The New York herald., 1868-03-08

of non-Episcopal denominations The Presbyte-
rans are seeking TO unite their various bodies, and
probably, 80 far a. Old and New School are con-
cerned, the consummation will be reached. There
are, however, two or three bodies which will not
be likely to affiliate. The Covenanters and United
Presbyterians are particularly attached to Rouse's
harsh verson or the Psalms or David, and, behev-
ing that the hymns OF Watts, Wesley and Others
are proclamation, will not very soon be able to
unite. Unity among the Methodists will probably
be mostly attained by. the Methodist Episcopal
Church absorbing smaller bodies. There is cer-
tainly more hope Of union between the Northern
and Southern wings of the various churches than
seemed likely year or two since.
As for more Of unity among the various denom
nations with each other, the prospect is not very
cheering. Creeds certainly have less binding
power, but there are old landmarks of order and
usage which those who guide denomnational
barks are determined not to ignore. The most
earnest advocates Of union perceive in the position
of the Episcopal Church, in its refusal to recognize
the ordination Of ministers Of the sects" and that
of the Baptsts in declining to keep the Lords
Supper with any but immersed believers most
powerful distractions; and consequently they are
bombarding these cherished ''prejudices" with a
good deal more energy than Christian good
feeling.
And while there are evidences of unity in some
directions it is not to be forgotten that divisions
are imminent. The breach between the two
branches of the Episcopal Church is widening, and
the Methodists who go in for the "pew system"
as against free seats are inclined to insubordna-
tion. With some of these there is growing dis
position to the of forms of prayer and stranger
things have occurred than might come to pass if
we should one day find High Church Methodism
and Low Church Episcopalianism in one fold.
The great effort, however, of the Protestant
churches at the present time is to reach the people.
Conventions have recently been held in various
cities this matter, and all kinds of ideas have
been ventilated. Many believe that the churches
will be more popular by cultivating the social ee
ments and especially among the Congregationalsts
church parlors are regarded as Indispensable, and
a cooking stove and crockery ware essential ad-
juncts of success. In quarters less preaching
is advocated and Sunday school efforts are ad-
vanced to great prominence. Some are supposing
that people are more willing to go to theatres
than churches the best way to reach them is
to preach in theatres. One or two lay preachers
having proved attractive in Great Britain many
are advocating that our lawyers and merchants
exercise their gifts. On all hands much is said in
praise Of extemporary preaching. Nevertheless,
as Dickens can gather a crowd, at high prices, to
hear him read works that every one can read for
himself, it does pot seem that reading is regarded
with such great disfavor. Many very wise sug-
gestions have been made in all these conventions,
but it is evident that the great want of all the
churches is men with such knowledge of human
nature that they shall understand the art of put
ting things, popuarizing their religious services
and machinery.