angelic sponsors' chosen whose "parts and duties" may be to watch over the new member of Christ's body, and minister to his soul's health, as he passes through the weary pupilage of this mortal life. 1 "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." Matt. xviii. 10. 179 CHAPTER XVI. DIFFERENCES OF OPINION WITHIN THE 'Though Babel's curse rests on the world forlorn, Thy blessing still is fresh, thou Pentecostal morn. HERBERT was not sorry that his parochial arrangements admitted of his absence from home for a few weeks. For several years he had been constantly resident at his parish; and, besides the pleasure of visiting his sister and brother-inlaw, he was glad to renew his acquaintance with many valued friends, whom he had lost sight of. Enthusiastically devoted to his profession, he availed himself also of the opportunity of ascertaining, by personal inquiry and observation, what was going on in the world with regard to Church matters; and, as he was not mixed up with any party, perhaps he had a better opportunity of judging of the true state of affairs, than those who are more deeply involved in the excitement of conflicting opinions. It was the busy month of May, when the religious and the fashionable world are equally on the qui vive; and many a butterfly disports itself at Exeter Hall, as well as at Almack's or the Opera. Herbert viewed the stirring scene with mixed feelings of pleasure and regret,-regret that the quiet, unobtrusive, spirit of Churchmanship should be forced into unnatural action; pleasure that the Church was beginning to put forth her strength which had too long lain dormant. For, much as he disliked agitation, he saw plainly that the preservation of the Church depended, under Divine Providence, on the awakened energy of her sons. Well, (said Ridley,) one evening when they met as usual after their separate morning occupation, how have you employed your time since breakfast? HERBERT. I have been at the monthly meeting of the Christian Knowledge Society. RIDLEY. I am sorry that my professional engagements prevented me from accompanying you. You have, I doubt not, been much gratified. They are rather more active than they used to be, are they not? So it appears, (said Herbert dryly;) but I cannot say that I have been much delighted by the scene which I have witnessed. I have seen much time wasted in unprofitable discussion, and useful talent thrown away in mere party wrangling, amongst men who ought to be united in If the talent and energy shown by members of the established Church, in disputing amongst themselves, were but directed against the common enemy, some good might indeed be expected. one common cause. RIDLEY. However, the Christian Knowledge Society does not represent the whole Church of England. Generally speaking, there is, at present, less jealousy amongst persons of different opinions in the Church, than heretofore. They are kept together, in some degree, by the pressure from without. And there is, I trust, a quiet energy springing up, which will again recover the influence which has been lost by inactivity. HERBERT. I pray God it may be so: it would, indeed, be a subject of regret if the whole Church were in the same state of excitement as those busy members of it, amongst whom I found myself this morning. They represent, however, with tolerable accuracy the different opinions which prevail at present in the Establishment. RIDLEY. What are your views of the present state of the Church with reference to its internal divisions. HERBERT. In so large a body as the established Church of England it is impossible that differences of opinion should not exist, and equally so, that amongst persons of different opinions disputes and rivalries should not spring up. These are |