Page:Preaching the Gospel to the working classes impossible under the pew system.djvu/7

 In these two passages the evil to be remedied is well described, and its effect truly stated. And in addition to the value of the testimony thus given, they show that the friends of Exeter Hall services admit a deep-seated and general evil, which they altogether evade; and instead of attempting a real remedy, they merely urge a local, superficial, and wretchedly inadequate substitute.

Lord Shaftesbury, in the House of Lords, on December 8th, said:—

Would there was on the part of those who desire to evangelise the working classes, as clear and full purpose to eradicate the evil which they admit, as there is perception of its reality and extent. Is nothing to be done to get rid of this monstrous evil? Can it be that while so many on all sides deplore the pew system, and reprobate the darkness and wickedness which are its desolating fruits, none will rise and act with faith and determination, which in such a cause are invincible?

The following valuable letter is from the pen of Dr. Stanley, the late Bishop of Norwich:—

Palace, Norwich, Dec. 16, 1842.Dear Sir,—Agreeing with you, as I entirely do, upon the injustice and evil tendency of pews, by which the benefits of our Church services are, comparatively speaking, confined to the higher and wealthier classes, to the exclusion of the poor", I sincerely hope your appeal to the inhabitants of Ipswich may be successful, and that they may be amongst the first to express, as a collective body, their