10 MARCH 1917, Page 13

THE CHURCH AFTER THE VVAR.

(TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.")

Sra,—As a Presbyterian Churchman I have read with more than ordinary interest the broad-minded and truly Christian spirit in which the Bishop of Down, Connor, and Dromoro has written to the Spectator on the subject of a closer and more friendly inter- course amongst all the Protestant Churches in this land. If all the members of the Protestant Episcopal Church approached this subject in the same generous and catholic spirit as the Bishop of Down has done, the relationship amongst all these branches of the Christian Church to which he refers would be a great deal more cordial. than it is at present. The day has passed when any section or branch of the great Protestant Church can afford to look down upon or despise the other sections or branches of the same. Church. The Bishop fairly and honestly acknowledges that judging by fruits the non-Episcopal Churches have justified their existence, and liave contributed in no small degree to the extension of Christ's cause and kingdom in the world. If we cannot all throw in our lot with any one of these Churches, and consent to give up or surrender principles which ara as dear to many of us as life itself, and which have been purchased at a great price, surely we can cultivate a more friendly attitude towards those Churchmen from whom on matters of Church government, .te., we have agreed to differ. A little-interpenetration of which the Bishop of Down speaks would de us all good, and

would let us see that there is more of the spirit of Christ in all the Churches than we are sometimes disposed to think.—I am,