824 ECCLESIASTICAL INSTITUTIONS. 



go, in the majority of sects thus arising, approximation to a 

 unity of creed in essentials ; yet analogy suggests that shades 

 of difference, instead of disappearing, will become more 

 numerous. Divergences of opinion like those which, within 

 our generation, have been taking place in the established 

 church, may be expected to arise in all existing religious 

 bodies, and in others hereafter formed. 



Simultaneously there will probably continue, in the same 

 direction as heretofore, changes in church government. That 

 fostering of individuality which accompanies development of 

 the industrial type of society, must cause increase of local 

 independence in all religious organizations. And along with 

 the acquirement of complete autonomy by each religious 

 body, there is likely to be a complete loss of the sacerdotal 

 character by any one who plays the part of minister. 

 That relinquishment of priestly authority which has already 

 gone far among Dissenters, will become entire. 



These conclusions, however, proceed on the assumption 

 that development of the industrial type will advance as it has 

 advanced during recent times; and it is quite possible, or 

 even probable, that this condition will not be fulfilled during 

 an epoch on which we are entering. The recrudescence of 

 militancy, if it goes on as it has been lately going on, will 

 bring back ideas, sentiments, and institutions appropriate to 

 it ; involving reversal of the changes above described. Or 

 if, instead of further progress under that system of voluntary 

 co-operation which constitutes Industrialism properly so 

 called, there should be carried far the system of production 

 and distribution under State-control, constituting a new form 

 of compulsory co-operation, and ending in a new type of 

 cceicive government, the changes above indicated, determined 

 as they are by individuality of character, will probably be 

 arrested and opposite changes initiated. 



655. Leaving structures and turning to functions, it 

 remains to ask What are likely to be the surviving func 



