if no mural monument to his memory had existed; and when we approach the gravestone, simply inscribed with the name of SAMUEL JOHNSON, in Poet's Corner, it awakens far keener emotions than the contemplation of his colossal statue in St. Paul's. But we must recollect, that Sculpture is essentially combined with the plans, here proposed. The Church-porch, the AltarScreen, and the Font, may all be decorated, lavishly decorated, if desired, with appropriate Sculpture; all these Ecclesiastical appendages would admit its introduction with perfect propriety and the best effect. Grinlin Gibbons's Font in St. James's Church, Westminster, and Sir Richard Westmacott's alto-relievos on the Screen of the Chapel of New College, are instances in point. Painted glass is a most valuable accessory, and might always be successfully applied in the restoration of a window, which would serve both as a record of departed excellence, and as a tribute of affection. Frail as is this material, men have relied upon it in former ages for the perpetuation of their memories and pious deeds; and there are instances, where glass has been faithful to its trust through periods of four, five, and, perhaps, six centuriest.

If, again, it be said, that the whole tenor of these suggestions, instead of leading us to be "mindful of

* Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. i. p. 40.

the honoured dead," is to promote the improvement of our Churches, it may be asked and urged in reply, What is the important object, for which Churches are erected? Are they built in order to dignify dust and ashes, or to promote the glory and honour of Almighty God, and as means for the salvation of His people? Too long, alas! have they been receptacles for human vanity; too long have the beauty and order of the Services of the Church been marred by the poverty and meanness of the buildings, in which they are celebrated.

"The Church," says an eloquent Father, "is a place of angels, a place of archangels, a palace of God. If thou believest not, look to this Table, call to mind for Whose sake it is set, and why; consider Who it is, that is coming forth here; tremble with awe even before the time. For so, when one sees the throne only of a king, in heart he rises up, expecting the king's coming forth. And do thou accordingly thrill with awe even before that thrilling moment: raise up thyself, and, before thou seest the veils drawn aside, and the choir of angels marching forth, ascend thou to the very Heaven"."

It is fully admitted, that pure and holy thoughts may arise, and fervent prayers may be uttered alike under raftered roofs, as in vaulted aisles; but so long

u St. Chrysostom, on Corinthians xiv. Hom. xxxvi.

as man is influenced by external objects, will it be denied that, devotion would be heightened, nay oftentimes be produced, if greater attention were paid to holy places and holy things?"Manifest it is, that the very majesty and holiness of the place, where God is worshipped, hath in regard of us, great virtue, force, and efficacy, for that it serveth as a sensible help to stir up devotion, and in that respect no doubt bettereth even our holiest and best actions in this kind. As, therefore, we every where exhort all men to worship God, even so for performance of this Service by the people of God assembled, we think not any place so good as the Church, neither any exhortation so fit as that of David, 'O worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness !""

Bishop Jebb, who truly found the paths of religion paths of pleasantness and peace, considers, that in the erection of a Church, we should avoid all ostentatious ornament and show, on the one hand, and that, on the other, we should shun all sordid and unseemly negligence. It should be answerable to the service of our Church, "which, above any other service in the world, is at once cheerful, simple, and majestic." He then adds a remark which every Parent ought to bear in mind. "They, to whom the worship of God is made pleasant in their childhood, will not, probably,

I Hooker's Eccl. Polity, book v. chap. xvi. [2.]