Page:Free Opinions, Freely Expressed on Certain Phases of Modern Social Life and Conduct.djvu/52

. As a "very strong High Anglican" he would naturally have leanings towards the theatre and its lime-light effects, and certes, the "Priesthood of the Laity," whatever may be meant by that term, is more to be believed in than the Priesthood of this particular ordained "priest" who instituted and encouraged a kind of stage recital from the steps of a sacred chancel, where the actor or actress concerned was invited to declaim his or her lines, with back turned to the Altar, the Communion-table serving as the "scenery." Such men as these are the real "pagans," and they do infinite harm to the dignity and purity of the Christian doctrine by their unworthy and debasing example. Churches under their dominance are less than "fairy lamps" in their influence for good,—they are the mere flare of stage footlights, showing up the grease-paint and powder of the clerical mime.

A deep religious sentiment lies at the hearts of the British people, as indeed of all peoples in the world. No nation, small or great, was ever entirely given over to atheism. If atheism and indifference affect a few, or even a majority of persons, the fault is assuredly with those who are elected to teach "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." They are chosen and solemnly ordained to be the friends, lovers and guides of humanity,—not to be selfish pedants, quarrelsome quidnuncs, and bigoted despots, exposing themselves, as they often do, to the righteous scorn, as well as to the careless contempt of the more honest laity. When they show themselves unworthy, the people fall away. When even one minister of religion appears as