have settled upon the soil, it cannot yet number among its nominal adherents so many as half a quarter of the population for the conversion of whom it exists. We are told that the proportion of churchmen to population was greater in 1861 than in 1834; but when all the circumstances are taken into account, even this fact proves nothing in favour of the Establishment. During the period named the population of Ireland decreased 27 per cent., and the membership of the Church decreased 13.4 per cent., so that there was a relative gain to the Establish ment. But the decrease of population was caused chiefly by emigration-the result of famine. Now it is the boast of Irish churchmen that nearly all the wealthier classes of the country are of their number; they say that eight-ninths of the rentcharge is paid to the Church by Protestant landowners; and there is no reason to dispute the assertion. The sufferings of those long years of want fell, therefore, for the most part upon the poorer classes of Roman Catholics, and from these, in consequence, nearly all the emigrants went forth. Thus the single fact of the comparative wealth of Protestant churchmen entirely accounts for the difference of proportionate decrease. And yet the friends of the Establishment point to this difference as a signal example of success. It is a success to be wept over, wrought not by the loving efforts of the missionary church, but by hunger and nakedness. We are further told, however, that the number of churches and clergy has absolutely and steadily increased, so that though in 1829 there were only 1,950 clergy and 1,307 churches, yet in 1863 there were 2,281 clergy and 1,633 churches. But what is the use of all this increase of churches and clergymen? It is not pretended that the Church accommodation of 1834 was insufficient for those who wished to attend; since that time the Church population is absolutely less by 114,000; and yet there are 300 extra churches. What are all these extra churches good for? Good for nothing, and worse than good for nothing. Every superfluous church represents so much capital locked up and lying useless, which might be doing some good in the trade of the country if it were not lying there. In those 300 churches there is at least a million of money wasted. This fact, so far from proving success, only proves that there has been insanity somewhere. Then as for the increase of clergy; that, under the circumstances, can only mean the increase of men with nothing, or next to nothing, to do. We come back then to the fact-the condemnatory force of which is noway mitigated by these lame apologies-that after 300 years of effort, and the employ ment of a great variety of means, this missionary church has accomplished hardly any of the work that was given to it to do. Not one in eight of the inhabitants of Ireland belongs to its communion. If this be not failure-dead failure-then anything worthy of the name ef failure is impossible under the sun. Some churchmen, seeing that the present state of things cannot continue long, propose reform within the Church-rearrangement of offices-suppression of sinecures—and re-distribution of funds-as sufficient to meet the requirements of the case. But all that would fail to touch the injustice of which complaint is chiefly made. Earl Russell has somewhat tremblingly suggested a scheme for the endowment of the Presbyterian and Roman Catholic Churches; but his suggestion has met with scant courtesy. Roman Catholics say they will not have it; Protestants say they will not submit to it. The only remaining course, at once just and practicable, seems to be that of total disestablishment. Let the funds, already too long misapplied, be applied to really national uses. That course is fairly open, and its prompt adoption will meet at once the requirements of political prudence and of Christian justice. Other great questions in relation to Ireland are pressing for consideration, amongst which that of the land holds a conspicuous place, and it would be folly to pretend that the equitable settlement of the Church Establishment question would alone be sufficient to bring back contentment and prosperity to that unhappy country. It would, however, be no small advance towards that most desirable end, and would leave the way all the clearer for such other legislation as might be needed. But would not Protestantism be endangered? They who say that it would have but small faith in the power of truth, and but dull ears for the voice of modern religious history. The most remarkable moral victories that have been won for these two hundred years at least, have been won by unendowed minorities armed with no other weapon than belief in truth and right. And in this respect modern times have only repeated the lesson of more ancient days, a lesson too precious and full of hope to be lightly disregarded. We have tried long enough what force and penal statutes and state endowments can do for the spread of truth, now let us try what power there is in faith and loving willinghood. The experiment is neither new, nor rash, nor doubtful. Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you," "The time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephtha; of David also, and Samuel, and of the Prophets; who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens," "And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” A DREAM. I slept, but my sleep was troubled, And so much like life it seemed to be, I dreamt of a beautiful island, The mistress of the sea, Which tradition said, had but raised its head Within man's memory; And for fear lest the roaring waters Should encroach upon its shore, They built strong dykes, and placed warders there To keep them evermore. And all seemed safe on the land regained, Rich harvests were gathered in, While hymns of praise were sweetly raised, But, by-and-bye, a rumour came, The sea was rising higher, Yet they laughed at those who gave the alarm, For the houses which once stood far inland, Yet they ate and drank, and carelessly slept, For the warders, they said, safe watch had kept, And would surely keep it still. But as time rolled on, it was whispered low, To open the floodgates, admitting the tide Yet they felt no fear, though the waters rose Nor made they an effort to mend the dykes, Lost pastures to reclaim. And I saw that the banks most insecure Were those where the ladies dwelt ; And though treacherous waters were oozing through, Alas! no fear they felt: Till it seemed to require but a stormy night, And winter was close at hand, To fulfil the threatened work of death I awoke, and fain would read aright For much I fear in this Christian land A system which, like the ocean waves, Worming itself into our very homes, To regain the power it had in the hour When onr forefathers it burned? Oh! can it be true that the watchmen placed Are themselves in league with their Church's foe Brethren awake! 'tis no time for rest Or sleeping at our ease; Ring out to the world a warning voice And in spite of the faithless warders, In the name of our martyred fathers, And no peace with treacherous Rome! J. R. ROBINSON. |