THE ENGLISH CHURCH IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY BY CHARLES J. ABBEY RECTOR OF CHECKENDON, OXON: LATE FELLOW OF UNIVERSITY College, Oxford and JOHN H. OVERTON VICAR OF LEGBOURNE, LINCOLNSHIRE: LATE SCHOLAR OF LINCOLN COLLEGE, OXFORD CONTENTS PAGE Contrast between promise and performance Shortcomings of the Church exaggerated on many sides General causes of the low tone of the Church :- Bishops, offenders on this score Pluralities, &c., regarded as necessary evils The abuse gave a handle to free-thinkers Collateral evils; neglect of parish duties, &c. Clerical poverty; gulf between different classes of clergy Condition of a little Sir John' in 1700. Swift's description of a vicar 'from 20l. to 60l. a year’ 20 Political sermons Dread of enthusiasm affected preaching Success of the preaching of the Evangelical school (PART I) THE METHODIST MOVEMENT. Strength and weakness of the Church in the middle of the eighteenth |