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46 A CLOUD OF WITNESSES.

of the nature and whereabout of the New Church. In one of his works he says:—

    • I apprehend that by the term New Church, is not meant a mere new Sect, or particular denomination of Christians, as Quakers, Moravians, Methodists, and the like; but that it denotes a Dispensation of universal grace, mercy and truth to the whole human race, without exception or limitation of time, place or sect." — Dialogue between Sophro7i and Philadelphus.

" Nothing, therefore, can be plainer, than that the New Jerusalem Dispensation is to be universal, and to extend unto all people, nations and languages on the face of the earth, to be a blessing unto such as are meet to receive a blessing. Sects and sectarians, as such, can find no place in this General Assembly of the ransomed of the Lord. All the little distinctions of modes, forms and particular expressions of devotion and worship, will be swallowed up and lost in the unlimited effusions of heavenly love, charity and benevolence with which the hearts of every member of this glorious New Church and Body of Jesus Christ will overflow one toward another. Men will no longer judge one another as to the mere externals of church communion, be they perfect or be they imperfect; for they will be taught that whosoever acknowledges the incarnate Jehovah in heart and life, departing from all

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