Preaching By Telephone

An English papor states that a church in Birmingham has arranged to have telephones transmit th sormons deliy ered, the prayers offored and the hymns sung to the houses of such members of the congregation as can not for any reason occupy their pews. This arrangement for diffusing the Gospel is very ingenious and complete, but somewhat costly. At the top of the pulpit and within a few feet of the choir seats are small metallio-oased transmitiera, so arranged that, no member of tbe congregation can see thera. These collect tbe sound and convey it to wires that lead to the houses of persons who are willing to pay the cost. Absentee members of the congregation, by holding in their hands the book of common prayer, oan join in the responsos and enjoy all the spiritual advanoagos of those who actually attend church. This arangement for spreading the Gospel was specially dosigned for the benefit of invalida and mothers who were obliged to absent themsolves from church. But it is likely tbat theauthor of the scheme con tri ved better "than he knew. " In all probability raany bestdes the sick will avail themsolves of telephone privileges and listen to church services at home or in the houses of their friends. By so doing they may save the cost of pew rent and be at a safe distance wben the plate is passed round for the purpose of taking up the collection. Fair female worshipers who were disappointed in their dressmakers and milliners can receive the consolations of religión which they so greatly need at such times. Masculino worshipers who were at the club late Saturday night and do not care V rise early Sunday morning can listen to the entire church service as they lio in bsd nursing their aching