STUDIES IN THE CHURCH; BEING LETTERS TO AN OLD-FASHIONED LAYMAN. BY THE RT. REV. HENRY C. LAY, D. D., LL. D., PREFACE. HE questions which are most debated at this time in the Church are of so practical a character as to deserve the attention of all its members. It has seemed to me that we are in danger of forgetting what sort of people make up the rank and file of the Church. While there is much intelligence and culture in our communion, the thousands of Israel are not people addicted to abstract discussion, or likely to be interested in a theological treatise. And yet these people are capable of forming a very sound judgment, and are willing to be instructed, provided they can see that the lesson appertains to the practical uses of life. Thus, there are fathers and mothers who will listen but wearily to an abstract discussion of questions connected with Holy Baptism, who will yet rouse up to earnest attention when we point to their own little one and ask what has God |