great in every village, who lavish sums of money on their own persons, furniture, houses, grounds, &c. &c.-would they but bestow a little of it towards making the House of God, if not equal with their own habitations, at least decent and chearful, and such as may be entered safely and without fear; very great indeed would be the effect on multitudes! It is difficult to conceive how a small portion of a large income can be expended more to the credit of the donor, or to the benefit of his neighbours.

We naturally call to mind, upon this occasion, the uneasines felt and expressed by the royal prophet, on considering the magnificence of his own house, and the little or no care taken of the Ark of God. And if we reflect seriously on the necessity of having places consecrated to sacred purposes, and the importance of their being kept up with due reverence, two other remarkable passages in Holy Writ will occur to every thinking person. When the second temple was built, and adorned by order of king Artaxerxes, we find Ezra addressing himself to heaven in these words: " Blessed be the Lord God "of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this "into the king's heart, to beautify the House of "the Lord." And we cannot but admire the wis

A

dom of the Jews; who when asking of our Lord a favour for the Centurion, "He loveth our na

say,

❝tion and hath built us a synagogue." Then the Saviour went with them.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient humble servant,

A Friend to Decency in Religious Worship.

THE observations made by my correspondent are, I fear, but too just; and I most readily embrace the opportunity of recommending them to the consideration of all whom they may concern.

The inhabitants of most country parishes are prevented by their poverty from doing much in matters of this kind. The necessary repairs are often a sufficient burden. Opulent families should therefore step forward, and take upon them the articles of ornament and beauty, or at least convenience and comfort. They themselves would be the first to enjoy the advantages; of which it may not, surely, be accounted the least, to be saved from the necessity of blushing, when foreigners, or persons of a different persuasion, behold the wretched condition of the church by them frequented. A few good examples could not fail of being followed; and

fashion, in this particular, might soon be put on the side of religion.

Indeed, unless the nobility and gentry shall be pleased to lend their assistance, from having bad churches, we shall come to have none at all. Many of them were built about the same time; and about the same time, if not well looked to, will be falling : and it is easier to support, than to build.

It may be questioned, whether the Gothick form, though so venerable for its antiquity, do not itself occasion some of the inconveniences above lamented. A smaller and more compact room would often contain the congregation; and the service might be performed in it with more ease and benefit both to the speaker and the hearer. It would be less subject to damp and cold, and at the same time more light and cheerful. For notwithstanding the celebrated line of Milton, there is no natural connection between darkness and religion, which is the source of joy and comfort, of light and life, to the human heart, and should dispel gloom and melancholy, wherever it comes.

Towards the promotion of this desirable end, a due performance of psalmody could not fail greatly to contribute, as it was most undoubtedly intended to do. At present, in many country churches, it is

BOD

either dismal, or ridiculous; and our people are frequently induced to fall off to other religious assemblies, by the superior melody to be heard in them. There is hope, however, of some reformation among us in this part of divine worship; as many worthy clergymen have turned their thoughts this way, and selected proper tunes and proper words for the purpose. But whoever wishes to see this matter thoroughly discussed, and a proper plan proposed, must consult the sensible and excellent pamphlet lately published by Dr. Vincent on the subject.

Z.

THE fastest friend the world affords
Is quickly from me gone:
Faithless behold him turn his back,
And leave me all alone!

"My friend, sincerely yours till death:"
The world no farther goes;
Perhaps, while earth to earth is laid,
A tear of pity flows.

Be thou, my Saviour, then, my friend,
In thee my soul shall trust,
Who false wilt never prove in death,
Nor leave me in the dust.

Home while my other friends return,
All solemn, silent, sad,

With thee my flesh shall rest in hope,
And all my bones be glad.