The economical discipline of a church is essentially necessary as a means to an end; and, though not in itself one of "the weightier matters of the law," is of indispensable importance for preserving the general fabric of its constitution, and therefore mediately for the advancement of real religion. Forms and ceremonies, rubrics and vestments, allotted times, seasons, and observances, with the whole routine of technical and economical regulations, though trifles when put in the place of something higher, are yet necessary to be duly observed for the sake of their connexion with the general system to which, for the purposes of order and discipline, they are appended. A bishop therefore who is anxious for the welfare of his diocese, cannot possibly be inattentive to points of this kind.

Much, however, of exertions must de

the practical effect of his pend upon the mode in which he conducts his proceedings; for the public are apt to judge of things rather by their intrinsic than their relative importance; and therefore, in counteracting minor evils, considerable judgment is often required to prevent an appearance of giving moment to trifles for their own sake, and of thus frittering away the essentials of religion in its conventional appendages.

To take an illustration,-it sometimes happens

that clergymen who are not deficient in personal piety or zeal for the spiritual welfare of their flocks, yet from the absence of early discipline, or of a regular education, or from not duly reflecting on the subject, or perhaps in some cases from mere ignorance or inadvertance, are not sufficiently sensible of the importance of undeviating conformity to the minuter as well as the more substantial forms and regulations of the established ecclesiastical polity. Pursuing one great object, with which their whole mind is engrossed, and conscious of their general attachment both to the doctrine and the discipline of the church, they suffer themselves to diverge into minor peculiarities, or perhaps even, on some occasions, to innovate upon strict ecclesiastical regularity. This is one of the many cases in which episcopal advice and authority, mildly and affectionately exercised, may be of the utmost service in promoting the discipline of the church;-for a clergyman who was influenced rather by mistaken apprehensions of duty than by a spirit of wilful opposition, could not but pay serious regard to the fervent Christian remonstrances of a devout and exemplary prelate, acting in the spirit of the Apostle when he said, Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet for

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love's sake, I rather beseech thee." Summary or severe measures, on the contrary, often in such instances lead an individual to consider himself as suffering for conscience' sake, and thus summon both his principles and his pride in opposition to authority; and the world at large, who do not enter into a full view of the case, or perceive the connexion which exists between the external economy of the church and the great objects for which it was established, behold with a jealous eye an apparently disproportionate zeal with regard to minor points which they think ought to have been reserved for matters involving essential errors in doctrine, or gross improprieties of conduct.

But with regard to what we have denominated the moral discipline of the church, a prelate has usually the public, both lay and ecclesiastical, on his side in taking cognizance of the conduct of those of his clergy who offend against it. That such exertions of ecclesiastical discipline are not more common doubtless arises partly from the circumstance that instances of immorality in the clergy are far less numerous than a censorious world is willing to allow; and partly, that, even where they exist, they do not reach the ear of the diocesan, at least in an official form. In this the laity are themselves chiefly to blame; though,

at the same time, an active and conscientious prelate will not shrink, on account of a little odium, from faithfully inquiring into the conduct of his clergy, both in a moral and an ecclesiastical point of view, as well as merely receiving evidence when presented in a judicial shape.

Nothing perhaps shews the lax state of our discipline more than churchwardens' presentments. Visitations must on this account, among others, be often a most painful duty to our prelates. Every churchwarden, it is well known, takes a most strict and solemn oath, which binds him, in substance, to present whatever he sees or hears of in his parish contrary to the doctrines and the discipline of the church. Yet what churchwarden thinks of strictly keeping this oath, or could really do so if ever so much inclined? Many parts of the official forms to be filled up by churchwardens ought, therefore, in the present state of society, to be either entirely omitted, or considerably modified. Might not our bishops procure a revision of these regulations, so as to adapt them better to the existing state of things, and thus to prevent much deliberate (shall we dare to call it) perjury? It is indeed somewhat surprising, that persons who in other things evidence a strict regard to the dictates of conscience and religion, manifest so little hesitation in filling the office, under the moral certainty

that they shall in numerous instances violate their oath; for where shall we find men of such rigid and substantial virtue as faithfully to keep it? even if to do so were practicable, which strictly speaking it is not. And must not stipulations such as have been alluded to, be a great impediment to the acceptance of parochial offices by pious and conscientious persons, and thus prevent the public being served by those who are best able to promote its moral and religious interests?

One highly important reason why attention ought to be paid to this subject is, that churchwardens' presentments are the regular channel through which the bishop is supposed to become acquainted with the state of his diocese. But what a fallacious view of things do these at present offer; almost uniformly crying, in the official phrase," All's well," when nothing perhaps is well, and "speaking peace where there is no peace." It might, however, not even yet be impracticable, especially if the clergy were made agents in the duty, to procure honest replies to such questions as might properly be asked, and which could be answered without entering into personal accusations. And though the parochial clergy have, generally speaking, quite enough, and often far more than enough, to do in filling up and signing papers, and might well be spared some of the obligations of this kind

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