satisfy all of man's wants, it is equally certain that man without science and scientific culture becomes superstitious, and falls the easy prey to priestcraft and delusion. The old Semitic elements of faith and obedience need to be supplemented and modified by the Aryan elements of independence of thought and rational self-control. Each of these are good; but neither of them alone is the best that man can have. The fusion and blending of the two in their proper and harmonious proportions seems to be the problem of our age.

W. D. WILSON.

THE PAROCHIAL MISSION AS A DISTINCT KIND

OF WORK IN THE CHURCH.

For a few years past in the Church of England, and still more recently in this country, a method of work for the increase of spiritual blessing, which, in a sense, may be called new, has been coming more and more into public notice, challenging attention and causing much inquiry and discussion. To it has been applied the old and general name of "Mission," with a special and distinctive designation. It is "the Parochial Mission." It has spread abroad by no means slowly. But there are many-some perhaps who have applied the name in a mistaken way to other special works--who do not understand it. There are many who have but shadowy notions as to what particulars of spiritual work it involves, and who are altogether in the dark as to its essential principles and true uses.

This article is written in the hope that it may help to remove misapprehensions from some minds, and give to them a clear idea of what the "Parochial Mission" really is; in what respects it differs from the Revival (with which many persons confound it); in what manner it works out Churchly principles of spiritual influence; and how, therefore, it is adapted to be a means of spiritual benefit in the various Parishes of this Church.

In the first place it will be necessary to describe the thing-its essential requisites-its distinct parts and course—and the particulars of spiritual work which belong to it. In doing this, something may be said occasionally as to the reasons why such and such things are done, and the purposes they are expected to answer; but it would be foreign to the object of this article to enter into any discussion of the questions that may be raised as to certain diversities of method; or even to attempt a full delineation

of all its particulars. This article is not intended as a guide to the conduct of a Parochial Mission, but for a purpose more elementary and preparative, viz., to shew how and why such a work is truly Churchly, and fitted to be widely adopted with great benefit and usefulness.

The Parochial Mission requires a Missioner or Mission Priest. The name Evangelist, which some would think synonymous, belongs most correctly to a work which, though closely akin to, is yet, in reality, distinct from, what we are now discussing. The same qualifications, it is true, may be required, in large part at least, for both kinds of work; and the same person, probably, could carry through both, by the blessing of God, with equal profit.

To the Mission the Missioner is a necessity. No man ought to undertake the whole conduct of a Parochial Mission in his own Parish. Something is due to the freshness and force which usually accompany the public ministrations of one, who, though not necessarily a stranger, is yet, in person and manner, unfamiliar to the congregation. Still more, he who carries through the scheme of public preaching and teaching belonging to this work, should be free from the charge of its external details and the regulation of its services. The minister of the Parish, also, has enough of responsibility and of work in the course of the Mission, without acting as Missioner. But there is vast benefit in that unity of plan and method, and that close relation and interaction of the many points of thought, which is the result of one Missioner conducting the whole.

The course of a Parochial Mission includes three parts, that are sufficiently distinct to bear these three names:

I. THE INITIATION.

II. THE PREPARATION.

III. THE PUBLIC WORK.

I. THE INITIATION.

This begins about two months, sometimes it might be longer, before the Public Work.

The Missioner, visiting the Parish, if possible, though without any public mention of the Mission in his preaching, or otherwise,

arranges with the minister of the Parish the general character and scope of the work, and its details, as far as can be done at that time, and obtains all the information necessary to enable him to arrange a scheme of public preaching, teaching, and meditation, suitable to the condition of the Parish, and the objects to be sought.

At the same time the work is begun. The most spiritually minded members of the Parish are gathered together, to meet with their minister at regular and frequent intervals, for united prayer, for mutual stirring of their hearts, and for consultation as to meanings, methods and works. From this centre, also, the arms of zeal and love reach forth, to draw in such others as may be won to a like mind, and quickened with a common purpose. This central gathering is further fed and stimulated by the same persons communing and praying together intermediately in small parties. And, as they may be able, they seek by distributing suitable tracts, and other means, to act in a preparatory way on the public mind. Thus the mission passes its first weeks in a work, by which the sacred fire of heavenly grace is kindled anew in the Heart of the Parish, and the zealous love of many, warming in themselves, spreads around them, farther and farther, an awakening influence of like character, making the Body ready for the next step in the work.

II. THE PREPARATION.

About a month before it is intended that the Public Work should begin, the Parochial Mission enters upon this, its second stage. The minister of the Parish now makes public mention of it. He preaches as to his meaning and purpose in it. He gives general invitation to all to come forward with question, with doubt, with desire, or with ready co-operation. He enlarges or duplicates his central body of lay-helpers. And now, partly at least, through them he distributes the prayer or prayers which he wishes all to use in common, and disseminates, week by week, tracts relating directly to it, but varied in a progressive order of thought and appeal. Thus, and by other means, the announcement of the Public Work is carried into every corner of the community, and made to meet the eye and heart of every individual, as far as can be done, so as to gain for it attention, intelligent consideration, and attendance.

And may not Faith rest upon manifold promises with the assurance that the quickened spiritual life of the Initiation, thus widely spreading throughout the Preparation, will prepare the way for a large blessing to be manifested in the third stage of the Mission!

III. THE PUBLIC WORK.

This may be different in several particulars, according to the multiform conditions and circumstances of Parishes, but there is a general course which will doubtless be found applicable to all.

1. The length of time that it will most generally be continued with advantage is from ten to twelve days.

2. Beginning with Holy Communion on the morning of a Lord's day, it will end with the same means of grace on the second Wednesday or Thursday after. This act of spiritual communion and strengthening will also be the first in each day's work between, while on the second Lord's day it may perhaps usefully be celebrated twice.

3. On the week days this will be immediately followed by a meeting of the clergy and lay-helpers for special prayer, and mutual consultation and advice as to the course of the work, and any particular circumstances arising from day to day.

4. Probably, in most cases, after the first two or three days, a number of men could be got together at noon, if the place of assemblage were thoroughly convenient, for prayer, with a little singing, Bible reading, and perhaps a five minutes' exhortation; the whole, however, being strictly limited to a quarter of an hour.

5. But, in every case, a Litany service is held in the church at such hour in each afternoon as will be most convenient. It consists of that office, with a short selected lesson from Holy Scripture, and hymns, followed by a meditation or instruction. This last is intended for the edification of the lay-helpers, and others already alive to spiritual realities. It therefore takes up, in course, some line of topics adapted to deepen and enlarge the understanding of spiritual life and its activities; to quicken and intensify its motives and influences; or to make clear and plain the relation between the church system of worship and the Christ-life of each faithful spirit, or some subject of like character.

6. In many cases a special course of services may be usefully