own poor, and our politically prejudiced, what is wanted is, that the distance between us and them should, in the first place, be conquered. The hindrances in the way, so far as they are concerned, are of as irremovable a character by direct religious agency, as if they were geographical. We must, therefore, set ourselves to attack, in their case, not depravity by a promulgation of the gospel, but crowded dwelling-houses, filthy habits, utter domiciliary discomfort, by appropriate remedial methods-we must carry on our first warfare against all that unnecessarily augments the toil and penury of working men-we must combat ignorance by educational effort and annihilate political religionism by getting rid of State establishments of religion. They who are so perpetually urging the Churches to confine all their attempts to the preaching of the gospel, may be reminded that something may be done by practically exemplifying the gospel. the gospel. When John Williams built his ship for visiting the isles of the Pacific, he did just that one thing necessary to be done in order to give divine truth to those who needed it. When will our Christian professors exhibit a like wisdom, and do just what must be done in order to the removal of social and political hindrances to the success of the Churches in this kingdom? When will their piety be of that intelligent and manly cast as to set them upon

sweeping crossings, if dirty crossings were found to be directly obstructive of spiritual success? When will they get clear of the childish error, that religious acts are only acts performed by religious means; or come to know that any act, whether it be prayer to God, or street-cleansing for men, whether it be arguing away a prejudice of infidelity, or removing a tax upon oppressed but patient industry-every act which is done from a religious motive, and with a view to religious ends, is as much an offering of affectionate and faithful homage to the Saviour, as if it had taken the most spiritual form, or had been presented in the most solemn worship? But I am unconsciously forestalling what it will be more suitable to discuss in the next and concluding chapter. I have set forth the evils which enervate and impede the British Churches-I have now before me the more difficult task of suggesting practical remedies.

CHAPTER VIII.

REMEDIAL SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION.

CONTENTS.

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 ITSELFDIVINE INFLUENCE NOT TO BE EXPECTED BUT IN CONFORMITY WITH DIVINE PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATION-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 UNIVERSALITY 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 66 OF INTERESTS AND 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-CLOSING OBSERVATIONS.

DENOMINATIONS

D D