College Letters
College Letter No. XII
June 30th, 1892
BERLIN, ONTARIO, CANADA, DECEMBER 3D
BERLIN, JANUARY 27TH
INSTALLATION OF ASSOCIATES N. D. PENDLETON AND W. H. ACTON
HISTORICAL BROUGHTON LODGE
PITTSBURGH
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 11TH, 1892
The Orphanage
LONDON, ENGLAND, APRIL 20TH, 1892
PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 19TH, 123
CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP
BIRTHS
For Private use of Members of the Academyof the New Church. Please read carefully, and return, when read, immediately to the undersigned.
No. XII, __ Philadelphia, June 30th, 1892=123.
DEAR FRIEND:—The Academicians in Canada appear to have met more frequently than those in any other place, for the purpose of cherishing the life of the Academy in their midst. In the last College Letter, three of their meetings were reported, and we now have the pleasure of giving an account of two subsequent ones.
BERLIN, ONTARIO, CANADA, DECEMBER 3D. top
ON December 3d last, a meeting was held in the house of Mr. Richard Roschman. It was opened in the usual way by offering up the LORD's Prayer, the reading of the Faith of the New Church, from The True Christian Religion, and Psalm i, from the Letter of the Word.
Collegiate Wælchli, who, as usual, presided over the meeting, called the attention of the rest to the fact that at this meeting, for the first time, two members of the College were present; also, that the present meeting was the first held since the establishment of the Academy School in Berlin. After this the reading of the College Letter No. X, of August 12th, was resumed, the beginning of its reading having been made in the foregoing meetings. When the reading of the Letter had been finished, and its contents discussed, the formal part of the meeting came to an end with the closing of the WORD, by Collegiate Wælchli.
Before sitting down to partake of the refreshments spread out on the table in the dining-room Collegiate Wælchli called attention to the way in which the grace is said in the heavens, referring to the Memorable Relation in Conjugial Love, where the guests of the Prince, before sitting down at table, rendered thanks to the LORD in a standing position, and with hands folded.
This way of saying grace was now adopted to prevail at the meetings of the Academy, in Berlin. The sphere introduced by this simple practice of a heavenly form was felt and appreciated. Several toasts were afterward drunk:
1. "To the Academy," to which Mr. Rosenqvist responded, making a few remarks as to the usefulness of the Academy.
2. "Academy Worship and Instruction." To this toast our honored guest, Collegiate Jordan, of Philadelphia, responded. The burden of his interesting and well-put remarks was the idea of "seeing the LORD" in all and everything. That was the end for which the Academy established worship and schools, that men may learn from childhood up to "see the LORD."
Mr. Jordan adverted to the different ways of instruction, dwelling, however, upon this important fact, that the instruction given through the Academy was in the form of Divine Truth. We must learn to see the LORD in our daily life. The ministers of the Church must see the LORD in order to be able to lead the people to see Him, etc.
3. "The Academy Worship and Instruction in Berlin." To this toast Mr. Henry Stroh responded, with some very pertinent remarks. He briefly reviewed the old situation of things here in Berlin, and dwelt with pleasure upon the first visit of Father Benade as being the one sent by the LORD to establish the Academy here. Mr. Stroh also gave a short sketch of the history of the Academy in Berlin since its establishment up to the present time.
4. "The Academy School in Berlin." Mr. Rudolph Roschman responded to this toast, touching first upon the difficulties which barred the way for its earlier establishment. He was, however, glad that we now had an Academy School; we were all proud of it, and we had good reason to be so, and he felt sure that all who lead the real good of the Church at heart felt both thankful and happy on account of its establishment. As for the grumblings of the teachers, that they were not able to do work enough, he thought we should not mind it at all. (Laughter.)
5. "The General Church of the Advent of the Lord." Mr. Richard Roschman said, in responding to this toast, that the General Church, as founded upon the full acknowledgment of the Writings as Divine, could not but progress. And it was his happy conviction that the instruction which the General Church will give to the people will lead to the establishment of many Academy Schools.
6. "Father Benade." Mr. Wælchli, in responding to this toast, dwelt especially on this feature in Father Benade, that he did what he told his "boys" to do. He does not teach and then do not himself, but observes the LORD's Law in both teaching and obeying the same.
After toasts to Mr. Jordan, the Absent Saints, and Father Pendleton lead been drunk, and duly responded to, the meeting dissolved a little after 12 o'clock, A. M.
BERLIN, JANUARY 27TH. top
ON the 27th of January the Berlin members met at the house of Mrs. Theodore Bellinger. All were present except the Rev. and Mrs. J. E. Rosenqvist, who were prevented by sickness. The College Letter No. XI, of January 1st, was read and discussed. While speaking of the use of the Hebrew in Calendar lessons, it was remarked that it has now become more than ever necessary for the priest of the home to prepare himself for the performance of his duties; that he ought to go carefully over the whole lesson before he reads it to the family. This will enable him to give explanations when necessary, and the sphere of the worship will be very much stronger.
All were pleased to learn of the revival of the Orphanage. One member remarked: "Now the Academy has its own life insurance company. If all will contribute to the Orphanage, instead of insuring, we need not fear for the future welfare of our families."
After the Letter was finished, refreshments were served, and toasts were proposed to the Academy, to the New Home in the Country, and to the Orphanage. Responses were made by the members.
INSTALLATION INTO THE COLLEGE, OF ASSOCIATES N. D. PENDLETON AND W. H. ACTON. top
ON Thursday evening, February 25th, twenty-five members of the Academy assembled in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Swain Nelson, Chicago, in response to a call from the Chancellor.
The special object of the meeting was the introduction of Associates N. D. Pendleton and W. H. Acton into the College of the Academy. After the opening worship, the Candidates were presented by Collegiates Blackman and Burnham as sponsors, who stood with them while the Chancellor delivered his address.
The Chancellor explained the distinction between the Academy as a Church and the Academy as a corporation. He said that at the beginning the Academy was instituted as a Church to perform certain uses, and it was some time after its establishment when it was found that in order for the Academy to properly conduct the uses for which it was instituted, notably the educational use, it would have to hold property and money, and to be able to do this it was necessary to incorporate under the civil laws. But it must always be borne in mind that the Corporation is only an adjunct to the Church of the Academy, and that it is as a Church that the Academy properly exists.
The Councillors of the Academy alone are members of the Corporation. All other members of the Academy are members only of the Church. The College is an intermediate degree, and those selected to that degree ought to prepare themselves to become Councillors should they ever be needed.
The College has specific uses to perform, among which is the searching for eligible candidates for membership to the Academy. The Orphanage also is under their charge. The degree of the College corresponds to the pastoral degree of the Priesthood.
Mr. Pendleton was authorized to perform an additional special use, that is, of calling Academy meetings, and presiding over them.
After the ceremony of introduction into the College had been concluded, the Chancellor said that he had another very pleasant duty to perform, and that was of welcoming into our body two wives of Academicians, Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. Drinkwater, as this was the first meeting that either of them had attended.
The service closed by all singing the new song, "Our Glorious Church, Thou Heavenly Bride, Jerusalem Restored."
All were then invited into the dining-room, where refreshments were served. The conversation commenced quite informally, and the services of a toastmaster were purposely dispensed with. Toasts were pledged to "Our Own Academy," "The Chancellor," etc., short speeches following each toast, the speakers being either volunteers or appointed by the Chancellor. A toast was then proposed to "The Blood of the Academy," and was responded to by Mr. Hugh L. Burnham, the local treasurer of the Academy. His speech was very interesting, and undoubtedly will lead to good results.
He spoke of the uses that the Academy is carrying on here, and the expense that is thus necessarily incurred, and he deplored that such a large proportion of the money to meet this expense has to come from Philadelphia. He asked the question, "Are we doing our full duty? Are we doing all we can?" The speaker thought not, and gave as a reason that many of the members probably did not know how large is the expense of running the School. Another reason was that he thought many of the members were in the same state that he was in before he became local treasurer, that is, of waiting until he could give a respectably large sum instead of giving the little that he could afford at the time.
After some conversation on this subject it was decided in the future to have a box at our Academy meetings in which all can voluntarily deposit their offerings.
A toast was pledged to the new Collegiates and members. Mr. Pendleton responded, enlarging on a suggestion made by the Chancellor, that if we loved the Church as a child loves and looks up to its mother, how impossible it would be for us to work injury or do violence to her. He also spoke feelingly of his Alma Mater, and said that a claim had been made that the word "Academy" was derived from the Hebrew word mdq, [in the original publication the Hebrew charcters for "qdm" are included] meaning east, and he believed this was true.
As Father Forrest and others living on the North Side had to go home early, the meeting closed about eleven o'clock.
It is about a year since our last meeting occurred, and many expressed the hope that such a long time will not elapse before the next one.
HISTORICAL BROUGHTON LODGE. top
At an Academy Supper given at the house of Mr. C. J. Whittington, at Broughton Lodge, Shepherd's Hill, Highgate, London, N., on Friday evening, March 4th, 1892, Collegiate Tilson made the speech of the occasion in response to the toast:
"Our Host and Hostess: We rejoice in the good work they have been permitted to do for the LORD'S Church in their home at 'Broughton Lodge,' and we wish them even increased opportunities in their future residence, as a further preparation for an eternal home in Heaven."
He said:
"Brethren of our beloved Academy,
"It is with especial pleasure that I am permitted to propose this toast this evening. We meet together for the last time at this festive board in this house, from which our greatly respected host and his family are so soon to remove. With a resolution which must have been arrived at only after some considerable conflict with the natural man in them, our friends have decided to leave this very pleasant place of abode, the scene of much joy, in order that they may be nearer the centre in which the worship of the Church and the Academy School can be more easily obtained. In coming to this resolution our friends have undoubtedly done well, though it must have required some considerable sacrifices, for it is the plain duty of every faithful member of the Church to so arrange his place of abode that he, and those depending upon him, may have ready access to the School and to the Church.
"The Church and the School offer to us those things which are first in importance and which are above all price, and therefore it is our duty to place them first in our consideration at all times. We rejoice, therefore, that our dear friends have thus acted, and congratulate them upon the step they have taken.
"Now, as this is the last time we shall thus meet together within these walls I may probably be permitted to call to your minds some of the leading events in the history of the Church in this country which have taken place here, for this house will ever be notable to the historian of the real New Church in England. I speak, of course, only of those things which have come within my own personal knowledge, but as I have been permitted to take some small share in the events of Church history since the time when this house was built, I may be able to speak with some tolerable degree of completeness and accuracy.
"I will not detain you with any detailed reference to the very many smaller meetings, such as those of ordinary Academy Meetings, of Editorial Board Meetings of The New Church Monthly, of the Council Meetings of the Academy School, and the like; these have been held in goodly numbers, at which very important work for the Church has been done. Nor can I speak of the many useful gatherings which have taken place here in connection with a Society of the nominal New Church to which our host and hostess formerly belonged. Many happy gatherings in that connection have I known to have been held here, but I have of course no personal experience of them. I will address myself to the chief events in relation to the momentous changes which have taken place in the history of the Church during the last decade, and which have been commenced, or greatly assisted by what has happened, within these walls.
"And, first, I ask to be permitted to go back one step before the commencement of the history of this place, that I may make reference to what happened in a former home of Mr. and Mrs. Whittington, which circumstance brought me one of the greatest blessings of my life. It was on Friday, April 23d, 1880, in our host's home at 'Oak Lawn,' Crouch End, within sight of this building, that I was made a member of that noblest of all earthly institutions, the glorious ACADEMY OF THE NEW CHURCH. Since that time I have been in constant remembrance, that I have been a member of that Institution, many have conspired not to permit me to forget that fact if I would have done so, and now that we have come into freer air I am continually reminded of the great privilege which was vouchsafed to me in the former home of our dear friends, by the increasing joy which I find associated with the life of the Academy.
"Coming, however, to the history which has largely been made within these walls, I find that when it was determined to start an institution in this country upon precisely the same lines as the Academy, the first Board Meeting of the new institution, which is known as the New Church Educational Institute, was held here on Wednesday, June 18th, 1884. On the following day the first General Meeting of the members of the Institute was also held in this house, at which the officers were elected, our host being made Secretary, and twenty-five persons signed the roll of membership. As one of the many signs of the inconstancy of human nature it may be here mentioned that of all those who in 1884 thus joined together, only five now remain faithful to the standard of the Divine Authority of the WRITINGS as the WORD of the Living GOD; and one of these five, who was then the Treasurer, our dear brother, Mr. Gibbs, has passed over to the Academy above.
"In June, 1885, i.e., the following year, the chief Board Meeting of the Institute was again held in this house, as was also the case the next year, in addition to which two applicants for studentship experienced the pleasures and the fears of their initial examination within these walls.
"It was a matter of well-known history that the course of the life of the New Church Educational Institute did not long continue to be marked by evenness. Its waters were soon disturbed. From the beginning it had too much of a personal element in it, and its foundations were not sound. Little by little its weakness manifested itself, and matters grew so serious, and the two youngest members of the Academy now sitting at this table grew so bellicose (G. C. O. and R. J. T.) that on Wednesday, June 19th, 1889, a conference between the Rev. J. F. Potts, Messrs. Whittington, Ottley, and myself was held in this house to consider what was best to be done with the sinking ship. The counsels of the two older members of this conference prevailed and no definite action took place. Matters were left to ripen, which they subsequently showed no hesitation in doing. At the advice of the dear old Chancellor of the Academy two of us caused a direct issue to be raised at the Board meetings of the Institute which were held during the ensuing year. Then came the crisis so far as the connection of the members of the Academy with the Institute was concerned. On Wednesday, June 18th, 1890, an all-day conference was held in this house and its surrounding beautiful gardens, between the same four persons who met together the previous year, and after much consideration it was unanimously agreed that the New Church Educational Institute no longer afforded us a basis upon which we could work for the Church. On the evening of that day we all resigned our membership and left the Board meeting, which was held at Mr. Hodson's house. We left at that house a great burden and we emerged from it feeling freer though sad and sorrowful men—sad and sorrowful with blighted hopes, and because those we had left seemed so determined to go on to court failure by upholding falsity.
"Freedom from old associations, however, soon found this house the scene of most promising efforts toward newer and better things. We left decay that we might attain unto growth. For on Saturday, July 5th, of that same year, a meeting was held in the drawing-room of this abode at which Bishop Pendleton interviewed Messrs. Denney, Dicks, and Stebbing, in the presence of the other members of the Academy, with the intention of offering to them and to their wives membership in the Academy. This offer was accepted after reflection, and on Thursday, July l0th, we had in this house a memorable meeting at which the Bishop, in his robes of office, received Messrs. Denney, Dicks, McQueen, and Stebbing, and Mrs. Denney and Mrs. Stebbing into the Academy. Thus were our numbers increased and our hearts made glad.
"Two months and a half afterward these walls again were witness to a memorable occasion, and gave shelter to willing exiles for their Church and Academy. On Thursday, September 25th, our present respected Councillor and Leader, Mr. Bostock and his wife and family, found a luxurious home, as their first abode on this side of the Atlantic, in this place.
"On the first of the succeeding month a happy Academy meeting was held in the drawing-room of this house, at which we formally welcomed our new Leader and the reins of Academy work were passed from the feeble hands which had held them up to that time to the stronger and the more robust grasp in which they now rest. This was the beginning indeed of brighter and more active days, days which though but beginnings in themselves, nevertheless, are, we feel assured, destined to lead to great and mighty works in the building up of the Church as the LORD's Kingdom upon earth.
"But, the work of separation from old associations was not yet accomplished. Preparations for the new work were being made, and as a result of this, all association with the old was bound to be given up. Again this house was a scene of active work in this direction. An informal meeting of the members of the Academy was held here on Wednesday, April 1st, 1891, at which the declaration of separation from the English Conference was read, considered, and improved.
"It should also be noted as a very important factor in the separation from old and unworthy associations that from this house went forth that powerful pamphlet containing 'Correspondence between the Minister and Conference Representative of a Society of the New Church and a then Member of the same Society, on the Subject of Teachings concerning Conjugial Love, which had appeared in the New Church Life.'
"And, now, with but one more notice of special events, my record must close. On June 19th of last year the first distinctive service for New Church Day ever held in this country took place in this house. It was my privilege to prepare and conduct that service, in the absence of Mr. Bostock, who was in America. A real happy time we had too.
"The service which commenced at 6.30 P. M. was followed by a bountiful tea, and then the beauty of the gardens was enjoyed, and a very joyous gathering was brought to a close with cake, wine, and a speech or two.
"Such, then, is the record, all too imperfect, of the history of 'Broughton Lodge' so far as it has contributed to the development of Church life in this country by witnessing some of the chief events of the past nine or ten years. No meagre record this. And be it remembered that all this has been apart from the home-life which has been led within these walls. Of that, of course, I am utterly incompetent to speak, nor would it be fitting to do so even were I able. This much, though, is apparent to all eyes, that our dear friends Mr. and Mrs. Whittington have been richly blessed with a large family, and that all seem to manifest the best evidence of tender and solicitous care; while the whole place breathes forth the sphere of a loving and devoted family circle.
"It has simply been my province to chronicle events of organic Church life. Then, Hurrah! for 'Broughton Lodge.' With joy shall we always cherish the memory of this place. It is permanently photographed on our minds and hearts. It would undoubtedly be acceptable to have its photograph in our albums too. Its history, so far as the Church is concerned, is well-nigh past. These walls are to be left behind us, but the hearts, and the minds which have made these very walls dear are to come nearer to us. In this we rejoice, and we look forward to the time when we may be permitted to see other walls as the home of this same dear family within which we may yet often meet to help each other to grow strong in the true spiritual strength, by working faithfully and well in the Church of the LORD.
"Rejoice we then that, in the struggles and combats, and in the joys and pleasures, of the journey of life, we are privileged to have friends as firm, as loyal, and as true, as those to whom I now ask you to drink the toast of 'Our Host and Hostess.'"
PITTSBURGH. top
THE Rev. John Whitehead has been separated from the Academy for making disturbance in the body, and his name has been dropped from the roll of Collegiates and Members. In this case, as in previous ones, the lust of pre-eminence, arbitrariness, and jealousy have led to the downfall of one who otherwise might have become a very useful member of our beloved Academy. How far he has receded from the Academy is shown by his public utterances. Sad as were the causes which finally led to his separation, they were removed together with him, and a serener and happier state has ensued in consequence among the loyal Academicians in Pittsburgh. Collegiate Czerny writes:
"One of the most enjoyable Academy Meetings we have ever had in Pittsburgh was held at the house of Associate G. A. Macbeth, March 15th. The meeting was called by the Chancellor, who was at Pittsburgh at the time. The fact that his presence was due to the unfortunate state in the Pittsburgh Society did not affect our enjoyment in the least. We seemed to be lifted out of that sphere altogether, and although the conversation during the evening turned also upon that subject, a stranger present would scarcely have believed that we were all directly affected by the disturbance.
"The Chancellor opened the meeting in the usual way, after which he requested Collegiate Czerny to read the last College Letter. After the reading of the Letter, the members were invited to the dining-room, where the taste of the host and hostess had left nothing to wish for.
"The dining-table was beautifully decorated with plants and flowers, and provided with a variety of refreshments. Seated around this table we felt like one family. We were free from that disturbing element, which had so sadly marred the harmony of our meetings of late.
"Only two toasts were offered. The first to 'The Academy,' and the second to 'Our Chancellor.' The Chancellor, in responding to the first, gave us words of comfort and encouragement. He referred to the trouble in the Pittsburgh Society, saying that it had also affected the Academy here; but that we may trust that better times are coming. Evil is permitted by the LORD, and cannot be prevented; but the LORD turns it to good. The trial, although it has resulted in the separation of those who can no longer work with us, has had a good affect upon those who have remained loyal to the principles of the Academy. It has united and strengthened them. He also spoke briefly of his visit to Chicago; of the Orphanage; and of the services to be provided for the Pittsburgh Society.
"No other speeches were made. We had many things to ask, and some things to tell, which could be done in a much more satisfactory way by conversation; so that our meeting was more like the meeting of a family, which, after some hard trials was again united and happy. Long will this happy meeting be remembered by us. We all felt that with this meeting was ushered in a new state in our circle; a state of more freedom and mutual helpfulness than we have had of late."
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 11TH, 1892. top
AFTER an interval of ten months the Philadelphia members of the Academy have again been called together. On April 11th they partook of a common supper in the Hall of the Academy, on North Street, some of the sons and daughters of Academicians and two other young ladies serving at table, which was in the form of a hollow square, with an opening for the entrance of the attendants.
The conversation during the meal was general and animated, ceasing upon the introduction of a toast, and being resumed again upon its conclusion.
Councillor Childs arose in the midst of the feast to announce that it had been provided for the purpose of enabling all to listen to the reading of the College Letter of January 1st, but that this was to be preceded by a toast to
"The Academy."
THE Chancellor introduced his response by referring to a conversation with a friend a short time previous, in the course of which, speaking of the present state of the Christian world, the friend asked, whither the world was tending? The Chancellor had replied, "To destruction." He was asked: "Is there no help?" "Unquestionably there is," was the reply. "The help is in the acknowledgment of the LORD. He, in His mercy, has provided for the present condition of mankind. He has come a second time, and is present in His own Word now revealed, in which He manifests Himself and by which He establishes the New Church. The means are thus provided for the regeneration of the human race. He has come for this purpose, and He fails not in the attainment of His purpose. His purpose is the continuance of His Church forever. But this involves the education of men in the things of the Church, and this is the object of the Academy. The LORD Himself, as we believe, has established the Academy for the good of mankind and has given to it the central use of Education in the Divine Name. He has given the Word, and He has sent the 'Great Host of them that bear the tidings.' The part of the host in this place is small, but the fulcrum can be small on which rest all the Heavens and from which the influence of all the Heavens can spread. The work does not depend on numbers but on quality. The use of the Academy is the eternal one of leading to the acknowledgment of the LORD and of all things of His Divine Mercy. In this we are not alone. The Heavens are above, around, and we trust within us, and the LORD by this instrumentality performs the miracles of His Mercy and Grace. We must become willing servants of the LORD, carrying the tidings for the spiritual man, for the regeneration of the natural to the spiritual.
"In this view our duty and our privileges rise even more highly.
"We ought not to doubt that this is the LORD'S work and that He desires us to do this work from Him. We are to be His servants, so that by the work given to us we may carry to men the Word of the LORD'S Second Coming for the regeneration of mankind.
"It is for us to be willing servants. For this cause He has given us the Academy, has chosen us to be of His Academy, and has opened to us a vision of great things that are to be hereafter. In this small shoot of a New Church we may see the great tree which the LORD has planted; we may see its branches spreading wide, and we may hear the birds of Heaven singing in them their songs of rejoicing and glory to the LORD.
"We may look forward to the future, to the work of education in its indefinite growth. We may hear in spirit the rejoicing of the angels because He has done these things for mankind, and we may humbly thank the LORD for giving us a small share in the work.
"The Church of the Academy is an instrumentality whereby the human race is to be saved from the impending destruction, which will be when He is known throughout the earth, when Heaven and Earth will be married, and the LORD Himself will be the all in all in Heaven and Earth. Coming generations are to be prepared by the teaching of the Word to become angels of Heaven. It is for us to believe that the LORD has not created mankind to be destroyed without His interposition. This we can see in the instrumentalities that He has provided. All that is necessary is for men to be willing to hear the Word preached, and to do the Word. It is a great thing, and yet not so great a thing for men to worship the LORD and to do His Will. The natural man opposes, but it ought not to be so great and hard a thing to overcome the natural. Let us rejoice that the LORD has come to give us His power to overcome. He has overcome the hells in the work of redemption. He will do it in our regeneration, all that there is for us to do is to look to Him, to hear, and to do.
"Let the Academy think of this now in the trials which have come to it as to us individually. This comes to the Academy that this larger man has a work before it which will extend. It requires the work and energy of many who have to be prepared to do their duty to bear the tidings to all men, that the LORD reigneth.
"The LORD has done these things for us and by this Church has connected us with the Heavens to enable us to do the work given to us. We are feeble, He is almighty. We do not these things, He does them. We are but instrumentalities upon which rests His Divine Operation. As we are willing to be His instrumentalities we shall be carried on to higher and better states, led to a higher acknowledgment of Him and of the life from Him.
"If we will bear in mind these things, the LORD's love will inflow more fully, bring us into warmer communication, warmer fellowship, deeper brotherhood.
"Let us pray that His Mercy may be extended to us, that the Academy may be more an instrumentality in His hands to establish His kingdom on earth, such as it is in Heaven."
The Orphanage. top
AFTER the College Letter of January 1st had been read, Councillor Childs called upon the Treasurer of the Orphanage, Collegiate Schill, to read an account of the Treasury of the Orphanage, from which it appears that there was a cash balance of only sixteen dollars and seventy-five cents on hand. In presenting this report, the Treasurer of the Orphanage referred to the signification of the fatherless as being that of such as are in good without truth, and to the signification of widow as being that of one who is in truth without good. He concluded that by both together are signified those who are willing to be instructed and led to good and truth. He said, further: "The LORD has permitted the use of the Orphanage to come to life again. This time, it seems, we can enter into the use in greater order. I would not say that what was done before was of no use; it was done with the LORD's permission, and was therefore for the best. But it looks as if those that we have now are more desirous of being instructed and led to good and truth, for we know that the bringing up of children with ever so much worldly knowledge will not fit them for Heaven. May the LORD help us, so that we may be able and worthy to bring up orphans, and children in general, so that they may become children of God.
"Councillor Childs referred to the interest manifested in the beginning of the Academy in foundling asylums, from that view of the uses to be performed toward orphans, the subject has run through different phases, and has finally brought us to the realization that we should provide for the care of our own orphans.
The care of orphans is thus spoken of in the work on the Divine Wisdom (appended to The Apocalypse Explained), where the common uses, which are also uses of charity are treated of:
"There are also other common uses: as to contribute the useful and due support to the ministry of the Church, which goods become the uses of charity so far as the Church is loved as the neighbor in the higher degree. Among the common uses there is also to pay the cost and labor of building and conserving orphan asylums, inns, colleges, and similar other things, which as to a part are indifferent; to give help to the needy, to widows, orphans, merely because they are needy, widows and orphans, and often unjustly" (D. W. xi, 5.)
In conclusion, Councillor Childs pointed out that in these words we have the Divine approval of the work upon which we have entered.
Bishop Pendleton's memory of their thoughts in early days was awakened by Councillor Childs' remarks. "In those days it was a source of pleasure to consider the prospect of educating children, including foundlings, for the Church. Any one that so desires can have foundlings. Were we prepared to go into that use, we might have as many infants and children as we might desire. But we have not had the means nor the men and the women needed for that use. The time will come to perform this use of saving such infants for Heaven. In Heaven infants are educated, and there is no reason why the Academy should not do a corresponding work. It would be more profitable than so-called missionary work."
The Vice-Chancellor reviewed the history of the Orphanage, and commented upon it that, as performed, the use was right in itself, but it was not timely. "What was attempted in the past may be done in the future, when the indications point to it. It was a general use in the New Church, but the New Church outside of the Academy did not support it. We do not propose to revive it at present. But we are convinced that it is our bounden duty to take care of the children of the Academy. It would be lamentable to see children taken away from our midst in consequence of the death of their parents. The parents here who have children would certainly consider it a calamity were this to happen to them. To meet such a contingency the Orphanage has been revived, so that parents may feel secure that the Academy will be a parent to their children. This use to which the Academy is devoting itself now appeals to the members of the Academy for support. We have now to provide for the children of Mr. Carpenter. He was a very lovable and loyal member of the Academy. At his death his wife was left to bring up their children almost in the Old Church. Indeed, the oldest boy had a narrow escape. She had a friend in the wife of Senator Bryce, who offered to secure Paul Carpenter the position of page in the United States Senate, and of the undesirableness of such a position for a boy of tender years I need not speak. But they removed to Chicago, where the children are now attending the school of the Academy.
"The College brings this matter before the Academy. It is our desire that the Treasury of the College shall be so provided for that we may be able not only to aid our present charges, but accumulate a reserve, so that we may be ready at any time to assume the care of other children. The Academy ought to desire to take care of children, and ought to be able to do so. This is mentioned so that all may consider whether it is not their duty to contribute monthly or annually, so as to meet present needs and accumulate a fund. Such contributions may be considered somewhat like insurance. If we have such a fund, then every one can be assured that his children will be taken care of properly when he dies.
"This is a most noble use. It should not pass out of the memory, but should be kept in remembrance."
Councillor Childs thought that the suggestion of a fund was good.
Associate Hicks believed that the keynote had been struck in the reference to insurance. Insurance depends upon the funds that are provided. We should ascertain how much we can contribute. Parents and others should do their best to establish a reserve.
Collegiate Price stated that this is a use in which all should co-operate. He had been impressed since he began attending the meetings of the College with the evident fact that our labors must be confined to those children who have been given to us by the Divine Providence in our own sphere. Some find it nearly all that they can do to provide for those in their own family.
In regard to the insurance plan he asked whether it would not be proper and useful for those who handle the money in the Academy to establish some regular way of laying something aside for the future, which, for those who do so, will be a reserve Orphanage fund? Would it not be well for the Academy to establish something on a purely business basis?
The Vice-Chancellor, referring to Collegiate Price's remarks, stated that the Chancellor had in the early days spoken of insurance within the Academy.
The Chancellor explained that the idea then before their minds had been that of carrying the principles of the Academy into the business world. "Insurance and banking would afford an opening for doing this very thing. The members of the Church would prefer business of this kind conducted by those of our own body. We are not to separate from the world, but the Church, on the contrary, must enter into the uses that exist in the world around it. As the members of the Church carry the Church into their business, so a Church body should do the same. If we have a reserve fund it should be so held that it may earn something for itself, it should be put to usury, not only to usury in the general sense in use, but more ultimately in that of gaining an increase in return.
"By performing this use we shall also reach other men on that plane. How else can the Church reach men of the world but by going to meet them where they are? Socially we find it best not to mingle with the world, but when we come in contact with it in the performance of uses, the way may appear for the introduction of the Church into business, and to help on the regeneration of the world. Newchurchmen are apt to say that the world regards them as honest. We may rest too much on this or think too little of it. If the world has found Newchurchmen as such to be honest, then the world has discovered a great fact, the fact that there is a source of right dealing which is available for all men.
"It is well not to let the idea that has been started rest, but to keep it in the thought and to let it come into act.
"We should have a fund for the care of children who otherwise would not be cared for.
"The first thing in regeneration is the shunning of evils as sins, they are to be shunned in act. In regeneration men bring that into act which they see to be true.
"Let us make provision for the performance of this use. Much can
be done for a fund
by small contributions regularly maintained."
Collegiate Jordan spoke of the subject as being exceedingly interesting, from whatever standpoint it was viewed.
Referring to the insurance plan, he said that this was common, and heard of everywhere, but in appeal to the worldly interests alone of men. "The most magnificent buildings erected in any of our large cities are those of the insurance companies, and by this fact they testify to the principles within—the schemes. The ordinary idea is that of providing for a comfortable natural life of the beneficiaries. By this, people are stimulated to pay exorbitant sums. Thus they attain what they seek, namely, a certain sum of money when the policy matures. But for this they have paid a great profit to the companies.
"There is another form of insurance on the same plane, but more attractive to Newchurchmen at first thought, because apparently nearer to the idea of spontaneous and direct contribution to the needs of others. It consists in paying by each member of an association, a fixed sum immediately on the death of any member. Deducting a trifling amount from each contribution to meet the necessary expenses, which, by the way, are reduced to a minimum, the main portion goes at once to the family or other beneficiary. But, for certain reasons, this plan does not work well in the world, and the organizations break up.
"Now, as was said, what people are seeking in insurance is natural comfort. What do we desire to insure to our families and dependents? Is it not spiritual comfort? And to what means can we turn for this? Is it merely a question of a certain sum of money to be paid in hand? Is it not rather a question of usefulness? We have to begin the insurance in our families by seeking to awaken in our children a love of performing such uses as they may be fitted for.
"In this connection it may be noticed that every housekeeper is confronted with a pressing problem, namely, what to do for proper servants. As it is, we suffer from the terrible anomaly of being obliged in most cases to take into our homes as intimate members of them those who are not only not of the Church, but in every respect unsuited to our ways of living and the training of our children. We should not think of associating thus intimately with them on any other ground.
"Now, a beginning of the true insurance will be to train our own children so that they will be ready and willing to enter the home of a brother Newchurchman, and feel it a privilege so to do, there to perform even subordinate use, should occasion arise therefor. There seems to be contemplated in the Writings a form of service thus subordinate, yet consistent with the freedom of the servant, and thus void of the objections to such servitude as has existed. If we go about this in the right way, we shall settle the servant question, and in a manner to leave the subordinates in perfect freedom and rationality. At the same time we shall insure for our dependent children the good we seek for them, the privileges of the Church.
"We should contribute to the Orphanage first, that thus we may insure for the children already in the Church its privileges, and secondly, that we may come into a position to do the same for other children. Some of the latter might even now be taken into our homes, and trained from their early childhood to the uses of family service in a way to secure both to them and our families a higher usefulness in the relation of master and servant than has yet been exemplified in the world since ancient times."
The Vice-Chancellor also believed that the solution of the servant-question will be found in the Orphanage. We may procure children from any source, to be a seminary in which such children may be fitted out for the performance of every use, from the lowest to the highest, from that of servants to that of rulers. The solution of the vexed question will be found in the Orphanage.
LONDON, ENGLAND, APRIL 20TH, 1892. top
ON Wednesday evening, April 20th, Mr. John Pitcairn, who was paying a short visit to England, entertained the members of the Academy in London at dinner in one of the spacious rooms of the St. Pancras Hotel. All the members, save Mrs. Bostock, Mrs. Ottley, and Mrs. Tilson, were present. After a most excellently served and generous repast had been mainly enjoyed, the list of toasts was gone through, and afforded an opportunity for some most useful and opportune speeches containing valuable information.
Councillor Bostock replied to the toast of "The Academy," and dwelt especially upon the fact of the Academy's being an internal Church, and of its relation to the more external Church of the General Church of the Advent of the LORD.
Mr. Pitcairn replied to "The New Church in America," and in addition to a brief statement of the work done at the centre in Philadelphia, gave very interesting particulars concerning the recent disturbances in Pittsburgh, particulars which tended very much to remove difficulties from the minds of those present concerning Mr. Whitehead's suspension from the Pastorate.
Collegiate Tilson having been obliged to leave the meeting on account of illness, the lot of responding to the toast of the "Academy Schools" fell to Associate Denney, who briefly performed that duty.
Difficulties concerning the action of the Academy in relation to the troubles of Pittsburgh were freely and frankly expressed by an Associate, and were replied to as freely and frankly by Councillors Pitcairn and Bostock. This led to quite an animated conversation, which resulted in the removal of the difficulties, save those which the objector himself afterward declared were imaginary.
Midnight was reached before the meeting broke up, and all present testified that it had been a glorious and useful time, and very cordially thanked the loyal and generous host for such a golden opportunity.
PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 19TH, 123. top
PUBLIC services were held in the Hall of the Academy. Bishop Benade installed the Rev. R. J. Tilson into the second degree of the priesthood of the Academy. The Anniversary celebration was held at Cairnwood, on June 20th, when Mr. R. Carswell and his wife were received into the Academy, and Associate Edward S. Hyatt was initiated into the College. Particulars will follow in the next Letter.
CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP. top
TO THE list of Associates is added the name of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carswell, of Toronto, Canada. The names of Associates Pendleton, Acton, and Hyatt are transferred to the list of Collegiates. The names of the Rev. and Mrs. John Whitehead, Mr. Adolph Zinn, and the Rev. and Mrs. Alfred J. P. Bellais have been dropped from the list of members of the Academy, those of the three last-named at their own request.
BIRTHS. top
BEATA Maria Roschman, Berlin, Out., Canada, February 3d; Aurora Synnestvedt, Philadelphia, March 20th; Edith Rouette Cranch, Erie, Pa., April 24th; Osmund Acton, Chicago, Ill., May 4th.
Eugene J. E. Schreck
Corresponding Secretary
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