“HELP THE CHURCHES.”

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 9, 17 October 1871, Page 3

“HELP THE CHURCHES.”

To the Editor of the Tiiames Guardian. Sir, —There is perhaps scarcely an individual on the Thames but that in some way or other has not been appealed to by the half-dozen or more religious bodies to contribute something tOAvards the build ing, extending, and enlarging some one or more of their various places of worship. Concerts are talked of, that are passed, that are to come, and are not to come ; Avhile soirees, “ tea-fights,” lectures, and numerous other devices, are being used by the members in their zeal to raise the funds so necessary in carrying out their unselfish and charitable designs. This philanthropic and religious Avork already has been blessed in the closer union and brotherly bond of Christian felloAvship of tAVO large and influential sectarian bodies —tlie Episcopalian and Wesleyan—in the concord, unanimity, and affection, that have characterised their joiut efforts in devising a plan to raise the “Avind,” and divide the spoils, in Avhich they have been eminently successful, so far, at least, as the Avindy correspondence on the subject in your columns might indicate. ' Perhaps, Mr Editor, you avjll aflosv one of the outsiders and “ unregenerated” to give some of his vieAvs on this great motive power of the sects that have already on the Thames out-numbered every free, literary, benevolent, or educational institution, for the progress, development, and true advancement of the people. There ate a large number and variety of influences, both external and moral, Avliich conspire to build up and sustain the “Church institutions” in tins young community, Avliere all creeds agree pretty Avell in the worship of their universal God —yold. But the origin, progress, and motive poAver of these various sects may be defined as fodoAVS : 1. A feAV persons, rallying about the central idea of some theologian, organize themselves into a “ religious body.” Appealing to their acquaintances Avith extraordinary fearlessness and earnestness, they induce many Avcll-mcaning men to join them. Thus a “ Church” is founded, and a minister is established to break the bread of Pfe to the flock. These earnest men, Avith their not less faithful pastor, build the foundation of a sect.

2. The second motive power is the sincere fear experienced by ignorant and devout minds. In this branch of the question, a thousand minor influences are at work by which persons are induced to identify themselves with a sect. 3. The third cause of church building is commercial. Men of money give freely to get a handsome edifice in the vicinity of their allotments, and will. subscribe liberally towards the construction of any sectarian establishment that will enhance the value of their possessions. They undoubtedly think “There is gain in godliness.” 4. A fourth motive power is social. The ladies and children, as well as the unthinking portion of the men (particularly on the Thames) are exceedingly fond of those seventh day, Sunday afternoon parades. The Church, too, is a good and acceptable diversion from the corroding cares of family and property. There are many who extract a sort of amusement from the personal appearances of a congregation. The pure social element is a powerful tie in all religious assemblages. 5. The desire U o good, and to lend a helping hand to those who are regarded as not in the “ fold,” is another power of cohesion in the Church There is a good deal of fine, sentiment and pure philanthropy distributed through these re'igious organizations : many veiy generous minds are kept in chui'ches solely because of the opportunity it affords them of expressing their benevolent feelings in a popular and conspicuous way.—Yours, &c., S. R. C.