, 1872-10-19

TIE rH1RTY-TH1RD ANIMAL CONTENTION
of the Illinois Association of the Now Jerusalem
{swedenborgian) Church, commenced its ses-
sion in the Chapel, corner Of Prairie avenue and
Eighteenth street, yesterday morning. There
were about thirty persons present. Previous to
tho formal opening Of the Convention, the usual
religious exercises we're conducted BY Rev. J. R.
Hibbard, tic President.
REMARKS OF DIR. H1BsARD.
After calling the assemblage to order, Mr.
Hibbard proceeded to make few remarks in lieu
Of an annual address, which he lad not
had time to prepare. He welcomed all to the
session. They had work to do. Discourage
ment had beaet them in many ways. Some Of
the societies have not prospered either in num-
bers, love. or harmony. The fire had scattered
the people in this city, and in some other places
there was not such earnestness and activity as
should be manifested. AL this tended to dis
hearten but they should not let these discour-
aging appearances weaken their hands or
dampen their zeal. They should determine to
WORK wITH RENEWED COURAGE,
to do more and live more for the Church
than heretofore. That souls were o. OF
more importance than bodies should be
well-remembered. The earthly died. but the
immortal lived forever People in this Torld
we're go much engrossed with things visible and
to be heard Of, that they hardly remembered
that within, above, and beyond all there was
something of a Thousand times more Importance.
They should correspond with one another upon
religious subjects. and visit ore another 1or tne
purpose Of cultiyating spiritual lie. IneJ
should read more Of the writings OF the Cnufch'
Seemingly, the people are Ignorant OF tne
IN impartial knowledge Of them. As New Church
men and women they should live honestly and
Justly before tho Lord and Ill men. It should
be said Of Swedenborgianism by the world, 4" y
makes good and upright citizens" They should
their own owls, which were their worst foes
should act in unity, and not allow themselves to
be divided by trivial matters. New Churchmen
we're comnaratiyely few in this country, but they
could accomplish much for the glory Of God by
combined effort.
PUBLIC SERVICES.
The President announced the following public
services:
Saturday Ecsa7hg.-A social gathering at the par
Sunday-Keligious services in the Chapel at II
o'clock to be followed by the baptism Of several per-
sons and ths Ho s4ppsr; Y Ut 9elos
at haltp o'clock in the evening" preaching in the
Chapel.
BUSINESS COMMITTEE.
The following we're appointed Committee on
Business:. Mr. Ragatz, Mr. Hostetter, and
Judge Williams.
The Treasurer; john Hammon, reported th9
receipts for the year to have been s61.18; ex-
peadItures, $40; balances On hand, Spills.
MINISTERIAL REPORTS.
The reports Of the ministers were called for.
Rev E. Edmiston Ind baptized five adults aud
four children, and confirmed five persons; Rev.
Cyrus Scamnon had baptized two adults and
Two children, and confirmed four persons.
SOCIETY REPORTS.
Several aoc;sty reports we're next read. Tho
one at Canton has 46 members. and intends
building new church there is no New Church
pastor at Peoria; at Horny they listen to 9 SER
mon every third Sunday, and have b Sabbath
School with 25 members; the Whining
ton Society has 80 members; there have been no
meetings at Mt. Carroll; no reports we're re-
ceived from the GAINESVILLE or b.
trayia societies. The report Of the
Chicago Society was very lengthy, detailing what
was done after the fire to obtain places Of Wor-
ship, their churches having been destroyed. 4
lot has been secured in each division Of the city,
and chapels are being erected in the North and
West Divisions. the one on the South Side being
completed. During the year - new members
we're received.
Mr. Scharlock, a graduate Of the college at
Urbana, made application for ordination. The
matter was refarredto the Executive Committee
The Convention then adjourned until 10
o'clock this morning.
N THE EVENING
Rev. Cyrus scam@on preached upon the "Di,
yiue Fatlerhood."