charitable towards them, to shew the high estimate he entertains of his privileges, and to prove by his conduct how anxious he is not to enjoy his privileges alone.

The signs of the times seem to some to indicate possible changes in the position of the Church of England, and consequently of each Parish Church. Since the first edition of this book was published the Irish Church has been disestablished; and there are not a few, who would desire to see, and who leave no means untried to bring about, a similar change with regard to the Church of England. The two cases are very dissimilar, and it by no means follows that what has been done in the sister island will be done in our own; it seems to be generally believed that such a change, even if possible in the future, is not immediately impending. I only refer to the possibility of change, for the purpose of saying that no question concerning the future of the Church of England ought to affect our present conduct. What changes and trials may be in store for her in the good Providence of God, none of us can foresee; but we cannot be wrong in believing that she has a great work on her hands, and great responsibilities, and a future full of hope. Whatever may be her temporal condition we must not be faint-hearted concerning her

spiritual: the jealousy of opponents, or the folly of her own children, or the neglect of privileges, or even the change of opinion brought about by time, may unsettle temporal foundations and dissolve the present bonds which connect the Church with the State; but no human power can shake that spiritual foundation upon which the Church of Christ stands: and the Church of England, it may be hoped and believed, will still be the Church of England, even if as great a revolution should be brought about as the most sanguine of her foes, or the most ill advised of her friends, could desire.

Meanwhile the writer of this little book is thankful to be permitted to be the guide to the old Parish Church, with all its associations and all its traditions and all its freedom of worship. “No man having drunk old wine straightway desireth new; for he saith, The old is better1!" The Guide to the Parish Church may be aware of cracks in the dear old walls, and may be able to point out to Visitors points in which a little mending and restoration may be required; but he is sure that the foundation is good, that the walls are substantially sound, and that even the apparent faults should be treated only by loving hands.

1 S. Luke v. 39.

CONCLUSION.

AND now I will bring this little book to an end, and bid the reader farewell. "We have taken sweet counsel together, and walked in the house of God as friends,"I trust not without profit. I can scarcely hope to have given the attendant at the Parish Church all the explanations and advice which he may desire; but at least I have endeavoured to help him, and I am sure he will give me credit for goodwill and sincerity.

Let me say in parting, that it is not the private and spiritual benefit of the worshipper alone, which results from a due study of the principles and intended practice of the Church of England. If the Church of England be what she professes to be, the interests of the whole nation are very much bound up with her welfare; and every one who contributes to the great work of making her services such as they should be, and herself loved by her children and respected by those who have deserted her, is

contributing to the spiritual welfare of the whole body of his brethren, and it may be to their temporal welfare too.

That late years have witnessed an astonishing increase of zeal and activity and determination to redeem past neglect and to preach the Gospel to the poor, few will be bold enough or disposed to deny. Whatever may be in the future, the present is our own; and the duty of each member of the English Church is to hold fast such things as he has, to make the best of his privileges, and to adorn his profession. The more earnestly each member, however humble and individually insignificant, devotes himself to the performance of this duty, the greater will be the hope of God's increased grace and blessing to the Church at large.

Reader, the aim and (if I do not deceive myself) the spirit of the book which you have now perused are expressed in the words of the hundred and twenty second Psalm, which we will repeat together in parting. It would be a blessed thing for England, if by any means the feeling which pervades it could be infused, more completely than it is, into the hearts of all her children.

I was glad when they said unto me : We will go into the house of the Lord.

Our feet shall stand in thy gates: O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity in

itself.

For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord.

For there is the seat of judgment: even the seat of the house of David.

O pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper that love thee.

Peace be within thy walls and plenteousness within thy palaces.

For my brethren and companions' sakes: I will wish thee prosperity.

Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God: I will seek to do thee good.

GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON : AND TO THE HOLY GHOST;

AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW, AND EVER SHALL BE WORLD WITHOUT END.

AMEN.

CAMBRIDGE: PRINTED BY C. J. CLAY, M. A. AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.