Page:Eminent English liberals in and out of Parliament.djvu/243

 &emsp;Still ha' e a stake: I'm wae to think upon yon den, &emsp;E'en for your sake."

At the London School Board election of 1870, Mr. Spurgeon materially aided in cementing the compromise by which Scripture-teaching has been retained in rate-supported schools. He forgot the admonition of Christ, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." He called in the arm of the flesh to levy rates from atheists and all manner of unbelievers for the support of what was delusively termed non-sectarian education. In but too many instances those who have most urgently demanded the disendowment of religion in the Church have rushed with the greatest haste to endow it in the schools. They have abolished church formularies, and made every teacher a formulary unto himself or herself. Instead of one creed being taught, we have at present twenty or more in full swing; for I defy Mr. Spurgeon or any other to impart non-sectarian biblical instruction. The thing is impossible.

Mr. Spurgeon's recent discourse on the crisis now passed or passing was what may be described as a model political sermon. "'But,' saith one, 'we hope we shall have national prayer. 'I hope so, too; but will there be a national confession of sin? If not, how can mere prayer avail? Will there be a general desire to do that which is just and right between man and man? Will there be a declaration of England's policy never to trample on the weak, or pick a quarrel for our own aggrandisement? Will there be a loathing of the principle that British interests are to be our guiding star instead of justice and right? Personal interests