The National Register.
London, England, 1817-09-22 00:00:00

rATIONAL REGI

Triz

The c2nd head contains instructions for the proper de-
livery of the church service, in the course of which the
I practice of the sectaries is noticed, and much of their
success in Proselytism justly ascribed to that impas-
sioned, earecst manner of delivering their discourses
which i 5 so general among them. There is so much
candour and truth in the whole of what is said on this
important pint, that we cannot refrain from ziiing the
obnftrinn of

" Incomparable as is onr liturgy great as are the be-
nefits re/iodine.; riots: ',S tsei ictrat of prayer, yet are these ex-
cell"c!'....s, somewhat coneterhatanced, by a recurrence of
th':.stinie ideas and words. To have the heart therefore in
the service, to worship God with the soul, anti not the lips
alone, requires a continuity and fixedness of attention, which
must not Ire looked for, or at least are not found, in the rte.
nerality of our congregations. This devotional imperfection
can only be met and overcome, by a proportionate attentive.
JIM and fervour, on the part of the officiating Minister.
Well aware of the temporary interest excited by au extem-
poraneous mode of worship, they who are nut of us, have
availed themselves of this advantage to the utmost; and were
we required to accouut for thut increased defection from
our churches, which we cannot but acknowledge and de.
plore, we should assign for it causes, not only the seal of the ,
seceders, and the nature of their doctrine, but also the mode
in which that doctrine is delivered. Their earuest and ins-
passioned
manner impresses the hearers with a conviction of
the sincerity of the preacher : it arouses every dormant feel-
ing, and by a law of our nature, the moderate excitement of
the passions, is interesting anti pleasing to the heart of man.
To persons thus favourably prepossessed, the doctrine itself
holds out the most dangerous allurements. Mysticism is al-
ways found to be attractive. Ignorance wonders at, awl
admires, what it cannot understand. That syitem also of
religion will be more readily received by too many, which
requires less exertion or restraint, which opens heaven to
faiths without works, and which appeals to sensible impulses,
as the criterion and proof of salvat in*.
These are the principle causes of that religions fanaticism
now, alas ! so prevalent amongst us; and they afford an
awful admonition and warning to the established clergy.
Mey we profit, as we ought, by the example, before it be
too late ! May we separate the good frem the evil, sad thus
at length bring back our wanderers to their proper told!
The came zeal in propagating, the same earnestness in preach.
ing the pure doctrines of Christianity, must produce not the
sante, but a still greater effect. If only we acquire that ar-
dor and impressiveness, which have made even error to tri-
umph, the cause of truth cannot but prevail. Otherwise, it'
we are lukewarm and inactive, if we slumber at our posts,
the very excellencies and security of an establishment, may
become the cause of its danger or subversion."

The 3d division is devoted entirely to a detail of
the duties .of the clergymen in his cure; would to
God that the excellent precepts here delivered, were
the rule of conduct of every incumbent !
" Faint however (says the Bishop,) and imperfect most be
the sketch which I can now draw, of the great duties of the
sacerdotal character: the outline mist he filled up by your-
-512i,e3. To enligh►en the ignorant, to strengthen the feeble-
minded, to raise the fallen—in worldly atiairs to guide the
inexperienced, to assist the indigent, to uphold the father-
less and the widow, these are employments of the first ins.
portance, and these are the proper employments of the
clergy. By the discharge of these, every parish priest may
be a blessing to them among whom lie resides, both in time
and eternity—way teach them to live with righteousness, and
die in hope."