It is among those who constitute the pecuniary middle class and
the body of law-abiding citizens that a relative exemption from
the devotional attitude is to be looked for. Those who best
appreciate the merits of the higher creeds and observances would
object to all this and say that the devoutness of the low-class
delinquents is a spurious, or at the best a superstitious
devoutness; and the point is no doubt well taken and goes
directly and cogently to the purpose intended. But for the
purpose of the present inquiry these extra-economic,
extra-psychological distinctions must perforce be neglected,
however valid and however decisive they may be for the purpose
for which they are made.
What has actually taken place with regard to class
emancipation from the habit of devout observance is shown by the
latter-day complaint of the clergy -- that the churches are
losing the sympathy of the artisan classes, and are losing their
hold upon them. At the same time it is currently believed that
the middle class, commonly so called, is also falling away in the
cordiality of its support of the church, especially so far as
regards the adult male portion of that class. These are currently
recognized phenomena, and it might seem that a simple reference
to these facts should sufficiently substantiate the general
position outlined.
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