Kindred in spirit, but differing essentially in operation, is the institution, peculiarly a product of nineteenth century religion, which we know as the Social or College Settlement.  Though it does not claim a distinctively religious character, its principles are so thoroughly identical with Christianity, that no survey of the religious life of the century would be complete without a recognition of it.  It is the spirit that brought the Founder of Christianity to the earth, to live a lowly life among men, which inspires the Social Settlement.  It is generally an unostentatious house in some crowded neighborhood, where the people are poor and life is hard.  In the house are a number of college-bred men, or women, who come in relays and live there for a week or a month or longer.  They do no missionary work, do not preach, or denounce, or instruct their neighbors, but they live among them a cleanly, helpful, friendly life, welcoming them cordially as visitors, advising them if advice is sought, rendering help in difficulties and being neighborly in the best sense of the word.  There are concerts in the house, exhibitions of pictures, children’s parties and amusements of various kinds to which all the neighbors are welcome.  Charity is no part of the Settlement’s programme.  It does not give, but it extends a brotherly hand, and in a spirit of friendship and equality seeks to do a brother’s part in brightening lowly lives.  Hundreds of such institutions are in operation on both sides the Atlantic.  To the credit of this century be it said that it has seen in these institutions the Parable of the Good Samaritan made a living fact in intelligent organization.

Tending directly toward the same object, is the religious enterprise now commonly known as the Institutional Church.  It is a distinct gain to the church if the people in its vicinity discover that it is anxious to help them to a better and happier life in this world, as well as guiding them to happiness in the next.  The Divine Founder of Christianity never ignored the fact that men have bodies which need saving, as well as souls, and some of His followers are following His example.  Their churches do not stand closed and silent from Sunday to Sunday, but are open every day and evening, busy with some form of practical helpfulness.  Temperance societies, coal clubs, sewing meetings, dime savings banks, gymnasiums, boys’ clubs, and a host of helpful associations tending to the betterment of life, find their home under the roof of the church, and the pastor and his helpers are finding out the social and economical needs of the people by actual contact with them and devising means to supply them.  The critics say this is not the business of the church, but they are not found among the people who derive benefit from this form of thoughtful interest in their welfare.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.