishing any communication, as to a stone In our world today disorders and malfunctions, of wall or to a deaf person. This is talking to; for talking both bodies and minds, are among our greatest problems with, there has to be reaction and interchange—there and most continuous emergencies. Disease appears in has to be contact established. True prayer, then, means innumerable forms and has become a major preoccupa just that. So if we do not feel in touch with the Lord tion. Nowhere is help more needed, by more people, when we pray, we are not really praying; we are only than in the area of health. In spite of advancing medical saying words or talking to ourselves. Prayer means science, we seem still to be helpless in many varieties of getting in touch with God, coming close to Him, being illness which doctors can not cure. Health means the with Him and carrying on a conversation in a personal order and wholeness and functioning which are intended and immediate way. by God. Therefore, where His intentions are concerned, But still we may wonder, how? By learning to listen. we should not hesitate to turn to Him and to ask for When we talk with, we take our turn at listening! "Be healing from disordered conditions. 'Ask', said our Lord;

APRIL 11,1959 115 and surely we must do so, using prayer to enable His every good thing that is needed, since all good things power to flow through us into the situation which needs are created by Him and He Himself has told us: "With healing. out me ye can do nothing." Not only can this bring help to ourselves, but to others We talk much about 'doing the Lord's Will'; but then as well. For the wonderful thing about being truly in we say: 'What as His Will? How can we know it?' touchwith the Lord is that thereby we are also in touch Only by listening to Him while He tells us; and in case with our fellow men, since He is near to all His children we find it hard to listen, He has written it also: 'Thou whether they reach out to Him or not. And just as we shalt love the Lord thy God ... Come unto me.' can take a baby somewhere by carrying him before he is ableto walk, so we can put another in touch with God In all ages, among all men, the knowledge has been by standing between and holding the hand of each. given—by revelation and inspiration—that the Lord's Then let us talk often with God, with the same enthu Will is to have a close and sharing companionship with siasm and joy that we give to visits with our dearest His children. The only way to effect companionship is friends, and with the undoubting trust that children through an exchange of thought and affection. With have in parents. Let us not hesitateto ask our Lord for God, we call this Prayer.

Recovering that which is Lost

by Rev. William E. Fairfax

* I ^RUE PRAYER is feeling, not saying, and effective poverty into plenty, replace unhappiness with peace ■*■ prayer is based upon a realization that it is the and joy. Prayer has been providing such blessings for right of every individual to share at all times in the all- all races and for people in what we call various stages goodness of God. Prayers read or recited can be a help of civilization, since the dawn of creation. From the in preparing the soul to cease its natural activities, to time of Moses who led the children of Israel out of the seek the silence which leads to relaxation, to listen for wilderness step by step, as he paused to pray for and 'the still, small voice'. Any thought or activity that is receive guidance, to the rescue of Rickenbacker and his helpful in thus clearing the mental nature is a distinct companions from their rubber raft in the Pacific, in aid to prayer, but does not in itself constitute true prayer. stances where reliance on prayer alone has brought men The difference between effective and unsuccessful and women through great crises arc common—but not praying lies in the fact that in effective prayer oppor so numerous as they should be. tunity for contemplating God, to the exclusion of all Xo privilege enjoyed by man has produced such other ideas, has been given individual consciousness— prompt and satisfactory results as the offering of correct whereas when prayer is unsuccessful, consciousness has prayer, yet no boon to mankind—such as prayer can not been able to pursue its meditation without interrup be—has been more neglected. The whole world at once tion or resistance. Real prayer is not to be measured in became air-conscious soon after the Wright brothers words nor by length of time spent, but by feeling and made the first successful flight, and hundreds of types realization that all possible good in the worldhas long of planes are now flown; but should any of these fail since been available to us—we have but to attuneour to follow basic principles, the planes would not fly. This selves to God. is true of all accomplishment; without using correct Prayer is man's most convenient and powerful weapon principles, failure inevitably results. Yet many in the for moving himself out of discord back to harmony. world ignore practically all basic principles of correct The difficulty in the present world is that everyone prayer, and so have come to expect that nothing will assumes that because prayer is common to all people really happen from most of their praying since the only no one could lose theidea of using it correctly. The kindthey know is ineffective. Yet so instinctive is belief right kind of praying would disperse illness, change in the power of prayer, that no one ever loses completely

116 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER the feeling that God can thus be reached. Even persistent inharmonies. Is it possible that the way of praying non-believers try to save themselves by praying when correctly has been lost, excepting to a few? Those few they find themselves in desperate situations. will say that a proper amount and quality of faith and belief are necessary to make prayer effective, and that The wonder is that, even in the most hopeless of human the measure of assurance or expectation accompanying circumstances, prayers are answered wheneverand as a prayer determines whether it will be answered. But often as they are real prayers. Man is so formed in his why—in view of continuous failures to receive answers relation to God that even the most unlearned can find to countless prayers—has not a board of experts been the channel to the Divine Mind. The idea that all things appointed to find out just howmuch faith is enough, are possible to God recurs at times of hopelessness, and and what sort of belief must be developed before answer there is no kind of illness, unhappiness, or want that to prayer may be achieved? Would not success in teach has not been alleviated through the prayers of those ing members how to pray effectively re-establish confi fortunates who have discovered or re-discovered the dence in the Churchand solve many of its problems? way of true prayer. Few have not heard of instances in Could not right use of prayer solve many of the problems which prayer has been answered directly, although such of the world? results are classed as 'miracles'. This attitude is, in itself, acknowledgment that we know little about prayer, When prayer and its effects are once again understood because answer to prayershould be thought of as so thoroughly that all people come to appreciate that Divinely natural. true prayer does not consist of repeating phrases, plead ings or demands upon God—when this is finally discerned But why are some prayers answered and others not? so clearly that all people see prayer as a contemplation Why were the prayers of the Rickenbacker group an in individual consciousness rather than mere words swered while those of an English bishop, accompanying arranged in sentences—wThen it is realized that answer important allied leaders to Iceland by plane, failed to to prayer must be sought as something to which one is save it from crashing? Who can explain why the prayers entitled by right of being a creation originating in God, of such scholars, trained in devotional practices, are and that such answer is not a favor to be pleaded for— barren of result whilethose of a group of aviators, some then effective prayer will againbe the rule instead of of them non-churchgoers, bring rescue? And what of exceptional, and once more will become the universal the many other seamen torpedoed from ships into flaming implement for harmonizing creation in conformity with oil or drowned outright? Is it to be assumed that these man's relation to God. did not pray? If all prayers were answered, those offered each Sunday The author, a deeply spiritual person, is pastor of the Xcw Christian in American churches alone would healthe world of its Church Mission, New York.

for bringing in the Lord's help. How HISTORY OF AN EXPERIMENT often do we think, in difficulties or illnesses: 'If only I could do some A YEAR AGO this spring a nationwide New-Church Prayer Fellowship thing!' The simple and intelligent came into being—idea of a few scattered New-Church friends who were use of prayer is the most powerful interested in the work with spiritual healing now being done throughout the means we have for helping, and it is world. Feelingthat the teachingsof our Church could and should make a possible for everyone. There are some valuable contribution to this work, by being used to help those in trouble, who are gifted with the healing but wondering how best to 'ultimate' such teachings, these friends decided touch'; this is a special consideration that united prayer was the way. The purpose would be to widen, through the which need not concern us. Most right use of prayer, those channels for Divine Influx which bring healing into healing work today is being done our lives—and to share this endeavor with 'like minds', trying together to through prayer, and it is this tremen translate New-Church enlightenment into actual service for others. dous potentiality of prayer which we The Fellowship began with a letter sent out to about fifty persons known to should learn about and work with. be especially interested in spiritual healing. Following is a portion of this "We are therefore forming a Prayer initial invitation: Fellowship by means of which we can share discussion, thoughts and experi "There are, throughout this coun growth of the soul, and why it is ence; exchange materials, literature try and Canada, a number who are important to take responsibility for and ideas; and learn to work not interested in the application of New- keeping this relationship healthy. only forself-help but for giving help Church knowledge to the problem of Emotional and phj'sical illness are to others. The group is an informal health: spiritual, mental, physical. major problems of society today; we one, with no financial obligations and We see in this application anoppor in the New Church have at our dis no affiliation with any other organiza tunity to use our New-Church teach posal knowledge for coping with these tion. We shall all keep in touch ings in a practical, helpful way. Our problems—through spiritual enlight through periodic letters and exchange teachings give specific explanations enment and endeavor, and particu of thought; we shall study together of how the human body serves the larly through learning to use prayer the principles of spiritual (and hence

APRIL 11, 1959 117 physical) health in relation to New- Church teachings and prayer, ever striving toward their application." The results of this letter werebe yond expectation. Not only did most Fellowship Letters of the original number who received it respond with enthusiasm; they continually introduced others, so that the group has been increasing ever TO CONVERSE with an invisible stranger or friend. Our praying, then, since. Today there are over 130 mem Presence seems unreal to those begins with this urge: an outreaching bers, in twenty-six states and three who do not feel at home with 'the of concern for another human being. Canadian provinces. However, a evidence of things not seen'; to them, To this the Lord immediately re praying remains a ritual instead of an sponds. The power in prayer comes large membership is not the objective experience. not from words, techniques or intel so much as a harmonious membership * lect, but from complete trust in the dedicated to learning, in lightof In true awareness of His Presence, New-Church principles, to receive Lord and compassion for fellow-men. one would want to ask only for what the Lord's power and to bring it to * is wise and good in His judgment— those in need. Anyone is welcome Let us practice prayer. No skill is and, this being so, onecan fully developed without practice; there is who has a serious interest in New- believe that the need will be met. only one way to learn to swim, and Church teachings and who truly * that is to try and keepon trying. believes in the power of prayer and Seldom do we have proof of the For some time it may seem too diffi its use for healing in all its aspects; result of prayer forothers. Therefore cult; but if one persists, there always but no one is included without his it is easy to doubt. Perhaps if we comes the moment when it works. And having indicated sincere commitment could see the effects of all our prayers, from then on, the skill is never lost. to the Fellowship's purposes, and we might too easily forget that it is * desire to participate. the Lord, not we, Who does the work. Prayer, to have strength, must be A few prayer-groups in local socie * spontaneous. Self-consciousness inter ties have affiliated with the larger It is in cases considered medically rupts and impedes. That is why some group, and itis hoped that others will 'hopeless' that spiritual healings ap prefer to pray alone; they are too be encouraged to form. Occasionally pear most dramatic, and in such aware of self in the presence ofothers. members of the overall Fellowship, healings there has alwaysbeen a We should choose whatever situation who live near one another, meet to spiritual renewal as definite as the enables us to feel closest to the Lord. discuss the program or to do special physical recovery. There are count We should be completely relaxed prayer work. less authentic records of cancer, physically, and mentally and emo Scarcely had the Fellowship become tuberculosis, arthritis, paralysis, in tionally serene, so that distractions established before requests arrived juries and disorders of every sort— will not intrude. Quiet surroundings for prayer-help. Despite inexperience none of which responded to medical arc best, and the prayer can be spoken there seemed no better way to learn treatment but vanished when the or silent. But there are occasions than by doing; and so each name sent Lord was asked for healing. That when one wants to pray in the midst in has been 'held in prayer' with the this does frequently happen means of chaos, when one can not arrange earnest hope that sincerity, and love something which we should seriously the conditions. Whenever we wish to for the Lord and fellow men, would ponder. It does not mean that medical communicate with the Lord, we can create the necessary wisdom. There help is to be discounted. Medical do so mentally, any time, anywhere. have thus been considered the needs knowledge is a part of God's pro "For lo, I am with you always", of nearly fifty persons, and there have viding; stillit is only a part and as He said. been numerous instances of definite yet incompletely learned. * help received. Proof of relationship * What should we pray about? Only between prayer and healing can never The Lord desires our health and the emergencies and crises, or also be established; but there has been a useful functioning. Miracles do the small pains and anxieties? The high rate of recovery or great im occur—not as coercion toward belief New Church teaches that theLord's provement among the most serious but as manifestation of the Lord's Providence is in 'the most minute cases, and several have said that they continuous Presence and Power with things, and extends to the most felt prayer was what helped them. us. If our prayers do not always particular things of the life of man.' Because of the meaning of true seem to be answered, we must under So nothing is too small to talk with prayer, there can be only good effects stand that there is a reason, and not Him about, but what we ask for from it. Its influence, being first be rebellious if our finite minds do should be only help that is really upon the spirit, may be invisible and not know what it is. We must never needed. may not always reach to the outer be discouraged because there have * most physical edges. Although the been failures, but must persevere There is often a strange reluctance effort should be for help in all aspects— because there are successes! to associate healing with religion. Yet spiritual, mental, physical—it should our Lord's work on earth was a healing never be felt that any prayer is ministry, and our New-Church doc wasted, whether its outcome is ap How can praying for someone else trine of Regeneration is a doctrine of parent or not. The mission has been have results? Swedenborg answered healing! The word heal means 'to make accomplished as soon as a prayer for this: 'In the Lord's sight the whole whole'. Man while on earth never another reaches God. human race is as one man.' Thus we functions only spiritually, only men are all parts of the same whole,so tally, only physically. He functions Inquiries concerning the Prnyer Fellowship that what any part does is felt by simultaneously on all three levels— should be sent to the group's headquarters: c/o Mrs. Dan'fJ .\fnck, Route 1, Box 295, the rest. If we are truly compassionate and if there is disorder in any one of Pound Ridge, Xcw York. we will want to help anyone in trouble, these, the others are affected. Healing

118 THE XEW-CHURCH MESSENGER concerns physiological disorder not one, is simply calling for and receiving GWYNNE DRESSER MACK because the body is most important, theLord's Power to keep in order but because the soul must act through that which He has created. Prayer its body and it is there that disorder is our means of reaching this Power becomes most manifest. When we and giving it a channel toflow through. work with spiritual healing to relieve * obvious disorder in the body, we know Why does God allow suffering? that by so doing we are also bringing How can we reconcile illness, poverty, help to the mental and spiritual parts tragedy, with belief in God's continual of man. We are helping him to become care of us? To understand suffering 'whole.' Swedenborg wrote that man we must first understand two of can not be reformed while in a state God's basic laws: freedom of will, of bodily sickness,for he can not then and cause and effect. Freedom of will act in freedom; this alone is reason gives to humanity the privilege of enough for striving and for helping controlling causes at the spiritual others to be physically well! level, but with this goes responsibility * for effects on the physical plane. Be We should not try to prevent cause we are all neighbors on God's deaths. Spiritual healing may do so, earth, the effects created by one are but it can also be the means of making felt by another. When the innocent death at its appointed time easy and suffer, it is because of the disorders rapid. Death is a normal occurrence, spread through this interrelated uni and since we can not judge its timing verse by those who choose to be we should not work against it—only antagonistic to their Lord. against disease, suffering, disability. Our emphasis should always be to bring in whatever help is needed; A leading spirit in the this the Lord knows and will provide. Local Prayer * Prayer Fellowship The science of medicine is, like all Groups in knowledge, God-given and intended for use. In all cases spiritual healing Our Churches can strengthen the work of doctors, and in some instances can accomplish THE PRAYER FELLOWSHIP of the minister and his wife. The pattern what doctors have not yet learned the Church of the Good Shep for the meeting was left pretty much to do. Along with Divine principles herd in Kitchener, Ontario, had its in the hands of the minister, and we must be sure also to recognize beginnings in the experience, joy and usually opened with a prayer and natural laws. It is appalling how satisfactionof the minister and his Scripture reading. Following this, ignorant the average person is con wife, through prayer. As they became selected Scripture passages were sug cerning his physical structure and aware, during years of work in the gested to the rest of thegroup, and processes—often he takes more in ministry, of the helpfulness of time all present offered the names of those telligent care of his house or automo set aside for private devotions—of for whom they wished prayer said. bile than of his body! We can not the usefulness of specific prayers for Listed also were such considerations expect the Lord to restore order if those who were ill or facing difficult as world-peace, and the problems of we constantly interfere by neglecting problems and decisions, and of the youth in our church. After making the rules of hygiene which He Himself growing understanding and apprecia the list and assigning the suggested established for maintaining such order. tion that resulted from their prayers Scripture readings, a period of silence The universal disregard of these rules for personal and family matters—it followed in which each person read nowadays is responsible for much of became their desire to sharethese the Scriptures to himself and con our physical misery and disability. feelings and experiences. sidered the list presented for silent * As they grew better acquainted prayer. This time was brought to a Divine Providence never ordains with thejoy of this personal sense of close with a prayer by the minister, disorders, but neither is it uncon communion with the Lord, they found and thena discussion-period followed. cerned. It permits because this is others in the congregation who felt After about a year and a half, the inherent in the privilege offree will, the same way though often they had gathering moved to the church- but also provides that every evil not expressed it. And there were auditorium—meeting at the same effect shall be balanced by something still more, it appeared, who would be hour, 8:00 p.m.—and a significant good. If we are aware enough, we interested in getting together to change took place, in that the mem can often see this equilibrium. Divine learn ways in which they might bers now took over leadership. This Providence is the Lord's Power in deepen their own Christian activity. was a good step, for it meant oppor action; it is what brings answers to Furtherimpetus to gathering a group tunity for active participation by prayers and watches over us even in for meditation, prayer and discussion every member. At this point the name suffering. It will not prevent suffering was the growing wish of the minister 'Prayer Fellowship' was chosen, and as long as man has both free will and to have others praying with him, a new pattern for the meetings was self-love; but it will always, if we ask, wherever they might happen to be, planned by the members themselves. bring the helpthat is needed most. for the life and work of the congrega These sessions have opened regu * tion and the church-at-largc. larly with a prayer foljowed by a God created the form in which man Therefore, approximately five years hymn, since the organ is available. is, for a reason and a use. Spiritual ago, the groupbegan to gather every After the first hymn a Bible passage healing, which is possible for every other Sunday evening in the home of Please lurn to page 127

APRIL 11, 1959 119 Non-Medical Therapeutics Over the Ages

by Bjorn Johannson

FROM TIME immemorial and even up to the present made from herbs, barks, roots, the toes of toads, the day despite all the advances in wonder drugs, shavings of ram horns, ground-up beetle wings, etc., surgery and other methods the chief therapeutic agent used by witch doctors and primitive medicine men, in is the mind. This is in part due to the fact that perhaps the main the effect of those things must have been mental. three fourths of our ailments are wholly or in part mental. One of the early theories of disease was that which It is also due to the tremendous power that the mind ascribed it to demon possession. In recent years demons exercises over the body. We are familiar enough with have been ousted by germs, bacteria, viruses, etc. And this as a matter of daily experience. We blush, pale, no particular personality is ascribed to these. tremble, have difficultyin breathing, etc., just in response The medicine man would explain to the patient the to an emotion that a mere word may have evoked. nature of his ailment in accord with this demon posses These reactions are usually temporary because the sion theory and the methods for a cure. A ceremony or emotion is temporary, but they may grow into habits; ritual of some sort, usually with religious implications, or a strong emotional experience may repeat itself from was often employed. Among the Chinese, Taoist priests causes wholly different from that which first aroused it. ring bells, manipulate bowls of water, candles and joss- Plato said: "The office of the physician extends equally sticks besides reciting formulas in order to drive away to the mind and the body; to neglect the one is to expose evil spirits. A relative or friend of a sick person will thn other to evident peril. It is not only the body that visit the temple, ringing a bell to notify the god that by its sound constitution strengthens the soul, but the there is need for help, and just in case the god should well regulated soul by its authoritative power maintains be hard of hearing he tickles the cars of the image, and the body in perfect health." rubs the part of the image that corresponds to the We use the term 'non-medical' here merely to indicate afflicted part of the sick person who is in need of a cure. practices that do not usechemical, mechanical nor Other methods used are the taking of ashes from the surgical means such as are recognized as having a thera censor and giving these to the patient to swallow; or the peutic value. At times the line between the means used writing of a spell on paper, burning it, dissolving the in the practice of primitive medicine that have no ashes in water and drinking the mixture. therapeutic efficacy and those that have may be un In Egypt medicine was studied in the fifteenth century certain. A young physician on the Pacific Coast, Dr. Jon P>. C. The Ebcrs Papyrus throws much light on the V. Straumfjord, was led into making significant investiga methods used. An important part of the treatment was tions of the relation of vitamin A to eyesight by a story the lying on of hands combined with ceremonial rites. of a group of white settlers who were treated for snow There were mixtures to be taken, usually made of foul blindness by an Indian medicine man with huge doses tasting ingredients and without value except as a mental of fish eyes. Those who followed his advice recovered stimulus. There were assassin spirits who would go their sight, but those who did not failed to recover. around killing people. The priest-physician had to This story was told as an example of power of suggestion, discover the nature of the spirit and then attack him but Dr. Straumfjord's surmise was that the result was with powerful magic, consisting usually of incantations produced by the rich vitamin A content in fish eyes. and amulets. The body of the human being was divided Similarly, Dr. Helmar Finsen was led to make his into thirty-sixparts, each of which was thought to be investigations of the therapeutic use of light by an old under the rule of one of the aerial demons. Then there folk story from Iceland. The story had it that during a was the use of the 'temple sleep', a form of hypnotism smallpox epidemic, a prince took pity on a sick, poverty- and seemingly effacious in some diseases. The Babylonian stricken person and spread his scarlet mantle over him. system of medicine was very similar in its use of incanta The man recovered and showed no scars on that part of tions, charms, etc. Drugs were also used, some of which his body that had been covered by the mantle. This was may have had a therapeutic effect. Among the Jews attributed to the magic power of the royal touch which disease was considered a punishment for sin, hence the extended even to the clothing. But Finsen wondered treatment was religious and mental. if it could be due to the effect that the mantle had on The treatises by Hippocrates arc among the oldest the absorption of the light waves, and his hunch led to (400-375 B.C.) on medicine. He is said to have freed important discoveries. medicine from superstition, but one will find many of However, although there may have been some chemical his treatments are primarily mental, even though he substances which had a beneficial effect in the concoctions may not have thought of them as such. Socrates after

120 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER his return from the Thracian wars declared that the bewitching the boy. The woman's husband sued for Thracian physicians took account of the influence of slander. And not so many years ago in America we had a the mind on the body and expressedthe hope that Greek strange case involvingthe charge of hexing. physicians would soon do likewise. In the Scandinavian literature we have many refer The use of incantations and magic was common among ences to the cure of headache by shaping a head and the Greeks. In the temple for Esculapius there was putting it on a cross. Throughout the Middle Ages, treatment of wounds by dressings and bandages, while and for a long time since, relics such as the bones of the priests gave prescriptions delivered to them by the saints have been used in the treatment of disease. Also god in dreams and visions. The patients offered prayers there arc thousands that flock every year to shrines and sacrifices, cleansed themselves with holy water, and seeking a cure. These shrines are found among the the priests performed ceremonies. The patients were adherents of Islam, Buddism and many other religions. put to sleep on skins of animals that had been sacrificed Inthe Middle Ages the relics were really big medicine. orat the foot of the statue, and according to inscriptions So powerful were they that, according to some, mere and stories, that have come down, many awoke com contact with them, even if accidental, would work a pletely cured. cure. A story is toldof two beggars, one blind the other Of Esculapius himself it is said that he cured sciatica lame, who had no desire to be cured since that would by blowing the trumpet, and Democritus claimed that wreck their way of making a living. They were caught music from a flute would cure diseases. in a great crowd gathered around the relics of St. Martin and swept up to these by the press. Both came out Everyone familiar with the Book of Acts and other healed, much to their disgust. early Christian literature, including the writings of the In shrines, the temple sleep was in widespread use. church fathers, knows that healing and the exorcising of The sick would sleep in the church after devotions and demons played a large part in early church activities. either wake up cured or in their dreams would be given Some strange stories come to us about this. St. Hilarion a prescription which would cure them. I am reminded cureda possessed camel; St. Ambrose tells of a priest of a belief once widely prevalent in Iceland and still who, annoyed by the croaking offrogs, exorcised them found among some that skilled physicians who belong and stopped their croaking. Many, no doubt, will wish to a species of brownies or elfs that live in rocks and are thoy knew the secret of exorcising the demon from the visible only on rare occasions, may visit a sick person human croakers they know. Christian writers, with few in his dreams and prescribe for him. exceptions, in the first three hundred years of the church speak of the healing of the sick and the driving out of The most famous of the shrines is probably Lourdes. demons. The laying on of hands was widely practiced. A committee of French physicians once testified to the How efficacious were these methods? The accounts of authenticity of many of the cures claimed for this place. cures of blindness, paralysis, deafness and many other Dr. Alexis Carel, Xobel prize winner in biology says, ills are too numerous to be dismissed as just the delusions speaking of Lourdes: "Our present conception of the of credulous people. influence of prayer upon pathological lesions is based upon the observations of patients who have been cured The belief in demon possession persists in many parts almost instantly of various afflictions such as pertoneal of the world. As late as 1892 suit was brought in South tuberculosis, cold abscesses, osteitis, suppurating wounds, against a priest who had tried to exorcise an lupus, cancer, etc. The process of healing changes little hysterical boy and who charged a peasant woman with from one individual to another. Often, an acute pain. Then a sudden sensation of being cured." (Man the Unknown p. 148) Special Limited Offer And while I am quoting Dr. Carcl let me add this DICTIONARY OF quotation even though it is slightly out of context: BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE "Miraculous cures seldom occur. Despite their small only $2.00 number they prove the existence of organic and mental processes that we do not know. They show that certain Every Bible student should have this remark mystic states, such asthat of prayer, have definite effects. able book at hand. The symbolical meanings of They are stubborn, irreducible facts, which must be most Bible words are clearly explained. taken into account" (Ibid. pp. 148-149). No Bible student can truly know what the Dr. Carel goes so far as to say "But there is no need Bible means without this symbolical internal for the patient himself to pray, or even to have any meaning. religious faith. It is sufficient that someone around him Send only $2.00 to: be in a state of prayer" (Ibid. p. 149). THE SWEDENBORG FOUNDATION Space forbids even a cataloging of the numerous 51 East 42nd Street New York 17, N. Y. healers of the Middle Ages and up to the present days, or request billing. much less all the accounts and legendsthat cluster around these people. Among the most famous was

APRIL 11, 195!) 121 Valentine Greatrakes (1G28-1G83) a Protestant of Irish extraction who fought under Cromwell, and then after a Tlte Going Scriptures— byJack hfamm period of melancholy derangement began his career as a Getting A Menage Through healer by means of prayer, touching and stroking. Crowds from all over England and Ireland flocked around him. He was invited to London and thousands flocked to his house in Lincoln's Inn Fields. Although the church tried to prohibit hisactivities the Bishop of Dromore testifies, "I have seen pains strangely fly away before his hands till he had chased them out of the body;— grievous sores of many months date were in a few days healed, cancerous knots dissolved . . ." The celebrated astronomer, Flamstead, among many others, testifies to having seen seemingly- miraculous cures by him. In Italy about the same time Francisco Bagnone was operating with equal success. Nor must we forget the famousJohann Jacob Gassner, who cured by the mere word of command, it is said. Coming to modern times, the first name to come to mind is that of Frederich Anthony Mesmer. But long before he expounded animal magnetism similar hypothe -CONTINUING ses had been set forth by Theophrastis Paracelsus and INSTANT IN several others. This theory was that the whole of the PRAYEE.-' KOMJl-IZ world and of life is governed by magnetism, and mag netism is the key to the phenomena of the universe. Life is preserved by it and death caused by it. This theory had about the same place in the scientific thinking of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, in some circles at least, as vitamins, hormones, vaccines and The best of medical services could do little for him so wonder drugs have in present day medical thinking. he tried Christian Science and other similar non-medical It must however, be said of Mesmer, despite all the means of healing. Then he began to read Swedenborg, fallacies in his argument that he did show the power of and while perusing the Divine Providence the thought the mind over the body. came to him that he should not pray for health but for Another name that should come in for mention, enlightenment. Some time after he began following that although this person was not a healer, is that of F. W. H. procedure, the miracle (or whatever it was) happened. Myers, secretary and later president of theSociety for One day he could hear the birds sing. That same day Psychical Research. He was the first to formulate the he got up and walked and soon was in fair health. theory of tho subliminal self, or what now is called the I related this story to the editor of the Courier-Express, subconscious. His theory has, of course, undergone many Buffalo, X. Y., who was so impressed that he sent one changes and modifications, but its general idea is accepted of his reporters to interview Mr. Shepard. today. Metaphysical healing, as it is sometimes called, proba How about Swedenborg? He was not a healer and he bly originated in this country with the work of P. P. wrote nothing bearing directly on techniques for spiritual Quinby. There is no little evidence to show that Mrs. healing. But he held that the soul *\vas form and doth Mary Baker Eddy got the ideas which formed the basis the body make'. (^The quotation is not from him.) He of what is known as Christian Science from him. saw life as an influx from God; disease as corresponding Another patient of Mr. Quinby's was Julius A. Dresser, to evils in the spiritual world, and taught many things father of Horatio W. Dresser and Paul Dresser, both of that have a bearing on this matter. (See Gwynne D. whom were ordained ministers in the New Church. Mack's article in May 14, 1955, issue of MESSENGER.) Julius Dresser is quoted as saying: "The first person in this age who penetrated the depths of truth so far as I would like to relate a story in this connection, the to discover and bring forth a true science of life, and details of which are partly known to me personally. publicly apply it to thehealing of the sick, was Phineas I know a Mr. Shepard of Canandaigua, N. Y., formerly Parkhurst Quinby of Belfast, Me." a prominent lawyer, editor of a law magazine and author The Rev. Warren F. Evans, a minister in the New of several books. Mr. Shepard fell through an elevator Church, was a disciple of Quinby's. After two visits to shaft injuring his back so severely that he was almost Quinby, Mr. Evans began to treat the ailing on the totally paralyzed, and his hearing was greatly impaired. theory that disease was rooted in a 'wrong belief, and

122 THE XEW-CHURCH MESSENGER if that belief was correctedthe disease would be cured. tissues. Some go as far as to hold that many have had Not only was Mr. Evans a successful healer, but he cancer but that the body has manufactured some anti also wrote several books on mental medicine. He body which stopped the wild growths. Incidentally, the is deserving of larger space than can be given to him whole theory of the 'anti-body' may raise the question here, and maybe in a future issue of 'the MESSENGER of the power of the mind over the body. What sets the his work will come in for more adequate mention. body to producing them? Is it the subconscious? Christian Science and The Unity School of Chris Dr. Worcester thought that organic diseases could tianity are perhaps the best known of those who have a sometimes be cured, or the cure of them made easier, physical healing program that is religiously oriented. with spiritual means. Dr. Card's opinion on this subject There are, of course, many other churches and groups has been quoted. However, most physicians hold that that now accept and practice healing. although functional diseases are helped by non-medical Less well known but in some ways more important is means, organic diseases are not—at least that the the Emmanuel movement, which originated in an ortho evidence for such is weak. dox church in Boston under the leadership of Dr. Elwood Psychomatie medicine is now an established thing in Worcester. This was an effort to combine techniques orthodox medicine. Many physicians have been prac which were spiritual and religious with regular medicine ticing this whether they knew it or not. The methods and to utilize the power of the mind in the treatment of of the old family physician of fifty or more years ago disease, especially of a functional variety. The results are laughed at today. Yet the United States postal of the work of the Emmanuel movement have been service has issued a stamp in his honor. His bag contained carefully checked and these give much encouragement. no wonder drugs, but he often had a way of inspiring Physicians today generally agree that diseases may be hope and confidence. functional or they may be organic. Functional diseases Virgil on his deathbed asked the court physician of simulate organic diseases closely, yet exist when every Augustus Caesar, if there wasany healiug without magic. test shows the organ to be healthy. The line between the The success of many a doctor whose scientific training two is not altogether clear. Some authorities have even was scanty provides the answer. There is a sort of magic claimed that cancer is a functional disease which origi in some personalities that, inspires hope and trust. This nates in a derangement of the functions of the epithelial docs much to overcome ill-health.

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APRIL 11, 1959 123 by which we might reach out to those beyond our The organization. As President, I am most anxious to make this an President's effective and useful committee. It must, to contribute Corner something to the life or our organization, be composed of persons vitally interested in this phase of our Church's work and who may have a wide enough range of ex Have You a Special Interest perience to be able to contribute effectively to the vital in Writing and Publications work of this committee. Some experience in publications and public relations or in writing would be helpful, but not essential. I HARDLY NEED TELL those who will read this column, of the many differing publishing efforts In appointing this committee, I am anxious to try to existent in our Church today. Through a rather natural find the best qualified persons and am therefore asking process the work of three of these publication efforts has you who read this, and who are interested, to write to fallen under the direction of one man who has a great me at Box 593, Kitchener, Ontario, giving me your interest in this field. However, he has often felt that no qualifications. Would you make this article known to such direction should rest in the hands of one man,and others whom you think may be qualified and interested recognizes that, as with all of us, he may tend to think and ask them to write to me? If you would be interested in one direction while others think in ajiother. Yet he in serving, in sacrificing time, energy and effort for this is perfectly aware that all interests and jieeds of our vital phase of the Church's work by offering to serve on church and those whom we try to reach outside its the General Council's Committee on Literature, please organizational confines, must be met. write to me immediately. I hope that I will be swamped with replies and, of course, cannot promise that because The matter was referred to I hear from you, I can appoint you to the committee. General Council's Research Committee for study and it in TENTATIVE PROGRAM OF PRESIDENT'S VISITS turn recommended the ap Apr. 1, lO5fl-/lu0. 4, 1059 pointment of such a com Saturday April ■I Public Relations Bureau, Xew York mittee to the General Council Thursday April 9 Talk to Theological Students, Boston at its January 1959 meeting Friday 10 Massachusetts RegionalTraining Institute, in Philadelphia. Here it was X«\v York Saturday 11 Massachusetts Regional Training Institute, voted to adopt the recom Xew York mendation of the Research Thursday April 16 Travel to Ix>s Angeles, California (?) Committee "That a Com Friday 17 Wayfarers' Chapel Board Meeting, Los Angeles mittee on Literature be ap Saturday 18 Wayfarers' Chanel Board Meeting, pointed by the President, of Los Angeles three or more members, to Sunday 19 Convention Committee on Business, San Francisco take the place of any present Monday 20 Return from San Francisco committee of the Council, with the object of counseling Friday April 24 Administrative Committee and Task Force and of providing the general direction of the publication leaders, Philadelphia needs of Convention and to serve as such pending studies Wednesday April 2!) National Council of Churches—Department of Urban Churches, Detroit (?) and recommendations of the Task Force on Publications."' Friday May Leave for Florida—visit St. Petersburg Not only do those immediately concerned with our Mrs. Johnson—address Women's Auxiliary Saturday May 2 Travel—St. Petersburg to Miami publication bodies receive suggestions, manuscripts and Sunday 3 Miami-Fort Lauderdale Annual Meeting appeals for materials, but every minister hears such Mrs. Johnson—address Women's Auxiliary suggestions and appeals from members of his congrega Monday 4 Miami-Fort Lauderdale—E. Frederick tion. The President of Convention is constantly ap Tuesday 5 Just a holiday Wednesday 6 Just a holiday proached in person and by mail on various matters of Thursday 7 Arrive Toronto (Malton) 10:25 p.m. publication. To whom should any of these requests be Tuesday Mav 12 Board of Missions, Boston—Will attend if referred? possible. Wednesday 13 Xew Church Board of Publication, Xew Boards or committees of our publishing bodies are York—Will attend if possible. constantly faced with the question, "Is this pamphlet, Friday May 15 Illinois Association, St. Louis or book needed?" Is it wise to spend several thousand Sat unlay 1C Illinois Association, St. Louis dollars to reprinta book which may take years to sell Sunday 17 Dedication of Xew St. Louis Church Monday 18 Executive Committee Council of Ministers because of its limited use as a reference book?There Friday May 29 Board of Managers Theological School has been no single body to which any of these individuals, (Tentative) Saturday 30 Bonn! of Education (Tentative) societies, boards or committees could turn where they June 27-August 4 Summer Vacation might feel they could obtain a fair sense of the needs of July 12-July 19 General Convention, San Francisco and our Convention membership or its concepts of the means Asilomar

124 THE XEW-CHURCH MESSEXGER confined to the limitsof Christian- Judaic tradition. Many 'miracles', BOOK REVIEWS personally explored by this author, are presented: sudden recoveries from advanced tuberculosis and cancer, from cerebral haemorrhage, heart disease, persistent fever, crippling. THE CHURCHES' HANDBOOK Alcoholics Anonymous is discussed— FOR SPIRITUAL HEALING. By odist clergyman, it is a refreshing a unique and powerful program of Walter II'. Dwyer. Samuel Weiser, blend of inspiration and common spiritual healing—and the work of N. Y. C, 1958 S.50 sense. Directly and simply worded, such persons as Mr. and Mrs. Worrall, the twenty-four short chapters cover Harry Edwards and Alex Holmes. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE many aspects of personal living to THROUGH PRAYER. ByCharlesL. This study, offered in a fast-moving which prayer can, and should, be easy-to-read style, brings to the Allen. Fleming H. Revell, Westwood, applied. Here are counselings with a N. J. 1958; 127 pp. $2.00 reader a three-dimensional picture of warmly human touch, for loneliness that which is only etched in Mr. THE WAY TO DIVINE HEALING. and grief, for those who are handi Dwyer's Handbook. The pages arc By Robert E. Forget. Max Parrish, capped or ill, for moments of tension, dynamic with the writer's response London, 1958; 128 pp. $2.25 fear, frustration and failure. This is a to his discovery of what he calls the volume to be used not so much for 'excitement of religion in action.' PSYCHOLOGY, RELIGION AND instruction as for encouragement and For an extensive and detailed HEALING. By Leslie D. Weather- stimulus. It can be picked up and analysis of the subject of healing, head. Abingdon Press, N. Y.C., 1952; read at almost any page—the kind of Dr. Weatherhead—famous for his 543 pp. S5.00 book to keep on a bedside table or to work in pastoral psychology—gives give to a sick friend, or to anyone for THE HEALING POWER OF us Psychology, Religion and Healing. whom the going is hard. FAITH. By Will Oursler. Hawthorn, This is a scholarly and critical survey N. Y.C., 1957; 366 pp. 84.95 Robert E. Forget is a 'healer'—a of various nonmedical healing- French Protestant pastor who, after methods—their pros and cons and Those who are not particularly years of missionary andwar work, implications—with emphasis upon the interested in prayer and healing was given the gift of healing. Through inter-relatedness of religious and psy would probably be amazed to see a childhood of illness, and in an chological aspects. A great scope what quantities of books have been African mission-dispensary and on is considered: the early Christian published on these subjects. One the battlefields, he saw so much suf Church, mesmerism and hypnotism, book-seller in New York offers, in a fering that his heart continually cried Lourdes, Christian Science, healing selected list, over a hundred titles— out for a way to make the Gospel a missions, psychic phenomena, the and hasmore. If any of us are unin power rather than just a preaching. Emmanuel movement, psychological formed asto the extent of attention He prayed about this; and at length schools of thought. a circumstance required him to give being given these fields today, it is Dr. Weatherhead's conclusions, 'the laying on of hands' to a sick not because printed discussion is drawn from his wide knowledge and girl. She was completely healed, and unavailable. personal experience, are a powerful soon others came for help. From that The first title mentioned above is a plea for the Church to regain its lost time Pastor Forget's ministry was a thin booklet, prepared by the well- gift of healing. 'This is the ministry healing one, and he has brought educated business man who originated which must be recovered and which health to many both near and far. the widely accepted 'Cape Cod Plan only the Church can do ... Let a of Daily Prayer', and who has for His book is a wise discussion of the fellowship be formed of convinced, years dedicated himself to a study of nature of faith, the laws of prayer, devout and sensible people. Let them healing-prayer. He gives an excellent the meaning of sickness, and the regularly pray together . . . when the brief history of spiritual healing from processes of healing. members of the fellowship have be the ministry of Jesus to the present Reporters are notably factual, hard- come one, both in flaming love to day, and adds summaries of out headed persons; they have to be in Christ and an unselfish desire to help standing healing-programs being car order to survive. So when such a one others, then they can with confidence ried on in six of the strongest Protes publishes a favorable account of claim to be an instrument which the tant denominations. He also covers spiritual healing, it is convincing. Holy Spirit can use in the ministry of work being done in other quarters Will Oursler is, in fact, the third direct spiritual healing. ... Let us such as theological seminaries and journalist within a few years to give never forget that there is a spiritual various organizations. an enthusiastic report of what has power to heal which has not been A large part of the booklet is been going on in the field of spiritual withheld. It has only been unap devoted to the procedures involved in healing. (Ruth Cranston: The Miracle propriated.' spiritual healing, and questions. At of Lourdes; Emily Gardiner Neale: the end is a comprehensive list for A Reporter Finds God\ both reviewed suggested reading. This Handbook in the MESSENGER.) Money For Your Treasury is highly recommended as a means of Oursler's book is an investigation OVER 1,500,000 acquiring quickly an accurate bird's- through observation, interview, and SUNFLOWER DISH CLOTHS eye view of a field which the New Were cold in 1958 by members of Sunday examination of documented records, Schools, Ladies' Aids, Young People's Groups, York Times has called 'the most of the healing work that is being done etc. They enable you to earn money for your talked-about phenomenon in Ameri treasury, and make friends for your organiia- today—in the name of religion—by tion. can Protestantism'. church-groups and individuals. His Sample FREE to an Official .4// Things Are Possible Through material is divided into three con SANGAMON MILLS Prayer is a totally different sortof siderations: healing the body, healing Established 1915 Cohoes, N.Y. book. Written by a prominent Meth the mind, healing the soul, and is

APRIL 11, 1959 125 The San Francisco Society has a oy Mr.and Mrs. Arthur Branston 'Family Evening'every Thursday. and Mrs. Albert Geis. They have a dinner (food and silver Sunday morning the young people ware brought by each family) and attended the morning worship service afterwards there are three programs and Harvey Tafel andDonald Foster for the different age levels: children, assisted Mr. Priestnal by reading the teen agers, and adults. Scripture lessons. Congratulations to Dick Voliva of In the afternoon the weekend party the El Cerrito Hillside Society. Dick was climaxed by a visit to colorful is now a Star Scout—an award which Chinatown, an authentic oriental is given only to those who have given dinner, and a tour through Greenwich themselves to an intense and demand Village. ing program. Credit for the organization and by Merle Haag management of this most successful The Vancouver, B.C. Society held event is due Virginia Flynnand her On the Miami—Ft. Lauderdale an Easter Supper on Mar. 26. After hard-working assistants, Linda and Society radio series, the Rev. E. L. wards a sale was held. Paula Geis and Sally Dasey. Francis Frederick is conducting a question The St. Louis, Mass. Society Flynn, with a helping hand from and answer program in which he at formed a Men's Club in February. Wayne Geis, takes the creditfor the tempts to answer current religious colorful decorations and music. questions of general interest in the Each man introduced himself by light of New-Church teachings. There giving a five minute talk in which he are also advertisements of books and told about his family and himself. Publishing pamphlets which can be obtained free The Detroit, Mich. Society had or for a very small cost. an old fashioned minstrel show on Association Meets The Southeastern Assn. of the New Mar. 14. On Jan. 19 the Swedenborg Pub Jerusalem Church at its Jan. 10 lishing Association held its annual meeting decided on several methods Paul Hammond, formerly a min meeting of corporate members in the to increase the membership of the ister of the New Church, is active in rooms of the Association, 108Clark Church: establishing book rooms, dis masonic work in Los Angeles. Re St., Brooklyn, N. Y. In the chair cussion groups, obtaining increased cently he has been selected as Chair was the president, the Rev. Richard distribution of literature by groups man of the Funeral Committee of the H. Tafel. Others present were John and individuals, prayer circles, and Elysian Lodge. He also serves on the C. Hart, Mrs. John C. Hart, the placing of more books in public Committee for Coaching. Rev. David P. Johnson, the Rev. libraries. Clayton Priestnal, Miss Betty Pobanz, The Detroit Society has inaugurated Mrs. Richard D. Tafel, Miss Cecile a novel method of getting kitchen Werben, the Rev. Owen Turley, the utensils. Members of the Society will Leaguer's Meeting Rev. Ernest 0. Martin, and the contribute whatever trading stamps Rev. William Woofenden. Feb. 20-21 they receive from local merchants to The treasurer, John C. Hart, re thechurch. Favored by cloudless skies and ported that the year of 1958 showed a brisk February temperatures, a group Detroit's monthly calendar has net profit of $822.70. Spalding's book of thirty-eight Leaguers spent a been mentioned here before, but now Introduction to Swedenborg's Religious busy, festive weekend in New York the Rev. Wm. R. Woofenden has Thought showed the largest sale: 4000 City. They gathered from as far away added another feature which really copies of the paper back edition had as Cincinnati and Washington, with makes it invaluable to his parishioners. been sold, leaving 6000 in stock, the largest contingents, coming from The birthdays of all of the Detroit according to Cecile Weben, the man Philadelphia, Boston and Elmwood. members are marked on the calendars. ager. On Saturday morning there was a The Philadelphia New Church held flurry of activity while the visitors Steps were taken toward setting up a cooperative Good Friday service in registered, settled their room rent a display of the Association's publi which the following ministers partici accounts, and received identification cations in the library of the Wayfarers' pated:the Rev. Richard H. Tafel, badges. This was followed by a quiet Chapel. The Chapel Board will also the Rev. Leonard I. Tafel, and the but intense discussion, led by Airs. be approached for permission to set Rev. Ernest 0. Martin. Clayton Priestnal, on the question, up a non-profit book store at the "What is the most basic problem in Chapel. The president, Rev. Richard The Riverside, Calif. New Church your relationship with others?" H. Tafel, reported that Robert Kirven and the Unity Church, who share the The afternoon was given over to a was working on a booklet for young same building, recently redecorated whirlwind tour of the Hayden Plane people; also that consideration was their Church. The New Church tarium in Central Park and the beinggiven to Bible stories written provided the paint and members of imposing United Nation Building by Airs. Roy V. Batemen. the Unity Church didthe painting. which towers above the East River Elected to corporate membership The Chicago Society voted recently just north of 42nd Street. After this wereRev. Clayton Priestnal, Rev. to call their church "The Church of strenuous program—with the resili Owen Turley, Robert Kirven and the Holy City". This name is used by ence and fervor of youth—the Ralph Kirchen. Officers elected several other societies: Wilmington, Leaguers assembled in the Sunday were: President, Rev. Richard H. Cleveland, Washington, D. C, and School Hall of the New York Society Tafel; vice-president, Thomas H. Detroit. Perhaps this indicates a for dinner and a dance. The repast Spiers; secretary, Corinne B. Tafel; national trend. was prepared by a committee headed and treasurer, John C. Hart. The

126 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER following additional members of the not approve of the idea. A few SWEDENBORG Board of Managers were elected: believed that praying for others was Mrs. Marie Warner Anderson, Rev. interfering with the Will of God; SCIENTIFIC Ernest O. Martin, Rev.Clayton others had household obligations which Priestnal, Rev. William F. Wunsch, precluded staying even ten or fifteen ASSOCIATION John F. Seekamp, Rev. Owen Turley, minutes after the service. Mrs. Narcissa Cox Vanderlip, and The outcome wes that eight or ten The Sixty-second Annual Meeting Rev. William R. Woofenden. voluntarily met at the front of the of the Swedenborg Scientific Associa At the meeting of the Board of church, following morning service, to tion will be held at Bryn Athyn, Directors, which immediately followed share inthis praying for those in need, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, May 20, the corporate meeting, it was decided whilethe rest were free to go their 1959, in the Auditorium of Benade that the spirit of the New Christianity various ways. Mr. Larsen assigned Hall at 8:00 P.M. be continued, as far as possible, by Miss Rosamond Kimball theleader There will be reports and election of the publication from time to time in ship of the group, because for years officers, after which Bishop George the MESSENGER of articles to be she has been a worker-in the 'Camps de Charms will deliver the Annual edited by Miss Elizabeth Randall. Farthest Out' program which prac Address entitled: Appearance and For this purpose a sum of S300.00 tices healing through prayer, with Reality. was appropriated. It was also voted great success. Mr. Larsen opens and Morna Hyatt, Secretary to appropriate S500 for Our Daily closes the session, with prayer. Our Bryn Athyn, Pa. Bread. procedure is to mention the first March 13, 1959 Appreciation was expressed formally names or initials of those who ask us to Mrs. John C. Hart and Miss Cecile to pray for them, and then for each Werben for their labors 'above and person the group prays that the Lord beyond thethe call of duty'. will meet the need. We know that the Lord already is In Fryeburg, Maine, we have aware of the need. What we want is started a study-and-praycr group, to start spiritual activity by visual meeting once a week to discuss and izing the patient as actually receiving think through any questions that LOCAL PRAYERGROUPS theLord's Love and Truth. The come up. We aretrying to channel (cont'd.from page 119) Lord stands at the door and knocks; our wish-to-help in the path of Divine unless we open the door, He can not Plan and Providence, and work out is read in unison. Names and subjects enter. We believe our prayers open something to study over each day of are offered for the prayer-list, and doors, because at nearly every meet the week—maybe a Bible passage Scripture readings presented. A silent ing we get encouraging reports from about prayer or healing, with expla time follows, and is brought to a close those we have prayed for: a man nations. by the unison-reading of Chrysostom's suffering agony from shingles was prayer. Another hymn is sung, then We end our meetings with reading greatly relieved the nextday; a bed all join in the Lord's Prayer, and slowly in silent prayer the names of ridden woman began to sit up and finally the Bible—opened, on the those needing help, following this improve; two lingering cancer cases altar, by the leaderat the start of the with the Lord's Prayer. Our group found release within two weeks;a meeting—is closed. (about twelve) does not all come out mental case began to clear up. A num each week, but all are working to Attendance at our gatherings has ber of other less dramatic situations gether. We have seen good things varied anywherefrom four to four have been greatlyhelped. happen, especially spiritually. teen. At present it has dropped to This has tremendously encouraged M.W.B. five or six—a smaller number than our prayer-group to remain obedient we would like to see. This has brought to the Lord's command that we love about a change in our plans, so that our neighbor as we love ourselves— we are returning to the meetings in that is, that we pray for our neighbor's homes instead of at the church. We PERRY NORMAL good with the same concern that we will try the experiment of moving pray for our own. It is also heart SCHOOL from home to home, and feel hopeful that in this way we can, by personal warming when members of the group Established 1898 as Perry Kin itself ask us all to pray for their own invitation, bring others into participa dergarten Normal School. Incor tion. personal needs. Our prayer-group is porated, not for profit, 1956. a very real inspiration to us. F.M.Ci Those of us who do attend the Students graduating at the end of Prayer Fellowship count the hours of three years' training are prepared for peace, quiet and meditation that we A prayer-circle has been formed teaching in nursery school, kinder spend together in the Lord's Presence among the people with whom the garten and primary grades. among the most joyful experiences Rev. Ernest L. Frederick works, in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale society Graduates of Perry Normal may of our lives. obtain their B.S. degree in Education D.P.J. and the Southeast-Coast mission field. The members of this group unite in through College credits allowed and In the fall of 1957 our lay-leader, prayer every Saturday evening at attendance at College summer school Harold Larsen, announced from the nine o'clock. A Bible reading is sessions. pulpit of the Orange, New Jersey, assigned for each week of the month; F. Gardiner Perry, President Society that he would like the con and it is suggested that at prayer- For catalog write the Secretary gregation to consider whether or not time at least five minutes, in the it wanted to start a prayer-group. He beginning, be spent for the Bible 815 Boylston Street, Room M was strongly in favor of it, but felt reading of that week, and for medita Boston 16, Mass. we should make the decision. This tion. "There is strength in prayer." was wise, for there were some who did E.L.F.

APRIL 11, 1959 127 Society and at Lakewood in a similar ca pacity, andhad been active in the church at large for more than fifty years. A fine student Births, Baptisms, Memorials of our teachings, he had the capacity of imparting them to others in a simple way. Zealous in missionary work, he had for years distributed »o the bereaved Rev. Wm. L. Worcester's "How to Think of Death." It BIRTH OUSTAFSOX—Donald, son of Gene and was remarked at his resurrection service Barbara Gustafson,baptized Feb. 15; the that now he knew of this more perfectly HAYDEN—Born Feb. 10 to Mr. and Mrs. Rev. Othmar Tobisch officiating. than ever. He made literature containers James Hayden (Janet Locke) of the Detroit for the local railroad depots, and many book Society, a daughter—Sandra Lee. The ma TOWNSEND—Charles Malcolm, was of worship racks for the backs of the seating ternal grandparents are Mr.and Mrs. John baptized and confirmed into the New Church atthe New Church Center in his home city. Locke. by the Rev. Bjorn Johannson on Easter His work on the grounds there so freely done Sunday, Mar. 29, in the Cincinnati New was accomplished with the same love as he BAPTISMS Church. gave the beautifying of his own garden. This esteemed New Churchman surely exemplified a life of uses and his physical presence will RAGUENEAU—Philip and Rachelle, chil be much missed by his fellow church mem dren of Mr.and Mrs.William Ragueneau MEMORIAL bers and many other friends. The Rev. baptized Jan. 25; the Rev. Othmar Tobisch Leslie Marshall officiated March 17 at the of the San Francisco Society officiating. resurrection service for him—L.M. HAWKINSON—Samuel Hawkinson, 87, SIMMS—Russel Sterling, son of Raymond passed to the higher life March 14 of a sudden and Sonia Sims, baptized Feb. 15; the Rev. heart attack at his home in St. Petersburg, Othmar Tobisch of the San Francisco Society Fla. He had lived in that city a number of officiating. The happy grandparents, Mr. and years andwas a trustee of the church there. Mrs. Cape Am., provided refreshments for He had served the Kenwood, Chicago, t nil in the Parish House afterwards.

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JOHNNY APPLESEED: SWEDENBORG PHILOSOPHICAL ITALY CENTER Rome, Via G. Castcllini 24 MAN AND MYTH 5710 South Woodlawn Arc., Chicago. Trieste, Yin Dello ScorKo 35 Venice, S. Croce 7a by Prof. Robert Price Public reference library. Send for copies of free lectures. JAPAN A book based on 25 years of Tokyo, 2308, 3 Chomc, Setagaya, NEW-CHURCH BOOKROOM Seiagaya-Ku painstaking research, yet as in 209 South Westmoreland Ave.. Loi Angeles. MAURITIUS teresting as any book of fiction. Swedenborn's works and collateral. Religious Curcpipe, Rue Remono education dept. recently added. Port Louis, Rue Champ-de-Lort Row 2 Not a dull moment in the time Loan Library. Reading room. spent in reading it. Published MEXICO Monterrey, N. L., 132 Morelos Ave., Ota. by the Indiana University Press. NEW-CHURCHCENTER 1015 Fifth St.St. Petersburg, Fla. Price $5.00. PHILIPPINE ISLANDS Library, Bookroom, open daily. Manila, 82 Leon St. Malabon Order from NEW-CHURCH LIBRARY , Tegnerlunden 7 NEW CHURCH LIBRARY Oak and Winslow Sts., Cincinnati. Reference works, Books sold and loaned. SWITZERLAND 2750 Winston- Ave., Swedenborg's Works- theological and scien Zurich, Appollostrasse 2 Cincinnati 6, Ohio tific. Collateral, biographies, periodicals, Geneva. 0 Rue da I'Universite rare editions. Lausanne, Rue Caroline 21

128 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER THIS ISSUE, ANOTHER

IN OUR SERIES COVERING

THE WORK OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS,

IS LARGELY DEVOTED TO THE RISE OF

THE NEW CHURCH IN CANADA a^NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER

APRIL 25. 1959 THE EDITORIAL NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER Pioneers, O Pioneers! Official organ of Tbo General Convention "Through the battle, through defeat, of the New Jerusalem in the United States of America. Convention founded in 1817. moving yet and never stopping, Pioneers! 0 pioneers!" (Swedenborgian) • Member of the Associated Church Press. THE ABOVE lines from Walt Whitman came to us as we read the • Published bi-weekly, 300 Pike St., Cincinnati, story which appears in the present issue of the AfESSENGER of Ohio, by The New-Church Press, 108 Clark 8t., Brooklyn, New York. the conversion of certain Mennonite pioneers in western Canada to the Entered as second-class matter at the Post New Church. Strange, is it not, that the New-Church teaching which had Office, Cincinnati, Ohio, under Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at beat upon the orthodox world, often without being heeded, should find special rate of postage provided for in Section 110,1, Act of October 3, 1917, authoriied on such ready acceptance among a few pioneers? Yet isit so strange? The July 30, 1918. dead hand of the past does not have a firm grip on pioneers. Old tradi Subscription S3.00 a year; foreign postage, 25 cents extra. Gift subscription, if from a tions, customs and beliefs often do not fit into the conditions fonud in the subscriber, 81.50. Single copies, IS cents. Address subscriptions to the publisher. Adver new environment so are readily loosened. There is no rigidsocial organ tising rate card on request. ization to enforce its demands for conformity. There develops an open- OFFICERS OF CONVENTION Rev. David P. Johnson, President, Box minded attitude. The individual is called upon to think for himself, and 393, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; Stewart E. Poole. Vice-President, 3201 Fordhnin ltd., new ideas get a chance. Wilmington, Delaware; Horace B. Blackmcr, Recording Secretary, 134 Bowdoin St., Pioneers also learn to share with one another. For all their self- Boston 8, Mass.; Albert P. Carter, Treasurer, Jill Barristers Hall, Boston 8, Mass.; Forster dependence and individualism they learn that no man is an island but is W. Freeman, Jr.. Counsel, 512 Alpine Ter. Ridgcwood. N. J.; Chester T. Cook, Auditor. tied by firm bonds to his fellowmen. They share their material goods EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Philip M. Alden. Mrs. Ernest O. Martin, with the less fortunate when this is necessary, and they share their Dr. Waldo C. Peebles. Rev. Clayton S. Priestnal. Rev. Richard H. Tafel, Rev. spiritual treasures. William F. Wunsch. Pioneering is not confined to the settlement by the white man in areas CONTRIBUTING EDITORS David J. Garrett. Gwynne Dresser Mack, to which he has been a stranger. It may seem a far cry from the e tablish- Leslie Marshall. Ernest O. Martin, Clayton S. Priestnal. Richard H. Tafcl. Paul ment of civilized life on the Canadian prairies to the huge pioneering Zacharlas. enterprise that is going on in this new age throughout the world, yet we

Editor are reminded that nowheres is life standing still today. Much of the Bjorn Johannson struggle going on in the world today is an effort to break the shackles

• of the past, It is a pioneering for a new freedom and for a more abundant Associate Editor life. Ceylon, Ghana, Malaya, India have gained independence. Tre Carol Lawson mendous forces—whether for good or bad we do not now know—are

Address all editorial correspondence and at work in the Arab world to win for its people a new status of dignity manuscripts to the Editor. New.Church Messenger, Third and Pike, Cincinnati 2, and power. The Israelites are determined to win again their ancient Ohio. home in Palestine. The opinions of contributors do not nee- The discovery and application of scientific truths goes on at a dizzy essarily reflect ihe views of the editors or represent the position of the Church. speed. A new concept of the constitution of matter and of the relation of matter and force to one another is in the making. Automation, man- Vol. 179, No. 9 Whole No. 4751 made satellites encircling the moon, bold dreams of trips in the near April 25, 1959 future to distant planets, a burgeoning population that causes alarm in some quarters dispite the fact that new sources of food are being found, at medical advances that promise a century-long earthly span of life, these and many more testify to the fact that the whole world is of SI?? gfeut now in a sense a pioneering community. Revolutionary changes are accelerating rather than decreasing.

There is one God, and He is the Two world conflicts in this century brought about a vastation such as Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. the world had never before seen. Man's pattern of thinking and his • mental attitudes underwent a drastic change. The Word is Divine and contains a spiritual or inner meaning whereby is Today what we are witnessing is a surge of the poorer and more back revealed the way of regeneration. ward people of the world for freedom, self-determination and a larger • share of the goods, both material and spiritual, that present day civiliza Saving faith is tobelieve in Him and tion makes available. Along with this surge we seealso the dream of keep the Commandments of His Word. economic abundance being realized in today's America. The wealthiest

Evil is to be shunned as sin against monarchs of antiquity did not enjoy the standard of life that is taken for God. granted by the average skilled worker of the United States. • Willthepresent revolutionary age bring about an urge to find the Human life is unbroken and con truth that alone can give meaning to life? Will there be enough pioneering tinuous, and the world of the spirit is real and near. souls in the realm of the spirit to save the world?

130 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER The following article has been compiled largely through the efforts of the Rev. Henry Reddekopp who has drawn on the Rev. John E. Zacharias and Mr. Tom Eidse to give of their store of knowledge regarding the beginnings of the New Church in Western Canada. This has been considerably augmented by material received from the Rev. Peter Peters.

FAITH ON THE FRONTIERS

THE NEW CHURCH found its way into Western Mr. Vogt put on his fur coat to go home, Mr. Enns Canada under rather remarkable circumstances. noticed some reading matter in the pocket and inquired It seems that a certain Rev. John Holdeman and his as to its nature. He was handed a New Church tract. assistant, Mr. Marcus Seiler, went to the vicinity of (Incidentally, this tract explained the 'swimming iron', Gretna, Manitoba, around 1887, to proselyte for the II Kings 6:6.) Mr. Enns always delighted to relate how Holdeman Church which was formed as a split from the he walked a mile in a heavy blizzard to the home of his Mennonites. Mr. Seller's preaching immediately aroused intimate friend, Mr. A. H. Friesen, to share his new interest. Here was something new! His unique Scripture found treasure with him, only to find that his friend was interpretations made a strong appeal and several families horrified that he should have fallen prey to such terrible were inclined to join the Holdeman Church. But when heresy! However, Mr. Friesen would come nosing around asked the source of his enlightenment, Mr. Seiler handed the post office whenever Mr. Enns was sorting mail, out New-Church tracts! He proclaimed that the time trying tofind out whence he ordered the tracts. Mr. Enns was at hand when the Lord was establishing His New took note of all this but kept his lip buttoned and finally Churchon earth, and he gave a number of Swedenborg's Mr. Friesen broke down and asked for some literature. books, among them True Christian Religion, to several It ended by Mr. Friesen becoming a staunch New of the group. Churchman. His family is still active in the Church. In the words of Mr. Klaas Peters when writing later Mr. Enns also converted Mr. William Wiebe of the same to his son: "We read these books carefully, passing them town. Peter Harms joined the group and later Abram H. around from one to another, until quite a number of us Klassen moved in from Manitoba. They all had large around Gretna were well acquaintedwith them. But families and together made up a good-sized society. when old Mr. Holdeman discovered what his assistant Mr. Enns was their Lay-Leader for a number of years had stirred up, Marcus Seiler was called on the carpet and the organized Church owes much indeed to these and ordered to answer for this conduct. He was told pioneer families. to burn Swedenborg's books and admit that he had done wrong in declaring those doctrines to be truthsrevealed The first Convention minister to visit Western Canada by the Lord. Seiler refused. So, with a great fuss, he and was the Rev. Adolph J. Bartel, in 1892. Around the others who had already joinedthe Holdeman Church turn of the century he revisited Manitoba and assisted were excommunicated. Such was the introduction of the in organizing the group there and also one at Rosthern, truths of the New Church to Manitoba, and the spreading Saskatchewan. Then, on July 2,1902, the Rev. Samuel S, of them could no longer be stifled." Seward, President of Convention, and the Rev. Adolph Roeder, President of the German Synod, ordained These men with whom the movement started and who Mr. Klaas Peters and Mr. Peter Hiebert in the Rosenfeld were responsible for its growth were Mr. Jacob Wiens, school house, near Gretna, Manitoba. This ceremony Mr. Kl,aas Peters, Mr. Abram Klassen, Mr. William was taken so seriously that there was not a dry eye in Vogt and the Rev. Henry Wiebe, a Mennonite minister, the gathering! These men continued in their occupations among others, and their descendents are today's active as land agent and farmer respectively while serving the members. Further quoting Mr. Peters: "We spoke often Church. Worship services were held in private homes and much to our friends about the new doctrines and and school houses. Apparently, Mr. Klassen andMr. gave them books to read. Among those who accepted Wiebe wished to work quietly without organizing, while the new truths were Mr. Jacob Zacharias, father of the Mr. Peters and others either wished or were compelled Rev. John E. Zacharias, and Mr. Peter Reddekopp, a to separate from the oldchurch. great uncle of Henry and Erwin Reddekopp. So it began—and the following incident illustrates Migration to Saskatchewan began in those years. how it branched out. Mr. William Vogt of this first The Rev. Klaas Peters, being employed by the Canadian group visited the new settlement in Saskatchewan where Pacific Railway as immigration agent, had charge of the his friend, Mr. Gerhard Enns, had erected the first settlements in the West. This involved much travelling building and was operating a general store and post and enabled him to keep in close touch with all the New- office in what is now the town of Rosthern. When Church families in their new homes. He talked and

APRIL 25, 1959 131 preached the doctrines wherever he went and made established in 1898 and then there is nothing more until many converts—and some enemies. Societies were after 1900. From a volume of Bole der Neuen Kirche, founded at Herbert, where Mr. Jacob Zacharias was a paper published by the Rev. L. G. Landenberger, we prominent; at Chaplin, under the Rev. Peter Hiebert; learn that on January 20, 1901, the Rosthern-Hague at Hague, with Mr. Abram Klassen, and at Rosthern, Synod adopted a Constitution and accepted an invitation where Mr. Gerhard Enns took leadership. In 1907, from the Rev. Chas. Nussbaum to affiliate with the Ger encouraged by the Rev. Adolph Roeder, these scattered man Synod of the New Church in the United States. At groups in Saskatchewan organized the Western Canada this meeting the members present were W. Wiebe and Conference of the New Jerusalem. For a number of years H. Bergen from a neighboring village, J. Heinrichs and the annual meetings of the Conference were held alter W. Bergen from Stony Hill, J. Hamm, G. Enns and P. nately between Herbert and Rosthern. These two towns Klassen from Rosthern and A. Klassen from Manitoba. are over 200 miles apart and that was a long drive for We find the names of Krahn, Loeppky and another the Model T in those days! Wiebe who were present as friends. They elected Gerhard At the first meeting of the Western Canada Conference Enns, President, and Peter Klassen, Secretary, besides a committee was appointed to 'cooperate with the filling other offices like Schatzmeister, Church or Service Mission Board in the United States' in order to further speakers and evena song-leader. missionary work in Western Canada. After this there is a gap of ten years and it is believed There was a gradual growth of the Church as families that the records kept by Wm. Wiebe and John Hamm moved from one place to another, sometimes forcedto at the Rosthern flour mill were destroyed by fire when it by crop failures. Mr. Peters moved to Didsbury, that mill burned down. In August, 1910, a meeting was Alberta in 1901, where some of the Reddekopps from held at which it was unanimously agreed that the Oregon settled a little later. With this nucleus a group Rosthern Society engage a minister. It was moved and of people met often for services. Years later the group seconded by John Hamm and Wm. Wiebe that Mr. Jacob organized and is now the Sunnyslope Society of the New Schroeder be offered 850.00 per month for what seems Church. In 1907 Mr. Peters moved back to Saskatche to bea temporary proposal to conduct services of worship. wan, continuing his travels between there and Manitoba A further motion indicates that in the meantime they and preaching the doctrines until about 1930 when his make it their concern to engage an ordained resident health failed him. Three of his sons, Henry K., Klaas L., minister. Mr. Sohroeder evidently didnot attend this and Peter followed him into the ministry of the New meeting as the minutes show that he was to be informed Church. of what had transpired. We do not know whether or not the proposed plans materialized but there are indica The Meadowview Society owes its origin to Mr. Oscar tions of sincere thought and planning toward the func Sampson who found a copy of Heaven and Hell quite by tioning of a New Church. In the course of the meeting accident, as one would say. It happened while he was it was voted that the necessary books be procured for an tearing down an old house. He found a .dusty book orderly service of worship according to the rite of the lying on one of the timbers and instead of throwing it New Church. Evidently the Society did not have a out with the wreckage he put it in his pocket and kept permanent place of worship at that time as it was on working. Later he began reading it out of curiosity. further moved that the books be properly cared for, It proved to be treasure trove to him and his family. probably in someone's home. It might be added that The Herbert Society was organized in 1915 and its all the books were in the German language. This memo church building erected the same year. The Rev. John E. rable meeting stood adjourned with John Heinrichs Zacharias began his ministry there and continued as presiding and with Gerhard Enns as Secretary. visiting minister to the three prairie provinces until 1934. Herbert is no longer an organized society but an interested And today— group. Many of its staunch pioneers have passed into Coming down to the present day we find the Rev. the higher life and others have drifted to all parts of the Erwin D. Reddekopp as resident minister in Edmonton, Dominion, so the church has been sold. To quote from a Alberta, where that Society has recently broken ground report by the Rev. Henry Reddekopp in the 1950 Journal: for a new church building. He also visits Meadowview "One would be-inclined to feel discouraged were it not and Sunnyslope in Alberta. His brother, the Rev. Henry for the wise words spoken by such an old patriarch as Reddekopp, visits regularly ten other societies and the late Mr. Jacob E. Zacharias. He looked upon this groups, ranging from 50 to 500 miles distant from his apparent breaking up of the New Church in Herbert headquarters in Saskatoon. One Saturday recently as a single plant that had served its use. The plant Mr. Tom Eidse of Yorkton met Mr. Reddekopp at the itself when ripe dies, but its seeds are scattered in every station and drove him home through a drifting snow direction. The little New-Church seeds scattered here storm that made prospects look dim for holding his and there will probably serve a greater use in the end than monthly service the next day at Roblin, Manitoba, if they had all stayed in one place." 48 miles away. However, Sunday was fair but travelling Turning to the records kept at Rosthern in the German was difficult and the two men were not too optimistic language, it is stated that the Rosthern Society was about the attendance as only two families lived near the

132 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER Church. The following is the heart-warming data: attendance 32, with 9 young people between the ages of 10 and 20. The total mileage of four of the six families O PERATION attending was 352, from 35 to 50 miles per family! From this we canunderstand why Mr. Reddekopp considers BOM these monthly visits worthwhile. THE BOARD OF MISSIONS is helping the Mr. Reddekopp receives increasing assistance from Edmonton Society establish a church home. Mr. Paul Tremblay, who is studying at our Theological Land has been bought in the Killarney district on School during the winter months when he can leave his the outskirts of the city and the Rev. Erwin D. farm. Mr. Tremblay, was raised a Roman Catholic. Reddekopp, minister of the Society, purchased a He found Heaven and Hell through an advertisement in home just three blocks from the church site. This a farm newspaper when he was still a very young man. is a new residential district undergoing develop The reading of it led him to the rest of Swedenborg's ment and within a year itis expected that the com principal works, which he has read many times over. munity will grow to 800 families. With only a few He is a thorough New Churchman, having formally scattered houses built last fall, Mr. Reddekopp joinedthe Church, and though he is a disturbing influence began calling on his neighbors, telling them about among his Catholic friends and relatives, he is neverthe the New-Church andwhat it would mean to them. less a very charitable one. His efforts were so successful that the Sunday Mr. Tom Eidse, Secretary of the Western Canada School he started in the basement of his home Conference and also a member of the Board of Missions, jumped from 16to 53 pupils in four Sundays. They leads a Sunday School class at Yorkton and uses tape meet every Sunday morning at 9:45 and now have recordings of both Erwin and Henry Reddekopp's ser an attendance of 68. Mrs. Reddekopp heads the mons in the services there. Boggy Creek, Manitoba, teachers, drawn both from his older parishioners has long been a small organized Society hut it has now and the new community. They use the American joined with Roblin, Manitoba. Mr. Frank Sawatzky of New Church Sunday School lessons supplemented Boggy Creek is their Lay-Leader. Each month Mr. by material purchased at their local Bible Society. Henry Reddekopp sends out 250 copies of Your Church The church building is now taking shape. Oct. to all his parishioners and the many isolated families. 26, Major Frank H. Norbury, oldest member of the Besides its spiritual message, this sheet carries announce Society, turned the first sod while the Rev. Erwin ments of services in the different localities, births, deaths, Reddekopp made a brief address, followed by a marriages and general news items and so binds this vast Scripture reading and prayer. Excavation started area together. Mr. Erwin Reddekopp also sends out the nextday. For two months during the winter copies of Your Church to his parishioners throughout nowork was done on the church because of the Alberta. extremely cold weather, but now work has resumed. In the fall of 1934 the Rev. Peter Peters went to The arches are up and the concrete block work has Rosthern and served that area until he moved to Gulf- all been completed and by the time this news is port, Miss., as missionary minister to the Gulf States. published the whole building should be framed in. That same year the Rev. John E. Zacharias made his Besides ministering to the Edmonton Society, first visit to Vancouver, B. C, after contacts had been Mr. Reddekopp also visits Meadowview and made witha few New-Church people andtwo families Sunnyslope regularly. He makes less frequent from Herbert had moved to the West Coast. Annual visits to Calgary and some isolated families in other visits were made after this until 1942, when it was parts of Alberta. When his very full schedule gives thought best that Mr. Zacharias should take up residence him time, he promises to give us the story. Mean in Vancouver. They now have a pleasant little chapel while we quote from The Western New-Church completed in 1951 and have grown into a very active Journal, winter number: society with a lively Sunday School. Mr. Zacharias "We New-Church people are watching with hope also visits groups in Nanaimo and Renata. From his the results of Mr. Reddekopp's foresight and many years of service in Western Canada he writes, venture—a new venture, a new project, a New "As one looks back over the years, working under the Church.- Like every New-Church project of this Board of Missions in the missionary field, there are kind, this one has tremendous problems to over many things which leave a lasting impression. On the come, one of which is the need for funds. Any scores of occasions when very isolated communities were donation of any amount at any time will be greatly visited, all the surrounding neighbors would be invited appreciated and should be sent to: Mr. Edward for the service in a home, for the baptisms and the Holy Einblau, Treasurer, 10448—84 Avenue, Edmonton, Communion. How the message was appreciated and the Alberta, Canada." reverence felt! One of the outstanding features of the missionary field is the love and loyalty for the New Look for photograph on page 135. Church that one finds among the isolated."

APRIL 25, 195!) 133 A trip to Western Canada RECOLLECTIONS by Leonard I. Tafel

AS A YOUNG MAN, longer agothan I like to think, next question. Mrs. Sawatsky said their pursuit extended I was most interested when, at a Maryland Associa throughout the night, and when dawn broke they were tion meeting, Dr. Frank Sewall told of a trip he had all convinced of the truth of the new teaching. Following made to a group of new New-Church people in Western Mennonite procedure they had to 'talk things over in Canada. I can't recall how many people he visited, but the Church'; and it was evident that, believing in 'Swe- I do remember that he spoke of a Mr. Peters, agent for denborgismus' they no longer belonged in the fold. the Canadian Pacific Railroad, whom he had visited. Whether they withdrew or were expelled Mrs. Sawatsky He had suggested to Mr. Peters, who had a large family, didn't say, but the break was definite. The next day that he should dedicate one or more of his sons to the two of the elders of the church came to Mrs. Sawatsky New-Church ministry. This suggestion surely bore and told her just what her new status, as the Mennonite fruit: three of Mr. Peter's sons and one grandson wife of a 'Swedenborgian', was to be. She told me she (Rev. Messrs. Henry K; Peter; Klaas and John) have was allowed to live in the same house as her husband, all served in our ministry. could cook for him but notask what he wanted. She With this background in the back of my head it was a could mend his clothes, but notask what was needed. great pleasure to attend our Theological School at the She must speak with him only when this was absolutely same time as Peter Peters. I had worked, as a doctor, necessary. Mrs. Sawatsky spread her hands and said on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in Alberta, and to me: "Dr. Tafel you know people can't live like that, Peter Peters and I had much to talk about; but no in ten days I was a Swedenborgian too'. opportunity seemed to present itself to me to visit. Of especial interest to me was the story of their migration from Manitoba to the more distant West. When elected president of Convention in 1946 the In the spring her husband with the older children went idea immediately was born of making an extensive tour to establish a new home in the brush country. She was of theregion with Mr. Peters—then our only missionary to follow later in the year. I asked about this later trek in the Canadian prairie provinces. Placing himself and and found she had travelled west in a covered wagon, car at my disposal we spent, accompanied by Mrs. Peters, with oxen, with three younger children and thought it a most delightful three weeks visiting all posts, and also quite the usual thing. Yes, she said she had a nursing isolated farmsteads, in the vast Northwest. On my first baby with her but she could stop the team of oxen while evening in Edmonton I had the privilege of meeting she nursed her baby and then go on. I asked if there Mrs. John Sawatsky—a real 'mother in Israel'. We were any particular difficulties on the trip but was told, travelled to Saskatchewan together and, though at first 'No, many people were travelling west that year'. most reticent, I learned from her much about the very beginning of the New Church in Western Canada. I have I almost missed the great point in the trek because of always thought of her recollections of those early days her casual reference to what I would call catastrophes. as one of the high points in my New-Church experience, She finally said that once her wagon had become stuck and I would like to share with our membership what she in the sand of a river. She unspanned the oxen, waded told me. The story begins in Manitoba when all our ashore with the little tots and madecamp on the shore. future members still belonged to the Mennonite Church. She said provisions hadbecome exhausted. On the bank she made a fire and heated a pot of water and poured When Mrs. Sawatsky was a young bride a worker was into it the last of her meal. Holding up the empty bag sent out by a Mr. Holdeman of Nebraska. His thesis she said: 'Lord you see this is the last of our meal, you was that the fault of the Mennonites was that they had will have to help me*. She camped there on the bank departed from the strict discipline of their fathers, and and, two days later, a German man came along with a Mr. Holdeman advocated still stricter discipline. His team of horses and pulled her wagon from the sand. emissary to Western Canada, a Mr. Seiler confided to She really, I believe, thought there was nothing particu some there that his teaching was in great part derived larly unusual in her experiences. from that of Swedenborg. He promised to send them books and tracts upon his return to the States. To me, Travelling about with Mr. Peters I learned that this the great moment arrived with these tracts. Mrs. matriarch, with one hand severed early in an accident, Sawatsky said that a group of four men assembled. had reared a family of ten children and (thirteen years I suppose she told me who these were, but I do not recall ago) had ninety-four children and grandchildren, all the names. She herself was familiar with theBible and baptized, confirmed and (where old enough) married her task was to find the Bible references in the tracts. and members of the New Church. When such was found, read and compared with the tract, Of such material is our church in Western Canada the men stated simply (at that time they all spoke only made. German) 'Es stimmt' (it agrees) and passed on to the Dr. Tafel is the secretary of Convention's Board of Missions.

134 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER REPRESENTATION AT CONVENTION

The provision in the By-Laws of Convention, Arti cle VII, Section 3, calling for the publishing in THE MESSENGER of information a month in advance re lating to representation at the Convention session, can be complied withonly on the basis of the following preliminary figures, based in part ondata of the preceding year, as some of the membership figures, as of Decem ber 31 last, have not yet been submitted.

No. of No. of Association or Society Members Delegates GROUND BREAKING California 550 13 Canada 264 8 Rev. and Mrs. Erwin D. Reddekopp and family Illinois 488 11 moved to the new housing development of Killarney, Kansas 206 6 where the church is being built. Their new address is Maine 159 5 12843—89th Street. Maryland 294 7 Massachusetts 810 18 Sunday School classes have started in the basement Michigan 130 4 of the manse. After five weeks of activity the enrollment New York 384 9 stands at 63. Only a small section of the new community is settled, and we have almost reached the basement Ohio 367 7 Pennsylvania 465 11 capacity already. Southeastern 96 3 The teachers include Mrs. J. Jeffery; who is also Western Canada Conference 452 11 superintendent, Mr. Leo Farrar, Mrs.D. Gilchrist, National Association 48 2 Mrs. E. D. Reddekopp,Miss Irene Meissner, and Connecticut 9 2 Miss Janet Vantassel—a 'Cub Pack' is also under way, Gulfport Society 36 2 which is under the Scout Movement. The group com mittee has been formed, and the Cubs will have the Horace B. Blackmer, Recording Secretary able leadership of Mr. Harold Chapman, a member of Boston, Mass. the new community. Cubs includes boys ages 8 to 12. May 10, 1958. They will meet once a week, in the basement of the manse. Rev. E. D. Reddekopp announced a studygroup meeting for Nov. 9th, and the largest 'study-group' to date took place! About 25 parishioners arrived; singing Surprise! Surprise!—and indeed it was! A house warming party for the Reddekopp family in their new home. Major F. Norbury gave a touching tribute, and on behalf of all the parishioners presented the Reddkopps with a fine Tri-lite lamp for their home. The ladies of the parish served a delicious lunch and singing 'Bless This House', and 'Auld Lang Syne' brought the evening to a close.

SWEDENBORG'S WRITINGS For introductory purposes, paper covers: Heaven and Hell 25 Divine Love and Wisdom 25 Divine Providence 25 The Four Doctrines 25 Swedenborg Foundation Incorporated —David Johnson photo 51 East 42nd St. New York 17, N. Y. THE BERLIN CHURCH at 17 Fontanestrasse, Grunewald. Can you recognize the little lady at the gate?

APRIL 25, 1959 135 TRESPASSERS BEWARE! William Sawatzky, Pour Corners, Sask., shot this bear which was prowling about his farm endangering the livestock. •»

Introducing

Our Neighbors

by Rev. Henry D. Reddekopp ;

MISSIONARY WORK in Western Canada calls for considerable effort Corners, Herbert, Yorkton and Se- in taking advantage of the few short summer months in which to bring cretan, all in Saskatchewan, lie in the New Church to the many small groups and isolated friends who are scat other directions.Visits to Sccretan tered far apart over the vast prairies. Saskatoon was the spot selected in are always interesting. Secretan is a 1946 by the Rev. Leonard I. Tafel, then President of Convention, and the railway siding withonly a Post Office Rev. Peter Peters in which to place a New-Church missionary. Like Boston, and country store all in one. A very Mass., it is commonly called the Hub City. It has eight railways leading in enthusiastic little group assembles every direction like the spokes of a wheel, to say nothing of roads, bus lines there from the surrounding country and an airport.. This Hub City was not selected as a New Church nucleus but as far as sixteen miles. The meetings rather as a central location from which to reach out to the many scattered are held in private homes and hearty societies. Nevertheless, meetings are conducted here, too, and efforts are invitations are extended jto all their made to introduce the New Church through advertising and other means. friends in the district. Though their

During the past season services farms are wind-swept and grass have been conducted in twelve dif some of the other points it is theusual hopper-ridden theynever fail to offer ferent oities and towns. Your Church cross section of a livelihood found in their humble but sincere hospitality carries notices of these services to cities and towns. At North Battleford and deepest appreciation for the some 250 families. Often the visits where there is a Mental Hospital of services. dependon local conditions, train great distinction most of the parish Four Corners lies about 234 miles service and whether or nota car ride ioners are engaged in the psychiatric northwest of Saskatoon in the forest is available. The itineraryfor one profession. country. When going by car, tire triplast fall will show how services New-Church members at Flin Flon chains are necessary equipment as have to be arranged: are engaged in mining and are em- there is plenty of rain and the roads "Winnipeg, Man., Tuesday, Oct. ployed by the Hudson's Bay Mining are not gravelled. The Rev. Peter 21st—Seryice in accordance with local and Smelting Company. Flin Flon Peters, who served this field for a arrangements. Please notify others. is a copper mining town in northern number of years experienced many Will arrive by C.N.R. at 7:55 a.m. Manitoba and is surrounded by lakes, physical hardships. On one occasion and will leave for Flin Flonon woods and mountains of rock. In his car had to be towed through miles Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. fact the town itself is built on solid of mud by a caterpillar tractor. To "Flin Flon, Man., Thursday, Oct. rock. Basements for homes, stores day, however, a good gravel road 23rd—Service in accordance with local and shops have to be blasted out and extends nearlythe whole way through arrangements. Please communicate huge boulders removed. The roads and about fifty miles of forest reserve with others in this regard. Will arrive where there are no signs of human walks, except where there is pave life except a telephone line and here by train at 10:00a.m. and will leave ment, are of natural gravel and shiny on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and there the log cabin of an Indian pieces of rock can be picked up con family. I once remarked to the bus "Cranberry Portage, Man., Friday, taining a high percentage of copper. driver that this would be a bad place Oct. 24th—A visit will be made to Soil for gardens has to be brought in to be caught in a snow storm. He the isolated in the event that a car from neighboring woodlands. I have said they always carrya portable ride is available from Flin Flon in been told there is enough gold found telephone which they can attach to stead of waiting for the 4:00 p.m. in the mining and processing of copper the telephone wires and call for a train. Will leave Cranberry Portage to pay for operating expenses. I had snow plow or any other aid required by train on Friday at 5:37 p.m. the good fortune of being invited to in case of an emergency. The little "Roblin, Man., Sunday, Oct. 26th— ride up the side of the rocky hills on unpainted church at Four Corners Services in accordance with local ar an electric train, operated by one of stands in a clearing at the cross roads, rangements. Will arrive by train on the Church members, which takes up inviting all to come to worship. The Saturday at 5:10 a.m. and will stop at huge kettles of red-hot molten lava homemade benches and the oil drum the hotel until afternoon when I will from the smelters for dumping. It was converted into a wood burning heater look lor a call." an awe inspiring sight tosee the red- are but the rough exteriors of a hot streams of lava running down the Winnipeg is 500 miles southeast genuine spirit of worship within. and Flin Flon 400 miles to the side of the mountain in the dark of northeast of Saskatoon. With the night. I was glad to take shelter in Bears and blueberries exception of Saskatoon, North Battle- the closed cab of the engine for protec ford, Yorkton, Flin Flon and Winni tion against the heat and the strong Bears have always been a menace peg, the occupations of the parish smell of sulphur. to live stock especially when the berry ioners are farming and ranching. At Rosthern, North Battleford, Four season fails to provide them with

136 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER School Invites Inquiries beautiful little city which then existed Though this city has received much only in the mind of the retired clergy publicity because of its Western De Never have the opportunities for man has since materialized with a velopment Museum and other attrac the New Church been greater. Nev population of about 85,000. Saska tions it is doubtful if everyone can er has its message been more need toon is noted for its beauty and clean pronounce the name correctly. The ed. Yet there have been too few pre liness and has the reputation of being story goes thata certain passenger paring for its ministry. one of the most peaceful cities in stepped from the train here, for a bit We earnestly invite inquiries Canada. All the avenues are lined of exercise, and asked a railway official from those who have considered with trees andmost of the residential the name of the place. When he was the ministry as their possible voca streets are beautified with lawns and informed that it was Saskatoon, tion. Twelve is not too young to shrubs. The river banks, instead of Saskatchewan, his comment was, contact us. Depending upon cir being mutilated with railways and "Imagine that, they don't speak cumstances, sixty may not be too smoking factories, are adorned with English here!" However, it is an old. parks and homes, and the river itself is spanned by attractively designed English speaking educational center Edwin G. Capon, President bridges. and is noted for its University and New Church Theological School Medical School which draws students The word 'Saskatchewan' in the 48 Quincy Street from many parts of the world. The Cree Indian language, means "swift- Cambridge 38, Mass. University Hospital installed the flowing", hence the two main swift world's first cobalt bomb for treating flowing water arteries in the province cancer patients. sufficient food. During such a famine have given rise to its name. A very it is difficult for them to fatten up for broad valley known as the QuAppelle winter hibernation. Consequently, as valley is saidto be the former outlet In all my visits throughout this they grow hungry they become more of water from the retreating glacier vast area I think also of the efforts of bold and instead of staying in the lakes that covered the province eons others in their fields in spreading the woods they start prowling around the ago. Its size is staggering. Reliable new truths. There comes to mind the farm houses in search of food.Also, sources give the area as 251,700 parable of the Sower. We have all they are easily annoyed as seems square miles, which is larger than the been instrumental in sowing the seed evident from what I learned during a United Kingdom plus Germany and of the Lord's Word, but what the recent visit there. A mother bear . harvest will be is known to Him alone. took after a school boy on his bicycle and could easily have caught up with him but for her cubs who would not Sunday School in the Philippines follow her. Again, about two years THS ago, a housewife left her door open when she left the house and while she was gone a bear walked in. As a final farewell, after causing a Jot of havoc snooping around for food, he tore the mattress from a bed and dragged it into the woods. Plenty of wild game can be a" hunter's paradise, but not so when it reachesthe ex treme. At Dorintosh, where I recently paid a visit to a Xew-Church family north of Four Corners, the wild ducks settled in the grain fields in such swarms that scare-crows and shot guns were used by the farmers to save their crops. The Cree Indians gave the name 'saskatoon' to a delicious wild berry, purple in color and resembling in size, shape and flavor the well known blue berry. In earlier times it was found in great abundance along theravines and river banks and is still quite plentiful in certain areas. The berries are picked and preserved by thrifty housewives and serve as an excellent substitute for other imported expen sive fruits. A stone monument on the banks of the south Saskatchewan river, now overlooking the city of Saskatoon, marks the spot where in 1882 a retired Methodist minister CHRISTMAS IN SNEAKERS. This photograph of New-ChurchSunday School stood and, having in mind a branch pupils in Melebon, Rizal, was sent by Mrs. Aurelia Aquino, the teacher of the group, of these berries, has been quoted as to Miss Florence Hughes, Jacksonville, Fla. The children were receiving their Christ mas presents from Florida friends. Comments Miss Hughes: "Is it not wonderful saying: "Arise, Saskatoon, Queen of to see this lovely group of New-Church children among our friends far away in the North". A mental picture of a the East?"

APRIL 25, 1950 137 color sketches. Many of the sketches were of the seacoast and mountains of his native state of Maine. He later spent several years in Europe Inthe Nation's Capital where he sketched the lakes and mountains and valleys, the quaint villages, and the great cathedrals of the old world. At twenty-one Dr. Sewall was SINCE LAST September the people, can be justly proud of this graduated from Bowdoin College with Church of the Holy City, Wash man of many talents and virtues. thedegrees of Bachelor of Arts and ington, D. C, has been without a On January 4, 1959, Rev. Schnarr Master of Arts. His graduating essay, regular minister. Laymen Daniel was the guest minister. His congrega which received first prize, was on 'The Nielsen and TalbotRogers have tion added to that of the Church of Interior Memory'. Bowdoin later taken turns conducting the services, the Holy City, filled thechurch. A bestowed on him the degree of Doctor except for ine times, about once a pleasant social hour followed the of Divinity. month when the Society was fortu service. After graduation Dr. Sewall went nate in having a visiting minister. Rev. Mr. Regamy from Boston was abroad to continue his studies. In Those New Church ministers who the guest minister on February 1, Rome he studied church form and filled the pulpit wereRev. Richard H. when Swedenborg's birthday was music. Thence to Tubingen where he Tafel, Rev. Ernest 0. Martin, Rev. celebrated by a lovely 'Coffee' follow remained for three years studying Antony Regamy and Rev. Clyde W. ing the morning service. A beautifully Swedenborg's theological works under Broomell; Rev. Frederick Schnarr, decorated birthday cake and low Dr. Immanuel Tafel. He also spent minister of the General Convention bouquets of white flowers added to the some time at Berlin University. In congregation in Washington and vi occasion. those centers of learning he acquired cinity; and Mr. Milton Honemann, On February 18 the Chancel Guild mastery of Hebrew, Greek and Latin. layman of the Baltimore Society. sponsored a social evening at the During that time he became interested On October 12, Rev. John C. Mayne Church. Following dinner the Tyrrell in the philosophies of Hegel and Kant of Washington spoke on 'The Growing sisters showed their beautiful slides from his association with Bauer, Stature of the Protestant Faith'. of Switzerland, Germany, Scotland Bengel, Hefele and other masters in DuringFebruary and March Rev. and England, taken on their trip to Europe. Clyde W. Broomell conducted the Europe last summer. Dr. Sewall returned to America in services. He also held a Monday During thepast year the choir of 18G3 to become a minister of the New evening class on 'How to Study the the Washington Society has under Church. He married Thedia Redelia Bible', and a class on Sunday after taken two ambitious musical works, Gilchrist of Philadelphia. Their noons for young people preparing for the infrequently given Redemption of children, four of whom are still living, confirmation. Gounod and the Christmas Oratorio of are Maud, Rachel, Mary (Mrs. Carl In the last year there have been Saint-Saens. The productions, which Weller), Elizabeth (Mrs. Frank Schel- several interesting activities. Last featuredguest soloists and piano and lenberg), and Alice Archer (Mrs. John James) who died in 1955. Miss Maud June an interesting art exhibit was organ accompaniment, were among held in the Parish House. Miss Maud the most successful thatthe National and Miss Rachel have made their and Miss Rachel Sewall turned over Church group has presented. home in Washington for many years. to a member of the Society fifty or Dr. Sewall was called to Urbana more water color sketches painted University, Urbana, Ohio, and served by their father, Rev. Frank Sewall, Scholar and Artist as its president for 19 years. This between 1887 and 1910. The paint very fine institution, founded by New ings were framed and hung in the Frank Sewall, D.D. Churchmen is now a New-Church co educational junior college. Parish House. The Society felt each 1837-1915 member of the Washington Society In 1886 Dr. Sewall resigned from would think it a privilege to own one FRANK SEWALL was born in his position at Urbana to take his or more of the paintings, and so they Bathe, Me., September 24, 1837, family to Europe for theeducation of weremoderately priced and offered of an old New England New-Church his daughters, but upon receiving a for sale. The reception given on the family. The Sewalls of Bath have call from a New-Church Society in opening day of the exhibition was well been well known in New England for Glasgow, Scotland, he accepted this attended, and during the two weeks many generations fortheir outstand call and remained in Glasgow for two the paintings were on exhibition all ing contributions to the religious, years. He remained in Europe a year but a few were sold. The paintings are social and political life of that region and a half longer, visiting the New reminders of one of the illustrious of the United States. Church societies in Paris, Florence, ministers of the New Church, espe Dr. Sewall was a man of many Zurich and Utrecht, studying and cially of the Church of the Holy talents, especially in the field of reli educating his five daughters. He City in Washington. This beautiful gion, philosophy, music and art. At maintained the regular religious serv authentic Gothic church was largely fifteen he became the organist and ices in his family circle in all their Dr. Sewall's inspiration and he was its choirmaster of the New Church in travels. During this time he was first minister. The famous architect Bath. During hiscollege life he was aware of the Industrial Revolution Langford Warren, Dean of Architec made organist of the chapel, and and the trend toward materialism and ture of Harvard University, was the assistant librarian of the college. He wrote essays in portestagainst this architect, but many of the unusual was an ardent lover of nature, and trend. These essays were published features of the building were Dr. wherever he traveled went the sketch in European and American periodi Sewall's ideas. The Washington So book and a tin of watercolors. He cals. He also made translations of the ciety, as well as all New-Church captured the beautyhe saw in water- new poems 'Carducci', and 'Heredia'

138 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER —poems which had not before ap it would be an enormous success. Do peared in English. you know what the members have Dr. Sewall and his family returned been complaining about? Not enough to America in 1889. He had received time! So for a while at least, the a call to the New Church in Wash meetings will be all day sessions. ington, D. C, in which city his re Members will bring their own lunch maining years were spent. His home and the Church will provide chocolate at 1G18 Riggs Place, N.W., was a milk. mecca for intellectuals, musicians and Mrs. John Fatland of the Detroit artists. He was a member of the Society is certainly having a wonder Washington Society for Philosophic ful vacation. She has gone to Europe. Inquiry, the Sophocles Club, and the Cosmos Club. He was also a member of the Washington Choral Society, Fitch Gibbens Says: which he directed for two seasons. I prefer love of good to slavery of At his passing in 1915 the Washington by Merle Haag evil because I have pragmatized, for Evening Star commemorated him as The New York Church is particu myself, that it is easier, less intri a great citizen. larly beautiful on every Easter Sun cately involved, more pleasant; and, The New Church is indebted to day. One of its most faithful mem in reality, more fun! Dr. Sewall for several of the beautiful bers, Miss Anna Lusk, donatesa Further love of good is the only h}'mns in its Book of Worship, of sheath of lilies which completely means by which fulfillment of reality which he composed both music and covers the top of the altar. can be achieved. words in many instances. The order of service of the former Book of Wor The Los Angeles Society had a ANNUAL MEETING ship was revised under his direction. surprise party on Palm Sunday for The present 'national church,' The Rev. and Mrs. Andre Diaconoff in THE NEW CHURCH BOARD Church of the Holy City, one of the honor of the 25th anniversary of their OF PUBLICATION finest examples of English gothic ar service to the Church. Rev. Mr. chitecture in America, was largely Diaconoff was presented with a beau In conformity with its by-laws, Dr. Sewall's inspiration. This archi tiful hand made gold embroidered notice is hereby given that the annual tectural gem was built in 1894. The white silk stole, adorned with the meeting of the corporate members of architect was Langford Warren, Dean letters Alpha and Omega and Mrs. The New Church Board of Publica of Architecture of Harvard Univer Diaconoff received a lovely leather tion will be held, in the rooms of the sity. The beautiful stained glass music case with her initials inscribed Board on Wednesday, May 13th, windows in the chancel, and the in gold. 1959, one o'clock in the afternoon for 'Creation' window over the front door the election of officers and five di Mr. and Mrs. J. Woodruff Saul of of the church, were designed by rectors to serve in the place of John C. the Los Angeles Society celebrated Dr. Sewall's eldest daughter, Alice Hart, N. Y., Rev. Leslie Marshall, their Golden Wedding Anniversary Archer, under his direction and en Fla., Rev. Leonard I. Tafel, Pa., on April 12. They held open house in couragement. Tomas H. Spiers, Rev. William F. their home for all of their friends in Wunsch, N. Y. To adopt the annual Alice Archer (Mrs. John James) the Church. May we add our heartiest report to the General Convention; will be remembered in Washington congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Saul. art circles. She exhibited regularly and for the transaction of such other at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and Western Canada is planning to have business as may be presented. was a member of The Arts Club. a summer camp to be held in the Preceding the corporate meeting, Miss Maud Sewall, another daugh St. Paul, Alberta,, area. Those who there will be a meeting of the Board wish to attend are urged to register of Directors to adopt the annual re ter, is well known locally and na as soon as possible. port to the Corporation. All corporate tionally as a composer, organist and members are urged to be present. violinist. In 1952 she won the national The New Church Societies in Following the corporate meeting, the award of the National Guild of Or- Manitoba, Roblin, Boggy Creek, and newly-elected Board will organize for ganists for the best original composi Yorkton—have reorganized and will such business as may be • brought tion for the organ. Miss Maud was henceforth be known as 'The Roblin before it. organist and choir director at The Central Society' with Mr. Delmar Luncheon will be .served at 12:30 Church of the Holy City for fifty Funk as president. P.M. years. The St. Louis, Mo., Society is very Adrienne Frank MissRachel Sewall was known for earnest in its desire to become known R.S.V.P. Secretary. many years as a producer of an not only as a house of worship but as a original puppet show. She wrote the community house. They have offered plays, designed thecharacters and their facilities to many organizations their costumes and the stage settings Money For Your Treasury in the neighborhood such as their and spoke the parts of the characters. Jewish neighbors and the Girl and OVER 1,500,000 She also appeared in several well- Boy Scouts. SUNFLOWER DISH CLOTHS known plays on the legitimate stage. Were cold in 195S by members of Sunday School*, Ladies' Aids, Young People's Groups, Members of the Kitchener, Ont., eto. They enable you to earn money for your Society volunteered their services as treasury, and make friends for your orgnniia- waiters at the Huronia Hall annual tion. Subscribe to Sample FREE to an Official dinner for the blind on Mar. 25. SANGAMON MILLS THE MESSENGER When we first heard of Kitchener's Established 1915 Cohoes, N. Y. Model Railroad Club, we predicted

APRIL 25, 1959 139 Swedenborg Bookroom in Missouri in 1955 and 1956 in the University of Missouri library. In 1957, members of a committee for the university's annual Religion in Life Week asked her to set up exhibits for their pro gram. She had exhibits at the Co lumbia and university libraries, the Missouri College and University book stores and at Christian college. "Last year she worked with Mrs. Loren Reid, who reviewed "The Swe denborg Epic," and this year she is preparing to review Helen Keller's "My Religion," written in apprecia tion of an extensive study of Sweden- borg's works in braille.

Si" «* "Mrs. Coleman became a member V" of the national association for isolated C j members not affiliated with the Church

< of the New Jerusalem in 1955 and a life member of the national foundation -v when she spoke on Swedenborg at a ••/I lay meeting of the national associa V A tion. C.» A :\■ "Mrs. Coleman is vice president of the Missouri Writers' guild, has • \ .1 VI1 written articles in newspapers and it magazines and has lectured in several * % Missouri towns about her writing, 1 but Swedenborg is still her main interest. She feels that writing and vl her other interests stem from her 1 1 study of Swedenborg. She plans to organize a beginners' class in reading his works. " 'Looking back upon the seemingly accidental way I discovered Sweden- [ *&% borg's writings, I realize that I could so very nearly have missed them," she said. "Somebody bothered to set Last year Mrs. O. T. Coleman, Columbia, Mo., opened a Swedenborg up an exhibit in Chicago and all I bookroom in her home to make available to seekers the treasures hope to accomplish with the book contained in the writings of the revelator. In the above picture she is room is to make the books available to other searching minds.' " shown in this bookroom. Photograph is reproduced here by courtesy of the Columbia Tribune. Another bookroom featuring the writings of the New Church. This The Columbia, Mo., Tribune car marrying in heaven. Wasn't marriage time under the auspices of the South ried the above photograph together a beautiful thing and shouldn't it be eastern Association, and operated with an interview with Mrs. Coleman, continued in heaven? Swedenborg under the leadership of the Rev. in its Feb. 20 issue. answered my question in his book on Ernest Frederick, president of the In the interview with the Tribune conjugal love." Association and minister of the Miami- Fort Lauderdale area in Florida. In church editor, Anna Boothe, Mrs. Miss Boothe's story continues: Coleman told at some length about the above picture Mr. Fredericks is "From the first sentence she knew the work of Swedenborg both as a seen on the right examining a pam Swedenborg would help her. She ob scientist and a theologian. Mrs. Cole phlet, one of the many that is for tained names of others in Missouri man is quoted as saying: sale within. With him is Mr. Hamblin, who read his works and attended a a devoted member of his congregation "I became acquainted with Swe meeting of his readers in 1936 in who is reported to spend four to five denborg at the Chicago exposition in St. Louis. Afterthat she began read hours a day in the running of this 1934 after 10 years of searching for ing his 12-volume "Heavenly Sec bookroom. Recalling what a large the true meaning of the Bible," rets," which took a year for each number of people have come into the "I had been active in Baptist volume. In 1950 she attended a New Church due to the reading of and Methodist Sunday schools, national meeting of 350 Sweden- some of its literature (note in the women's groups and the choirs. borgians in Philadelphia and visited story about the Canadian Western But these activities did not satisfy churches of his readers, who founded Conference how many had their my need for more information on the Church of the New Jerusalem, in interest aroused by some book), we the Bible. I wanted to know more New York, Cincinnati, Indianapolis are justified in being optimistic about about death and I was puzzled by the and other areas. the results that may be obtained Lord's saying that there would be no "Her first exhibits were for a month through bookrooms.

140 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER the name Shaddai refers to the Lord's power to defend in temptation and to bless when temptations are over come, while the name Jehovah ex CONDUCTED BYTHE REV. LOUIS A. DOLE FOR THE SWEDENBORG presses the Lord as a God of love. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew the FOUNDATION name Jehovah—it appears first in the story of the Garden of Eden—but they did not know their God as a God ARCANA CLASS I—May, 1959 sometimes see a single society at a of love. In this sense at no time in distance as one man, expressing the Israel's history was God known to Volume IV, 3604—Volume V, 3688 general characteristics of that society, them as Jehovah; God was known to but on closer approach the society is May 1— 7 3604—3623 them as a God to be worshiped and seen to be composed of many indi feared. 8—14 3624—3652 viduals, all different. We ourselves Notes 15—21 3653—3665 are in the habit of picturing a nation 22—31 3666—3688 or a people as one person, as 'Uncle 3617. The grief of Isaac and Rebecca Sam' or 'John Bull'. over the necessity of sending Jacob OUR READING for this month is Number 3667 tells us the origin of away illustrates how the things that a continuation of the Jacob- the many names by which the Lord come to us that are hard to bear and Esau story. Swedenborg states in explain may be necessary to our number 3677 that because of the salvation. increasing materialism of modern thought, men have lost the desire Limited Reprints 3623. Note this explanation of the and with it the ability to know 'what use of plural nouns in the Word. In spiritual good is, and what its truth, the translations we lose the force of and that there are innumerable genera this because most of these are changed of good and its truth, and still more to singulars. innumerable species, also that they 3648. We read today about the are conjoined with each other by 'expanding universe'. It is. Creation degrees, as it were of consanguinity is continuous. and affinity'. So this reading is a 3652*. "By 'Daniel' is signified difficult one for the modern mind. everything prophetic concerning the Another reason is that this is one of Lord's Advent." the passages in the Word in which the 3655. An interesting study on the spiritual meaning is the very opposite various kinds of knowledge. Note the of the letter. Number 3605 gives a NEW-CHIIRCH supreme importance of knowledge of good example of this in the discussion MESSEI^GER the letter of the Word. This is of of Esau's 'hatred' of Jacob, where we special importance in thinking of the are told that haired, when predicated instruction of children. of good, means aversion from evil, and 3677cnd Explains why many do not when predicated of the Lord, means want to know spiritual truth. mercy. 3866. The Hittitcs—or children of The June 7, Issueof the Mes The whole story of Esau and Jacob Heth—are mentioned many times in sengercontaining the story of is the story of the way in which the the Word. It is wellto remember Convention, both in test and Lord makes use of our natural inclina that they represent the spiritual church pictures, has been reprinted by tions, which are selfish, to lead us to among the Gentiles. acquire knowledge of the truth, to request and is available for 271 act according to it, to love it, and each, postage paid, until supply ARCANA CLASS II—May, 1959 eventually to love thetruth which it is depleted. teaches. send to ... Volume XI, 9490—9598 Volume IV closes with an article on NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER May 1— 7 9490—9508 the Grand Man and the use of the 300 PIKE STREET 8—14 9509—9546 knowledge of this doctrine. By this CINCINNATI 2, OHIO doctrine much light is thrown upon 15—21 9547—9573 all phases of life. The Grand Man 22—31 9574—9598 corresponds to the Lord's Divine is called in the Old Testament. This Human. Each pecson has a place in is in connection with the use of the THE READING for this month is this Grand Man, through it he has name Shaddai—translated Almighty concerned with the furnishings connection with all the heavens, and throughout the King James version. of the Tabernacle, the ark, the mercy from it he has life. Inthinking of the From Exodus 6:3, 'I appeared unto seat, the cherubim on the mercy seat, Grand Man we should keep in mind Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob the table for shew bread, thecandle the fact that the human body takes in God Shaddai, but by my name stick or lampstand, and the curtains its physical form from the orderly Jehovah I was not known to them' for the tabernacle. arrangement of the various functions some critics have concluded that The ark ■ represents the inmost of necessary to life; so we should realize wherever the name Jehovah—trans the soul in which the Lord dwells. The that it is function and not shape that lated the Lord—appears before this in two tables in the ark represent the we should think of when we read, for connection with Abraham,. Isaac, or law, love to the Lord and to the example, that certain angelic societies Jacob, it must be an interpolation or neighbor written in the heart. The are in one or another particular organ that the stories were written much law learned and acknowledged out of the Grand Man. Angels indeed later than is commonly believed. But wardly exercises constraint, but when

APRIL 25, 1059 141 we believe what we want to believe. is given the truth, he will believe. But BIRTH We believe with our hearts, notwith in greater measure than we suppose ourminds. "As a man thinketh in DIXON—Born to Mr.and Mrs. Lewis S. this law is received in the heart, we Dixon of the Edmonton, Alta. Society on his heart, so is he." Without love act in freedom. Nov. 7 a son, Peter. there can be no truth. The mercy seat—Hebrew kapporeth The tabernacle, and later the —on which were the golden cherubim BAPTISMS temple, hold an important place in the and where the glory of the Lord shone DIENESCH—Cynthia Lynn, born to Bible story. In the inmost sense they forth, was the cover of the ark. Frederick and Nellie (Hallows) Dienesch of represent the Divine Humanity, that Literally kapporeth means cover. Swe- the Kitchener, Ont. Society on Sept. 11, 1958, temple which the Lord was building was baptized into the Faith of the New denborg translates this word propi Churchby the Rev. David P. Johnson on in Himself while on earth, and in tiatory. It represents the Lord's Feb. 22. which He dwells. The curtains en mercy in cleansing from evils, for closed and covered the tabernacle, COX, MILLER—Cathy Ann, daughter of giving sins, and implanting good and Mr.and Mrs. Edward Cox, and Marilee Dee, protected it. The threefold co.vering truth. In the sight of the Lord all daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Harold Miller, signifies the completeness of this pro need mercy and forgiveness. There bo(h of Portland, Oregon, were baptized into tection. It is written of the Lord, is none good but one, and itis by His theChristian faith on Sunday, Mar. 22, in the "he .. . stretcheth out the heavens as Cherry Park Community Church (Sweden- mercy and grace that we are cleansed borgian), th.e Rev. Paul Znrharias officiating. a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a and admitted into heaven. tent to dwell in." The cherubim represent the Divine CONFIRMATIONS There aretruths concerning the providence guarding and protecting. RISLEY, FLYNN, GEIS—Capt. Ralph Lord, truths concerning the soul, and We cannot enter heaven until we are Itisley, Francis Flynn, and Paula, Wayne, truths that have to do with our ex prepared for it. The Lord hasour and Holly Geis were confirmed into the Faith ternal relationships and activities. In eternal interests in view in what He of the New Church by the Rev. Clayton Priest nal of the New York Society on Mar. 22 number 9594 we are given a clear denies us as well as in what He grants. explanation of why there are three The wings of the cherubim are the COLLETTE, LUDWIG, KAUER—Sylvia spiritual truths which lift us up. To and Jack Collette, Dolores and Richard heavens. There are three degrees Ludwig, and Else Kauer were/confirmed into love the Lord it is necessary to know of life in man. These degrees are the Faith of the New Church by the Rev. Him. Love without truth has no real opened successively. All do not Ernest Martin of the Wilmington, Del., existence. regenerate fully, opening the higher Society on Mar. 22. The table for shew bread, on which degrees. every Sabbath were placed the twelve Notes NILSON, RYAN—The Wilmington, Del. loaves, pictures the supply of good Society welcomed Nell and Gunnar Nilson, 9509. An important number on the and MaryRyan into their midst as Associate ness from the Lord to meet all our Members on Mar. 22. needs at all times. The loaves repre cherubim. "There is no approach to the Lord except through the good of sent that living bread which comes MARRIAGE from heaven. Like the ark, the table love." RUBIN-VAN WESE—Dr. M. Lawrence was made of shittim wood overlaid Rubin and Miss Marion Van Wess were with gold. All merit and righteousness united in holy matrimony in New York on belong to the Lord alone. Only as we ANNUAL MEETING March 19, the Rev. Clayton Pricstnal offi ciating. so recognize them can they be imputed SWEDENBORG FOUNDATION, to us. MAY 11 MEMORIALS The staves and rings for carrying the table, as in the case with the ark, The annual meeting of the Swe- BOWMAN—Davey Bowman, Strong City, represent the power of application to denborg Foundation will be held on Okla., passed away on Jan. lit. At his resur our everyday duties. OuV religion Monday, May 11, atfour o'clock in rection services held in theBaptist Church, the New-Church burial service was used. should go with us wherever we go and Room 1G03, 51 East 42nd St., New He is survived by his wife, Helen who has be in all our acts. York. The president's annual report sometimes contributed to the MESSENGER The dishes were for incense and will be heard, members of the Board and was active in the National Association of the New Church, and a daughter, Rosanna. wine, which represent gratitude to the of Directors will be elected, and such Lord, attributing to Him all good and other business transacted as may SCHNEIDER—Mr. Walter John of the all truth. properly come before this meeting. Kitchener, Ont. Society, born Mar. 1, 1912, passed into a higher life on Mar. 3. Resurrec The name 'table of shew bread' is tion services were conducted by the Rev. in the Hebrew 'bread of faces'. The HOUSE DIRECTOR AND COUN David P. Johnson on Mar. 6. 'faces' of the Lord represent His love, SELOR for 20 students in women's MAISH—Mr. Harold Maish, husband of wisdom, goodness, and mercy toward dormitory at Urbana College. We Kathryn Maish—organist of the Cincinnati, us. Goodness and truth are the food need a paragon, mature, wise, sym Ohio Society—passed into a higher life on Mar. 4. for the soul provided by the Lord. pathetic, who enjoys and understands The golden candlestick or lamp- young people. Some background in stand represents the capacity of truth efficient management is required for WANTED to enlighten our minds. The Lord is general supervision of student- this light; so John in vision saw 'in operated cafeteria. Inducement Help the church's mission work. Save the midst of the seven candlesticks offered: participation with faculty in your used stamps, foreign and U.S., pic one like unto the Son of man.' With pioneering experiment in education ture postcards, old seals and revenue out the Lord, or without the Word according to spiritual principles but stamps. Please send them to us forcol lectors. Postagerefunded if desired. the world would be in darkness. The non-sectarian. Salary determined candlestick was of pure gold beaten. according to duties assumed. Rev. Leslie Marshall It was solid, to represent genuine love, Write to Miss Thelma Haddix, BOARD OF MISSIONS in which is no hollowness. Urbana Junior College, Urbana. Box 386 St. Petersburg, Fla. We sometimes think that if a man Ohio.

142 THE NEW-CHURCH MESSENGER cinnati, and has lectured frequently on prayer, as well as authored a book BOOK REVIEWS entitled, Making Prayer Heal.

A CORRECTION WITH CHRIST IN THE GARDEN. suggests theology. Mr. Radcliffe does To the Editor: ByLynnJ. Radcliffe. Abingdon Press, give in simple language some of the Nashville, Tenn. 80 pp. S1.50. answers by which man has tried to I wish to correct an item on explain this mystery. God's will: 'is Page 108 in the March 28 issue of the This book should be read as a conditioned by long range goals'; 'can MESSENGER. poem is read. It is not an effort to transcend any circumstances'. God The Ministers' Institute at Urbana investigate the experience of the Lord should not be called a meeting of the wills: 'our cooperation with Him'; in the Garden as a psychological Council of Ministers because it is not 'to meet us in love as we pray"; and phenomenon. Neither does it concern that. Also I question whether it God's will 'is ultimately fulfilled in itself with the history of that period, should be termedan"annual" winter nor inquire into the reliability of the eternity'. We must be satisfied with meeting. It may or may not become Gospel record. It is more an account these answers for the present, at least. an annual practise for the ministers of one worshiper's personal experience. The style is vivid, often dramatic, to get together at a time other than By arrangement with the proper au and the book throughout is chal convention time. thorities, Mr. Radcliffe was allowed lenging. to spend a night in the Garden of The author is thepastor of a com Edwin G. Capon, Chairman Gethsemane. We gather that the munity Methodist Church in Cin Council of Ministers reflections contained in this work have come out of what he felt that night. Jesus went 'a little farther' PUBLISHERS & DIRECTORY PRINCIPAL FOREIGN into the Garden. Can we go farther OF BOOK ROOMS MISSIONS with Him—just one step more and then another step—in love and prayer. THE NEW-CHURCH PRESS STATIONS AND OUTPOSTS OF The Lord prayed that the cup be (Board of Publication) THE GENERAL CONVENTION taken from Him, and we have a right, 108 Clark Street, Brooklyn 1, N. Y. (Usually the city listed is the field head quarters of the missionary or leader.) to pray that the cup of sorrow and American and foreign publications of all New-Church Publishing Houses. Religious AUSTRIA anxiety be taken from us. But what and Children's books of other publishers. Vienna, Linicngassc 31 in, VII if it is not? Then maybe the contents Convention service books &. The Mensenftcr. BRITISH GUIANA of that cup will be transformed. NEW-CHURCH BOOK CENTER Georgetown, Robb & Light Sts. American New-Church Tract & Publishing Maybe the 'cup of the present pain' Society, 2120 Chestnut St.. Philadelphia, Pa. CHINA can be transmuted into tomorrow's New-Church collateral. Our Dolly Bread. Nanping. 52 New Town. San Yuan Fen (Temporarily suspended) value. The Master goes back to His Book Room. earthly friends and finds them asleep. MASSACHUSETTS NEW-CHURCH CUBA UNION Havana, Campanario 609 Asleep—what a disappointment! And 134 Bowdoin St., Boston, Mass. CZECHOSLOVAKIA He was seeking to awake man to an New-Church Publications. Convention Prague, Legcrova f>, Proha-Kral, Vinohardy awareness and a responsiveness to Journal. Loan Library. DENMARK God! Copenhagen, Forhaabningthohns Alle 8 SWEDENBORG FOUNDATION, INC. A chapter is devoted to 'The Mys 51 East 42nd St., New York. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC tery of the Divine Will'. The title Publisher Snedenborg's writings. Monte Christy. Palo Verde Foreign language books. DUTCH GUIANA SWEDENBORG LIBRARY Paramaribo, 102A, Wcidcrstraat 2107 Lyon St., San Francisco. ECUADOR Swcdenborg's writings and collateral, for sale Cojimcs, Manabi PERRY NORMAL or loan. Open from 10 to 1, Wed., Thurs., Fri. FRANCE SCHOOL Paris, 14 Scntier des Thcux, Dcllevue SWEDENBORG SCIENTIFIC ASSOC. Established 1898 as Perry Kin Bryn Athyn, Pa. GERMANY Rerlin, Geiscnhcimestr, 33, Wilmcrsdorf Swedcnbors's scientific writings. The New dergarten Normal School. Incor Hoclium. Gjockengas.se ;.O Philosophy. porated, not for profit, 1956. Stuttgart, Stitzcnburgstr, 15 SWEDENBORG PHILOSOPHICAL ITALY Students graduating at the end of CENTER Rome, Via G. Casicllini 21 three years' training arc prepared for 5710 South Woodlawn Avc., Chicago. Tricslc, Via Dcllo Scoelio 35 Venice, S. Crocc 7a Public reference library. Send for copies of teaching in nursery school, kinder free lectures. JAPAN garten and primary grades. Tokyo, 2398,3 Chome, Sctagaya, NEW-CHURCH BOOKROOM Sctagaya-Ku Graduates of Perry Normal may 509 South Westmoreland Ave.. Loi Angeles. MAURITIUS Swcdcnborg's works and collateral. Religious obtain their B.S. degree in Education Curcpipe.-urcpi; Rue Rcmono education dept. recently added. Fort Louis,us, RueRu Champ-dc-Lort Row 2 through College credits allowed and Loan Library. Reading room. attendance at College summer school MEXICO NEW-CHURCH CENTER Monterrey, N. L., 132 Morclos Ave., Ote. sessions. 1915 Fifth St. St. Petersburg, Fla. PHILIPPINE ISLANDS F. Gardiner Perry, President Library • Bookroom, open daily. Manila, 62 Leon St. Malnbon

For catalog write the Secretary NEW-CHURCH LIBRARY SWEDEN Oak and Winslow Sts., Cincinnati. Stockholm, Tegnerlunden 7 815 Boylston Street, Room M Reference works. Books sold and loaned. SWITZERLAND Swcdcnborg's Works: theological and ncien- Zurich, A ppollostrasso 2 Boston 16, Mass. tific. Collateral, biographies, periodicals, Geneva. 6 Rue du I'Univcrsite rare editions. Lausanne, Rue Caroline 21

APRIL 25, 1959 143 The

New Program

at

URBANA JUNIOR COLLEGE

On the surface, the new program at Urbana At the heart of the program is theseminar, does not appear too startling. All freshmen where students begin to recognize that all take science, mathematics, English, history, subjects in the freshman program are related. sociology, and seminar. Only the latter is The scientific method, for example, is closely not found in the usual college program and it related to the historical method. Historians hints at a difference in the Urbana program. are asinterested in values as are sociologists. In science, for example, the central theme is The use of logic in writing is similar to the the understanding of science for the non- topic studied in mathematics. Rather than scientist ... of science as a thinking and leave discovery of thesa relationships to creative process. Mathematics is concerned chance, they are pointed out in the seminar. more with the type of material found in But the seminar is more than an organizing Newman's four volume set, The World of center for the freshman curriculum ... it puts Mathematics, than with the usual freshman into practice the philosophic basis of the new algebra text. program. It is the arena wherein students are History is studied as that subject forms a introduced to the basic philosophic problems basis for the other disciplines. During the and begin to come to terms with these impon course students have ample opportunity to derables as they relate to the student's own test, through research procedures, their grasp life. of various concepts involved in the writing of history. Books such as Barzun's The Of course, the story of the new program Modern Researcher, and Muller's Uses of the cannot be told in this limited space. To learn Past are used rather than a simplified chrono more aboutUrbana, and the significance of logical outline of the highlights of history. this new program, write:

Admissions office ♦ . .

URBANA JUNIOR COLLEGE, Urbana, Ohio

144 THE NFAV-CHURCH MESSENGER