THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. "Fold of the tender Shepherd! rise, and spread! DURING the last few years, observing persons can hardly have watched with any degree of attention the progress of events, without feeling that great and important changes have been and still are taking place in the religious, no less than in the social and political world. More silently, unnoticed by the common observer it may be, but none the less surely, has the old order of things been passing away; and to the earnest seeker there are significant tokens prophetical of a new era in sects and parties of the Church. Ideals of a better and higher state, longings for a more Christ-like life and a more spiritual union, a consciousness that creeds and dogmas have too often usurped the place of an inward faith and a practical piety, that disciples have breathed far too little of their Master's spirit of love, forbearance, and humility, that the Church of Christ even has been too often untrue to her noble mission and high calling,- such thoughts fill at times every reflecting and thoughtful mind, and prompt the earnest question, "By what means is a higher spiritual life to be attained? How is the true coming of Christ's kingdom to be promoted?" Look into our Sabbath schools, regarded now, and for many years past, as established Christian institutions. Acknowledging freely and fully all the good that has been accomplished, all the pure and holy influences that have flowed from them, as fruitful sources of religious instruction and spiritual life,—recalling, too, with grateful remembrance, the many pure, devoted, and consecrated spirits that have faithfully labored in this portion of their Master's vineyard, it is not to be denied that in many quarters there is a prevalent dissatisfaction, a feeling that such schools are not accomplishing their highest ends. Progress, indeed, there has been; but has the advance been commensurate with our means, opportunities, and privileges? Do our schools, as now conducted, meet the deepest wants of the youthful spirit? Does the young heart there find that bread of Life, which will alone satisfy its |