vention of the Sabbath-Popular ignorance a barrier to the progress of Divine truth Political religionism as developed in Church Establishments-Essential idea embodied in State Churches-They encroach upon the prerogatives of Christ · Attract men to the ministry from worldly motives-Who jealously oppose the labours of others-Shut out large classes from the benefit of voluntary Christian effort-Substitute ritualism for spiritual life-This position illustrated by a glance at the religious character of the aristocracy, the middle- classes, and the working-men - Paralyze the sympathies of the Churches-Misrepresent the object and spirit of the Gospel-General observations, applying to all the foregoing hindrances-How far the Churches are responsible for their existence-The obstruction they REMEDIAL SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION. The vis medicatrix of vital Christianity - Our duty to remove obstructions to its action-What practical changes does such duty involve? Those affecting the spiritual life itself—Divine influence not to be expected but in conformity with Divine principles of adminis- tration-Study of God's character necessary to disinterested sympathy -Recognition of the grace of the Gospel necessary to free service— Christianity received as a master-principle necessary to the univer- sality of religious life-Changes affecting the machinery of the Churches-To be introduced cautiously - Buildings for public worship-Free disputations-Gradual preparation for a more general employment of the gift of teaching - Future amalgamation of "interests" and denominations - Suggestions affecting the moral influence of Churches-Maintenance by the Churches of their own poor-Exertions for the benefit of the neighbourhood-Public spirit in relation to men's temporal and spiritual welfare-Use of the Press ERRATA. Page 27, line 6, for "marks," read "works." Page 73, line 6, for "unutterable," read "unalterable." Page 88, line 3 from bottom, for "ingenious,” read “ingenuous.” CHAPTER I. RELIGIOUS LIFE, AND HOW IT SHOULD BE TREATED. CONTENTS. GENERAL DESIGN STATED. THE TASK UNDERTAKEN NOT AGREE- USELESSNESS-CONCLUSION. B CHAPTER I. Ir is my purpose, in the following pages, to call attention to the character of British churches, as instruments for preserving and extending Christianity amongst the British people. With this view, I shall attempt to convey a clear notion of the spiritual power given them to wield, and contrast with it the meagre and unsatisfactory results which by means of it they have achieved. I shall endeavour to detect those subtle influences which, in this country, and in these times, mingle with the religious spirit and enervate it-to point out those methods of practically expressing it which cumber its action-and to survey the more important of those social obstructions which prevent its success. With greater diffidence, but in the hope of prompting other minds to pursue the subject, I shall glance at some remedial measures adapted to lessen the evils which will be brought under notice, and shall enforce a prudent applica tion of them by those arguments and appeals the persuasiveness or pungency of which have prevailed with my own conscience and heart. The region of observation over which such an inquiry, if faithfully pursued, will necessarily lead us, is far from attractive. The kindliest tone cannot convert matters of lamentation into ministers of pleasure-nor can we listen with satisfaction to a description of our own defects or faults, even from the lips of the tenderest and purest love. I do not, therefore, indulge a hope of leaving upon the mind of the reader an agreeable impression. The task undertaken may be necessary, timely, serviceable, - but can hardly be grateful to a rightly constituted nature. "Comparisons are proverbially" odious"—and it is natural that we should shrink from comparing what we are and do, as the friends of Christ, with what we might be and do, if thoroughly imbued with his spirit. The interval between the actual and the possible which it will be my chief business to measure and account for, in order to lessen, cannot be passed over deliberately and wakefully, without exciting feelings of shame and pain. My conviction of this would arrest me at starting, were the object I have in view one terminating upon myself. But, fully persuaded that the further progress of Christianity as modified by the spirit of the age cannot reasonably be anticipated, and that religion must get |