The Washington times., 1904-05-21
THE NEW CHURCH"
HOLDS CONVENTION
Delegates From Other Cities
in Washington.
DR.. SEWARD'S ABLE ADDRESS
Work Of Swedenborg Compared With
Other Faiths-Teachings of
the BODY.

Ministers from all parts of the coun-
try gathered at noon today in the Ma
tional New Church, Sixteenth and Cor
coran Streets. when the general cohven-
ton OF the New Church met in annual
session. Preceding this meeting a short
executive session was held in the pas
tors study. when several matters per
tanning 10 the church came up for dis
cussion.
At noon the fun morning service was
conducted by the Rev. e J. f Schreck.
OF Chicago. with music by the conven-
tion choir. Following the service the
Rev. Samuel S. Seward. of New York,
president of the convention, made his
annual address
In speaking to the delegates and wish
tors to the convention, President Seward
reviewed the history of the church and
its doctrines. His address was more In
the nature OF "A sermon. for he COM
pared the work done by the followers Of
SwedenbOrg with that OF other faiths.
and presented some interesting phases
or the teachings Of the church.
Doctrines Are Vital.
In the course of his sermon President
Seward said:
1T is impossible to surrender our ex-
ternal organization. our distinctive doc
trines. or our new life. They are vital
70 our being and 10 the world around US.
$50 far from being discouraged no set
of men was ever called upon TO do
certain work with so much reason for
hopefulness. The inventor. when he sets
himself to work out some great improve
ment for the benefit OF mankind: the
soldier. when he goes forth TO battle for
his country; the statesman. when he In
augurates some needed reform for the
good of the nation; the leader Of public
opinion. when ne puts forth some new
theory for the advancement of his fell
low-beings-none of these has any def
mite promise OF success. But we have.
We know that we are co-workers, not
with men, but with the Lord We know
that His kingdom is an everlasting king
dom. and His dominion that which shall
have no end.
Last General Judgment.
I'VE know that the general judgment.
wrought one hundred or more years ago,
was the last general judgment. that then
the powers of evil were reduced TO sub
lection, and that they never will regain
the overweening influence they once pos
sessed. We know that henceforth the
progress OF the church must be onward
and upward. retarded only by our lack
of faith and our slowness to believe all
that the prophets have taught These
things are not only revealed to US by
the Lord himself through the opening
Of the inner meaning OF the word. but
in the experience of our own lives. I
may have inherited all the tendencies
10 evil that are inherent 10 the human
race at this age Of the world but know
that my Redeemer liveth and that he
viii give me the victory over them.
LAS the Lord Himself. having been
tempted. is able 70 succor those that
are tempted, so we, having n living
knowledge Of His saving power. will be
able to preach it with power unto
others.
Power of Wesley.
THE power Of John Wesley and his
coadjutors was not due TO the fact that
they spoke with greater eloquence or
persuasion than other men before or
since, but that they spoke from a living
experience Of the Lords saving pres
ence In their souls. 1t was Luther's
faith not his doctrine. coupled with the
lurid background OF Roman corruption,
that gave him his tremendous influence.
II was Noodv's conviction. not his rhet-
Oric or learning. that enabled him 10
convince others.
The Afternoon Session.
address the convention adjourned until
2:30 O'Clock when the routine business
was taken M.
Another session Of the Young Peoples
conference was held this morning when
the principal business was the election
OF officers FOR the coming year. Lloyd
A Frost, OF Cambridge. Mass. was
elected president Mr. Frost was vice
president last year, anG was In the
chair this morning when his election
took place.
Other officers elected this morning were
Richard 3. Carter. Of NewtOnVille
Mass. vice president ana Frances
Twitchell. OF the District Of COlum bia.
secretary. Member Of the Young Peo-
pies conference left at l:45 this after
noon for Marshall Han, where they are
10 dine
Delegates 10 the convention and Yisi-
tors VIII be entertained at a reception
tonight from 20 II o'clock. when their
hosts are 20 be Justice and Mrs lob
Barnard. at their home. 1906 Rhode ISL
and Avenue.
CriIa If Catiuf cfior