New-Church Services and Progress.

LONDON: ARGYLE SQUARE. - The Good Friday meeting of this society was one of special interest, as the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Rev. John Presland’s ministry. His continued serious illness, the variations of hope and fear caused by his condition, together with the inclement weather, no doubt deterred many from attending. Suffering and exhausted as he was on that day, it was still well known that his affection and thoughts were with those, few or many, assembled in "dear old Argyle Square", as he loves to call it; nor was there wanting an outward sign of either. A simple letter, written in pencil by his devoted wife, conveyed both to their sorrowing and anxious friends, and reminded them of that resignation to the Divine Will which has so steadfastly been manifested throughout this long and heavy trial. The society has subscribed nearly £200 for their beloved pastor, which amount has materially assisted him in his pressing needs. The following address, drawn up in its behalf by Colonel J. B. Keene, was submitted to the meeting and unanimously accepted. A written copy was sent on Easter Day to convey at once this expression of affection, gratitude and sympathy to the afflicted husband and wife. It will be engrossed on vellum for formal presentation, but its most enduring record is in the hearts and lives of the congregation. It is as follows: -

"To the Rev. John Presland, from the members and friends of the society of the New Church at Argyle Square, King's Cross, in quarterly meeting assembled on Good Friday, the 16th of April, 1897.

"Reverend and Dear Sir,

"This Society, to which you have now ministered for twenty-five years, hereby desires to render you their deep and earnest sympathy in the severe and painful affliction under which you have been suffering; which has for some months deprived them of the benefit of your ministry; and has prevented your presence among them to-night to receive in person their heartfelt congratulations on so long a term of active and useful service.

"The trial, both to your society and to yourself, has been all the more severely felt at a time when mutual rejoicings had been anticipated, instead of the present sorrow. The society is well aware that the painful ordeal has been permitted by the Lord, in His Divine Providence, for the wisest ends, and they reverently acknowledge that it cannot be otherwise. But none the less is it, to all concerned, a heavy trial, requiring a deep faith in the teachings of the Lord’s Second Advent to enable them to realize that all is for the best; and that, when it is past, it will be seen that it is so.

"For twenty-five years you have now ministered in their church, beloved of all. Their relations with yourself have grown uninterruptedly more intimate and pleasant; and it can be truly said that, in all these years, nothing has disturbed the peace and harmony existing between minister and congregation.

"It was the intention of the society to have taken the present opportunity to present you with a testimonial of their love and esteem, which should be a permanent record with you of so many pleasant years of loving service on your part, and of their reciprocal affection for yourself. The present unexpectedly heavy trial has led them, instead, to devote the proceeds of the subscriptions made for this purpose to the more immediately useful service of providing for the expenses of your illness; in the hope, which they believe has been effected, of relieving your mind from the responsibilities of this heavy pecuniary pressure.

"This has reduced the material form their love would otherwise have provided, to this simple expression of their affectionate regard, in the certainty that it will be equally appreciated by yourself and give you equal pleasure.

"In conclusion, they earnestly pray that the Lord, in His Divine mercy, may be pleased to restore you.

THE NEW CHURCH MAGAZINE Vol LVI July - September 1937 No. 525

NEW-CHURCH WORTHIES

THE REV. WILLIAM ALFRED PRESLAND

ON the night of Sunday, April 25, 1937, at his home in north London, William Alfred Presland passed from the sight of men.

Through the whole span of his eighty-one years he had lived in close contact with the New Church, had become its senior Minister in Great Britain, and one of its best known men.

He was born of a New-Church family. His great grandfather, John Presland, heard Robert Hindmarsh preach at Great Eastcheap chapel in 1790. Returning to his home in Epping he related with such enthusiasm what he had heard that his son, also John, coming to London, went to the New Church and associated himself with it. This John was born on December 15, 1772, in the same year in which Swedenborg had died. He remained loyal to the Church, was a representative for the York Street Society to Conferences held in 1813 and 1814, and was a foundation member of the Swedenborg Society in 1810. For a year (1815) he was Secretary of that Society. He was abundantly blessed in his marriage; his grandson, the subject of this essay, has placed it on record that one of his earliest recollections was of "sitting in the lap of the sweet little octogenarian grandmother picking out in the big Bible the round O’s and the crooked Q's". Not only on the paternal side was he thus of New-Church parentage, but his mother also, nee Jane Johnson, was of New Church family. She died at 8 Lady Margaret Road, Camden Town on February 16. 1876. When her son William was nearing his majority, for he had been born at Lime Grove, Dalston, on August 12, 1855.

His father, Thomas Presland, held a post in the well-known printing firm of Eyre and Spottiswoode. He and his wife had a family of eight. Of these John, born November 18, 1839, was the eldest and William the youngest. Both became distinguished in the New-Church ministry.

There were over fifteen years between the births of the two brothers, and William looked up with a sort of hero worship to that grown-up brother of his; always looked up to him.

The first great sorrow in William’s experience was the death of a sister, Emily, his playmate in tender years. The little girl had been the darling of the household, and he was woefully sad. John, himself deeply moved, tried to comfort him; clearly with some success, for many years later his brother wrote “Till then heaven had only been a word to me; he was trying to make it a reality and to assuage my altogether natural grief with something of the faith that comforted him.” One by one William was to see them all pass into the beyond, and the early faith grew as the years went on. So much was this so that, though the voice would break a little now and then, he would take the funeral service when one of these dearly beloved ones went into the world of eternal realities.

He was educated at the little market town of Belper, in Derbyshire. In those days a Mr. Applebee had a boys’ school there. He was a New-Churchman and the school was largely supported by New-Church people. Mr. T. C. Lowe, later of Birmingham, was one of the masters, and was succeeded by John Presland, who had also been educated at Belper from twelve years of age.

In those days only one train a day need be run to any station, at 1d. a mile, and such a train was known as “The Parliamentary” because it filled this legal requirement. It was not comfortable; for third-class folk there were carriages with hard wooden seats. If there was any heating it was by means of a steel cylinder filled with hot water and pushed into the compartment when the train started; somewhere down the line it might, when cold, be replaced by another, perhaps not. On one occasion Thomas and his son William arrived late at the London terminus and missed the Parliamentary. A higher fare had to be paid and the boy travelled in comparative comfort. It was in the depth of winter. Who knows what might have happened to the little traveller if his father and he had not been late and the colder journey had been undertaken!

School days were happily spent and the boy acquired a profound respect for Mr. Applebee and his staff. Friendships were formed, among them with David Royce. This friendship continued and was rendered the more intimate because the two, in manhood, married sisters, first William marrying Unity Josephine Purcell and later David marrying Beatrice, whom he met at his friend’s house in Accrington. The sisters were of New-Church family; their grandfather, John Rous, was among the writers of pamphlets in support of New-Church doctrine.

The Presland family was much attached to Brightlingsea as a place of holiday resort. In the early days of their association with it the nearest railway station was at Wyvenhoe, six miles away. But its quiet was one of its attractions, and another was the fact that it had a New-Church Society. At Brightlingsea the river clone comes into the sea and there is an inlet of the sea known as St. Osyth Creek. These waters were a constant source of delight, and Mr. Presland’s love of the sea doubtless had its beginnings on the yachts and the rowing boats of Brightlingsea. One year sorrow came, for Thomas Presland, a brother, died here, his remains being buried in the churchyard of the fine old Parish Church, the tower of which can be seen for many miles over land and sea.

School days over the lad was apprenticed to a Mr. Thomas Ashbey to learn the art, trade, or business of a Blind Maker. This was on September 22, 1869, and the Indenture of Apprenticeship is still in existence. It may be worth quoting in part as showing the conditions usual at that time:

The said Apprentice his Master faithfully shall serve, his secrets keep, and his lawful commands obey; he shall do no damage to his Master or his Goods, nor suffer it to be done by others, but shall forthwith give notice to his said Master of the same, when necessary... the said Thomas Presland agreeing to pay unto the said Thomas Ashbey the sum of Twenty-five pounds as a premium and the said Thomas Ashbey agreeing to pay unto the said William Alfred Presland wages during the said term as follows: two shillings and sixpence per week during the first year of the said term as follows; five shillings per week for the second year; seven shillings and sixpence per week for the third year; ten shillings per week for the fourth year; twelve shillings and sixpence per week for the fifth year; fifteen shillings per week for the sixth; seventeen shillings and sixpence for the seventh and last year of the said term... the said Thomas Presland finding the Apprentice sufficient Meat, Drink, Lodging, and all other necessaries during the said term. And it is hereby agreed that the working hours of the said Apprentice during the first two years of the said term shall be eight hours per day and ten hours per day during the remainder of the said term, overtime being paid for at twopence per hour for the first year and threepence for each hour for the remainder of the term.

There was much overtime to be done and there was a long way to traverse from home to the place of business. For though at the time of the indenture the family lived in Bayswater, fairly near to Mr. Ashbey’s workshops, it moved to the Camden Town area during the seven years, probably to be nearer Argyle Square, of which Rev. John Presland became the Minister in 1872. It was an expensive matter to go and return by public conveyance and much of the way had to be traversed by foot involving an early start and a late return. The lad was often intensely weary and would drop off to sleep as he knelt at the close of day for bedside prayers.

But by now the Church was becoming a main interest in his life. Sunday was a day of delight for he could be at the Services and Sunday School as he loved to be. What did the weariness of the week matter when there was solace on the Sabbath! There was good companionship at Argyle Square - men like Fred Gardiner, and Fred Buss, and George Trobridge, and Edward Pulsford, and Hubert Huntley. There were week-night meetings and occasional excursions, and in that congenial fellowship of young men and young women of the Church there was not only discussion of serious matters, there were also fun and laughter and love-making, William knew well how to enjoy interests both grave and gay. More than once he has shown the present writer the very place in Hadley Woods where George Trobridge was introduced to Georgina Huntley, who later became his wife. It was on August 12, 1876, the day when William was twenty-one.

His mind began to consider a problem. Could he do what his brother had done? Could he become a New-Church Minister and lead a company of men and women to know Jesus Christ as the New Church knew Him and to follow Him? He thought his way through the theology; he accepted it. He felt himself drawn to this as his life’s work. Brother John thought so too; the family and friends encouraged him. He applied to the New-Church College for adoption as a student.

Then came a disappointment. Like all candidates for studentship he had to undergo medical examination. The doctor was not pleased with him, for the days of his apprenticeship had told on him and, too, one eye was almost sightless. He was sent to a specialist. The specialist sent in an adverse report; a course of study involving close reading would overstrain the impaired sight and might even result in blindness. When he heard of this he withdrew the application. He received a kind letter from the then Secretary who stated that the College authorities hoped that he would not be discouraged by the report but would renew the application in a year’s time when his general health might have improved, though the question of eye strain would still continue.

It is rather curious that both brothers suffered from defective vision, John Presland having lost the sight of an eye through injury from a tennis ball. John knew, from practical experience, that he could carry on his duties effectively despite this deprivation! Why should not his brother succeed also? He, and others, encouraged the younger brother who was still eager to enter the ministry and was not easily dissuaded from any project he had formed after careful thought.

A leader was required for the Keighley Society and Mr. Presland was invited to accept it. He did so and laboured very acceptably for over a year from 1878. Then in 1880 he went to Edinburgh, living with a Mr. and Mrs. Swan until his marriage on August 8, 1882, when he and his bride occupied a little flat on the top floor of one of the city's huge blocks of flat property. When he retired from the active ministry, fifty years later, he paid one of his many tributes of devotion to her at a farewell meeting at Camden Road: "My dear wife has kept me fit for work all these years, and has helped me in many ways you know not of. I appreciate the way in which you have expressed your affection for her also".

A few days after the wedding, on August 18th, he was ordained into the Ministry at the hands of the Rev. Richard Storry. At that time the Countess of Hopetoun took a great interest in the little Society. She contributed largely to the cost of the piano which was the Society's gift to its Minister and his bride, and she sent the flowers which were used for decorating the Church on the occasion of the Ordination Service.

From Edinburgh, a happy, thriving, but small Society, Mr. Presland was called to the largest Society in the Church. In 1883 he went to Accrington with a membership nearing 500 and a Sunday School of over 700 scholars. Here three of his family of four sons were born, and lifelong friendships were formed, among them that of Mr. R. W. Kenyon. But the work was necessarily hard and it became obvious after a few years that a less strenuous pastorate must be sought.

In 1889 Mr. Presland removed to Glasgow to become the first Minister of the Queen's Drive Church in the south of the city. There he spent two years acceptably, save that they were marred by ill health. His congregation treated him with every consideration and one, Mr. Henry Carlyle Fairlie, gave him many happy and health-restoring times on board his yachts, either sailing in the Clyde waters or cruising among the islands to the west of Scotland. He took him away on a voyage to the blue Mediterranean, where he saw Portugal and Italy and other countries of southern Europe.

But a longer rest from duties was imperative and the Glasgow pastorate terminated in order that treatment might be obtained at the Hydropathic Hotel in Forres, in North-East Scotland, and elsewhere.

After a year, his health considerably improved, Mr. Presland was invited to accept a temporary engagement with the Camberwell Society with a view to a definite engagement if his health permitted. This he accepted, his wife and family meanwhile staying in Alloa where the Rev. Edward Pulsford, a brother- in-law, was the Minister. The Rev. and Mrs. E. Pulsford were the parents of the Rev. E. J. Pulsford, who about that time went to London to start work in an architect’s office. In a letter dated October 21, 1892, Mr. Presland wrote to his son John,

Eddie and I came to London in a very nice carriage. There was a little passage down the side of it, into which all the compartments opened, ... and we could walk about in the passage when tired of sitting.... Good-bye, Laddie - that means God be with you, and I hope God always will be with you, and He certainly will if you look to and pray to Him and do what is right.

London conditions contributed further to Mr. Presland's returning health and he was asked to continue at Camberwell. At the end of six months the family was united in an unpretentious little home at Crofton Road. Here three years were spent, and the youngest son was born. There followed an engagement with the South Manchester Society from 1895 to 1897. To these years he always looked back with a deep sense of gratitude for the kindness and love shown to him by officers and members. Here, with his friend Mr. R. W. Ellam, he spent many days tramping over the moors of Derbyshire rejoicing, as he always did, in congenial companionship and the beauty of the country scenes.

In 1897 began the thirty-six years' ministry at Camden Road, London. Friends of his youth were earnest members of the Society. London itself had a great attraction for him, and he looked forward to close and frequent contact with his brother John, who continued to minister to the Argyle Square Society. But that contact was to be denied the brothers, for on May 1, 1897, John Presland was called to higher service in the Kingdom itself.

Throughout the Camden Road ministry a far reaching influence for good was exerted. The Services of the Church were conducted with deep reverence and the utmost care taken that the sermons preached should be well prepared, doctrinally correct and of practical import. The whole appearance and sphere of the man, slight in build but dignified in bearing, was that of one “who had been with Jesus.” His people knew that they could come to him in their deepest troubles, even those hardest of all troubles when sin had to be confessed and the way of forgiveness sought. Yet there was nothing spectacular in the results; it was rather by a widening influence than a well-filled church that he made Camden Road a centre of spiritual life. The Great War came and the serious difficulties in Church work which succeeded it. Since 1914 the membership of the Societies connected with the General Conference has declined by nearly a thousand leaving, in 1936, a total membership of 5,792, while attendances at Sunday worship have diminished by over 3,500 a Sunday. Even experienced Ministers were unable to stay the tide, and Camden Road suffered with the rest.

Not only did the charge of Camden Road rest upon Mr. Presland but, in 1907, he was appointed as the Principal of the New-Church College, first at Islington and later in the new premises at Woodford, Essex. This position he retained until 1931 when he found the long journey from his house in East Finchley and the College, two or three times a week, too prodigal of time and strength. Thus for nearly a quarter of a century he exercised a profound influence on the thought of the men training for the ministry. An appreciation by one of them follows this article; it may be taken as representative of the regard his students had for him. They were his "dear boys" and he followed their careers with the interest of a spiritual father.

He was a member of the Swedenborg Society's Council, Secretary of its Advisory and Revision Board, and often at work as a consultant for some revision or new edition of the Writings. He was a President of the Society, and from 1925 its Honorary Chaplain. He found time to attend meetings of the Missionary and Tract Society and other calls made by central bodies operating in London and individual churches there. On three occasions he was President of the General Conference and was appointed an Ordaining Minister in 1922. He was looked up to in Conference as an expert in procedure and for many years was the Secretary of the Sessional Committee on Rules. There are few Presidents who, at difficult occasions of debate, have not been helped when he intervened, usually with the formula — "Mr. President, on a point of order... ".

He was a respected member of the West Holloway Council of Ministers, of which he was the senior member in years of service in the district, a worker on the Holloway Branch of the League of Nations Union, and a staunch Liberal in politics.

As a student of New-Church theology he held an honoured place. The books and pamphlets he wrote in defence and elaboration of that theology were widely read. He devoted much time to the study of Swedenborg’s Latin. He found Pitman’s short-hand of great use and would often correspond through that medium with Mr. Gardiner, the Revs. W. H. and J. Buss, the Rev. W. H. Claxton, and others. The writer treasures an excellent specimen of his penmanship. He remembers with delight an occasion when a card came from Mr. Claxton to Mr. Presland. "Claxton is a very good fellow", said the latter, "but I wish he would not write to me in this microscopic shorthand of his". A few days later the writer was a guest at Mr. Claxton's house when a letter came from Mr. Presland. "I've a great respect for W. A. P." said Mr. Claxton, "but he writes abominable shorthand". It was perhaps variation in outlines that brought to an end the Shorthand "Evercirculator", a manuscript production of articles and comments which flourished for a time among a circle of New-Church Shorthand enthusiasts, the above-mentioned men among them!

His recreations were chiefly cycling and walking. He loved the open air, the country, and the sea. Monday he tried to keep free from engagements and, securing the companionship of a son or friend, would cycle or tramp for the best part of the day. For some years he delighted in a camping holiday. A few days under canvas after Easter would refresh him amazingly when jaded with a winter’s hard work, and he knew how to dish up an appetizing three-course meal with only a small Primus stove on which to cook it. If there were water near by for a swim he would be in it, and he had the satisfaction of knowing that his insistence that all his boys should learn to swim saved the life of one of them. Whether camping, cycling, or walking he was a dear companion and oft-times on seeing a galaxy of stars, or the expanse of land or sea, his rich baritone voice would be heard in a verse of praise to the Almighty Creator of the world. Ships and the sea had an almost irresistible appeal for him, perhaps because on several occasions when he had been overworked, and generous friends like Mr. David Wynter had made a sea trip possible, he came back with a new zeal and energy - his own man again.

In 1933, though with difficulty, he was brought to realize that he was no longer able to bear the full burden of a minister’s life, and he resigned from Camden Road. He was, however, able until the end of 1935 to preach in London churches and he undertook the Honorary Pastorate of the Willesden Society. This was ultimately relinquished, and to one after another of the interests he had served he intimated that he was no longer able to take a share in their work.

In the early part of 1936 he was gravely ill at "Homeleigh", Snodland, the manse of the Snodland Society of which his eldest son is the Minister. In those weeks he thought little of himself; often he would say "I am so sorry to give all this trouble"; instead of dwelling on his woes he would engage in prayer or recite from psalm, prophecy, or gospel; doctors and nurses marvelled at his patience in suffering. It seemed as though he would succumb to the weakness that overtook him. But he rallied and returned in the summer to his own home in East Finchley where he quietly passed the days, surrounded by loving care and in comparative physical comfort. One sorrow came in the death of the youngest son, Herbert, but to mitigate that sorrow was the loved companionship of his wife and the frequent visits of relatives and friends.

Mercifully, when the end came for him, it did not again involve months of suffering but an early passing into unconsciousness and an escape from the limitations of a worn-out frame into the liberty of the spiritual world. Almost a year before when settled for sleep he had said "A kind good-night to all". Had he known of the call awaiting him some such kindly message would have shown, as he had shown all through his life, consideration for others rather than concern for himself.

AN APPRECIATION

BY A FORMER STUDENT OF THE COLLEGE

MR. PRESLAND came regularly to the old College in Devonshire Street, Islington, on Wednesdays and Fridays. I cannot remember that he was ever late. We met in the schoolroom in the afternoon. In winter-time a huge fire filled the old-fashioned grate, and we sat in a semi-circle round it, with Mr. Presland at one corner. No amount of manoeuvring, however, could eliminate the draught which came from all quarters, finding weak spots in our necks or backs (even through overcoats) before finally roaring up the chimney.

We studied theology with him and a whole succession of students owe to him their initiation to a sound and affirmative approach to the Writings. Generally there were two books to be studied each year. We read one on Wednesdays and the other on Fridays. We read round in turn, a method which, though somewhat monotonous, at least ensured that we missed nothing. From time to time Mr. Presland, or "WAP" as we affectionately called him among ourselves, would interject a few words of explanation; and frequently he would refer to and read from other passages in the Heavenly Doctrines, or to other theological textbooks, and occasionally even to quite secular publications, which invariably helped our understanding of the work in hand.

These cross-references, the result of many years of study and teaching-experience, revealed our Principal as a theologian of no mean order. On occasion he would explain modestly that he had never desired the principalship of the College, considering himself to be less well equipped for it than others; but the more intimately we knew him and profited by his instruction and example, the more we appreciated the wisdom of those who had persuaded him in days past to undertake the work.

There could never be the least doubt of his supreme love for the Church and the uses of the Ministry. Though he appreciated and encouraged scholarship, and never tired of recounting the prowess and accomplishments of former students, his aim appeared to be not so much to make us brilliant students, as to make us wise and sincere pastors. To this end he frequently illustrated doctrinal teaching with anecdotes from his own rich experience, and his occasional pastoral talks (appreciated too little at the time by at least one student!) were such as only a faithful and well-tried servant of his Lord could give.

Mr. Presland delighted to tell us of the New-Church stalwarts of former days, of the giants whose successes we might emulate, and by whose failures we might be warned. He would speak of the saintly Clowes and his vision of the words "Divinum Humanum"; of Samuel Noble whose handwriting grew larger and larger as his sight failed; of J. F. Potts and his amazing labours at the Concordance, which he knew was needed and therefore compiled with no monetary encouragement, no knowledge of whether he would get it published, and at which he worked in odd moments when other men slept or idly talked; of James Hyde the Bibliographer and his early death through; overwork; of his own brother John at Argyle Square; and of his own youthful experiences.

His strong sense of humour gave vivid colouring to these anecdotes. I remember him chuckling so much sometimes at the recollection of some incident that, as he leant back in his chair, he could hardly find the words to speak for laughing. Yet he had his graver moments; and if occasion demanded he could administer a rebuke which lost nothing of its effectiveness through the realization that anything requiring the lightest reprimand was really painful to him, and that in his reference to it duty had fought with inclination and had won a hard battle.

On Wednesdays after theology we had "sermon preparation and delivery". The students took turns to prepare a sermon, which was delivered in the chapel or schoolroom in the course of a short service. Afterwards we gathered together for criticism. Each student was called on in turn, and then Mr. Presland spoke last. He was never unkind or discouraging; but though senior students could find weak points in our sermons, it was to WAP we looked for constructive criticism, and from him we gained incalculable help when he went over our MSS. point by point.

He taught us (so far as were willing and able to learn) to preach sermons and not academic theses, and to teach the truths of the Word and not our own ideas.

It was typical of him and his love for freedom that the preacher always had the right of reply to his critics. And in the theological classes he thought no less of us if we took a different view from his own on a particular point. Indeed where there were differences of opinion he usually gave us both sides of a question and left us to decide for ourselves. At the time I used to think this a pity. With youthful intolerance I wanted a definite decision, and wished, I fear, to prove others wrong. But WAP's wise influence led to a greater tolerance, and enabled us to see that truth is many sided. I have since thought that the growing spirit of charity and tolerance in our Conferences, which has been noticeable in the last few years, is due in no small measure to the influence which this venerable and gentle soul exercised over the "dear boys" whom he loved and served so well.

MRS.W. A.PRESLAND

On Friday, April 9th, Mrs. Presland quietly passed from the consciousness of natural life in this material world into the reality of the spiritual world, at the ripe age of 86 years.

Unity Josephine Purcell, one of the third generation of a New-Church family, was married to the late Rev. W. A. Presland in the year 1881 and at the time of her husband's death in 1937 had completed over fifty-six years of happy married life.

During that period Mrs. Presland passed through many vicissitudes. Her husband, never robust in health, was the object of her constant and affectionate care. No doubt it was through such care that Mr. Presland was enabled to serve the Church with outstanding ability in many capacities for a long period of years. The marriage was blessed by four sons, the eldest of whom is the Rev. J. R. Presland, now at Bath. To bring up and educate these four boys was no easy task, especially when we remember the meagre stipends paid to the ministry in those days.

A vivacious character, with abilities extending in many directions, Mrs. Presland retained her faculties right up to the last. Not so long ago, when a poem, "Daffodils", appeared in the New-Church Herald which appealed to Mrs. Presland, she quickly learned it by heart and recited it with a true and intense dramatic zeal. With a justifiable pride she would show to her friends artificial flowers, wonderful in colour and form, which she made. During the brief periods in which she was enabled to leave her bed, she loved to sit and play her piano. After the "blitz" at Bath last April, when she had to be temporarily removed to a nursing-home, owing to the damage to her house, she was perfectly resigned to the situation and full of praise for the kindness and attention she received from the nurses and attendants. These episodes sum up and typify a beautiful character. Time has worn out the body; it has told its story of weakness; eternity will tell the story of strength.

A.J.S.

Part of the Fisherman's appeal page 6
God, some, if not all, of us can say:— "Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee". The same command, precisely, follows, and no mistake about that - which is, to feed His sheep, and to feed His lambs. And before us, or to our notice, is now brought an immense flock of His poor black sheep, and of wee black lambs, about two millions of them, more or less, in a destitute state, in a country of civil war and perils beyond measure. I am sure if the summons come to you as it has to me, you will most heartily and gladly respond to the call.
The feeding above referred to is not mere cold, doctrinal, argumentative, preaching. Oh no! - that’s the wrong side of the ship, by which we so often fish and take nothing: but in this good work there is something to do at which our charity can get warm, and which will cause the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
Allow me now to stir up your minds by way of remembrance of the words of Him "who spake as never man spake:" who said, "A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another". And then by the divine parable of the foolish and the wise, and what distinguished them. The wise was he who built his house upon the rock - who heard the Lord's sayings, and did them, in practical life. And by his declarations concerning the final judgment, in which the Lord will say to all who have proved themselves wise, in the sense of the parable: - "I was naked, and ye clothed me; sick and in prison, and ye came unto me; hungry, and ye gave me meat; a stranger, and ye took me in. For, inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me". And also by the parable of the men with the two and five talents - how successfully they traded. Like them let us do: but let us ever shun the conduct of the selfish man, with the one talent, who, perhaps foolishly and ignorantly, thought that all was done, in some other person, for him. Cold faith alone will do us very little good. Our heavenly Father is to be glorified by our bearing much fruit. Men do not gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles; but how often do we see the rough coated vine laden with precious fruit. Let us remember the old proverbs "He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord." And "Blessed is he that condsidereth the poor." - 41st Psalm. 1st verse. And John says -
"Love not in word only, but in deed and in truth: and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God dwelleth in him." And James says -
"If ye give not those things your brother need, how dwelleth the love of God in you." The Lord says -
"Behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be."

The destruction of wicked tyranny, and overthrow of other abominations, the removal of old things and placing better in their stead, with this final overthrow of Slavery, are all demonstrations of the Second Advent, when "He shall come the second time, without sin unto salvation:" and that time is fast hastening when there shall be, one fold and one Shepherd, and the Lord one and His name one. The old mists of fogs, and the bogs of men's traditions, are fast passing away, and the day is dawning when we shall see clearly, and shall have plain sailing, which suits the simple-hearted fishermen best. And though they be ignorant and unlearned men, they will have the boldness of Peter and John, and will testify by their knowledge that they have been with Jesus - to whom, and of whom, they sing the following verses:-

O LORD, OUR LORD, how wondrous great
is Thine eternal name!
The glories of thy heavenly state
Let poor black men proclaim.

Thou hast redeemed them by thy hand:
Hast set the prisoners free.
In that vast, goodly, fruitful land,
Across the Atlantic sea.

Now give them hearts of gratitude
To praise Thy glorious name.
With health, and strength, and fortitude,
While we will do the same.

Mysterious Marriage. Graham Howe.
(Faber & Faber. 15s.)

The psychology of Dr. Graham Howe is based upon a trinity. The deepest element in man may be entitled variously Will, Spirit, A-factor, Father-principle. This is embodied within what may be called External, B-factor, Mother-principle, or Body. Man is conscious of tension between the two, and his attempts to set up a satisfactory relationship between them constitute the third element in the trinity. As a psychotherapist Dr. Graham Howe wishes us to establish happy and fruitful relations between A and B. From the evidence of case-histories he argues that mental illness arises from inadequate attempts to bridge the gap.
The book includes an analysis of three types of illness, the spoilt child, the inferiority complex, and compulsion neurosis. The mechanisms of fixation, identification, projection, and many others, arise because the patient cannot face the creation of healthy relationships. These should grow slowly, in love, patience, and understanding. The neurotic cannot wait for normal growth. He can, for instance, remove his feelings of inferiority by identifying himself with a dominant group. This is quicker, and hurts less, than normal self-criticism. Yet we must beware of saying, "It's your own fault". Often the neurotic has been mishandled by parents, or has inherited a tendency to such weakness. He needs the guidance of psychotherapy.
This book may be recommended to New Church people who think that psychology can help. The author's doctrine of incarnation is set out carefully, with the aid of diagrams, but the exposition is free from continental rigidity. New-Church readers may find this trinity somewhat similar to "Soul, Body and Life Proceeding". Although Dr. Graham Howe has associations with the New Church, we ought not to jump to conclusions. Facts of life must be discovered by science, sooner or later. A. G.

EDWARD JOHN PULSFORD

IN January, 1943, the Rev. Edward John Pulsford was appointed Editor of THE NEW-CHURCH MAGAZINE, the first issue under his editorship being that of April-June in that year. Within the memory of many of us the Magazine has had notable editors—the Rev. J. R. Rendell, B. A., the Rev. Henry Gordon Drummond and the Rev. P. H. Johnson, B. A., B. Sc.—and although the journal to which Mr. Pulsford succeeded was but a shadow of its former self, a very small journal hampered by wartime restrictions on paper and printing, he brought to it gifts which declared him in the true line of succession and give him an equal place among his illustrious predecessors.

It was not an easy task that he undertook. THE NEW-CHURCH MAGAZINE is intended to appeal to thoughtful and studious readers; in its articles we expect to find a scholarly and well-informed approach to the themes under discussion; and whether the theme be scientific, theological or something else, we hope for a penetrating analysis of it in non-technical language that will enable the intelligent but inexpert reader to understand it. To achieve this end in wartime when many of those who could be expected to write such articles were heavily burdened with other responsibilities, and to achieve it within the extremely limited space of the MAGAZINE of those times, was a difficult task; indeed it was sometimes an impossible one. If the MAGAZINE sometimes failed in respect of one or other of our expectations the blame is hardly to be imputed to the Editor. No Editor can achieve the impossible, and we wonder rather at the measure of success that Mr. Pulsford attained amid such hampering conditions. It was notable that with improving conditions he took advantage of every improvement to realize the ideal of the MAGAZINE.

The impression that Edward John Pulsford made upon one, even from a first meeting, was of a singular personal integrity, and however well one came to know him this was the impression that remained. One felt that his personal standard was high, but that it was his standard for himself, and certainly he never attempted to impose his own standard on any one else. For this reason, while one perceived an atmosphere of austerity about him, it was never a chilling austerity. If he seemed to build a fence of reserve about himself, it was a fence that did not hide or check his kindliness and sympathy. Seldom, if ever, did any criticism of persons pass his lips, and a condemning judgment was foreign to his nature. In argument he was generally content to be silent; but if required to do so he would express himself in such a manner as to leave no doubt of the firmness and definiteness of his convictions and yet give no occasion of offence to those who might differ from him. Dignified, courteous, warm-hearted, he moved among men as one set somewhat apart.

To work with him was a pleasure. His mind, well stored with data, moved with precision through complicated problems, weighing carefully the pros and cons of any proposition, and willingly receiving any new suggestion that might be offered. Though normally somewhat slow and deliberate in speech (due partly to his awareness of a very slight stammer), he could, on rare occasions, rise to heights of flowing and almost impassioned eloquence, yet even then his use of words lost nothing of his ordinary precision. This exactness or precision of meaning and grammar was by no means an affectation with him. It was the expression of an exact and precise mind that could not possibly be careless or slipshod in thought or speech. As a form of humour he delighted in a subtle exaggeration of his own peculiarity, and letters from him written in this "very slightly larger-than-life" strain, have gladdened many a dull morning.

The Rev. E. J. Pulsford was, in every way, a son of the manse, and of the New-Church manse. He was born in Jersey, the elder son of the Rev. Edward Miall Pulsford. His childhood and youth, however, were spent in Scotland, to which country his father moved in 1880, two years after the birth of this elder son. His mother was a Presland, sister of the Rev. John and the Rev. William A. Presland, and it was natural that when he came to London at the age of sixteen years or so, Edward John should make his home with the Rev. John Presland, then Minister of Argyle Square Church. He subsequently entered the New-Church College, and, after a four years' course there he was ordained in 1905. He held pastorates at Besses o' th' Barn, Bath and Moseley (Birmingham) and thereafter spent four busy and fruitful years in South Africa as Superintendent of the New- Church Mission there. For the next ten years, until 1938, he served the North Manchester and Salford Societies and then removed to Woodlands Road, Glasgow, where he remained until his recent retirement. For very many years he had been a member of the Committee for the Translation of the Old Testament, a work in which his painstaking thoroughness was most highly valued by his colleagues. As Correspondence Tutor for West African Students he served the New-Church College with unspectacular diligence, and it is pleasing to remember that he saw a great reward for this exacting labour when two of his students, having passed the necessary examinations, were this year ordained as Ministers, the first West Africans to be ordained in their own country into the Ministry of the New Church.

Twice, in 1920 and in 1941, the General Conference honoured the Rev. E. J. Pulsford by appointing him its President, and in 1943 he was inducted as an Ordaining Minister. Within the Church he was universally respected, and those who knew him best, best loved him.

On August 20th, 1952, suddenly and in sleep, he passed into the Spiritual World. He has left behind him, in this world, his wife, a son and two daughters, all of whom share his own deep faith in the reality of spiritual things and who, in his parting from them for a while, rejoice in the knowledge that he is restored to still more active uses than those which ill-health so recently caused him regretfully to lay aside.

The Rev. John Rous Presland [1958]

The Bath society has suffered a grievous loss in the passing of its former minister, who was called peacefully to the higher life on Monday evening 25th August. The funeral was held on Friday the 29th in a full church at Henry Street, conducted by Rev. C. H. Presland, Secretary of the General Conference, and Rev. Frank Holmes, minister of Bath. Thence the mortal remains were taken to Locksbrook cemetery.

Rev. John Rous Presland was for fifty years an ordained minister of the Church which he served in pastorates at Blackpool, Willesden Green, Snodland, and Bath; which last he served for ten years until his retirement in 1948. For some years he was secretary of the Swedenborg Society in London, where he had charge of many publishing interests. He was a past President of the Bath Branch of the United Nations Association, and, at the time of his death, was membership secretary of the branch.

He was also a past governor of the City of Bath Boys School, Hon. Secretary of the Bath Vigilance and Rescue Association, and a member of the Bath branch of the British Empire Shakespeare Society. Since his retirement he had been a member of the Bath Free Church Federal Council, and Hon. Chaplain at St. Martin's Hospital; he also took services at the Eventide Home.

His interests were wide and broad, and hence he will be greatly missed. His zeal for the New Church locally, in the whole country, and even overseas, remained unabated. He held successive offices in the General Conference, being at one time Secretary of the Missionary Board, and, for many years, an active member of the Overseas Missions Committee. He came to all services and meetings to the end, even travelling by taxi many times that he might not miss the use of his presence. He took services as late as last February. It is good to know that he continued to the very end, for he was present at the Ministers' and Sunday School Conferences at Wigan in May, and at the General Conference at Snodland in June. It is characteristic that his last words were those of kind regards to a friend, a Vicar of a church near Oxford.

To all his many activities he imparted a spiritual life. This is what the New Church meant to him. His living New Churchman- ship was to treasure the near presence of the Lord in everything that he did. This was what he valued above all, the fact of the Lord's being ever near working by His Holy Spirit. Response to the Lord, reception of His Holy Spirit—these gave the characteristic gentleness and tone to this prophet's life and conversation. A friend has written: "He will be sadly missed by his neighbours. Tall and dignified, with a pleasant word for all, he was much loved by his friends". We offer deep sympathy to his widow, son, and relatives, yet feel that, in their faith, they will not grieve unduly, but will think of their good man in heaven. One more has now passed through a grand life of spiritual uses, and has been now called, with all his excellent qualities, to the extended life in the higher sphere of the Lord's Kingdom in heaven.
F. C.

ADDRESS TO THE BRITISH CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

To the General Conference of the New Church Greetings: —

The General Convention of the New Jerusalem in the United States of America, assembled in its 133rd session in the City of La Porte, Indiana, extends to its brother organization in Great Britain, the General Conference of the New Church, the heartiest greetings and most sincere good wishes for your Conference even now on the point of gathering. From the very beginning of the co-existence of our two organizations, our spiritual ties have been of the closest possible - a true union of brotherhood. Through the years, and gradually, the natural limitations of distance have been overcome, but we pause in wonder at the thought that we place this greeting in the care of your representative, who, within a few short hours, will place it before you with his own hands.

We would assure you anew of our keenest interest in your deliberations, our sym-pathetic awareness of some of your problems, and our confidence that your sessions will result in a forward step in the cause of the New Church. We rejoice that in the Divine Providence you have given us the privilege and the great pleasure of enter-taining such a vivacious, dynamic personality as your representative proves to be. We have taken Rev. Claude H. Presland to our hearts and find ourselves reluctant to let him depart. He has given us a vision of a growing Church which has been an inspiration to us all.

We look forward to a resumption of our annual exchange of fraternal greetings and hope that no circumstance however inadvertent will interrupt the joyous custom which has helped unite us through the many years of our association one with another.

So too with the exchange visits of personal representatives to our alternate annual sessions, we pray that no national emergency with its after-years of adjustment, may ever again prevent the continuance of the custom so valuable to us both.

May the Lord bless the sessions of your Conference in which you are about to engage. Our thoughts will be with you, our prayers surround you.

On behalf of the General Convention of the New Jerusalem in the United States of America, by its Recording Secretary,

HORACE B. BLACKMER

La Porte, Indiana
June 23 1956