erent to the action
of the State, nor can the State ignore the work of the Church. But
since their spheres are not identical nor their aims entirely similar,
the trend of modern opinion seems to indicate that, while working in
harmony, it is more satisfactory that they should pursue independent
paths. There are spiritual ends committed to the Church by its Head
over which the civil power has no jurisdiction. On the other hand
there are temporal concerns with which ecclesiastical courts have
neither the vocation nor the qualifications to deal. Still, the
Church, as the organ of Christian thought {237} and activity, has
responsibilities with regard to civil matters. While religion is the
chief agent in the regeneration of man, religion itself is dependent
upon all social means, and the Church must regard with sympathy every
effort made by the community for moral improvement. The main function
of the Church in this connection is to keep before its members a high
ideal of social life, to create a spirit of fidelity in every sphere of
activity, and, particularly, to educate men for the tasks of
citizenship. The State, on the other hand, as the instrument of civic
life, has obligations towards the Church. Its duty is hardly exhausted
by observing an attitude of non-interference. In its own interests it
is bound, not merely to protect, but encourage the Church in the
fulfilment of its immediate aims. Parliament, however, must concede to
ecclesiastical bodies complete liberty to govern themselves. The
Church, as the institution of Christ, claims full autonomy; and the
State goes beyond its province when it imposes hampering restrictions
which interfere with the exercise of its authority and discipline
within its own sphere.

2. As a religious institution the Church exists for three main
purposes: (1) the _Worship_ of God and the Edification of its members;
(2) the _Witness_ of Christ to Mankind; (3) the _Evangelisation_ of the
World.

(1) The first of these objects has already been dealt with when
treating of the duties to God. It is only needful to add here that the
Church is more than a centre of worship; it is the home of kindred
souls knit together by a common devotion to Christ. It is the school
of character which seeks the mutual edification of its members 'by
provoking one another to love and to good works.' Hence among
Protestants the duty of _Church Discipline_ is acknowledged, which
deals with such s