Filling the Churches

[THE discussion regarding the desirability of Smith’s going to church, inaugurated by Mr. Meredith Nicholson in the June Atlantic, has called forth a large volume of widely diversified comment. As most of our readers know, Mr. Nicholson’s main contention was that, if the Church were run with greater efficiency, and could point to a larger distribution of Christian dividends in proportion to capital invested, it would be more apt than at present to enlist the respect and support of the golf-playing, business-like tribe of Smith, which sees no reason why the Church should be an exception to laws that govern the work-a-day world. That, in the interests of all concerned, it is desirable for the Church and Smith to come into closer relationship, Mr. Nicholson thought it unnecessary to argue. But this postulate is viewed from very different angles by the authors of the two following articles with which the Atlantic concludes its general discussion. These two papers, one by an ardent churchman, the other by an equally ardent dissenter, represent views sufficiently contrasted to give a formidable idea of the difficulties which must be overcome before the unchurched are gathered into the fold. — THE EDITORS.]