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.

Such an appeal to the general phenomena of popular church attendance and church membership may be sufficiently convincing for the proposition here advanced.