Page:The Parochial System (Wilberforce, 1838).djvu/113

 we worship, when of old He deigned to give the design of one house for the glory of His name, claimed for it gold and silver, and precious stones, and cedar, and whatever man could give of majesty and beauty; and that, in imitation thereof, God's saints have ever delighted to accumulate whatever of His gifts is most noble, for the stability and ornament of His temples. So was it in the days of the Church's first love. Even while the sword of persecution hung over the heads of Christians, and when personal luxury was unknown, their churches were wide and spacious and rich; as we read of those which were cast down by the persecutor Diocletian, and as was more abundantly seen in the first peaceful breathing time afforded by Constantine. When shall modern England follow the glorious example? When shall we wipe off the reproach too justly cast upon us by a distinguished member of the French Church? "The Catholic religion," says Chateaubriand, "has covered the world with its monuments. Protestantism has now lasted three centuries; it is powerful in England, in Germany, in America. What has it raised? It will show you the ruins which it has made; amidst which it has planted some gardens, and established some manufactories ." What shall England answer to the taunt?