A Point to be Put and Settled.
THERE is an evil patent before the eyes of every observing Christian which calls for strenuous action; but which is too easily acquiesced in as if it were inevitable. We mean the low standard of piety prevalent. By this, we do not mean that there is any unusual lack of generosity or of almsgiving, or that there is not quite a general interest in church matters and movements. But there is a manifest absence of earnest, personal devotion and spirituality. Nominal and real Christians in character are at so low and apparently equal a level, that the church and the world are pretty effectually mingled and confused. The picture of the wise and foolish virgins sleeping together, before being aroused by the bridegroom's midnight coming, is before our eyes in the existing state of the church. Here is the real cause that the existing ministry is not supported, that candidates are lacking, and that a portion of our population is relapsing into heathenism.—From the “Connecticut Churchman.”