it were, to direct them;" and, if so, why should not endeavours be used that the heart may be prepared for religious impressions by the solemnity, the beauty, and the order of that Temple in which the worshipper is to kneel and pray? Too great "attention to outward circumstances, may often render men mere formalists, and it is lamentable when such is the case; but sometimes too it happens, that by the neglect of externals, principles themselves are forgotten." We ask for no superstitious homage to creatures of wood and stone; but let us remember, that whilst God is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth, but yet in temples made with hands, those temples should be constructed, so far as the agency of man is concerned, in the beauty of holiness; and should be guarded with jealous care. Let us remember that His gracious promise to e Tales of the Village, by F. E. Paget. M.A. p. 41. 66 f Sir Samuel Romilly describes the French Chapel which he frequented when young, as a large, uncouth room, presenting to the view only irregular unpainted pews, and dusty plastered walls." The manner in which the Service was performed was equally unattractive; "Nothing," he adds, " was ever worse calculated to inspire the mind of a child with respect for religion than such a kind of religious worship." Life, i. 15. (Appendix, E.) g Visitation Sermon, by W. F. Hook, D.D. p. 126. dwell amongst His children, and not to forsake His people, was made at that particular time when Solomon had completed the most magnificent of edifices, for the decoration of which was employed a workman skilful to grave any manner of graving, for which great stones, costly stones, were brought for the foundation, and pure gold and precious stones for beauty, and all that art could give was bestowed upon that most holy house. And, lastly, was it not on the dedication of the second Temple, that the Almighty promised in this place will I give peace1? On closing this paper, I would distinctly repeat, in order that I may not be misunderstood, that my object is not to banish monuments wholly from our Churches, but to recommend that discrimination should be exercised regarding the individuals to be commemorated, and that great care should be employed in the disposing of them, so that the fabric should be honoured rather than the memorial. But still more would I earnestly suggest, that before money is expended on a marble memorial, the existing state of the Church itself, which is intended to receive it, should be considered. There is another point upon which I would express myself distinctly. Let it not be supposed that any decoration is here recommended to be introduced into our Churches, which could expose either the Founder or Restorer to the charge of reviving superstitious ornaments, and thereby of 66 casting stumbling-blocks in the path which truly leads to the Sanctuary." We are told that when the excellent George Herbert undertook the rebuilding of the Church of Layton, he made it so much "his whole business, that he became restless till he saw it finished," and that for "decency and beauty" it exceeded all others. It is decency and beauty, such as Herbert, and men, with feelings like his own, would have approved-such as our own pure and Apostolic Church sanctions and nothing morewhich I earnestly desire to see see universally adopted in our Ecclesiastical Buildings. However superficial these remarks may appear to many, they will not, I flatter myself, be so regarded by a body of gentlemen who consider it highly important "to provide for h Quart. Rev. v. lxvi. p. 354. C the cultivation of correct Architectural taste;" and who will doubtless be cordially disposed to second any effort for calling into existence works, which shall be witnesses "to future days that the spirit of piety and charity which animated our forefathers, is not altogether extinct amongst their children"." One signal instance of this exalted spirit, we have happily witnessed; and of that splendid and beautiful monument of piety and munificence, the Church of THEALE", I would gladly speak more fully, did not delicacy on this occasion restrain me. But may I not assert with truth, that one of the highest earthly rewards which the excellent Lady, the foundress of that Church, could receive, would be to witness her good deed imitated— rivalled—nay, surpassed by the rich and mighty of the land! With gladness would she say, As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy Thy people offer willingly unto Thee1. Twenty-second Report of the Incorporated Society for promoting the Enlargement and Building of Churches and Chapels, 1840. h In the County of Berks, erected a few years ago. (Appendix, F.) i 1 Chron. xxix. 17. |